A BERLIN HIGH SCHOOL PUBLICATION PProduced by the Writing For Publications Class
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1 Volume: 16 Issue: 1 November 30, 2018
Thursday, January 15, 2026
BERLIN UPDATE
Distric t to sell proper ty
Key Club spreads holiday cheer by
This is the Waushara Street parcel of land that the district has put up for sale. The district is selling this property to fund future operations within the district. Photo: C. Voigtlander
by
Caleb Voightlander
The district has decided to sell off two pieces of property. “There are two pieces of property currently for sale, the Hunter School Forest, across from Walmart, and the other piece of property south of Waushara Street,” Superintendent Dr. Durtschi said. These two pieces were originally thought to be used by the school for curricular use,
but have become obsolete due to a lack of funds. Due to insufficient state funding for public education, the school board and Dr. Durtschi saw fit to sell the property to close a gap in the budget that the school has seen from losing both of the former referendums. “This has led to significant cuts in staffing and budgets in excess of $1,000,000 per fiscal year,” Durtschi said. The funds that the school
would receive would be put towards a general fund for property management and tech needs. “Fund 46 is a capital improvement fund used for building and grounds as well as technology improvements,” Durtschi said. The funds are not needed immediately, but are expected to grow. “My intention is to allow the majority of the revenue to grow over time through investment,” Durtschi said.
Kayla Banuelos
Key Club hosted a festive movie night featuring “The olar Express,”Giving families a chance to enjoy a free holiday event while supporting a good cause. The event took place on Monday, Dec 22, starting at 6 p.m. The night included free hot chocolate and popcorn, along with small bells for children to match the movie’s holiday spirit. Sophomore Eva Vang said she was really excited to serve refreshments. “Watching the movie is really fun, but I also love serving hot chocolate and popcorn,” Vang said. Junior Gwendolyn Bruce-DeMuri was also excited about Key Club hosting movie night. “It’s really fun that so many families get to come and spread Christmas cheer.” Bruce-DeMuri said. She also noted that the event allows the students in Key Club to help give back to the community and earn more hours in community service. The event was run by the Club called Kiwanis. “Last year Kiwanis Club actually was the one that hosted that, ones continuing on with their tradition,” Woyak said.
Page 2 News
Finance Club grows into FBLA by
Addison Kresal
Students at Berlin High School who are interested in business, finance, and leadership can join the Finance Club as it shifts into FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). Leading this transition is business teacher Lindsey Rost. “Finance Club/FBLA is about kids who are interested in finance and running a business,” Rost said. Finance Club, soon to become FBLA, is designed for students who want to learn more about money and finance, or those who aspire to own a business. Although the finance club is still in the early stages of becoming FBLA, it is searching for students willing to join. “We are looking for students who want to further their business knowledge, attend events, conferences, and compete in competitions,” Rost said. Rost’s motivation for starting the Finance Club comes from personal experience; growing up
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Annual Bridge Day takes place tomorrow
by
Finance Club adviser Lindsey Rost and member Aubrey Kurczek “This doesn’t happen overnight, but I am so excited to try to get this program up and running,” Rost said. Photo: A. Kresal in an entrepreneurial household also influenced her decision. “Personal finance in general has always been very important to me,,” Rost said. Rost explains how she wants to teach students how to properly run a business and deal with their personal finances. “They can attend any of our meetings or talk to me, Thomas
McCarthy, or Aubrey Kurczek,” Rost said. The club is made to attract a wide range of students, especially those interested in investing, stock trading, personal finance, and business ownership. “There’s a lot involved. There’s research, fundraising, recruiting people to join, traveling, meetings, competing — and that’s just to get us started,” Rost said.
Ella Spitler
The third official Bridge Day is tomorrow and Principal Bryant Bednarek sees this as a chance for students to do what they can to improve grades. “We saved a lot of grades through Bridge Day. It’s been really successful and I hope the students take advantage of the opportunity and work to avoid having to be here,” he said. Art teacher Lori Rademann likes the concept and finds that students tend to get things done before Bridge Day to avoid coming. “It seems to light a fire under people and suddenly things that couldn’t get done in the last three weeks get done really quickly,” she said. As of Monday 139 students are required to attend Bridge Day.
Costa Rica Trip Planning underway
by Lizania Picazo-Cruz ing around that time of the year,” Spanish teacher Jairo Granados got his Costa Rica trip approved in November. “First step was we ran it through the administration. Mr. Bednarek gave it the okay after he asked us a few questions and then it went to board and the board approved it at our regular meeting,” Granados said. To be able to go on this trip the kids will be fundraising to make sure they have the funds. Granados has ideas on how to raise money. Some ideas are selling candy bars. “It was tricky with Christmas time around to do any fundrais-
Granados said. This didn’t ruin their plans on ways to make money. They will be having a pizza sale in the spring and participating in other activities during the summer. This trip is a unique opportunity the school offers. It’s a way for students to learn about culture and different areas of the world first hand. “They will also learn a lot about other cultures and how human interaction is very culturally enriching, Granados said. As far as planning for the trip the school gets help from an organization called Intercat. “We have done homestays in
Peru, Guatemala, and Spain and everything is just perfectly designed,” Granados said. Intercat takes care of every detail like transportation, homestays, hotels, etc. Granados and FACE teacher Missy Daubner take care of other important things. “In terms of details about deadlines, passport procedures, and fundraising, Mrs. Daubner and I are in constant communication with the people that are going and the parents,” Granados said. For those worried about staying with families, each of them are carefully selected. “These are families that are carefully scrutinized. They have
a good track record of hosting students and other families,” Granados said. These homestays provide the students with more understanding of the cultures. These families will show their ideals and represent the culture in ways the students can learn from. Students can sign up to go on the trip. Right now it’s about 18 students and 6-8 adults. The final count won’t be known until Feb. 14. “When people submit the form with the first payment that’s when we will know because that’s when people will be locked into commitment,” Granados said.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
News Page 3
Parking lot gates to remain open
by
Zach McCormick
The biggest problem students faced during lunch is the line of cars leaving. Students can be stuck in this line, cutting into their lunch time. The solution the school found was to open the gate connecting to the bus dropoff. This allows students to go both left and right when exiting the parking lot. This has led to less congestion exiting the high school. According to Principal Bryant Bednarek, the gates were opened due to lots of traffic congestion making it hard for parents to pick up students. Before the gate was opened, all students left school by exiting towards ThedaCare. However, the student pick-up is in front of the school, towards ThedaCare. This meant parents needed to turn towards the
Parking lot gate leads towards Riverside. The gate has been opened for about two months now. Photo: Z. McCormick line of cars leaving school in order to pick up students. The gates have been open for almost two months now, and a majority of students enjoy it. However, some students see improvements that could happen now that the gates have been open for awhile.
Students prepare for second semester by
Sarah Majeskie
Students at BHS are preparing for the second semester of the school year. As the end of the year approaches, seniors prepare to graduate, and schedules change. At the beginning of the new semester, band and choir will now be in one alternating period. “The idea is to alleviate some of the schedule pressure for those who are involved in band and choir. If you can get it so that they are in one period for both classes, that opens up the
opportunity to take something else,” band director Ben Rutten said. At the end of the current semester, seniors can no longer gain any more points to receive their academic letters and bars. “There are certain people in particular that I notice are always studying. They’re always talking about how important their grades are. Those are most of the people who received their second bar and will probably receive their third bar. They’re always spending time doing their school work, and they care about it,” senior Ashlyn Strebelinski said.
“The traffic is not directed well. People from the north end should be going out through the north entrance, and vice versa for the south,“ senior Leah Lemberger said. Despite some concerns, Bednarek said the only way the gates would be closed is “If students are driving reck-
lessly”. The opening of the second gate in the parking lot has been an overwhelming success, and the gate is projected to stay open permanently. There are no plans to open any other gates or exits as the current system is working as intended.
Student Council hosts Winterfest by
Gabriella Cauley
Fun costumes, wig snatching, and hockey pucks soaring, this is just a preview of scenes during the week of Winterfest. Student Council is hosting the dance, dress-up days, and games. The dance will be held in the cafeteria, and help will be needed from various staff members and others to set it up. “Janitorial staff will have to move the tables out of the cafeteria, as well as our tech guy has to go ahead and set up the DJ system,” Student Council Presi-
dent Aubrey Kurczek said. Although some students get excited when they have a chance to play a game for the week of celebration before the dance rolls around, others enjoy the time with friends. “I like the before winterfest stuff, like the pep rallies and going out to dinner with my friends,” enior Meradeth Reinsbach said. The games will be a mix of traditional and something new. “Games this year will be our classic tug-of-war, and we’re introducing some new games like a wig snatch. So, students will put on wigs, and you will try and get their wig off,” Kurczek said.
Page 4 Feature
Thursday, January 15, 2026
SPECIAL FEATURE SERIES:
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE AN APPRENTICE
by
Ewan Steffen
Senior Dierks Martin wakes up earlier than most. After taking a shower and eating breakfast, Martin doesn’t drive to school, but to Alliance Laundry Systems. Martin is a perfect example of a student taking part in Youth Apprenticeship, YA for short. Those in YA benefit from both a job and learning different skills. They also have the opportunity to make connections and relationships with people for future careers. “The people are all super nice and fun to work with,” Martin said. Not only is YA a way to gain experience, but also a way to extend one’s interests. Senior Eric Dahnke does his YA at Accurate Controls in Ripon. There, he works with his passion for tech and computers. “I just love to mess with tech and learn new skills that I’m able to use, not only at work, but also at home,” Dahnke said. Senior Garrett Lundt also par-
Senior Eric Dahnke sits at his desk at Accurate Controls in Ripon, where he is an apprentice. “A lot of the stuff that I do at work relates to what I do in my free time,” Dahnke said. Photo Submitted ticipates in YA, working at Ber- erac will help him in the future. taught in school. It gives stulin’s Generac Mobile location. “If you have a certain kind of dents the knowledge, connecThough hard work, Lundt still work that you want to do, but tions, and confidence to head finds value in his time at Gen- you haven’t had a chance to into the workforce. erac. Lundt says the job teaches learn more about it or actually “It’s already helping me by givgood skills, and while he doesn’t work with it, you should abso- ing me an overview of someplan on staying at Generac for lutely take it,” Lundt said. thing that I wanted to get into the long run, instead hoping to Overall, Youth Apprenticeship and helping me cement my attend technical school, he still gives students the opportu- choice for what I want my fubelieves his experiences at Gen- nity to learn skills beyond those ture career to be,” Dahnke said.
TO BALANCE SCHOOL, SPORTS, WORK by
Alan Rodriguez
When one is in high school there is a lot of things to think about especially if students are in sports and even more if they plan to work. “I do cross country and I work at McDonald’s,” sophomore Connor Emmerson said.
The most common job that is worked alongside a school sport has to do with food. Senior Gabriella Franke shared a similar sentiment. “I do trap shooting and I work at Country Inn, that’s a bar and grill”, Franke said. There are many reasons someone would choose to do something so difficult to manage as
a managing school sports and a job. “I want to have nicer gear when I get older, and I also need money to drive around too and I like playing sports because it keeps you fit and active,” sophomore James Kallas said . Saving money for the future is one reason to do both a sport and a job simultaneously.
“I need the cash for a car and also gas money too, plus I do cross country,” Emmerson said. Being able to maintain both of these occupations could be difficult, there’s no getting around it. “I’ve never considered quitting, but there was one time I had a trap and a swim meet and I had to work so that was making me question everything,” Franke said.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Feature Page 5
TO GET ACCEPTED TO COLLEGE by
Kyra Galowksi
Early college acceptances can be a very bittersweet experience, as the next step in life is beginning, which also means leaving behind all the memories made and the people students have known for the past 12 years. “It honestly feels amazing to get almost a fresh start to make new friends and have new experiences. There are some things I’ll miss about high school, like some of my favorite teachers, like Mr. Kvam and Ms. Leahy,” senior Kaylee Petit said. A big thing that comes into play when applying for college and getting accepted is what degree a person wants to pursue and how long they want to be in college. “I’m going to get my associate’s degree in nursing from Fox Valley first and then get my bachelor of science in
nursing from Bellin College,” Petit said. Applying for colleges and waiting for that acceptance letter can be a very stressful time, and everyone definitely needs support throughout the process. “I would say my mom supported me the most through my college decisions and applying for college. Mr. Willett was also a big help when it came to deciding if I wanted to start at Bellin College or start at Fox Valley, giving me different perspectives I could look at my next steps,” Petit said. At the end of the application process students feel relieved, proud, and excited for their future and how hard they worked to get there. “It was a really great feeling knowing that everything I’ve worked for is finally paying off, and I can see it right in front of me! It almost felt like a breath of fresh air that I have a plan,” Petit said.
Senior Kaylee Petit was accepted early for college. She plans to attend Fox Valley Technical College before finishing her education at Bellin College. Photo: Rachel Van Den Hout Photography
TO GRADUATE EARLY by
Dahlia Vera
For senior Evion Larson, graduating early is not just rushing out of high school but being ready for what comes next. With the required credits completed, college is the next step. Larson decided to open new door sooner rather than later. “I chose to graduate early to go to college earlier because I had all my credits and all of my requirements,” Larson said. Even with the academic benefits, graduating early comes with trade-offs especially when it comes to the traditional high school experience.
“I feel like I’m going to miss out on the social high school experience like the dances and pep rallies, I don’t think I will miss out on anything educational,” Larson said. Larson already has clear plans for life after high school and believes early graduation offers a good advantage. “I plan on going to Fox Valley Technical College either spring or fall to become an accountant,” Larson said. Despite preparing for college, Larson still reflects back on time spent here for her final semester. “My favorite memory would have to be talking to the teachers,” Larson said.
Senior Evion Larson is graduating early to go to Fox Valley Tech. College to become an accountant. Photo: N. Untereiner
Page 6 Feature
TO FIGURE by OUT FRESHMAN YEAR by
Brianna Krizan
High school is commonly referred to as a place where students can find themselves. But first, students need to be able to figure out the mechanics of school itself, especially freshmen. “It’s a lot easier than middle school. I feel like the people are also nicer,” freshman Danica Shulkie said. While high school can be similar to middle school, there are still plenty of notable differences. “There are all the cool classes. The teachers aren’t really on edge with a dozen little kids running around the room,” freshman Austin Kujawa said. No matter the comparison between the two environments, it’s important in any learning institution that students have a place where they feel comfortable. “In the workshops. They’re really fun places with really nice teachers,” Kujawa said. An easy way to further integrate into high school life is through involvement. Clubs and sports allow students to do what they like and make friends with like-minded interests. “I’m in cross-country for sports in the fall, basketball, it’s my favorite sport, and ski club because I tried it out a couple years ago and I still like it,” freshman Aaron Schliepp said.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
TO EARN A PHD Pearl Kujawa
Earning a PhD is often seen as one of the most demanding academic paths a person can take. For English teacher Dr. Angela Femali, the experience was intense, time-consuming, and ultimately fulfilling. Her journey shows that getting a doctorate involves balancing passion, persistence, and practical support. Femali decided early in life that she wanted the highest level of education in her field. She earned an EdD in language and literacy with a focus on educational leadership and completed the program in four years while working fulltime as a teacher. That balance required major commitment and sacrifice, especially during nights filled with coursework and writing. “I think the most challenging part was all of the writing you have to do for your disserta-
English teacher Angela Femali (middle) with daughter Kate Femali (left), and husband Phil Femali (right). Photo Submitted tion. There’s a lot of statistics involved in it, and my brain doesn’t work that way,” Femali said. Spanish teacher Jairo Granados, who also pursued PhD coursework in Latin American literature at UW–Madison described the process as academically enriching but challenging. Long commutes and heavy reading loads made the
experience tough, even for a top student. Still, he emphasized that the value of doctoral study goes beyond earning a title. “Knowledge is power. I’m a lifelong learner, so the whole process was enriching,” Granados said. Beyond personal growth, earning advanced degrees can also bring professional benefits. According to District adminisrator Tricia Polakowski, the school district actively supports educators who continue their education through tuition reimbursement and salary increases. Teachers who earn a doctorate receive a significant base pay increase, along with more credibility and leadership opportunities. The moment of graduation made the years of effort feel worthwhile for Femali. “I think it’s just being able to say ‘Hey, I did it. I have gone to school. I have all the degrees that I could earn in my field of study’,” Femali said.
TO HOLD A JOB by
Jaelynn Plantz
After the final school bell rings, many students don’t head home to relax or start homework; instead, they clock in for work. Between late-night shifts, early-morning practices, and packed school schedules. Sophomore Kendra Jorgensen not only juggles school and two jobs, but also participates in school sports. “I get overwhelmed, but now that I have my schedule more balanced, it is easier to do it all at the same time. I think working has helped me be responsible with having to be on time and available,” Jorgensen said. Freshman Raquel Tanguma works
at Ripon Hy-Vee, which is about 15 minutes from her home. Because of her busy schedule, Tanguma sometimes feels overwhelmed. Though she tries to stay on top of her schoolwork, balancing everything is not always easy. “At times it is a disadvantage… but when I work more hours, I do think it benefits me. At times,”Tanguma said.. Another student, Karter Price, works at McDonald’s, which is only about a mile from his home. He usually works around 18 hours a week, mostly on weekends. Price says that working has taught him important life skills. “IWork has helped me learn the responsibility of getting the job done,” Price said.
Freshman Raquel Tanguma hands out Tortilla Chip samples at Hy-vee in Ripon. Raquel is also a grocery bagger at Hy-Vee. “I think everybody should learn work responsibility at a young age,” Tanguma said. Photo: J. Plantz
Thursday, January 15, 2026
WINTER ACTIVITIES SURVEY CREATED BY KAYLA BANUELOS
WOULD YOU RATHER WEAR A SANTA SUIT ALL YEAR AROUND, OR A ELF SUIT? YOUR HEIGHT WILL BE 5"1 FOR THE ELF SUIT.
Teachers adapt to new media types
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BREAK?
Having more hours to work 8.1%
Sleeping more 33.9%
Spending time with family and friends 50%
Making baked goods 8.1%
Santa suit 35.5%
Elf Suit 64.5%
Making baked goods 7.9%
HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME DURING BREAK? Binge watching shows/movies 33.4%
Sleeping more 47.6% Reading 11.1% 62 STUDENT RESPONSES
What was your New Year’s Resolution, and how are you keeping it up ?
“It was to draw more, and it’s not going too well. We’ll get there,” freshman Evalyn Beulen said.
“Get work done, and I think I'm doing a pretty good job,” sophomore Elizabeth Kasuboski said.
“It was to eat better, like more fruits and vegetables, and I’ve been doing pretty well. I’ve been eating a lot of fruits,” junior Anika Pulvermacher said.
“To read more, more pleasure reading. I'm halfway through my book I got over Christmas, so okay,” science teacher Nick Kvam said.
Created by: Natasha Reinsbach
Feature Page 7
by
Ewan Steffen
Our society as a whole is no doubt becoming more reliant on a wide variety of media types and styles. While reading textbooks and listening to lectures is certainly still a staple of the modern education system, different forms of media, especially digital media such as videos, movies, podcasts, or even visual communication tools like Canva, are becoming more popular in education. English teacher Erika Crowley, like most other English teachers, often uses written media like books, poems, and plays in her classes. The shifting in media use, however, has caused Crowley and other English teachers to embrace other digital forms of media as well. “Students are always looking for media, and they don’t want to just sit down and read or have paper all the time. They’re always online anyway, so we have to do it to stay relevant,” Crowley said. Social studies teacher Matthew Marquis has also shifted towards a variety of media. For his his-
tory classes, he shows a variety of books, documentaries, films, and TV shows to create a varied learning environment. “I think a lot of people are visual learners, and I think there’s only so much of a textbook or a lecture can say about an event. To physically see it gives a better understanding,” Marquis said. Not everyone wants constant digital media, however. Junior Colin Dalton doesn’t play into the “constant digital connection” craze teachers are beginning to employ. “I feel like, me personally, I don’t want to sit there and watch a screen the entire time. I would prefer to read,” Dalton said. Overall, Crowley and Marquis believe the use of a variety of media types is needed to keep students engaged in a modern, tech-based society, but needs to be kept in balance, which Dalton highlights. To keep students engaged in a time of constant digital use, teachers need to adapt to modern media styles. “I think that education as a whole is moving towards, ‘How can we keep students engaged?’” Crowley said.
Junior Colin Dalton watches an economics video. Countless students before Dalton have watched similar media for years. “I like digital media and written media just equally,” Dalton said. Photo: E. Steffen
Page 8 Feature
Q &A:
Thursday, January 15, 2026
with Freshman Evalyn Beulen
Q: Reporter Brianna Krizan Where did you get the inspiration for the dress? Q: Reporter Brianna Krizan A: Evalyn Beulen When did you first start sewing? I had to get a graduation dress already so when I was lookA: Evalyn Beulen ing up what kind of dress I wanted I found styles I really liked, I first started sewing in the summer before I went into eighth but none of them were quite right. So it just sort of came to grade. I wanted to start sewing because it was what I wanted to mind “hey why dont I make my own dress?” It took a while but do when I grew older, so I figured that I could start right away. I found the right pattern and what color I wanted and it felt Q: Reporter Brianna Krizan good for me. How long did it take you to finish the dress? A: Evalyn Beulen Freshman Evalyn Beulen wears the dress Well, it probably took me two months because it was really on she made for her eighth-grade graduaand off. I’d do it one weekend, and then I would stop for three tion. days, and then I’d do it for a week, so it took two months altoPhoto: M. Beulen gether, but I don’t know how many hours it took.
Students struggle with winter driving fears by
Created by: Alan Rodriguez
by
Mid-year check in with Schultz Addison Kresal
As the first semester comes to an end, Shelby Schultz, the new history teacher, is starting to get into the groove of Berlin High School. “I think it started out a little hectic, just trying to get used to everything, but I feel like I have my footing,” Schultz said. So far, her experience has been fun and much more than she expected. She says her students
have a better understanding of who she is as a teacher and feel more comfortable around her. “There was one day with my freshman, we had a mini debate. It was a hot dog,and a sandwich, and it got very heated, but in a fun way” Schultz said. Schultz says she feels more confident going into the second semester of the year and hopes to further keep students engaged in her classroom, as well as trying to involve the community in her teaching.
Kyra Galowski
Senior Ashley Dretske expresses the struggles and fears that come with winter driving. Driving in winter is completely different from driving in any other season. The ice and slush on the roads can make it almost impossible to keep control of the car and the temperatures make it so drivers can’t just get in their car and drive. “The slush is what makes winter driving the worst; not only do you lose traction and start to slip as you would on ice, but slush also pulls your car in different directions. Getting up early and cleaning the snow and ice off the car also makes driving awful,” Dreske said. Another thing that happens more during winter is accidents. On average 18,000 car accidents occur during the winter in Wisconsin. “I almost hit a utility pole when I was sliding down a hill. I had my wheel turned
the way I wanted to go, but my car was sliding in the opposite direction, straight for the pole. Luckily, I was going slow, and the curb was able to stop my car before the front bumper hit the pole. Due to the almost accident, I avoid that street when I know the roads are slippery, and I got new tires on my car,” Dretske said. During the winter it’s necessary to adjust the routine of starting and prepping the car before a drive, as there are many things that can affect it. “I start my car from inside the house 10 minutes before I leave so that the ice can start to melt, and when I’m ready to leave, I remove the snow and scrape the ice off the windows and hood of my car,” Dretske said. Although many things can happen during the winter it all comes with experience. “I was very scared to drive in the winter for the first time. I got around the nerves simply through time and experience,” Dretske said.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Arts & Entertainment Page 9
Movie Review: ‘Casablanca’ still a masterpiece by
is a huge reason the movie
Pearl Kujawa works so well, both actors
“Casablanca” is one of the greatest classic films ever made, and it’s certainly not a new statement to be said, having 99% on Rottentomatoes; it’s not just because of its famous lines or romantic atmosphere, but because of the emotional impact it leaves on the viewer. Although it came out in 1942, the film still feels powerful today. It blends romance, political tension, and personal sacrifice in a way that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. “Casablanca” is full of unforgettable characters. Humphrey Bogart delivers a strong, subtle performance as Rick Blaine, a man who tries to act like he doesn’t care about anything, even though the movie proves over and over that he does. Ingrid Bergman, playing Ilsa Lund, brings warmth and sadness to the story without overacting. Their chemistry
deserve credit for creating something that still resonates almost a century later. The supporting cast also adds charm and tension— especially Claude Rains as Captain Renault, whose humor helps lighten the heavy mood. Another thing that makes the film so great is how it balances romance with bigger themes, like loyalty and courage during World War II. The movie never becomes boring or too slow, because the stakes keep rising. At the same time, it doesn’t rely on flashy action. Instead, it uses strong dialogue and wellbuilt scenes to keep viewers focused. For example, the famous moment when the characters sing “La Marseillaise” is such a powerful scene that it gives the audience chills without needing a special effect. If the movie has a weakness, it might be that some of the pacing feels old-fashioned to modern viewers.
Main characters Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) framed during an intense moment when love meets impossible choices. Photo: P. Kujawa A few scenes move slowly compared to today’s films. Still, that slower pace gives the emotional moments more weight, so it doesn’t take away much from the experience. Overall, “Casablanca” is a moving and beautifully
crafted film that deserves its reputation. Even if some details feel dated, the story, performances, and emotional depth make it a timeless classic that is absolutely worth watching, leaving it a
5/5.
Photo Poll: If you could live at the zoo, what animal what you be?
“I would be a monkey because they are able to climb trees,” freshman Edgar banuelos said.
Text and photos by Israel Rubio
“I would be a rhino because he is big; they move fast. And never having to go get food or water when they’re already being given that,” junior Alejandro Salas said.
Page 10 Arts & Entertainment
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Food Review: Leonely offers great seafood by Lizania Picazo-Cruz Leonely Restaurants is located in San Jeronimo Michoacan. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. It has all outdoor seating. One thing to note is that this restaurant includes a pool with seating all around. Leonely is a good size, has free bathrooms along with a store connected. The menu consists of breakfast items, lunch and dinner, but the breakfast menu is very limited. The lunch/ dinner menu has more. It is mainly seafood, but for those who are not fans of seafood they have other options like chicken, salads, and steak. When arriving the staff are kind and ask what they can do for customers right away. They gave our drinks right away and the wait time for the food was not long. The staff made sure to check on us and see if we needed anything. The atmosphere of the place was great. What made it even better were the kind staff they had. The first impression of the food was that it looked very well put together. One thing about the
menu is it didn’t say anything about getting a little side of salad, rice, or tortillas. This is one change they could make to let their customers know exactly what they are getting. The breaded shrimp weren’t too crispy and the bread didn’t taste burnt. They had a really good flavor and the texture was great. The salad was enjoyable. The vegetables tasted very fresh. The rice did feel a little hard but the flavor was good. The dish was plated nicely and they gave a good amount of portions. In Mexico, people usually need to pay to enter restrooms. One thing nice about Leonely’s is that guests could use the bathrooms with no charge. The pool they have was also very nice, the water was warm and they had lounge seating around it. They also had a little waterfall area that made it look fancy which added a nice touch. Overall the dining experience was very pleasant and the food was very tasty. The experience was amazing and would definitely make people come back for more. Leonely Restaurant earned 4.5/5 stars.
Created by: Jaelynn Plantz
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC GENRE? Classical 3.7% Everything 18.5%
Pop 29.6%
HOW OFTEN DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC?
Rock 18.5%
Every day
Few times a week
Once a week
Country 29.6%
Not often
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Breaded shrimp from Leonely in San Jeronimo has great taste. Photo: Lizania Picazo- Cruz
Thursday, January 15, 2026 Arts & Entertainment Page 11
Whose Room Is It?
Created by Gabriella Cauley
Created by: Zach McCormick
Food Review: Flavored drink mixes hit or miss by
Sarah Majeskie
Dole Strawberry Lemonade:
Great Value Sugar Free Lemonade:
It’s an average lemonade color with a smell of fresh lemon. It’s a really good sour lemonade. It’s really tart, not too sweet, everything a lemonade should be. This is the flavor to reach for. 5/5
Cups of flavored water and the packets used to flavor them. Photo: S. Majeskie
True Lemon Strawberry Lemonade: It’s a deep pink color with an aspartame smell. That’s ironic because it’s sweetened with stevia. It’s a different taste of
strawberry, More like a KoolAid juice than a strawberry lemon. It’s a lot more artificial than the Dole. It’s the worst out of the three. It will stay on the shelf for a very long time. 2.5/5
1. Math teacher Andi Woyak 2. Science teacher Nick Kvam 3. English teacher Angela Femali 4. History teacher Matthew Marquis 5. English teacher Shannon Kuehmichel
The liquid is a light pink, pretty dense color, with an overwhelming smell of strawberry. But the flavor is actually pretty okay; the strawberry taste is very present. The aftertaste is a little artificial, though, so not my favorite. 3.5/5
Page 12 Arts & Entertainment
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Book Review: ‘The Reappearance of Rachel Price’ explores how family secrets influence relationships by Natasha Reinsbach
upcoming true-crime documentary about Rachel Price, prompting the Price family to revisit the past. As they continue the documentary however, Rachel Price mysteriously comes back. As they try to get her story straight on what happened to her, Rachel’s account is inconsistent and has too many suspicious behaviors present. There was only one explanation: Rachel was lying about what happened to her. As the cameras keep rolling, Annabel tries to figure out where her mother had been all those years, if she was lying, and why she just finally decided to come back from the dead. As the book goes
With each twist and turn of the plot, “The Reappearance of Rachel Price” by Holly Jackson is probably one of the best mystery thriller stories ever written. The “Reappearance of Rachel Price” takes the reader inside the life of Annabel Price, the daughter of Rachel, who vanished when Annabel was young, leaving her the only witness to Rachel’s disappearance. Things change when Rachel Price reappears after being presumed dead for sixteen years, and life will never be normal again. The book begins with Annabel being interviewed for an
on, we learn what life was like for Annabel before and after the disappearance, how her father was accused of the murder, and the complex dynamics between everyone. For example, in Annabel and her father’s relationship, even when they fight, her father stays kind and gives space so nothing escalates. A weakness of the book is that it’s slower paced than most, causing some to become uninterested. Other than the slow pace, the book is recommended. With many critics giving it a stars, the character development is excellent, and each plot twist changes the reader’s perspective. Rating: 4/5
Mess on The Desk “These are gifts for Mr. Bednarek and Dr. Durtschi”
“This is just a pitcher I made”
“I made these salt and pepper shakers ”
Water Bottle
Gloves
MacBook
Stapler Paper cutter with other materials on the board
Art teacher Lori Rademann
Created by: Dahlia Vera
Created by: Ella Spitler
“The Reappearance of Rachel Price” explores how family secrets can influence relationships and dynamics.
Photo: N. Reinsbach
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Sports Page 13
Lichtenberg returns to basketball after injury by
Caleb Voigtlander
Multi-sport athlete Royce Lichtenberg broke his back on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. This happened when Royce fell out of his treestand while managing hunting property. This shocked the football team as they lost an experienced senior center and defensive lineman. “My injury reminded me not to take anything for granted, especially life,” Lichtenberg said. Royce’s injury has made him more aware that life can become remotely underappreciated. “If I had to name one person who helped me through this injury, I would say my mom, but my family and friends helped me immensely through my recov-
ery,” Lichtenberg said. Though Lichtenberg’s injury ended his whole senior football season, he made a slightly faster recovery than average. “I had two injuries, a fractured second lumbar and an injured ligament. The ligament typically heals in six weeks, and mine did. Compression fractures of the second lumbar typically heal in three months, and mine healed in about two and a half months,” Lichtenberg said. “I missed nearly my entire senior football season. This was very difficult and affected my mental health. And for nearly three months, I couldn’t physically do normal activities such as tying my shoes, putting on socks,
and getting up and down without assistance.” Two-sport athlete Carter Hess played quarterback and safety for his senior football season. “It’s hard to say where the team would have ended up with Royce. Royce would’ve helped us tremendously with his experience, and I think we could’ve made it further in the playoffs,” Hess said. Coach Joe Stellmacher said he was heartbroken when he got the news that Lichtenberg had broken his back. “Truly, I think it affected the whole team. Royce is just such a good guy and a friend to many, and seeing him go out was hard for all of us, not just for what he
brought to the field physically but just the relationship, the friend piece,” Stellmacher said. Lichtenberg’s injury didn’t just physically affect the team but also made them lose a friend at practice. “Our hearts broke for Royce, especially being his senior year, but for the guys that were healthy, especially his buddies on that senior crew, I think they used that as a little bit of motivation to you know maybe play a little extra harder for Royce knowing that he would give anything to be in their shoes,” Stellmacher said. Lichtenberg was cleared on Dec. 12, 2025, allowing him to return to lifting and basketball without restrictions.
Pennants donated in memory of alumnus
by
Dahlia Vera
New conference and state championship pennants were recently added in the Berlin High, ‘74 School gym after a donation made in memory of alumni and former wrestler Donald Paeth. The process was organized by Paeth’s daughter-in-law, Jordan Paeth, and Athletic Director Joe Stellmacher, produced by Healy Awards to make the gym more modernized and to honor Paeth. “Don was a wrestler at Berlin High School, including the year they won the championship in 1973,” Jordan said. Paeth went on after high school living a hardworking life, spending time out west before coming back to Wisconsin. For the family, honoring him through sports banners felt meaningful and personal. “He was humble and hardworking. We wanted to honor Don by donating the sports banner be-
Newly installed conference and state championship pennants lined on the wall of the Berlin High School gymnasium, honoring the athletic’s achievements while giving the gym a modernized look through a donation made in memory of alumnus and former wrestler Donald Paeth. Photo: Dahlia Vera cause they serve as a reminder that a life doesn’t have to be loud or famous to matter,” Jordan said. That’s when Jordan decided to reach out to Stellmacher. “A lady reached out to me,” Stellmacher said. ”Her father-in-law, was a Berlin High School alumni, passed away last November, and they wanted to do something in his memory.”
The family’s generous donation and desire to honor Paeth turned into an opportunity to update the gym’s appearance and celebrate past athletic achievements. “Our old conference championship banners were a little dated,” Stellmacher said. “They are 30plus years old, so this was a great way to modernize the gym.”
Once the idea was approved, Stellmacher partnered with a company he was familiar with to make sure the vision he saw was brought to life. “I’ve used the Healy Awards before, so I knew their reputation,” Stellmacher said. After back and forth contact between Stellmacher, Paeth, and Healy Awards, the design process began. “They sent mock-up designs, and then we went through colors, styles, and trim,” Stellmacher said. Although the process took time, it was worth it, they were delivered by October, just in time for the winter sports season. “I wouldn’t call it hard, but it was long,” Stellmacher said. “There are a lot of options, and I had to double-check years to make sure everything was accurate.” Stellmacher said the finished product adds both style and pride to the gym. “I think they are modern,” Stellmacher said. “They match our school colors and go well with our other boards.”
Page 14 Sports
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Students take sports beyond a season by
Ella Spitler
There are common sports that many participate in like football, soccer, and basketball but not many do a sport that requires more than a season of work. Sophomore Madison Gregor does competitions with her horses Willow and Montana. “I do barrel racing and I have the pattern set up at my house and I walk it, I trot it, and I loop the pattern just to keep consistency,” Gregor said. Barrel racing is where a horse and their rider race against the clock winding around the barrels. If a barrel is touched or knocked over, penalties can be given. The
rider with the fastest time wins. Owning horses isn’t just for sport but for companionship as well. “My favorite part is having a lifelong best friend and it teaches you work ethic because it’s a whole bunch of work just to own horses,” Gregor said. Freshman Mattisyn Lane also has horses of her own with her mom and has grown up around them. But, her favorite part of being a horse owner is a bit different. “My favorite part about owning horses is what you get to learn about them,” Lane said. “Owning horses doesn’t mean you compete either,” Freshman Haily Neihls’s family used to
board horses which means they owned horses but they stayed at a different place. “It was fun and my favorite part about having horses was being able to ride them,” Neihls said. Although owning a horse is fun to the girls, it also comes with a responsibility. It can be challenging and demanding. According to Equus Magazine an owner should spend at least one to two hours a day with their horse. “It’s a lot of work and takes a lot of dedication,” Gregor said. Horses aren’t for everyone but for anyone who wants to own horses in the future, Lane offers some advice: “Stick with it and be patient,” she said.
Sophomore Madison Gregor stands with her horse Willow, preparing for a competition. Photo Submitted
Teachers face students for hockey puck glory by
Jaelynn Plantz
Under the yellow-tinted light, hockey sticks clatter across the gym floor. Sweaty shirts stick to the backs of teachers who usually teach in classrooms and science labs, but they are instead dashing across the floor chasing a fast-moving puck. Every Winterfest, a group of Berlin High school teachers face off against the school’s top female floor hockey players in a chaotic, hilarious, tense, and competitive-but-fun, floor hockey game. “When I came to Berlin, it was already kind of a tradition; other teachers were already playing, and I joined in just for fun,” science teacher Nick Kvam said. Over the years, the Winterfest floor hockey game has grown into one of the highlights of the school year. New teachers join in as others retire, keeping
the tradition alive and the excitement up. Students gather in the gym as well to watch the game, which has become the finale of Winterfest. “The game gets more chaotic and hyped every year, and the tournament gets more watchers, and more people get hyped up as they play,” science teacher Ben Sanderfoot said “The teachers even have their own cheering section now. But, the competitiveness is what makes it fun.” Some matches have included intense moments, with the students having blocked pucks with their faces, resulting in black eyes. Teachers are checked into bleachers, and teachers and students occasionally collide during plays. “I forgot who, but one of the girls had full catcher’s gear on from softball. It was hilarious,” Kvam said. “I don’t want to call it a bloodbath, but… it was a bloodbath.”
In the 2025 Winterfest floor hockey game, teachers Nick Kvam, Ben Ruetten, Anna Drews, and Jennifer Leahy play against the 2025 seniors. Staff and students will face off against each other this coming Winterfest. Photo Submitted The tradition also includes practices outside the gym and other informal games. Teachers have brought hockey sticks into hallways and played on frozen ponds. They have also created jerseys specifically for Winterfest, though the jerseys
are typically not worn during gameplay because of the heat. “It builds relationships with students and colleagues,” Kvam said. “It lets students see that teachers are regular people with interests and that we like to have fun.”
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Students cheer year-round
Wrestlers train for next meet
through All-Star cheer by
Sophomore Penny Lane Lawler (front right) bases her flyer as she pulls a stretch. Lawler was competing at Jamfest Cheer Super Nationals. “My level 4 team got first place and grand champs. We get rings and metals and sometimes jackets and backpacks if we win,” Lawler said. Photo Submitted one-man,” Morales said. by Junior Hannah Drover used Sarah Majeskie to compete with Impact Elite as well. She was a frontspot, Rhinestones reflect off the tumbler, and flyer in seventh purple strobing lights, and and eigth grade. “I was on a level 1 and level hairspray fills the air. Groups of people in red, pink, and black 2. We did back handsprings, spandex uniforms cluster in front walkovers, back walkthe hallways. Distantly, the overs, and the splits. I just did sound of bass-boosted music a stretch,” Drover said. Cheer requires a lot of stamescapes from the closed doors of a practice room. The brown ina and unique skills. The peogeometric carpet stands out ple on the team work hard, sharply against the white, learning how to tumble and black, or even yellow cheer stunt cleanly all year long. “It makes me very angry that shoes. This is a cheer competition, and it’s different from the still people don’t consider it a cheer students see under the sport. Even though it’s one of the harder sports, in my opinFriday night lights. Freshman Arcenia Morales ion. We put a lot of effort into has competed with and now our routines and everything assists a youth cheer team that we do, even for sideline cheer. It makes me mad when called the Berlin Bulldogs. “We did extension, elevator, people don’t recognize it,” cradle, a lib, and we also did a sophomore Penny Lawler said.
Sports Page 15
Zach McCormick
Wrestling is one of the most physically demanding sports out there, requiring both hard work and commitment both on and off the mats. Wrestlers must be skilled in their sport, but they must also train their bodies differently than other sports. Wrestlers are placed against each other based on weight, so wrestlers must also diet based on their weight class and train to be able to escape difficult pins. “The hardest part about wrestling is consistency. You have to consistently improve both your footwork and strength, as well as diet to keep your body in top shape,” senior Jacob Martin said. High school wrestling, like most sports, has a competition period during the winter and training during the rest of the year. The main difference between on and off season practice is what wrestlers can do by themselves. “I mainly do deadlifts, bench,
and squats for exercise, but during the season I usually skirmish with a friend or practice breaking pins,” junior Troy Taylor said. He finds that, while it is more practical, training with people just isn’t possible most of the time, especially during the offseason. To make sure he doesn’t plateau, he works out at the gym after school. He focuses mainly on legs and arms, but he also does agility training. “I love to compete, and wrestling is one of the few sports where it’s only you competing,” senior Benjamin Green said. While there is a team, every match is between two people. This makes it ideal for those who like teams, but don’t want to rely on them. Wrestling is one of the most physical sports around, and it requires lots of preparation. Wrestlers train almost every day, and they must stick to a strict diet in order to stay in their weight class. It can be challenging, but wrestlers do it for the love of the sport.
Junior Troy Taylor increases his stamina on the treadmill. He does this almost daily. Photo: Zachary McCormick