Volume 53 Number 9 Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005 Friday, May 8, 2015

The Senior Wisdom Retreat

/pp. 2-3

By Jacob BoomsmaPhoto Editor

Journalism and English 11 instructor Deb Rothenberger, a Master Journalism Educator, will retire at the end of this school year after 38 years of teaching, 31 at Brandon Valley.

“Mrs. Rothenberger leaves a legacy that impacted literally thousands of students during her 30 plus years at BVHS,” Principal Gregg Talcott said. “She is the consummate professional educator. She is one of the best writing teachers I have ever worked with and is always working to improve her craft. She is a long-time Brandon resident and has made a great contribution to the Brandon Historical Society. She is passionate about her subject matter, the quality of her work and that of her students, and truly cares about her students in and out of the classroom.”

As a journalism instructor,

Rothenberger and her students produced 36 years of award-winning newspapers.

“She always believed in me and supported me whenever I needed it,” said senior Umaima Koch,

one of only two Journalism III students at BVHS. “I admire her dedication and hard work for all she does.”

As a publications adviser, Rothenberger received the

Founder’s Award in 1996 from the South Dakota High School Press Association; the Distinguished Service Award in 2011 and the Outstanding Service Award last month from the South Dakota High School Activities Association; and the Pioneer Award from the National Scholastic Press Association in 2011.

‘‘I may be retiring, but I will never retire from teaching,’’ she said. “I love to teach.”

Rothenberger plans to continue teaching as a substitute or as a volunteer in her grandchildren’s classrooms. She will also enjoy spending time with her family.

“Her work with our publications got her, and our school, state and national recognition,” Talcott said. “We will not be able to replace her, but we will have someone teaching her classes. I will miss her professionalism and the example she set every day.”

Rothenberger retires after 38 years

Publications adviser Deb Rothenberger submits yearbook pages to the publisher. She advised seven award-winning yearbooks and 36 consecutive award-winning newspapers.

Photo by Jacob Boomsma

By Amy VardsveenStaff Writer

Instructors Tammy Bailey, Leah Lockner and Deb Rothenberger were three of the nine teachers nominated for the Brandon Valley Teacher of the Year Award.

“It is an honor to be nominated for Teacher of the Year,” Bailey said. “Working with my students is the best part of my job, and for a student/parent to take the time to nominate me for this honor really means a lot to me.”

Instructors and staff who received the Years of Service Award Tuesday at the Retirement/Recognition Banquet were Stacy Fiegen, 15 years; Justin Lovrien, 15; Steven Boint, 20; Gary Griesse, 20; and Merlyn Bosch, 35. The Teacher of the Year was also announced at the banquet. Results were unavailable at press time.

“I am truly honored. I am thankful to be able to do what I feel like I am intended to do and enjoy it,” Lockner said. “My students reaffirming me in my efforts, abilities and hopes towards and for them is icing on the cake.”

Three teachers have resigned. Business instructor Lana Main will teach at West Central and language arts instructor Katie Price, at Aurora Public School District in Colorado. Science instructor Louisa Otto will take a year off to raise her two children.

Teachers receive recognition

Eitreim, Hoffmann, Kochnamed National Merit finalists

Students attend trips, donate money

National Merit Scholarship finalists are seniors Umaima Koch, Danny Eitreim and Sally Hoffmann.

By Eli SuchowackyUpdate EditorSeniors Danny Eitreim, Sally

Hoffmann and Umaima Koch have been named National Merit Scholarship finalists.

The process for becoming a National Merit Scholarship finalist included scoring above certain cutoffs on the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT, as well as writing an essay.

“It’s a pretty exciting thing,” Eitreim said of being named a finalist. “It’s an affirmation of your academic achievements.”

Throughout his high school career, Eitreim has enjoyed wrestling for four years. He especially likes the individual aspects of the sport.

“I enjoy competing one-on-one,” he said. “It’s all on you when you’re out there, and you know if you’re getting better or not, and you know if you worked the hardest, and you know if you were the better wrestler.”

Eitreim also participated in Quiz Bowl for three years. He notes a variety of things he enjoys about Quiz Bowl.

“If you’ve ever watched Jeopardy!, you understand the sense of satisfaction when you know the right answer to a question,” he said, “and it gives you the chance to apply stuff you’ve learned in the classroom. My teammates have been really fun people to hang around, too.”

Eitreim’s Quiz Bowl team had the opportunity to compete at the National Academic Quiz Tournament in Rosemont, Illinois,

but the team declined to attend, citing a conflict with the state track meet as an issue.

Eitreim will continue his studies at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he plans to major in chemical engineering.

“I liked taking AP chemistry this year,” he said, “and chemical engineering is a broad field with a lot of opportunities. I want to take the opportunity to challenge

myself, and I like the problem-solving aspect of engineering.”

Hoffmann has been in Art Club since her sophomore year.

“I love the art and the people in Art Club,” she said.

She has also volunteered her time for SALSA for four years.

“I enjoy giving my time to help others,” she said.

Hoffmann will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall. She plans to major

in global studies with minors in Spanish and humanities and medicine. She hopes to eventually go to medical school.

Koch has participated in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. She worked tech in Grease and A Year with Frog and Toad. She was also a three-year member of Art Club and edited the Echo and Lynxonian for three years.

“I had a lot of fun just being involved in the productions,” she said.

Joining Art Club is something she has been encouraged to do since eighth grade.

“In eighth grade, I had (Marta) Sewell for art class,” she said. “She told me I should try out for Art Club once I got to high school. It’s been really fun and I’m going to miss it.”

Koch enjoys writing for the Echo because of her passion for creative writing, a passion she has held since middle school.

“I remember liking the poetry units we had in seventh grade English,” she said. “Then one night in December, I was sitting in my living room and it was like a lightning bolt hit me. I got this great idea for a story, and I just knew that I wanted to write.”

Come August, Koch plans to study design at South Dakota State University.

She also hopes to put her writing skills to good use in the future.

“Since I was 12 years old, one of my life goals has been to write an incredible novel. It is a light that is never put out, a fire that forever burns.”

By Shelby SimpsonStaff Writer

After placing second in the Celebrate My Drive Contest, the high school students were allotted $40 to go on a trip or to do other activities of their choice.

The trips included the Art Club consisting of about 40 students going to Minneapolis to the Walker Art Center and to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in March.

Students attended a Twins game last Saturday.

“I thought the trip was a ton of fun,” senior Katie Erickson said, “It was a good way to spend a Saturday with my friends and to cheer on my favorite baseball team.”

The Valleyfair trip will be May 22.

Students could also donate their money to the Dave Smith or Steve Ackerman families.

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 8, 2015

Class of 2015 announce post-graduation plans

Seniors say theirgood-byes

Senior Jessica Higgins sings “Love Story” to her classmates. Higgins’ team won the American Idol challenge at the Wisdom Retreat. Senior classmates carried Higgins, acting as if she was on a horse carriage, and then they sat on the floor encircling her while snapping to the beat.

Instructors Louisa Otto, Terry Gullickson and Kraig Presler (not pictured) act as American Idol judges.

Seniors Estel Niyotwizera, Kallie Folk and Shelby Simpson play spoon on a string. The boys (top) sing “What is Love?”

By Macy MurrenVoices Editor

Seniors began their goodbye process at the Wisdom Retreat.

“I thought the day was fun,” senior Jake Donahoe said. “It was much better than a day of testing.”

Three Youth Frontier members led the retreat. The leaders hyped the seniors up by introducing games such as giant, elf and wizard and bird on the perch.

“I feel like the leaders really helped us realize that the end is near,” senior Jamie Mitzel said. “We really need to appreciate each other and everything we have done to help each other throughout high school.”

The Wisdom Retreat gave seniors the opportunity to give shout outs to one another by recognizing them for their hard work. Seniors conversed with their classmates, reminisced about their high school experiences and thanked the people who pushed them through high school.

“It was a great day to get away from school,” senior Mackenzie Nelson said. “It was good to be able to have a day with the entire Class of 2015.”

South Dakota State UniversityEmily Anderson, nursingShannon Backer, undecidedEmma Baier, bioinformaticsTonner Bowman, agronomyAndrew Breitzman, undecidedAlicia Dewit, nursingIsabelle Elrod, elementary educationCarter Erickson, mechanical engineeringEric Flanigan, wildlife and fishery sciencesReid Grode, biology/pre-medEmily Harris, nursingAustin Harvey, engineering/computer scienceLogan Hawkins, nursingVanessa Heinrichs, athletic trainingHaley Hoeke, nursingShyanne Johnson, undecidedUmaima Koch, graphic designKaila Kuehn, pharmacyJacob Larson, electrical engineeringRyan Larson, political science/economicsSarah McKellar, nursingMacy Murren, dairy science/agriculture businessJacob Nachreiner, electrical engineering/computer scienceStephanie Podhradsky, nursing/anesthesiologyMaggie Roe, nursingMitchell Selken, aviationSam Sperlich, dentistryAlex Wilde, undecidedUniversity of South DakotaHaley Andrews, biology/pre-medJosh Andrews, undecidedJeanna Brandsrud, music educationClayton Ebright, business managementTyler Erck, kinesiologyBrendan Gayken, undecidedAshley Guthmiller, undecidedAdam Halter, accountingCalli Hensley, nursingAlex Hillestad, nursing/biologyKayla Houtsma, health scienceChase Huntimer, history

Katelyn Kendall, secondary educationMaddy Klamm, business/marketingTanner Koster, businessJessi Lorenzen, occupational therapy/kinesiologyJamie Mitzel, dental hygieneEmina Musinovic, pre-medKelsey Nimick, pre-lawMykayla Palmer, physicsKody Petersen, criminal justice/SpanishTristin Pliska, pre-lawAlick Sazonov, businessIsaac Sissoko, undecidedBrad Taylor, chemistry/biologyEzra Voigt, businessJosh White, businessMadisen White, psychiatryAmber Wickstrom, health science/occupational therapyEvan Wieser, EnglishKjerstin Williams, medical biologyAugustana CollegeRobert Berndt, undecidedAbby Castle, undecidedTate Green, artRobert Haggar, economics/political scienceSarah House, elementary and special educationDylan Kipp, biochemistry/biologyEmily Oyos, biology/SpanishDrew Reinschmidt, biology/SpanishLizzie Waller, biology/pre-medUniversity of Sioux Falls Shawna Coyle, radiologic technologyKaity Dybdahl, nursingWeston Meyer, media studies/businessSammie Peterson, nursingSouth Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyLucas Chmela, civil engineeringDaniel Eitreim, chemical engineeringBrock Hanson, mechanical engineeringSummer Rogers, mechanical engineeringBill Trevillyan, chemical engineeringSoutheast Technical InstituteRiley Bennett, computer science

Morgen Burkman, law enforcementCassie Dean, cardiovascular sonographyBrielle Hogue, business administrationLinsey Jones, surgical technologyAmy Kramer, agricultureMackenzie Nelson, graphic designKristen Paulsen, criminal justiceMikayla Ploen, businessKeith Schreurs, HVACShelby Simpson, vascular ultrasound technologyZach Thomas, salesTaia Tupy, early childhood supportMeikayla Wojciechowski, businessOther South Dakota SchoolsDenton Bose, Dakota State University, physical educationJeremiah Burkman, Dakota State University, computer

game designJake Comeaux, Northern State University, undecidedMatthew Fickbohm, Dakota State University, computer

scienceRiley Frantzen, Northern State University, biology/nursingPatrick Gallo, Dakota State University, computer science/

cyber securityMolly Howard, Black Hills State University, history

educationLydia Huntington, Cornerstone Bible Institute, Bible studyKendall Jessip, Black Hills Beauty College, cosmetologyShaylee Juhnke, Lake Area Technical Institute, dentistryVanessa Kaler, Lake Area Technical Institute, dentistryCarley Kueter, Northern State University, elementary

educationGarrett Lambert, Dakota State University, computer scienceAustin Meinerts, Dakota Wesleyan University, wildlife

managementRiley Petersen, Dakota State University, computer scienceSamantha Peterson, Globe University, veterinary

technologyBraydon Reindl, Dakota State University, computer scienceRylie Schuldt, Stewart School, cosmetologyCora Spees, Stewart School, cosmetologyDanny Vongkaenchan, Dakota State University, computer

science

Wyatt Winter, Mitchell Technical Institute, power wire construction

Minnesota SchoolsMichaela Beckman, Minnesota State University,

Mankato, sports managementMeghan Beldin, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary

Arts, baking/culinary artsSydney Blair, Minnesota State University, Mankato, pre-

lawJacob Boomsma, University of Minnesota-Duluth,

marketing/photographyPeter Choudek, University of St. Thomas, mechanical

engineeringMollie Drexler, St. Cloud State University, nursingRiley Duncanson, St. Cloud State University, undecidedLydia Eichelberg, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

undecidedKeenan Ernste, St. Olaf College, biology/pre-medMarina Gillespie, St. Cloud State University, undecidedAlex Hamer, St. Cloud State University, businessBethany Headrick, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

communications/cinema studiesKevin Huizenga, Southwest Minnesota State University,

theater/vocal performanceGreg Koehn, St. Cloud State University, businessGreg Lundberg, Augsburg College, undecidedAnthony Meyerink, Minnesota West Community and

Technical College, fluid powerKjersti Nitz, Gustavus Adolphus College, nursingNicole Petersen, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

psychologyCole Ripperda, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

business/sports administration and managementCaitlynn Schumacher, St. Cloud State University,

political scienceMaci Smykle, Aveda Institute, cosmetologyCourtney Stegenga, St. Cloud State University, undecidedBrandon West, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

nursingNebraska SchoolsDylan Bludorn, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

broadcast journalism

Alex Darrington, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, civil engineering

Becca Goth, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pre-law/marketing

John Hedman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, microbiology

Sally Hoffmann, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, global studies/pre-med

Chandler McGrath, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, biology

Levi McKercher, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, water sciences/Spanish

Karly Neuberger, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, biological sciences

Eli Suchowacky, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, undecidedAustin Trevino, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, biologyCassidy Wethor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

chemistry/SpanishIowa SchoolsNate Bennett, Northwestern College, agriculture/businessEden Burch, Northwestern College, nursingPaige Drenth, Northwestern College, exercise scienceHunter Duncan, Iowa Lakes Community College,

weldingJessica Higgins, Morningside College, undecidedTyler Limmer, Northwestern College, sports managementHailey Murray, University of Iowa, chemical engineeringChelsey Schmeling, Luther College, music educationNorth Dakota SchoolsShayna Berberich, University of North Dakota, businessKatelynn Erickson, University of North Dakota, biologySavannah Garrow, North Dakota State University, interior

designLilli Jasper, University of North Dakota, criminal justiceMakenzie Marso, North Dakota State University, social

workKendra Riley, University of North Dakota, dieteticsBrianna Waltner, North Dakota State University, exercise science/athletic trainingOther Out-of-State SchoolsMickelle Ahlers, Colorado State University, veterinary

science

Ted Dohrman, Arizona State University, information technology

Jacob Donahoe, University of Colorado-Boulder, molecular cellular developmental biology

Allison Fatone, Reed College, biologyShane Gacke, George Mason University, cyber security

engineeringJake Garner, Tulsa Welding School, weldingCasey Koutstaal, University of Montana Western,

sociology/anthropologyAlissa Kuhn, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, danceAshley Schobert, University of Nevada, Las Vegas,

political science/SpanishThomas Siemonsma, University of Wyoming-Casper, fire

scienceAshley Westcott, San Diego State University, kinesiologyMariah Zell, Mitchell College, criminal justiceArmed ForcesEthan Clow, NavyNate Holm, Air ForceRandall Howard, NavyJacob Leonard, ArmySean McEachran, Army

National GuardConnor Smith, Air

National GuardWorkingAndrew AlexanderJessica AndreasenCaleb AndreeDevin BerndtChris BlyJosh BradleyHalle DoeTaborr EllenbeckerAlisha ElznicKallie FolkMatthew GorsuchDani HoekeJoe IrvineBrianna KochBrian Melvin

Emilie SchroederAustin SorensonBrittany ToftelandJeremy UnzenCaleb VanHemertDylan WidmannUndecidedKevin BaiGideon CrapserZach FrantzDylan GustafsonMatthew JensenSeth LausengEstel NiyotwizeraJaeden SpurlingMegan SwetsJordan WagleyCody WelshCassie WiseOtherCody Dutson, two-year

mission tripAmy Vardsveen, Avera EMS

program

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 8, 2015

Class of 2015 announce post-graduation plans

Seniors say theirgood-byes

Senior Jessica Higgins sings “Love Story” to her classmates. Higgins’ team won the American Idol challenge at the Wisdom Retreat. Senior classmates carried Higgins, acting as if she was on a horse carriage, and then they sat on the floor encircling her while snapping to the beat.

Instructors Louisa Otto, Terry Gullickson and Kraig Presler (not pictured) act as American Idol judges.

Seniors Estel Niyotwizera, Kallie Folk and Shelby Simpson play spoon on a string. The boys (top) sing “What is Love?”

By Macy MurrenVoices Editor

Seniors began their goodbye process at the Wisdom Retreat.

“I thought the day was fun,” senior Jake Donahoe said. “It was much better than a day of testing.”

Three Youth Frontier members led the retreat. The leaders hyped the seniors up by introducing games such as giant, elf and wizard and bird on the perch.

“I feel like the leaders really helped us realize that the end is near,” senior Jamie Mitzel said. “We really need to appreciate each other and everything we have done to help each other throughout high school.”

The Wisdom Retreat gave seniors the opportunity to give shout outs to one another by recognizing them for their hard work. Seniors conversed with their classmates, reminisced about their high school experiences and thanked the people who pushed them through high school.

“It was a great day to get away from school,” senior Mackenzie Nelson said. “It was good to be able to have a day with the entire Class of 2015.”

South Dakota State UniversityEmily Anderson, nursingShannon Backer, undecidedEmma Baier, bioinformaticsTonner Bowman, agronomyAndrew Breitzman, undecidedAlicia Dewit, nursingIsabelle Elrod, elementary educationCarter Erickson, mechanical engineeringEric Flanigan, wildlife and fishery sciencesReid Grode, biology/pre-medEmily Harris, nursingAustin Harvey, engineering/computer scienceLogan Hawkins, nursingVanessa Heinrichs, athletic trainingHaley Hoeke, nursingShyanne Johnson, undecidedUmaima Koch, graphic designKaila Kuehn, pharmacyJacob Larson, electrical engineeringRyan Larson, political science/economicsSarah McKellar, nursingMacy Murren, dairy science/agriculture businessJacob Nachreiner, electrical engineering/computer scienceStephanie Podhradsky, nursing/anesthesiologyMaggie Roe, nursingMitchell Selken, aviationSam Sperlich, dentistryAlex Wilde, undecidedUniversity of South DakotaHaley Andrews, biology/pre-medJosh Andrews, undecidedJeanna Brandsrud, music educationClayton Ebright, business managementTyler Erck, kinesiologyBrendan Gayken, undecidedAshley Guthmiller, undecidedAdam Halter, accountingCalli Hensley, nursingAlex Hillestad, nursing/biologyKayla Houtsma, health scienceChase Huntimer, history

Katelyn Kendall, secondary educationMaddy Klamm, business/marketingTanner Koster, businessJessi Lorenzen, occupational therapy/kinesiologyJamie Mitzel, dental hygieneEmina Musinovic, pre-medKelsey Nimick, pre-lawMykayla Palmer, physicsKody Petersen, criminal justice/SpanishTristin Pliska, pre-lawAlick Sazonov, businessIsaac Sissoko, undecidedBrad Taylor, chemistry/biologyEzra Voigt, businessJosh White, businessMadisen White, psychiatryAmber Wickstrom, health science/occupational therapyEvan Wieser, EnglishKjerstin Williams, medical biologyAugustana CollegeRobert Berndt, undecidedAbby Castle, undecidedTate Green, artRobert Haggar, economics/political scienceSarah House, elementary and special educationDylan Kipp, biochemistry/biologyEmily Oyos, biology/SpanishDrew Reinschmidt, biology/SpanishLizzie Waller, biology/pre-medUniversity of Sioux Falls Shawna Coyle, radiologic technologyKaity Dybdahl, nursingWeston Meyer, media studies/businessSammie Peterson, nursingSouth Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyLucas Chmela, civil engineeringDaniel Eitreim, chemical engineeringBrock Hanson, mechanical engineeringSummer Rogers, mechanical engineeringBill Trevillyan, chemical engineeringSoutheast Technical InstituteRiley Bennett, computer science

Morgen Burkman, law enforcementCassie Dean, cardiovascular sonographyBrielle Hogue, business administrationLinsey Jones, surgical technologyAmy Kramer, agricultureMackenzie Nelson, graphic designKristen Paulsen, criminal justiceMikayla Ploen, businessKeith Schreurs, HVACShelby Simpson, vascular ultrasound technologyZach Thomas, salesTaia Tupy, early childhood supportMeikayla Wojciechowski, businessOther South Dakota SchoolsDenton Bose, Dakota State University, physical educationJeremiah Burkman, Dakota State University, computer

game designJake Comeaux, Northern State University, undecidedMatthew Fickbohm, Dakota State University, computer

scienceRiley Frantzen, Northern State University, biology/nursingPatrick Gallo, Dakota State University, computer science/

cyber securityMolly Howard, Black Hills State University, history

educationLydia Huntington, Cornerstone Bible Institute, Bible studyKendall Jessip, Black Hills Beauty College, cosmetologyShaylee Juhnke, Lake Area Technical Institute, dentistryVanessa Kaler, Lake Area Technical Institute, dentistryCarley Kueter, Northern State University, elementary

educationGarrett Lambert, Dakota State University, computer scienceAustin Meinerts, Dakota Wesleyan University, wildlife

managementRiley Petersen, Dakota State University, computer scienceSamantha Peterson, Globe University, veterinary

technologyBraydon Reindl, Dakota State University, computer scienceRylie Schuldt, Stewart School, cosmetologyCora Spees, Stewart School, cosmetologyDanny Vongkaenchan, Dakota State University, computer

science

Wyatt Winter, Mitchell Technical Institute, power wire construction

Minnesota SchoolsMichaela Beckman, Minnesota State University,

Mankato, sports managementMeghan Beldin, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary

Arts, baking/culinary artsSydney Blair, Minnesota State University, Mankato, pre-

lawJacob Boomsma, University of Minnesota-Duluth,

marketing/photographyPeter Choudek, University of St. Thomas, mechanical

engineeringMollie Drexler, St. Cloud State University, nursingRiley Duncanson, St. Cloud State University, undecidedLydia Eichelberg, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

undecidedKeenan Ernste, St. Olaf College, biology/pre-medMarina Gillespie, St. Cloud State University, undecidedAlex Hamer, St. Cloud State University, businessBethany Headrick, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

communications/cinema studiesKevin Huizenga, Southwest Minnesota State University,

theater/vocal performanceGreg Koehn, St. Cloud State University, businessGreg Lundberg, Augsburg College, undecidedAnthony Meyerink, Minnesota West Community and

Technical College, fluid powerKjersti Nitz, Gustavus Adolphus College, nursingNicole Petersen, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

psychologyCole Ripperda, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

business/sports administration and managementCaitlynn Schumacher, St. Cloud State University,

political scienceMaci Smykle, Aveda Institute, cosmetologyCourtney Stegenga, St. Cloud State University, undecidedBrandon West, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

nursingNebraska SchoolsDylan Bludorn, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

broadcast journalism

Alex Darrington, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, civil engineering

Becca Goth, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pre-law/marketing

John Hedman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, microbiology

Sally Hoffmann, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, global studies/pre-med

Chandler McGrath, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, biology

Levi McKercher, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, water sciences/Spanish

Karly Neuberger, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, biological sciences

Eli Suchowacky, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, undecidedAustin Trevino, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, biologyCassidy Wethor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

chemistry/SpanishIowa SchoolsNate Bennett, Northwestern College, agriculture/businessEden Burch, Northwestern College, nursingPaige Drenth, Northwestern College, exercise scienceHunter Duncan, Iowa Lakes Community College,

weldingJessica Higgins, Morningside College, undecidedTyler Limmer, Northwestern College, sports managementHailey Murray, University of Iowa, chemical engineeringChelsey Schmeling, Luther College, music educationNorth Dakota SchoolsShayna Berberich, University of North Dakota, businessKatelynn Erickson, University of North Dakota, biologySavannah Garrow, North Dakota State University, interior

designLilli Jasper, University of North Dakota, criminal justiceMakenzie Marso, North Dakota State University, social

workKendra Riley, University of North Dakota, dieteticsBrianna Waltner, North Dakota State University, exercise science/athletic trainingOther Out-of-State SchoolsMickelle Ahlers, Colorado State University, veterinary

science

Ted Dohrman, Arizona State University, information technology

Jacob Donahoe, University of Colorado-Boulder, molecular cellular developmental biology

Allison Fatone, Reed College, biologyShane Gacke, George Mason University, cyber security

engineeringJake Garner, Tulsa Welding School, weldingCasey Koutstaal, University of Montana Western,

sociology/anthropologyAlissa Kuhn, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, danceAshley Schobert, University of Nevada, Las Vegas,

political science/SpanishThomas Siemonsma, University of Wyoming-Casper, fire

scienceAshley Westcott, San Diego State University, kinesiologyMariah Zell, Mitchell College, criminal justiceArmed ForcesEthan Clow, NavyNate Holm, Air ForceRandall Howard, NavyJacob Leonard, ArmySean McEachran, Army

National GuardConnor Smith, Air

National GuardWorkingAndrew AlexanderJessica AndreasenCaleb AndreeDevin BerndtChris BlyJosh BradleyHalle DoeTaborr EllenbeckerAlisha ElznicKallie FolkMatthew GorsuchDani HoekeJoe IrvineBrianna KochBrian Melvin

Emilie SchroederAustin SorensonBrittany ToftelandJeremy UnzenCaleb VanHemertDylan WidmannUndecidedKevin BaiGideon CrapserZach FrantzDylan GustafsonMatthew JensenSeth LausengEstel NiyotwizeraJaeden SpurlingMegan SwetsJordan WagleyCody WelshCassie WiseOtherCody Dutson, two-year

mission tripAmy Vardsveen, Avera EMS

program

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 8, 2015

Orchestra tours schools

Did you know...?

FFAers in parade

n Girls golf Eastern South Dakota Conference meet is today at 10 a.m. in Aberdeen.n Track Metro Conference meet is today at 3 p.m. at O’Gorman.n Boys tennis Metro Conference meet is Saturday at 9 a.m. in Sioux Falls.n Board of Education meeting is Monday at 6:30 p.m.n Girls golf awards dinner is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.n Boys tennis triangular is Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Yankton.n Girls golf Lynx Invite is Tuesday at noon.n Boys tennis Eastern South Dakota Conference meet is next Friday at 9 a.m. in Watertown.n Track Eastern South Dakota Conference meet is next Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in Brookings.n Graduation commencement is May 17 at 2 p.m. in the activities center.n Girls golf state meet will be May 18-19 at 9 a.m. in Rapid City.n Semester tests are May 18-20.n Boys tennis awards dinner is May 19 at 6:30 p.m.n Last day of school is May 20.n Teacher workshop is May 21.

Wilde continues career at SDSUBy Dylan BludornSports Editor

Senior Alex Wilde, a standout football receiver, will continue his career at South Dakota State University.

“I felt at home with the family atmosphere,” Wilde said. “I knew I’d have a great opportunity at being successful early and wanted to pursue that. Also, the scholarship was perfect with what I wanted.”

Wilde hopes to contribute to the Jackrabbit team that ended its season in the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision Tournament.

“My goals are sky high,” he said. “I want to be the best receiver in the conference, statistically, as well as blocking. I’ve always set my goals as high as they can reach.”

Other schools the Lynx receiver had considered were Bowling Green University and North Dakota State University.

“Bowling Green was a top contender for me,” Wilde said. “I also was very interested in the NDSU program, yet SDSU amazed me on my visit, which ultimately led to that decision.”

At SDSU, Wilde will be part of a

freshman class that includes Sioux Falls Roosevelt quarterback stars Taryn Christion and Chase Vinatieri.

“I’ve always had an extremely close relationship with my quarterback,” he said, “so I’m very excited to see what Taryn

Christion and I will be able to accomplish together.”

At Brandon Valley, Wilde, against archrival Sioux Falls Roosevelt, set a state record in receptions in a single game with 17. He also had 254 yards receiving in the game with four touchdowns, which is fourth all-time for yards in a game.

“Alex did a great job of preparing himself,” coach Chad Garrow said, “and in the offseason he got stronger and worked on his speed and his route running. He deserved what he got during the season because he worked hard for it in the offseason.”

Wilde was named to the Argus Leader Elite 45 and All-Conference in both the Eastern South Dakota Conference and the Metro Conference.

His quarterback, senior Jake Comeaux, who signed to play at Northern State University for the 2016 season, played a big part in Wilde’s success.

“Jake Comeaux will always be that person that pushed me to where I am today,” Wilde said. “I wasn’t going to play sophomore year; a large part of me going out was due to Jake.”

By Haley HoekeSports Editor

Basketball standout senior Carley Kueter will continue her career in college at Northern State Unversity.

Kueter, a Lynx captain, scored around 500 points and 350 rebounds in her high school career.

“I am excited to continue on my basketball career and work towards my career,” she said.

Before deciding on Northern, where she will major in elementary education, she received interest from other schools, but in the end she decided Northern was best for her basketball career and academics.

“Northern State is a very good school, which fits my major as well,” she said.

Kueter has been playing basketball since the second grade and her position is center.

Going to state her freshman year was one

of the best experiences in her life, she said. “It is hard to get to state, and to be able to go my freshman year was awesome.”

From her freshman through her senior year, Kueter developed physically, mentally and skill-wise. She will find she will grow much, much more as a college player, coach Mark Stadem said.

“Carley is a neat person. Some days it was a challenge, but that is the case with every athlete,” Stadem said. “Carley understood that we were pushing her to be the best she could be.”

Stadem said he hopes she works hard and makes a positive contribution to the team.

Kueter was named to the Eastern South Dakota All-Conference First Team and the Metro All-Conference First Team.

“My goal is to work hard and give my best effort on both the basketball court and in the classroom to prepare myself for the real world,” she said.

Photo courtesy of Alex Wilde

Senior Alex Wilde checks out the South Dakota State University football locker room where he will be suiting up next season to play for the Jackrabbits as a receiver.

Kueter to play at Northern State

Photo courtesy of Carley Kueter

Senior Carley Kueter plans to attend Northern State University to play basketball. She will major in elementary education.

Brandsrud excells in fine arts

Senior Jeanna Brandsrud holds her trumpet while she poses for a senior portrait. She plans to attend the University of South Dakota to major in music education. She has been in band for eight years, theater for two years and choir for one year.

FFAers participated in the Loyalty Day Parade for the 15th year last Sunday.

The ag students and FFA members decorated the float, which was pulled behind a tractor.

“The parade is a great way to end the FFA year,” sophomore Sam Loney said, “because we all get to meet up again for the last time.”

FFAers also had a Drive Your Tractor to School Day last Friday. They ate breakfast at the Sunshine Deli.

“It’s a good experience for FFA kids,” senior Amy Kramer said. “It’s something fun for us to do as a group, and it’s a good way to bond.”

Kramer and sophomore David Ballie drove a 7810 John Deere tractor.

“It lets people at school know about what we do in FFA when they see tractors parked in the parking lot,” Ballie said.

The FFA banquet is at Pizza Ranch next Tuesday at 6 p.m. for all members who participated in the Career Development Events.

Orchestra members toured the four elementary schools last Friday to preview the Spring Concert they performed Thursday.

“I thought it was a good experience to play for the younger kids,” said junior Jacob Meyer, a first violinist. “The students in orchestra have passion for what we do and enjoy the process of performing music.”

The orchestra played for the third graders to introduce instruments and music style to them before they play violin as fourth graders.

The musicians played at Fred Assam, Brandon Elementary, Robert Bennis and Valley Springs before returning to the high school to rehearse for their joint concert with the middle school orchestra.

By Samantha PetersonStaff Writer

For senior Jeanna Brandsrud, eight years of band, two years of theater and one year of choir are the top of her extracurricular list.

Brandsrud realized she had a love for music when she was about five years old. She remembers listening to the choir at church and seeing all the instruments and wanting to sing and play with them. That later led to her band career in which she started at age 10.

“I enjoy music,” Brandsrud said. “I feel like teaching the next generation is the best way for me to make a difference in the world.”

Brandsrud will be attending the University of South Dakota and majoring in music education. She is excited to preform with more professional-esque groups, to learn more and to develop more skills.

“I am sure she will be a terrific music teacher, either instrumental or vocal,” choir director Terry Gullickson said. “She is a wonderful musician and has a big, beautiful voice.”

Choir has become Brandsrud’s favorite this year. She has always liked singing and her teachers have been supportive and have given her opportunities.

“When I’m singing, I think about how what I’m doing can and is affecting people,” she said.