Brandon Valley High School Echo February 2015

Volume 53 Number 6 Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005 Friday, Feb. 27, 2015

The Wrestlers compete at state

/page 4

By Jacob BoomsmaPhoto Editor

School’s current attendance incentive policy for juniors and seniors provides good motivation for upperclassmen to avoid missing more than two days of school, but the results of a recent survey show that many come to school while sick as an unfortunate side effect.

“I believe that the policy is a good incentive for students to attend class,” school nurse Margie Hanson said. “However, I do think it encourages students to come to school when they really are ill. This can have a negative effect because they can then spread the illness to others.”

An Echo survey of 78 upperclassmen supports Hanson with 91 percent (71) of the students saying they have come to school while sick to avoid taking semester tests and 99 percent (77) stating their friends have come to school ill. The majority of those surveyed, 95 percent, also agree with her views that the policy unintentionally encourages students to come to school while ill.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, both the cold and flu viruses can survive on a desk for at least the length of a school day. Because a

sick student coming to school will likely sit at multiple desks throughout the day, they have the potential to expose many of their peers to the virus.

“I would be in favor of a revision to the (semester test) policy, but I am not sure what it should be,” Hanson said.

Another potential concern is by allowing upperclassmen to skip semester tests, it may put them at a disadvantage for college classes which often have large tests at the end of the course. Principal Gregg Talcott said that while Brandon Valley students have, as a whole, above-average ACT scores compared to other schools, its students have a lower grade point average for their first year of college. He does not dismiss the idea that skipping semester tests might be hurting the students later on, but says there is not enough information available from the Board of Regents at this time to see a trend in either direction.

“The high school administration has no immediate plans to make any significant changes to our current attendance incentive practice,” Talcott said. “Like all practices in the high school, when the evidence is presented, it would be reviewed.”

Semester test attendance policyEcho surveyed 78 upperclassmen in instructor Matt Christensen’s English classes and instructor Justin Lovrien’s AP biology classes through Google Drive during the week of Feb. 9-13. Question 3 was in a separate survey to a smaller group of upperclassmen through the same method and during the same week.

1. Have you ever come to school while you were sick or not feeling well to avoid missing more than two days of school?

91% (71) Yes 9% (7) No2. Have your friends come to school while sick to avoid

taking semester tests? 99% (77) Yes 1% (1) No3. After missing enough school to be required to take

semester tests with no chance of appeal, are you more or less likely to come to school while ill?

59% (19) Much less likely 19% (6) Less likely 3% (1) More likely 6% (2) Much more likely 12% (4) Unchanged4. As a freshman or sophomore, did you come to school

while you were sick to avoid poor attendance? 29% (23) Yes 69% (54) No 2% (2) No response5. Do you think that the two-day policy encourages sick

students to come to school? (78) 95% (74) Yes 5% (4) No6. Do you think it would be beneficial for future juniors

and seniors to take semester tests regardless of their attendance?

37% (29) Yes 60% (47) No 2% (2) No response

Semester test attendance policy for juniors, seniors has unintended effects

By Amy VardsveenStaff Writer

Of the approximately 350 people who auditioned, junior Tanner Burkman has been selected to perform as one of the 150 members for the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps of Dubuque, Iowa.

“The feeling is indescribable,” Tanner Burkman said. “To know that all the work I put in has all paid off feels amazing.”

This will be Burkman’s first time with the Colts. His previous accomplishments include playing in the Symphonic Band, both red and black concert bands, jazz band and “the pit” for the spring musical. Burkman has been playing trumpet for seven years and has played with the Marching Lynx for three years.

“Forty-eight trumpets auditioned for 24 spots and there are 19 veterans coming back, so the odds weren’t really in my favor, but I did everything I possibly could to stick out from the rest,” Burkman said. “So with hard work and dedication, I was given a contract the day after Christmas. Talk about one heck of a Christmas present!”

Beginning Memorial Day weekend Tanner will be living

on the road with the Colts until the second weekend in August. They will be in session for over 70 days and will perform over 30 times for estimated audiences of over 200,000 people throughout 22 states.

According to the Colts’ media release, approximately 200 people, 150 members and 50 staff, will travel with four motor coaches, two semi trailer trucks, two vans, a supply truck and a souvenir sales trailer. One of the semis will contain a full-service kitchen that will feed the performers and staff.

Burkman joins Colts Drum, Bugle Corps

By Kristen PaulsenCirculation Manager

Instructor Naomi Poppe’s ad-vanced nutrition and wellness stu-dents raised $310 for the Brandon Food Pantry by raffling their cakes at a boys basketball game.

For seven years, Poppe’s stu-dents’ cakes raised money for the pantry.

“I love to watch the kids find a theme and just go for it,” she said.

For many students, it is the first time they have done anything like that, Poppe said.

“I think it benefits the Food Pantry and goes to a good cause,” senior Sam Peterson said. “I thought some parts were hard like frosting a crumbly cake.”

Peterson’s group made an Olaf cake from the movie Frozen.

Poppe said pictures of all the cakes are hanging on the refrigerator at the Food Pantry.

“My favorite part was learning the new techniques,” senior Shelby Simpson said. Her group’s cake was the Lynx basketball.

The Olaf and the Starbucks cakes were the most popular out of the 11 cakes raffled.

Poppe was impressed with how well the cakes turned out. She said they improve each year.

Cake raffle raises $310 for pantry

Photo by Haley Hoeke

Junior Mikael Smith decorates her cake for the cake raffle. Hers was the hot chocolate cake. Poppe’s advanced nutrition and wellness students raised $310 for the Brandon Food Pantry.

They will receive four meals a day, which is over 60,000 meals prepared each summer. The cost of the trip will be over $950,000, which will be raised through performance fees, active parents group, membership fees, other projects and fundraising.

Over 40 competitive Drum Corps International groups are in the United States. The Colts are ranked top 25 of all drum corps for the past 31 years, according to the Colts’ media release. They were founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization.

Photo by Amy Vardsveen

Junior Tanner Burkman practices his trumpet in preparation for the summer tour with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps.

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, Feb. 27, 2015

Alternative options exist for current semester test attendance requirements

What do you think

about B&G Milky Way coming to Brandon?

Daylight timeSt. Patrick’s Day B&G Milky Way

The Echo is published monthly by the publications students of the Brandon Valley High School, 301 S. Splitrock, Brandon, S.D. 57005. Telephone number is 582-3211. It is a state and national award-winning publication affiliated with the South Dakota High School Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. News Editor..........................................................................Umaima KochVoices Editor ......................................................................... Macy MurrenA&E Editor ...............................................................................Becca GothSports Editors ..........................................Dylan Bludorn and Haley HoekeUpdate Editor .................................................................... Eli SuchowackyPhoto Editor........................................................................Jacob BoomsmaAd Manager ..............................................................................Becca GothCirculation Manager............................................................Kristen PaulsenStaff Writers........................................Samantha Peterson, Amy Vardsveen, Shelby Simpson.Adviser ........................................................................Debra RothenbergerBrandon Valley Echo is a public forum. The editorial content of the Echo expresses the views of the newspaper and not necessarily of the administration, faculty or school board of the Brandon Valley School District. Bylined editorial content is the writer’s opinion and not necessarily of the staff, adviser or school administration. Signed letters to the editor are encouraged, but they may be rejected or edited for grammar, condensation, good taste and/or libel.

Fear holds students back from full potential

Thumbs up to St. Patrick’s Day March 17. St. Patrick’s Day is an

Irish holiday celebrated by Americans and other Christians in Canada, Great Britain, Argentina, Australia

and New Zealand. People celebrate by wearing green clothes and going to church.

Thumbs down to the dismissal of a bill that would have made

daylight-saving time year-round in South Dakota. The sun would have risen an hour later on winter

mornings, but would have given an extra hour of daylight in the evenings when it could be more enjoyed.

Thumbs up to the B&G Milky Way. Having a B&G Milky

Way will give the community more choices in places to eat. This franchise, mostly famous for its

strawberry ice cream, footlong hotdogs and sloppy joes, will be opening this spring on Robin Drive behind Dollar General.

“I think it will be good because we will have more options than just Dairy Queen.”

-SeniorBrianna Koch

“I think it’s good because it’s convenient and local and everyone loves ice cream.”

-Senior Estel Niyotwizera

“I think it’s fantastic because it adds some variety to our town.”

-JuniorDylan Thie

“I think it’s a great thing because Milky Way is astoundingly better than any other ice cream in town.”

-JuniorTaylor Thompson

“I’m excited. It gives us a new restaurant to go to with friends and family.”

-SophomoreKaitlyn Huska

“I think it will be good because it will give more job opportunities for all ages.”

-FreshmanMadi Paulsen

By Becca GothA&E Editor

Taking chances that invoke fear is something people struggle with; however, it is out of precipitous risk that the greatest rewards are found.

Fear in a great part runs the lives of many. Nobody wants to feel the unwonted sensation of fear, and therefore, they avoid any situation in which they could be afraid. For example, someone who has a bit of stage-fright is not likely to try out for the spring musical even though they may have the voice and the talent to do so and well.

They could have stage-fright for many reasons. Maybe they don’t want to experience judgement, or they don’t want to have an error in their performance and be embarrassed.

These fears, though somewhat valid, are man-made, arising from scenarios that play out in a person’s head. Man-made fears in large part hold people back from taking opportunities. The only way to really surmount the fears that hold one back is to recognize them.

It is through fear that we humans reject the foreign, strange and different. Rejecting

change, however, is very unproductive. With change comes opportunity for almost anything developmental in life, whether that be an enlightening chance to travel the world, or a supplemental pay raise and new position at work.

In short, fear holds people back from their full potential. In high school, this is most prevalent with students choosing not to participate in activities due to their fear of failure. The challenge is to overcome these fears and chase every opportunity available.

Although no policy is perfect, the flaws of the current semester test two-day attendance policy have prompted the exploration of several alternative methods for semester tests requirements.

Current policy allows upperclassmen who miss less than two days of school to be exempt from taking their semester tests. There is an appeals process for students just over the two-day limit.

At the extremes, not taking any semester tests would be popular with students and taking all semester tests, regardless of attendance, would be preferred by some faculty. However, middle ground policies might better suit the interests of everyone involved.

The current attendance policy of Brandon Valley unintentionally encourages ill upperclassmen to attend class. What if, instead of attendance-based requirements, the policy was based on grades? Students with an overall A or high B in a class would be exempt from that class’ semester test because they have proven they understand the course’s content. With this policy, students no longer have motivation to go great, sometimes irresponsible, lengths to avoid missing more than two days of school and, instead, be given an incentive to achieve high grades.

While being exempt from all semester tests might be enjoyable for upperclassmen, college finals may be more difficult later on. Having upperclassmen take half of their tests will keep them familiar with the large test format. They could choose which classes they would like to take tests for. This prevents upperclassmen from losing their test-taking skills but still allows them freedom to opt out of a class test that will hurt their GPA without worrying about missing a certain number of school days.

An option that would not require an overhaul of current standards, is to simply extend the two-day attendance policy to a three-, four- or five-day policy. This saves the administration the trouble of major changes and lessens the pressure on students to have near-perfect attendance. Illnesses or other uncontrollable circumstances can keep students from school for more than two days and it may be an unrealistic expectation for many. Extending the leniency of the current policy may have a positive effect on student morale and reduce the number of sick students attending class.

Certain policies may appeal to certain demographics more than others, but the ones suggested have potential to appeal to students, teachers and administration. They may have drawbacks, but so does the current attendance standard. Any of these policies, or a combination of several, have the potential to better serve the interests of all involved.

Brandon Valley High School Friday, Feb. 27, 2015

(605) 331-6600 || usiouxfalls.edu

Friday, April 24Schedule your personal visit at usiouxfalls.edu/admissions.

UPCOMING CAMPUS PREVIEW DAY

Friday, March 27Register to audition at usiouxfalls.edu/finearts-q.

fine arts scholarships awarded annually.

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ACCEPTED STUDENT AND PERFORMANCE AUDITION DAY

Sioux Falls to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Nustad, Smykle raise funds for Ashley Johnson

‘American Sniper’ makes $89 million

By Shelby SimpsonStaff Writer

Sioux Falls celebrates its 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, March 14, at 2 p.m. The parade begins at Fifth Street and Main Avenue.

St. Patrick’s Day started out as a religious

feast day for the patron saint of Ireland and now has become an international festival for the celebration of the Irish culture.

During the Irish celebration the Irish hold parades, dances, eat special foods and cover everything in green.

The Irish themed “shamrock” symbol-

izes the holy trinity. After St. Patrick was captured and enslaved, he escaped impris-onment and returned to his family in Ire-land. On his journey back to Ireland, a nest of snakes attacked him. He fought back and chased them into the ocean. This symbol-ized chasing non-Christians out of Ireland.

By Becca GothA&E Editor

American Sniper was both suspenseful and exciting.

The instantly popular movie, directed by Clint Eastwood, grossed $89 million on opening weekend Jan. 16.

The movie follows the autobiography of deceased Iraq-War veteran Chris Kyle, portrayed by Bradley Cooper. Kyle was a lethal sniper for the Navy SEALS with such accuracy (160 confirmed kills, 255 probable kills) that they dubbed him “The Legend.”

The movie follows Kyle, his family and SEAL Team 3 along the four tours he served during the Iraq War. The tours are fairly graphic and intense,

which gives the movie its “R” rating. During his tours, Kyle made it his mission to save as many men as possible. He avidly searched for a Syrian enemy sniper, Mustafa, who was rumoured to be able to take shots 500 yards out. Mustafa had taken out many of the men Kyle was protecting. So after some hunting, Kyle took him out.

The majority of the movie is set in deserted Middle-Eastern looking cities, shot in Morocco. Special effects create a sand storm. The sound effects and the soundtrack make the heart race and the explosions make people jump out of their seat.

The ending to the story is tragically portrayed very well. Chris Kyle and fellow veteran

Chad Littlefield were shot and killed on a Texas gun range. The two were attempting to help a fellow Iraq War veteran, Eddie Ray Routh, Marine, deal with his PTSD through a therapeutic outing. Routh shot the two to death and fled the scene in Kyle’s F150.

Although the movie does not depict this, Routh went on trial for two accounts of homicide. He attempted to plead insanity due to the PTSD, but was given life in prison without parole.

Overall, American Sniper deserves a five-star rating. Two stars for the amazing cinematography, two for the transition between book and screen and one for the on-point acting of Bradley Cooper.

Art Club, Herring explore world of art

Artist Oliver Herring (left) instructs freshman Lauryn Van Regenmorter on how to pose herself and look at the camera. Senior Mackenzie Nelson (below) became a work of art. Mosaic-ed pieces of various skin tones pattern her face, framed with a pair of hands.

Photos by Umaima Koch

By Umaima KochNews Editor

Faces, hair, arms and legs covered in kaleidoscopic collages of paper body parts floated throughout the studio. Human beings they were no longer; instead, they became the masterpieces they created.

Art Club members immersed themselves in experimental art alongside artist Oliver Herring at Sioux Falls Design Center Feb. 11.

The Washington Pavilion had booked Herring for a show. Art Club was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him.

“They (the students) didn’t hold back,” art instructor Chad Nelson said. “They jumped in and they were creative. They demonstrated that they knew how to deal

with these concepts that Mr. Herring showed them.”

A paper pile of hundreds of photos lay in the middle of the studio floor. Hands and faces, eyes and smiles scattered throughout the room, covering tables, the bench and the floor. Anyone could take any photograph he or she pleased; the only criteria was to let go of inhibitions and create.

“I learned that you cannot limit yourself in art,” senior Art Club president Nicole Petersen said. “Even when you think a piece is done, it might not be. Always try and go above and beyond what you might think is necessary. You might even have more fun that way!”

Since the session with Herring, Art Club

has delved into experimental art more. Listening to a medley of instrumental melodies, each student expressed him or herself with colors and oil pastels, through what the music made each one feel.

“That’s what Art Club is all about,” Nelson said. “Exposing kids to things we don’t do in school.”


Brandon Valley community has been coming together to help and support six-year-old Ashley Johnson and her family.

About a month ago, Ashley began acting unlike her usual self.

“She was very pale and tired often and had large bruises all over her body that appeared randomly,” said junior Lauren Nustad, Ashley’s cousin. “She grew quiet and never wanted to go out or hang out with friends; all she wanted to do was sleep, and that’s when we knew something was wrong.”

After a visit to the doctor, they discovered that Ashley’s blood pressure was dangerously low. She was rushed to the emergency room for testing.

Ashley was diagnosed with leukemia.At the double-header basketball game

against Yankton last Thursday, Nustad sold Team Ashley bracelets, as well as pink and orange headbands and ribbons, to raise funds for Ashley. About $480 was raised from sales and $1,600 of donations, totaling $2,080 for the night.

Senior Maci Smykle met Ashley in the hospital the week the young girl was diagnosed. Hearing Ashley’s story, Smykle became inspired to help.

So she started a fundraiser in the form of a prom-dress resale. Smykle promoted the sale that was at the Brandon Lutheran Church, where people dropped off their prom and formal dresses. Twenty percent of the sales went to Ashley and 80 percent, to the consigners of the dresses. Over $1,350 was raised.

“To everyone who has supported my family by participating in the fundraisers, purchasing items to help raise money or just simply donated, I want to give a huge thank you to,” Nustad said. “You all have a very special place in my heart and I couldn’t be more proud or more thankful to live where I do.”


Seniors to compete in collegeBy Dylan BludornSports Editor

After the excellence displayed this fall, several Lynx athletes will live out their dreams of playing at the collegiate level sports this fall.

Seniors Paige Drenth and Tyler Limmer will play soccer at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Limmer, in his final season, led the boys team to a 4-8-1 record. Drenth led the Lady Lynx to a 5-9 record. Four of the team’s five wins were on the road.

Seniors Riley Frantzen and Jake Comeaux will play football at Northern State University.

“Playing with Jake is going to be awesome,” Frantzen said. “We have been playing together since fourth grade and have put in countless hours together, so for us to continue the journey together is going to be a lot of fun and scary for defenses.”

Comeaux, in high school, threw for 2,154 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also was named to the Eastern South Dakota and Metro All-Conference teams.

South Dakota State University is where senior Alex Wilde will continue his football career. Wilde, who was named to the Argus Leader Elite 45, set a single game record with 17 receptions. He finished with 88 career catches, 60 duing his senior season.

Playing football for Augustana College is senior Drew Reinschmidt. As a receiver and captain, Reinschmidt caught 64 passes his final season. He also received all-conference honors his junior and senior years.

“It’s an honor to be able to represent Brandon Valley at the next level,” Reinschmidt said. “It’s a goal of mine that I’ve had ever since I can remember, and it’s a feeling of relief and enthusiasm to be able to live out my dream.”

Senior defensive end Peter Choudek signed to play football at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota, next season. Choudek, with 12 sacks, broke Brandon Valley’s single season sack record.

Due to their excellence dis-played on the golf course, seniors Alex Hamer, Greg Koehn and Riley Duncanson will compete at the collegiate level. The destina-tion for the trio is St. Cloud State University.

Having 10 fall sports seniors set to compete at the collegiate level next season is a positive for Lynx sports. It proves to the underclassmen that hard work does pay off, and it gives Brandon Valley the reputation of a high school with elite athletes.

Junior Lincoln Ode (Top), at the Region 2A tournament, looks to pin Payton Sudenga of Sioux Falls Lincoln with a headlock. Ode won the match by fall in 0:55. Senior Connor Smith (left) locks up a cradle against Jamee Bruegman of Yankton. Smith won the match 6-4 and placed second at the tournament. Junior Levi Sternburg works to turn Luke Jamison of Sioux Falls Lincoln. Sternburg lost the match 6-3 and placed fourth. As a team, the Lynx won the tournament, qualifying 11 wrestlers for the State A tournament.

Photos by Macy Murren

11 wrestlers qualify for state tourney

Photo by Macy Murren

Bowling teams face state tournament By Macy MurrenVoices Editor

Girls and boys bowling teams will compete at state today at Sioux Falls Sport Bowl.

“I think we will do alright at state,” senior Thomas Siemonsma said. “We just need to pick up our spares.”

The teams competed against Dell Rapids last Friday.

The boys won 42-8. Siemonsma led the boys with a 638 series, a season best.

“Dells has very tough lane conditions,” coach Rich Blue said. “We did surprisingly well.”

The Lady Lynx won 27-23. Seventh grader Kayla Watkins had a season best with a 537 series; freshman Elizabeth Braley had a 161 game, along with a 389 season best series. Sophomore Tori Braley had a 139 game and ended with a season best of 350 series, junior Alexis

Barret had a 164 game and a season best 389 series.

Junior Lauren Blue finished the season in the top five for highest average in the league. Blue will be making a strong push for the all-tournament team.

“For state, our girls are very inexperienced,” Blue said.

Five out of seven of the Lady Lynx will be making their first tournament appearance at state.

“My favorite thing about bowling is the improvements I’ve made this year,” senior Carter Erickson said.

Eight boys will be going to state. The week leading up to state the team will be adjusting their lineups that best fits the team, Blue said.

“For the boys, we think we can finish in the top four,” he said. “We just need to get some breaks.”Junior Lauren Blue finishes in the top five of

the league. The teams will bowl at state today.

By Dylan BludornSports Editor

Wrestling team qualified 11 wrestlers for the State A Wrestling Tournament today and Saturday.

At the state tournament, the No. 1 goal for the team is finishing top eight.

“The expectations for the team is just to have fun,” senior Wyatt Winter said. “The goal is to be a top eight team, but if we don’t quite get there, it won’t matter as long as we have fun.”

One key matchup on day one for the Lynx is at 152 pounds Winter, ranked No. 3, is predicted to wrestle No. 4 Peter Hansen of Brookings in the second round.

“It’s going to take me just going out and being aggressive,” Winter said. “I also can’t let him control the match.”

Also at 138 pounds, junior Conner Rowbotham, ranked No. 8, is predicted to wrestle No. 4 Brock Kortan of Sioux Falls Roosevelt.

“In order to defeat Brock, I have to stay mentally ready and give it 100 percent,” Rowbotham said. “It’s going take my best effort and going out and executing.”

At the Region 2A Tournament, the Lynx finished first as a team with two champions.

“We had to wrestle hard and win close matches when we

could,” Winter said.At heavyweight, senior

Clayton Ebright placed first defeating Alex Lorenzini of Sioux Falls Washington by 13-5 major decision. In the semi finals, Ebright defeated Ryan Parker of Dakota Valley 3-1. At the state tournament Ebright is set to wrestle Austin Bolich of Sioux Falls Roosevelt in the first round.

The other champion for the Lynx was junior Andrew Sorenson at 220 pounds. He defeated Matt Schirado of Harrisburg, a defending state champion at 195 pounds, in the Region 2A finals 6-5. Both Sorenson and Schirado have been at the top of the

rankings this season and are the two favorites to make it into the state championship on Saturday. In five meetings this season, Schirado has had the upper hand, 3-2.

Last season at regions, both wrestlers found themselves in the finals, this time at 195 pounds. Sorenson won that match and later went on to finish fourth at state last year.

“I had to go into the match mentally confident and physically tough to beat Schirado,” he said.

In the first round at the state tournament, Sorenson will wrestle Jeremiah Johnson of Huron.


By Macy MurrenVoices Editor

The power lifters will compete March 7 at state in Madison.

At the O’Gorman Invite Jan. 31, junior Carlie Gardner and sophomore Tyler Nelson both set new school records. Gardner squatted 255 pounds and Nelson, 370 pounds.

“I feel that I did well personally,” sophomore Sam Loney said. “I set some new personal bests and that’s what I’m going for; making myself better.”

The power lifters lift four days a week, steadily increasing their weight, to prepare for state. Along with lifting, they practice their

technique. For most of the team members power lifting is just a side sport of their main sports such as football or track.

“I owe my successes to coach (Adam) Bobzien,” Loney said. “He takes time out of his day to help us and open up the weight room.”

As the team members gear up for state, their goal is to break all their current personal records and to improve as a team. Bobzien expects a few more school records to be broken at state along with new personal records.

“With this hard working group,” he said, “I know good things will happen at state.”

Power lifters set for state

Photo by Macy Murren

Junior Carlie Gardner breaks a school record. Gardner squatted 255 pounds at the O’G power lifting meet Jan. 31. She practices four days a week to set new personal bests.

Lady Lynx host Yankton


Junior Cortney Bickley drives towards the hoop against the Yankton Gazelles at home. The Lady Lynx lost 44-39.


Sophomore Alex Waltner jumps up for a lay-up against Watertown at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. He scored seven points and three rebounds. Lynx lost 48-41.

Boys set for district action

By Haley HoekeSports Editor

The 8-12 Lady Lynx basketball team will host Yankton in the district play-in game tonight.

A win will allow them to continue playing in the district tournament where they would face Lincoln on Monday, but a loss will end their season.

“We will make sure we are ready to go for Friday,” coach Mark Stadem said. “It’s win or be done, and we aren’t ready to be done.”

Tuesday, the Lady Lynx faced the Aberdeen Golden Eagles and lost 47-34. Sophomore Becca Koehn led the team with 13 points and junior Taylor Thorson had six.

Last Thursday was Senior Night

for the girls where they hosted the Yankton Gazelles. They came out with a loss of 44-39.

“I think overall we played really hard,” junior Kasara Pollema said. “We are continuing to figure out our strengths. We have to keep working hard to get ready for the tournament.”

Facing the Huron Tigers Feb. 13, the Lady Lynx won 75-44.

“We really played as a team,” senior Emily Harris said. “It really showed up against Huron.”

Junior Kasara Pollema had 12 points and was four-for-five on her three pointers. Senior Emily Anderson and Koehn both added another nine points.

“Our season isn’t done yet,” Stadem said. “We are still playing, and that is our focus.”

By Haley HoekeSports Editor

With a 8-11 record the boys will play Harrisburg in the district play-in game Saturday.

“Our goal every year is to continue to get better and better until they tell us we are done,” coach Brent Deckert said.

Boys lost to Aberdeen Central Tuesday 44-43.

“The season in general has been up and down,” senior Austin Trevino said. “We have come a long way since the beginning of the season, and if we can put it together in districts, we’ll have a good shot at state.”

The Lynx lost 74-38 to Sioux Falls Lincoln last Saturday. Senior Peter Choudek had 16 points and seven rebounds. Senior Austin Trevino and sophomore Spencer Grage both had seven points.

Boys hosted Yankton last Thursday with a tough loss of 44-28, but did pull through with a big win against the Huron Tigers Feb. 13, 51-47.

“They were a tough team to get in the rhythm against,” Trevino said. “They switch everything, but when we got the ball inside, our offense seemed to flow nicely.”

Trevino had 18 points and nine rebounds. Choudek had 12 points and two rebounds.

“We have made more improvements this year than I honestly thought possible,” Deckert said. “We are a good enough team to make it into the state tournament, but we still have to play great to get in.”


Fourteen selectedfor All-State Band

Did you know...?

Senior Brock Hanson, who plays bass clarinet, was selected to All-State Band for the fourth consecutive year, headlining the second largest group in the state. “It’s an honor,” Hanson said. “All the practice and all the hard work have led to a truly amazing experience.” All-State Band will have 14 members from Brandon Valley, including six 3-year members: seniors Eden Burch, Greg Lundberg, Emily Oyos, Chelsey Schmeling, Kjerstin Williams; and junior Ethan Brown. Also selected were juniors Kaily Davis, Eric Hanson, Dawson Kremlacek, Katie Wright; sophomores Jessica Berg, Erin Livingston; and freshman Tess Erickson. All-State Band Concert is March 28 at Sioux Falls O’Gorman. Directing the band are Dr. Mike Bankhead from Utah State University and Dr. Mark Heidel from the University of Iowa. Bands performed two concerts this month. Symphonic Band Concert was Feb. 9 and red and black bands’ concert was Thursday night. Symphonic Band also performed at the South Dakota Bandmasters In-Service Music Conference Feb. 13.

Science Bowl place

One-act cast receives superiorsBy Amy VardsveenStaff Writer

One-act received a superior award for its performance of “Alice in Wonderland” at the State One-Act Play Festival.

“Alice in Wonderland” was performed with puppets and black lights, which created the Wonderland feel. Junior Katie Wright (Alice) and junior Kirstyn Polasky

n February Students of the Month are seniors Jessica Higgins, Jacob Boomsma, Tate Green; juniors Jacob Meyer, Grace Bender; sopho-mores Zach Scholten, Kaylee Mork; freshmen Dylan Blom and Megan Stettnichs.n Augustana Jazz Festival is Tuesday at 7 p.m.n Debate and Individual Events State Tournament is at Harrisburg Friday.n Girls golfers will have their first practice March 9.n Third quarter ends March 12.n Track and field will compete at the Bob Prince Invitational in Vermillion March 17.n No school is on March 19, if unused snow day.n Girls basketball awards dinner is March 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school commons.n Boys basketball awards dinner is March 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school commons. n National merit finalists are seniors Sally Hoffmann, Umaima Koch and Danny Eitreim.

By Kristen PaulsenCirculation Manager

FFA member sophomore Heather Kirkpatrick became an officer for District 7. Her title is the student adviser.

“It means a lot to me because now I have more leadership skills and a chance to become a better leader,” she said.

As district officers, students plan service projects together to improve the chapter, and set up the state conventions. Kirkpatrick attends meetings and camps with the six other officers to talk about the next steps,

then reports to the Brandon Valley chapter. “It’s nice that she is representing our

school,” vice president Krista Mohror said.

The last district officer from Brandon Valley was Ellie Minihan,’13, now a state officer.

“Heather does a real nice job as a district officer,” FFA adviser Gary Griesse said. “I am very proud.”

Twenty-nine district FFA members applied for the seven available positions.

(Alice’s sister) were the only actors who did not use puppets. Andi Livingston and Trish Larson created the puppets and instructor Patrick Donelan built the set.

“It was exciting because it was my first one act and being in a group that got a superior was exciting for me and a lot of other people,” senior Jeanna Brandsrud said.

Seniors Kevin Huizenga, Brandon

West; junior Braden Paulsen; sophomore Seattle Koepp and freshman Kianna Thelen received individual superiors. Also receiving a superior was the ensemble including seniors Jeanna Brandsrud, Lydia Eichelberg, Ashley Guthmiller; juniors Ginger Wardlow, Elise Oren, Isaiah Dietz; sophomores Caitlynn Runia, Chole Hauge, Kristie Bogensberger and Riley Johnke.

The “Alice in Wonderland” cast acts out the trial scene in which Alice (junior Katie Wright) is accused of eating the Queen of Heart’s (junior Jessica Sadler) tart. The characters prepare to give their testimonies to prove Alice’s innocence. The ensemble received a superior at the State One-Act Play Festival.

Photo by Sam Peterson

Sophomore Heather Kirkpatrick is holding a district officer plaque. Her title as a district officer is a student adviser.

Photo by Kristen Paulsen

Kirkpatrick becomes District 7 officer

Spring musical cast to perform ‘Grease’

Variety ShowJuniors Emily Ullom, Katie Wright, Kirstyn Polasky and Haley Hammond (left) perform a rendition of “Riptide” by Vance Joy. Theirs was one of 17 acts in the Variety Show last Friday. This year, the Variety Show was hosted by the choir, and all profits from the show went toward their upcoming trip to Florida in June. To open the show, some choir members performed “Be Our Guest” from the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast.

Photo by Jacob Boomsma

Science Bowl Team 1 and Team 2 placed third and sixth, respectively, out of 20 teams at the South Dakota Regional High School Science Bowl in Huron Saturday.

Team 1’s third place finish is the highest in school history. The team included seniors Billy Trevillyan, Danny Eitreim, Robert Haggar; and junior Jacob Hegland.

Trevillyan, the team captain, is proud to have broken the school record.

“Getting third place and setting the record feels great,” he said.

Team 2 included senior Keenan Ernste; juniors Kaily Davis, Sean Hicks, Jared Rohrbach; and freshman Tom Redford.


Theatre department will perform Grease on the Performing Arts Center stage April 9-12.

For the first time ever, the musical, directed by Kevin Brick, will have an all-high-school cast.

To make the production appropriate for school stages, the musical’s original lyricists adjusted the original version of the script through language changes and select

song verse removals.Junior Jessica Sadler, who was cast as

Sandy, has dreamt of having the role for a long time. She will work on her sweetness, she said, because Sandy is a loveable character and she wants to bring that to the stage.

“I am most looking forward to the costumes,” she said. “The ’50s is my favorite time period. I also look forward to the dances. There will be a lot of fun, fast dance moves – very exciting!”

Some senior cast members include Chandler McGrath (Danny), Brandon West (Vince Fontaine), Kevin Huizenga (Teen Angel), Summer Rogers (Rizzo), Kjerstin Williams (Frenchy), Robert Berndt (Roger), and Riley Duncanson (Sonny).

Brick looks forward to the production’s musical numbers and seeing the full cast on stage doing the hand jive and dancing the jitterbug.

“I just want them all (the cast) to have a lot of fun,” he said.

Documents

Brandon Valley High School Echo February 2015