Volume 50 Number 9 Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005 Friday, May 11, 2012

The Senior Wisdom Retreat

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Carlson, Naasz excel in all they do

Photo by Cylie Svartoien

Senior Courtney Carlson paints a mural inspired by Van Gogh. Art students took turns painting with their partners.

60 units of blood donated

Photo by Mason Bender

Senior Austin Waller donates blood during the April blood drive. 60 units of blood were collected over the two day blood drive.

Instructor Mark Griebel stands in front of the Thank You banner students sent him through the goodie box project. After being stationed in Kuwait, Griebel returned home May 1.

Griebel returns from overseas

Besides academics and music, senior Hayley Naasz excels in other activities including varsity tennis.

19 attend Close-Up trip

Photo courtesy of Mark Griebel

By Mason BenderCirculation Manager

Blood drive collected 60 units on April 25 and 26.

Blood Bank donor consultant Rita Nelson said the 60 units donated could save up to 180 lives.

In order to donate students needed to be 17 or 16 with parental consent. Students also had to weigh 110 pounds, be in good health, pass a blood test and eat breakfast that day.

“I started donating in college. I had no personal reason. I just thought donating would be enjoyable,” organizer Dean Pierson said. “Mrs. Filler used be in charge of it, and I took it over from her after she left.”

Since Pierson began organizing the blood drive the students and faculty donated 1,479 units.

By Cylie SvartoienNews Editor

Some students excel in athletics, arts or academics. And, some students excel in all three like seniors Courtney Carlson and Hayley Naasz.

With a 4.0 and her love of science and math, Carlson plans to attend South Dakota School of Mines & Technology to pursue biomedical engineering.

“I think biomedical engineering is a good choice because I want a creative career,” she said, “but I want to incorporate math and science too.”

Academics isn’t the only area Carlson excels in. She’s also artistic.

“Dance is kind of like an escape from school,” she said, “and it’s an artistic outlet I’ve been doing since I was 6, so I’m comfortable doing it.”

Besides dance, Carlson expresses herself through art. Along with other students, she is designing and painting a mural. In the Regional High School Art

Show, she placed first in advanced watercolor painting and received honorable mention in advanced mixed media.

Carlson isn’t just a student, but a teacher. She teaches tap dancing and Sunday school at her church.

Naasz is another exemplary student. She will graduate with

a 4.0 grade average, a 34 ACT score and 32 credits. She also has been a National Merit finalist, a Presidential Scholar candidate, a National Honor Society member and earned the University of South Dakota Leadership Award in 2009.

Naasz plans to attend USD to major in chemistry and minor in Spanish and piano. With this education she plans on pursing a career in medicine.

Naasz is also gifted musically. She is a member of the symphonic band, is the flute section leader in marching band and was twice named to All-State Band and All-State choir. Her 10 years of piano lessons benefited others when she taught piano lessons this past year.

Her involvement doesn’t stop there. On the varsity tennis team, Naasz earned first flight in doubles and second flight in singles.

“I’m involved in everything not because my parents wanted me to be,” she said, “but because I wanted to.”

Photo by Brit Hicks

By Brittany LunstraPhoto Editor

After a year with a mission to support the draw down of Iraq and be a reaction force (ready to go wherever and whenever necessary), instructor Mark Griebel returned home May 1.

Griebel worked more on a day-to-day basis. He also worked Operations for three units, explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), an underwater dive team and a chemical company, which deployed to several countries and responded to many threats.

“The best moment would have been when all the forces were finally out of Iraq in mid-December,” he said. “Unlike most things here, it was a definite day. Most things go on for so long or the transitions are so slow they are not perceived. It was almost tangible.”

While deployed, Griebel missed his family and friends. He also missed driving his car, solitude, sitting in his comfortable chair, snow and, most of all, a home-cooked meal.

“But it helped not the think too much on these things,” he said.

Griebel’s wife Jessica, wants to thank Dr. Gregg Talcott, students and staff for their support of Mark and their family. Their one goal is to go on a family vacation.

The first few days back were surreal, he said, because it had been on his mind for so long, and when the reality finally hit, he didn’t know what to do.

“I could compare it to the transition from a freshman to senior,” he said. “Where do the steps take place? Hard to say. But on graduation day, there’s no question; Mission complete.”

By Stephanie MeeterNews Editor

Nineteen students at-tended the Close-Up trip in Washington, D.C., with instruc-tor Jeremy Risty April 22-27.

The students saw many fa-mous monuments. For the first

three days they attended work-shops and visited memorials. At these workshops the students lis-tened to speakers and participated in debates. They talked about in-ternational issues, politics, as well as civics. They saw the Supreme Court, toured the Capitol and the Library of Congress. They were also given the chance to see some monuments at night such as the Lincoln, World War II, Korean and Vietnam memorial.

“The Vietnam memorial was so serene; it’s almost eerie,” junior Ashton Nifong said. “You can see your own reflection in the memo-rial, so it really takes it to a per-sonal level.”

Wednesday was Capitol Hill Day in which the students could meet with the South Dakota rep-resentatives. Representative Kristi Noem and Senator Tim Johnson were unable to meet with the stu-dents because they were in ses-

sion and voting. The students did meet with Senator John Thune.

On Thursday the students went to the Smithsonian, the Holocaust Museum and the Arlington National Cemetery where they observed the changing of the guards.

“The Holocaust Museum was the most powerful thing I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Nifong said. “There’s a room that all that is in it is the shoes of the vic-

tims. It’s so moving. I teared up thinking of all the people the shoes belonged to—fa-thers, mothers and children. It was so depressing to think that their shoes is all that is left of them.”

Risty said it was a very edu-cational yet sobering experi-ence.

“You kind of leave there and just think,” he said. “It makes you put life into perspective.”

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 11, 2012

Class of 2012 announces post-graduation plans

Seniors reconnect at Wisdom Retreat

After passing the spoon on a string through the shirts of each teammate, the winning team celebrates its first place finish. The seniors were split into groups based on the month of their birthday for the widsom-building activities.

South Dakota State UniversityMichael Bader, music educationKrystle Baumann, nursingKatie Beldin, psychology/addiction counselorTalon Brown, chemistryAustin Burkman, pharmacyAustin Carlson, agricultureZach Fontenille, undecidedBriana Grimmius, undecidedSkyler Grimmius, family consumer scienceAlex Herl, undecidedZacara Hovde, nursingSamantha Huntimer, ecologyRyan Johnston, psychologyHaley Jones, nursingJacob Kirby, engineeringSteven Kuck, wildlife and fisheries scienceNick Kulzer, architectureNathan Like, biologyJosh McConniel, biologyMorgan McDonald, nursing Ashley Merkel, pre-medCharles Morrison, automotive engineeringLeland Murren, nursingAshley Musch, pre-occupational therapy/SpanishSara Nadenicek, graphic designJoe Nelson, pre-physician’s assistantMarissa Nelson, early childhood educationCourtney Oleson, undecidedFranklin Parker, architecture Nathan Petersen, undecidedMason Peterson, biochemistryKyle Rokeh, mass communicationsEric Skovly, undecidedErin Spanton, pre-pharmacyThomas Stoltenburg, businessCody Taggart, undecidedAlvin Thongphanh, undecidedAustin Waller, undecided Zach Williams, mechanical engineeringNick Zangara, elementary educationNick Zody, psychology

University of South DakotaLucy Benitez, art education/SpanishMary Bennett, pre-medNicholas Bratvold, secondary education/history emphasisRachel Christensen, history educationJosie Corliss, elementary special educationRebecca Dykstra, kinesiology/sport scienceDarek Ekeren, undecidedHeidi Hoff, nursingAlicia Kirkus, elementary educationBrent Maxson, business marketingHayley Naasz, chemistry/Spanish/piano performanceChase Nunnery, theaterKristin Pollema, special education/elementary educationEric Roach, pre-medCaitlin Roder, dental hygieneNick Tieszen, pre-medAustin Weisenbach, finance

Augustana CollegeElliot Blue, biology/pre-medJenna Baltzer, undecidedKaylynn Erlandson, pre-med/biochemistryCharissa Etrheim, biology and SpanishBryan Jackson, undecidedBen Richard, international businessCole Sivertson, businessMarissa South, American Sign Language interpreterKylie Stirrat, undecided

University of Sioux Falls Trevor Crow, criminal justiceCarissa Gerovac, psychologyDoug Hair, undecidedAustin Hogie, nursingDavid Koval, nursing/SpanishBrittany Lunstra, nursingGarrett Reta, criminal justice Dylan Rock, entrepreneur studiesCarissa Van Hemert, undecided Marissa Vivens, secondary education

South Dakota School of Mines & TechnologyNate Boscaljon, chemical engineeringCourtney Carlson, biomedical engineering

Alik Hindbjorgen, chemical engineeringRiley Hosman, electrical engineeringDrew Peterson, metallurgical engineering

Other South Dakota CollegesZach Beermann, Dakota State University, computer

scienceAmber Broekemeier, Black Hills State University,

biologyAshley Burkman, Dakota Wesleyan University, physical

therapyRyan Carnes, Dakota State University, network security Macy Esser, University Center, criminal justice Victoria Heinrichs, Dakota State University, education Kate Johnson, Presentation College, nursingBreAnn Lush, Dakota State University, special educationIan McClanahan, Dakota Wesleyan University, sports

managementMartin Minihan, University Center, business marketingAaron Powell, Black Hills State University, exercise

scienceCassie Schroeder, Dakota State University, elementary/

special educationLiz Tuschen, National American University, respiratory

therapist

Southeast Technical InstituteHannah Adams, LPNDillon Dede, HVACJennifer Dede, accountingAshley DeWitte, graphic communicationsPayton Else, nursingElliot Fuglsby, auto engineeringShannon Geraets, computer programmingNatasha Grussing, early childhood specialistKyle Halling, surgical technician/LPN and RNJosh Hillman, business administrationCody Hodkinson, weldingRobert Kanengieter, construction site management/

technology programDanielle Meyer, businessAshlee Miller, nursingMindy Moe, nursing/LPN and RNAndrew Mursick, auto mechanics

By Libby HoffmanVoices Editor

Seniors shared their appreciation for their classmates, applied their wisdom in activities and shed tears of emotion at the Wisdom Retreat April 19.

The Wisdom Retreat was intended to allow the seniors one last time to express any words to their classmates and to assure each other no regrets after they walked across the stage when they graduated.

At the retreat, the students played games to apply their wisdom and use their ability to work as a team to succeed in each game. The games were designed to build students’ comfort zone for later activities. Students were asked to be just themselves all day and to leave nothing left unsaid to anyone specific they had in mind. At many points in the day, they renewed some friendships with a simple apology.

“There were many friends from middle school that I have drifted away from,” senior Carissa Gerovac said. “It was nice to be able to reconnect and catch up at the retreat.”

Youth Frontiers put on the retreat. They have organized student retreats for 24 years to build positive school communities and strengthen student characters. Because the majority of students have mentally checked out by this time each year, their retreats are significally placed in order to give students an extra drive to finish strong.

Retreat activities consisted of choreographing and singing a song with the word “heart” in it, playing giants, wizards and elves (much like rock, paper, scissors), weaving a spoon on a string through 50 teammates, and finding students they haven’t talked to and holding a

one-minute conversation about a given question. Each question ranged from what their plans were after high school to a most embarrassing moment.

“It made me sad knowing our time together is almost over,” senior Hannah Calmus said. “Talking with old friends made me wish I would have spent more time with them.”

The most emotional moments occurred at the end of the day. The seniors sat in a circle with only the light given off by a candle in the center. Students had the opportunity to talk in front of their class about anything—good lucks for next year, a favorite memory, a regret or how special this Senior Class has been to them.

Senior Alex Herl was thanked by seniors Ben Schultz and Eric Roach for being such a good friend and for putting up with the two of them throughout high school.

“Being thanked by Ben and Eric was a great experience because it made me realize how much of an impact someone can make on their classmates and how good of friends someone can make in such a short amount of time,” Herl said.

Dr. Gregg Talcott expressed his thanks to the class and defined them as “together.” He said he has never experienced a class that is so “here for each other” and there has never been a student who has to go through anything without the help of the class as a whole.

“The four years have passed by so quickly and there is sadness with the thought of it drawing to a close,” Talcott said, “but there is also a great anticipation for what the future holds for the Class of 2012.”

Within a six-hour time frame, students accomplished a healthy closure to a memory-filled high school career.

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 11, 2012

Class of 2012 announces post-graduation plans

Photos by Brit Hicks

After passing the spoon on a string through the shirts of each teammate, the winning team celebrates its first place finish. The seniors were split into groups based on the month of their birthday for the widsom-building activities.

Seniors Brent Maxon, Hunter Alexander and Joe Nelson (above) race to finish first in weaving a spoon on a string through the shirts of each teammate. Senior Justin Womble passes the spoon on a string to senior David Rykhus. After playing strategy games, the seniors ate pizza and shared their thoughts on how their high school career ended. Many friendships were renewed after the senior gathering.

Krista Osborne, accountingMichaela Podhradsky, graphic communicationsTyson Thorson, biomedical equipment technician Amber Van Noort, horticultureAaron Wise, law enforcement

Other Vocational SchoolsSean Ahlers, Hot Rod Institute, undecidedThad Barth, Lake Area Technical Institute, welding Taylor Corcoran, Lake Area Technical Institute,

occupational therapy assistantKirra Fiegen, Stewarts School of Hairstyling, hair/nailsSam Keller, Lake Area Technical Institute, machining Molly Knudtson, Lake Area Technical Institute,

photographyWyatt Sundvold, Lake Area Technical Institute,

agricultural-productionEric Willard, Lake Area Technical Institute, undecided

Minnesota SchoolsKatie Benz, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, nursingLogan Beukelman, Gustavus Adolphus College,

chemistry/pre-medMark Brown, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

biomedical engineering/pre-medCasey Callies, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

chemical engineerHannah Calmus, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

nursingCarlee Dather, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

undecidedJ.W. Fruehwirth, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities,

chemical engineeringJ.D. Holman, Southwest Minnesota State University,

culinary Haley Kruger, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

athletic trainingAden Letcher, Gustavus Adolphus College, SpanishAmanda Nelson, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

pre-medZach Nelson, Gustavus Adolphus College, sociology/

anthropologyKelsy Olson, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

marketing

Chantel Paul, Southwest Minnesota State University, exercise science

Briana Roegiers, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, international business

Brigitt Seydel, Le Cordon Bleu, culinary artsBreanna Tofteland, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

businessBrock Wickett, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

accounting

Nebraska SchoolsAbby Christensen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

accountingMarisa Cushing, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

exercise scienceMaggie Drexler, Dordt College, biomedical engineering Shaina Sorensen, University of Nebraska- Lincoln,

psychology

Iowa SchoolsKelsi Bailey, Northwestern College, undecidedAriana Butterfield, Buena Vista, music educationAndrew Button, Western Iowa Tech Community College,

fire scienceEllen Dawley, Buena Vista, arts managementStacy Deibert, Wartburg College, pre-med/biologyKaitlyn Donovan, Briar Cliff University, anesthesiologyMack Driscoll, Northwestern College, psychology/

business managementJohn Klumpp, Iowa State University, business financeKyle Klumpp, Iowa State University, business/pre-lawKyle Petersen, Iowa Lakes Community College, wind

turbine engineer Haley Rubin, Waldorf College, music educationGerrit Wilford, Northwestern College, theatre/history

Other Out-of-State SchoolsCody Brown, Montana State University, architectureDylan Clark, University of Kansas, petroleum

engineeringJadyn Derr, Augustana College, Ill., English/business Zack Geurts, University of California-Berkley, businessJosh Grogan, Montana State University, architectureClay Guinn, Montana State University, mechanical

engineering

Braden Heidbrink, Montana State University, architectureZach Hoekman, University of Kansas, engineering Libby Hoffman, North Dakota State University, nursingShannon Homer, Brigham Young University, Utah,

undecidedAndrew Krege, University of North Dakota, physical

therapyNora Lueth, University of Pennsylvania, nursingKatelyn Mathis, Utah State University, anthropologyMatthew Miller, University of Notre Dame, Ind.,

chemical engineeringMike Priola, University of South Carolina, nursingRyan Samsel, North Dakota State School of Science,

undecided Alex Sandvold, Universal Technical Institute, Az.,

automotive mechanicsBen Schultz, North Dakota State University, undecidedCollin Wible, Minot State University, N.D., undecided Bri Wilkinson, North Dakota State University, nursing

Armed ForcesHunter Alexander, Air ForceMason Blair, ArmyTyler Bolcerek, ArmyChelsey Brannan, Air ForceAustin Eigenberg, MarinesMichael Frazer, MarinesTyler Grieve, NavyMichael Hartog, Air ForceChris Klein, MarinesNick Lysne, NavyTyler Martin, Air National GuardNahumo Niringiyimana, ArmyDylan Paggett, NavyJohn Sherman, MarinesTaylor Stoddard, NavyLexi Swanson, Air ForceDerek Swanson, U.S. Military

Academy at West PointCurtis Tschetter, NavyJustin Womble, ArmyBridgit Zens, Air Force

UndecidedTaylor HanischBrit HicksAustin LadwigSpenser LukinsKendra MerkelJosh MillerMorgan TaylorConrad West

WorkingBrittany BarberHaley KooistraKristen RiseChris Sutter

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 11, 2012

Reporters earn awards

Did you know...?

FFAers receive award

By Kyle RokehSports Editor

When looking at individual and team success for a high school career, senior Heidi Hoff’s name jumps right to the top of the list in South Dakota basketball.

“I had so much fun playing high school,” she said. “I’m glad I got to do it with Brandon Valley. I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.”

Hoff finished her career as a four-year letterwinner in girls basketball, making the state tournament three out of her four years on the varsity squad while twice making it to the state championship, winning in her junior year against the O’Gorman Knights.

“She will go down as one of the all-time greats in any sport,” head coach Mark Stadem said, “but if you asked what means most to her, she would tell you it’s the relationship she has had here with her teammates and the fact that she was a member of a state championship team.”

Hoff finished her memorable career as a basketball player with two All-Tournament teams, three First Team All-Conference awards, two First Team All-State awards, the Spirit of Su Award, Miss Basketball

and the Gatorade Player of the Year.“She will also be one of the most

decorated athletes in the history of Brandon Valley athletics,” Stadem added.

In her career, Hoff either passed or tied 11 school records, including points for a career (1470), season (547), and game (45); rebounds in a career (688), season (203) and game (21); assists in a career (366), season (132) and game (tied with Shelly Allen, ’80, with 11); steals in a career (193); and points per game in a season (21.0).

Hoff surpassed Allen as possibly the best girls basketball player ever to come out of Brandon Valley. Allen, at the time of her graduation, was the second highest career scorer in the state of South Dakota.

Hoff was also a go-to player on the volleyball team her junior and senior years, leading the team in kills while also being a vocal team leader, a trait that volleyball coach Lindsey Smith says makes her a great player.

“Heidi is a true leader because of her abilities on the court,” Smith said. “She has put in the time and effort to get where she is and has earned all her accomplishments.”

Hoff intends to play basketball at the University of South Dakota.

Hoff ends career in record books

Senior Mark Brown plays his euphonium for a solo at the Indoor Marching Concert. Brown played in Symphonic Band and Jazz Band along with Symphonic Band. He was also in All-State Band for a fourth year.

Photo by Brit Hicks

Brown All-Stater for fourth yearBy Sara NadenicekA & E Editor

Senior Mark Brown, as well as eight other musicians, performed as part of the All-State Band, but for Brown this was a special year.

Like his brothers before him Joey, ’09, and Steven, ’11, Brown performed in All-State Band his entire high school career.

“I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in such a fine music experience for four years,” he said.

For the concert the musicians were split up into two bands, the Lewis and Clark bands. Capt. Brian O. Walden, the United States Navy Band, and Dr. Jack Stamp, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, directed them respectively.

“Our band was directed by the director of the United States Navy Band,” he said. “We had the opportunity to listen to the Navy Band perform an outstanding concert the evening before the All-State Concert.”

Brown plans to attend the University of Minnesota after high school with hopes to stay involved in music by joining a church worship team.

Brown and the other seniors performed their last band concert last Tuesday. The concert featured all three bands. The seniors recognized their parents for their years of support in the band program by

presenting them with a rose.The Marching Lynx will march in their

final parade of the year Sunday as part of the Loyalty Day Parade.

Crow to play baseball at USFBy Ian McClanahanSports Editor

Starting football, basketball and baseball has become an expectation for senior Trevor Crow and it will continue for him next year at the University of Sioux Falls.

Crow signed with USF with the intentions of playing baseball for the Cougars next spring.

“Being recruited by USF made me work harder in the class,” he said. “They are pretty expensive, so I needed to get better grades for more money.”

Crow started on the varsity squad for baseball in center field since his freshman year. He said the experience he gained from the four years on varsity is going to help him throughout college.

Even though Crow is going to college to play baseball, no one will forget him as a football player. Being a starting runningback on the varsity football team

for three years, he earned the nickname “The Bus” for plowing through defenders and not stopping until he reached the endzone.

Senior John Klumpp said Crow received his nickname from defensive coach Matt Christensen during practice.

“He was blowing up defenders and hitting opponents out of their shoes like they just got hit by a bus,” Klumpp said.

Crow wasn’t satisfied with starting just two sports, he also started on the varsity basketball team for three years. Head basketball coach Brent Deckert said Crow was a big part of the last two state tournaments the Lynx played in.

“I feel honored that the coaches gave me the opportunity to start in my sports for so many years,” he said. “I really account sports and the people in them for making me who I am today.”

After starting since freshman year, senior Trevor Crow will take his baseball talents to USF next spring.

Photo by Brittany Lunstra

n At the SDSU Engineering Expo, the Physics Bowl team placed first. They were juniors Zach Van Ede, Long Pham and Sean Rollag.n Baccalaureate will be Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Graduation ceremony will be May 20 at 2 p.m. in the Student Activity Center. Doors open at 1 p.m. n Instructors Matt Christensen and Terry Gullickson were nominated for Teacher-of-the-Year. Teachers and administrators receiving service awards were Lana Main, Derek Outland, Melanie Sittig, Bethany Waysman, 10 years; Ann Sittig, Gregg Talcott, 15 years; Patrick Donelan and Randy Marso, 25 years.n Semester tests are May 14-16.n Teacher Workshop Day is May 17.n Board of Education meeting will be in the BVMS media center May 14 at 6:30 p.m.n Girls golf and boys tennis awards dinners are May 15.n ACT is June 9.

Choir trip to Florida

Echo staff and editors received 19 awards in the South Dakota High School Press Association’s Spring Writing Contest.

Senior Sara Nadenicek placed first in cartoon, first in photography for school activities and second in news writing. Senior Brittany Lunstra placed first in sports photography, first in feature story and second in photography for school activities and editorials. Senior Amber Broekemeier placed second in sports photography and first in editorials. Senior Libby Hoffman received honorable mention in news writing and editorials. Senior Kyle Rokeh placed first in sports writing and senior Ian McClanahan, second.Junior Devin Zahn placed second in cartoon and junior Zach VandenHoek, honorable mention. Juniors Cylie Svartoien and Stephanie Meeter placed second in front page layout. Svartoien also placed first in general interest/opinion writing and Meeter, second. Junior Meghan Gorsuch received an honorable mention in sports photography.

After receiving several awards this season, senior Heidi Hoff will play for the University of South Dakota.

Photo by Brittany Lunstra

Director Terry Gullickson and choir members will be going to Orlando, Fla., May 29-June 4.

For the senior choir members it will be their second trip since 2009 when they went to Washington, D.C.

“It helps them to stay focused as the school year ends,” Gullickson said. “It also helps to eliminate ‘senioritis.’”

Three FFA members received the state FFA degree, the highest award possible at the state level.

The members were seniors Austin Carlson, Wyatt Sundvold and junior Ellie Minihan.

Only 117 members out of 3,870 received the award.

“I think it is great,” adviser Gary Griesse said. “It really lets people exhibit their different skills that they can’t show in a regular school setting.”