Volume 52 Number 9 Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005 Friday, May 9, 2014

The Senior Wisdom Retreat

/pp. 2-3

Instructor Dean Pierson assists sophomore Tanner Burkman with geometry.

Photo by Jacob Boomsma

Pierson retires after 28 years of teaching mathematics

Sazama leaves district, pursues masters degree

Instructor Taya Sazama

Senior Annika Hindbjorgen hugs Juanito, a child from the Casa Angelina orphanage in Guatemala. Hindbjorgen will return to Guatemala on a mission trip this July.

Photo courtesy of Annika Hindbjorgen

Hindbjorgen, Presler leave legaciesBy Umaima KochNews Editor

Seniors Annika Hindbjorgen and Adam Presler will leave behind legacies both in school and in their respective extracurricular activities after graduating this year.

Hindbjorgen plans to major in health sciences at the University of South Dakota, with a music or Spanish minor; afterwards, she wants to become a physical therapist.

“I really love helping people,” she said. “I want a job where I can be active and talk to others about what they need.”

Hindbjorgen had a friend who was quadriplegic, and she became intrigued with paralysis and finding a cure for it.

“I want to help people live life to the fullest,” she said.

One of her greatest passions is helping the orphans of Guatemala. Last summer Hindbjorgen traveled to Casa Angelina, a Guatemalan orphanage.

“I painted fences, others built houses,” she said about her contributions to the orphanage. “We are there for the kids, and do whatever the orphanage has needs for.” Hindbjorgen even temporarily dyed the children’s hair pink and purple, just because.

“I plan to go there (Guatemala) for the rest of my life,” she said. “There are 500,000 orphans in a country half the size of South Dakota, and that, quite simply, is unacceptable.”

Hindbjorgen will return to Guatemala this summer on a mission trip.

Hindbjorgen has won six National Forensic League stars in oral interp, as well as many first, second, and third place awards, and has raised nearly $800 for the Children’s Care Mall Walk, in honor of a dear friend of hers who recently passed away. Hindbjorgen is involved in orchestra, concert and chamber choirs, oral interp, and has performed in a one act, one fall play, and 11 spring musicals, her favorites being Willy Wonka and Fiddler on the Roof. She loves singing, competing in non-original oratory and original oratory and her 102-year-old cello, Florence. She has been a counselor for the past three years for the YMCA’s summertime children day camps, and this summer, she will run a bicycling program there.

“My bucket list is a zillion pages

long,” Hindbjorgen said, telling of how she wants to see as many Broadway performances as she can, to go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, to ride a gondola in Venice. “Basically, I have a never-ending desire to see the world.”

Presler enjoys be-ing with family and f r i e n d s , p a r t i c i -pating in s p o r t s , s i n g i n g , laughing, r e a d i n g , d o i n g math and watching Jeopardy! School-wise, he is involved in cross country, wrestling, track, choir and Quiz Bowl.

“Sports and singing and trivia have just always been fun for me,” he said. “Even when I fail, I feel blessed that I get to compete or perform.”

Despite his many achievements, Presler personally feels as if he has had very few accomplishments in his activities. He attributes this to the fact that he sets lofty goals for himself, and rarely does he fully achieve them. However, he is proud he has never missed a competition or concert (due to illness or injury), and he has been able to be a role model for his younger brother.

Presler plans to pursue mathematics at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

“I love doing mental math and solving difficult problems using numbers and numeric principles,” he said. “Also, math comes into play in a plethora of different occupations; a knowledge of math opens doors to many opportunities.”

His interest in math was probably destined at birth, he said, seeing as his father is a math teacher, one of his uncles was an actuary and another uncle, a businessman.

“I want to continue to pursue my passion and find a career I can enjoy for decades,” Presler said.

In his lifetime, Presler wants to participate in adventure racing, a team competition that details hik-ing, rock climbing, canoeing and swimming over long distances.

“I’m just a Christian, a family man, a goofball and an avid eater,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my time at BV, and I’m excited for whatever is to come.”

By Jacob BoomsmaPhoto Editor

After 25 years of teaching at Brandon Valley and 28 years total, math instructor Dean Pierson will retire.

“Students have shown me many different ways to look at situations and solve problems,” Pierson said. “Their minds have such tremendous capacities and can think so well. To work with some students and see how they work through a problem is so impressive.”

Pierson began teaching in 1984 after receiving his bachelors degree from South Dakota State University. He later went back to school and earned his masters while managing a full-time teaching career. Beyond academics, he advised a Rocketry Club that qualified, with 99 other groups nationwide, for a contest in Washington, D.C. He has been

associated with the school’s blood drive for 10 years and donated blood since college.

Pierson coached middle school and freshman football, J.V.

basketball and volleyball.“Watching the students perform

at sporting and fine arts events has been a joy,” he said. “We have had so many great athletic teams and individuals. Watching them play in championship games has been a thrill. Attending band and choral concerts along with all the plays has been such a joy.”

Pierson has taught computer, Algebra II and statistics for two years, consumer math for three years, physical science and physics for five years, geometry for 12 years, and Algebra I for 28 years.

“I will miss the chance to be around such a great teaching staff that cares so much for their students,” he said. “I have always said that our staff pushes students to perform at their best. The results that we have had with the students that have graduated would show that we have been successful.”

By Jacob BoomsmaPhoto Editor

English instructor Taya Sazama will be resigning from her position after three years of teaching at Brandon Valley.

“Without a doubt, what I will miss the most about Brandon Valley are the people here,” she said. “The other staff members and all my students have given me so much joy, and I am thankful to have had such a wonderful first few years of teaching. I feel truly blessed, and it makes it difficult to leave.”

Sazama began teaching here in 2011 after graduating from the University of Sioux Falls and Harrisburg High School.

Sazama’s husband, Alan,

a recent medical school graduate, was accepted into an emergency medicine residency in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he will complete his formal medical education. Sazama will be pursuing her masters in English at the University of St. Thomas while her

husband finishes his training.“To all my past and current

students: I wish you well with the coming years as you begin your senior year and move on to college and careers,” Sazama said. “I am extremely proud of all you have accomplished and I am happy to have gotten the chance to be a part of your lives. Thank you for the memories!”

Senior Adam Presler

Teachers receive recognitionBy Molly HowardUpdate Editor

Instructors Matt Christenson, Kraig Presler and Deb Kresak were three of 10 teachers who were nominated for the Brandon Valley Teacher of the Year Award.

“I was very surprised and immediately wondered who would have thought of me,” Kresak said. “I have never liked to be the center of attention, so I was a little doubtful about going forward with the questionnaire. I decided to do so because the person who nominated me would have been very disappointed.”

Results were unavailable at press time.

Twelve high school teachers and staff members also received the Years of Service Award Tuesday at the Retirement/ Recognition Banquet. Michelle Dandurand and Michelle Stemwedel have served for 10 years; Kevin Brick, Mary Erickson, Amy Frantzen, Chad Garrow, Diann Terpstra, Dian Versteeg, for 15 years; Mark Stadem, for 20 years; Allen Hogie, for 25 years; Debra Rothenberger and Deb Swanson, for 30 years.

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 9, 2014

Class of 2014 announces post-graduation plans

Senior retreat positive

Seniors play bird on a perch in the beginning of the Wisdom Retreat. Girls ran around in a frenzy searching for their partner’s knee to perch on. If you weren’t with your partner within five seconds, you were out. Seniors Derek Johnson and Mateya Lunstra won.

Seniors Karlie Kirkpatrick and Kate Ellis share their thoughts with each other. Seniors were paired up with five people.

South Dakota State UniversityAshlin Anderson, exercise scienceElliane Antrim, art educationJenika Arens, pharmacyAlexander Ask, nursing/GermanJohn Bachman, mechanical engineeringTristan Black, biologyErin Buse, Spanish/biology/pre-medTaylor Christensen, athletic trainer/massage therapyAlyssa Christianson, human development/family studiesSabrina Dietz, mathematical engineeringErin Donovan, wildlife fisheries and sciencesKate Ellis, engineeringColin Entinger, biology/pre-medShelby Fritz, psychologyRaymond Fuerst, exercise science/philosophyAlana Hall, exercise scienceAlek Hanson, undecidedAaron Hauck, business/marketingShannon Hegland, biologyBen Jackson, undecidedDerek Johnson, undecidedMaggie Kramer, agricultural business/economicsPaige Kramer, nursingAlexa Kruse, business managementRebecca Long, exercise science/pre-physical therapyJennie Lubbers, undecidedMateya Lunstra, exercise scienceBriana Martinmaas, undecidedEmali McGee, mathematicsHannah McIlravy, human development/human studiesJacob Meyers, health sciencesErik Ode, dairy manufacturing/dairy productionKathryn Ode, early childhood education/special ed.Cassandra Onnen, undecidedAntony Pacheco, undecidedJanae Paul, nursingCarson Pruett, undecidedJessica Randolph, nursingIngrid Rief, pre-veterinary medicineShelby Rosenau, human development/human studiesAndrew Schwarz, sociology

Holden Sjogren, pre-pharmacyKailyn Smith, undecidedKristin Smith, undecidedBrionna Spurlin, biologyZane Swanson, geography

University of South DakotaAmanda Berberich, undecidedJena Dreyer, biology/pre-medTanner Fjerestad, bio medWesley Hanson, businessJordyn Herr, nursingAnnika Hindbjorgen, health sciencesBayley Horner, nursingLarissa Irvine, social workBrittany Jackson, undecidedJohn Henry Knudtson, nursingEmma Larson, occupational therapyLuke Laycock, kinesiologyRebecca Lien, elementary/early childhood educationKara Polasky, communication sciences and disordersBailey Quanbeck, EnglishWyatt Reed, businessDesiree Rohrbach, graphic design/marketingAustin Snook, accounting Jack Sternburg, psychologyMcKenna Stevens, social workDavid Swars, criminal justiceLily Swenson, lawJared Waltz, businessDevan West, undecidedPaige Wright, secondary education/theater

South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyCooper Baltzer, mechanical engineeringLuke Bauske, mechanical engineeringSpencer Heidbrink, engineeringNoah Klamm, mechanical engineeringJacob Parker, mechanical engineeringCody Woessner, civil engineering

Augustana CollegeZach Bingen, mathematicsKara Schroeder, nursing

University of Sioux Falls Allyson Dykstra, pre-lawA.J. Garrow, sports managementLucas Lunstra, undecidedNic Peterson, businessLeah Rohlf, elementary educationJade Roozenboom, computer scienceBrooklyn Smith, business/management and financing

Southeast Technical InstituteJordan Chistensen, automotive technologyBailey Flanagan, surgical techMadison Fleming, graphic media designMichael Hillman, mechanicsMikayla Johnson, nursingKourtney MacArthur, nursingMark Magelky Jr., digital mediaLogan McDonald, collision repair and technologyKourtney Mullenix, law enforcementAndrea Ramirez, early childhoodMitchell Thier, HVACNickolas Wehmeyer, banking

Other South Dakota SchoolsBrooke Becker, Mount Marty College, nursingKyra Derr, Northern State University, biology/chemistryAlec Finch, Dakota State University, cyber operationsBriana Grage, Dakota State University, biology/exercise

scienceTodd Grothe, Dakota State University, animation/

computer game designAustin Krumbach, Lake Area Technical Institute, diesel

mechanicsNoah Kulzer, Dakota State University, audio production

engineeringMackenzy Larson, University Center, undecidedJeffrey Lush, Dakota State University, secondary

education for historyKaycee Metzger, Lake Area Technical Institute,

photography/business associateTaylor Murtha, Mount Marty College, nursingMegan Peltier, Dakota Wesleyan University, elementary

education

Jamie Peterson, Lake Area Technical Institute, dental assisting

Kevin Petersen, Dakota Wesleyan University, wildlife management

Drake Tutt, Mitchell Technical Institute, propane/natural gasBranden Waldner, Dakota State University, undecidedNoah Zangara, Southeast Technical Institute, business

Minnesota SchoolsAlana Christianson, Southwest Minnesota State

University, mathematics/educationShayla Eastman, Minnesota West Technical Community

College, nursingAnna Fruehwirth, University of Minnesota-Duluth,

mechanical engineeringMichael Horst, University of Minnesota, electrical

engineeringEvelyn Jorgenson, Solid Rock Discipleship Program,

Christian ministriesAbby Lusk, University of Minnesota-Morris, biologyCaitlin Murphy, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

dental hygieneHannah Murray, Aveda Institute of Minneapolis,

cosmetology/estheticsLucas Mutschelknaus, Gustavus Adolphus College,

nursingDominic Nealy, Minnesota West Community and

Technical College, sports managementAdam Presler, Concordia College, mathematicsRyan Sjoberg, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

secondary educationAriel Smykle, Aveda Institute of Minneapolis, estheticsAshley Sommer, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

bio medical sciences/pre-medHannah Stensrud, University of St. Thomas, businessKim Zahn, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

undecidedBrady Zell, University of Minnesota-Rochester, nursing

Nebraska SchoolsJennifer Baum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, actuarial

scienceRichard Blue V, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

chemical engineeringJessica Edwards, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

marketingCam Holmes, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

biochemistryLuke Nordmeyer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

businessMatt Pearce, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, journalismTiara Tingle, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pre-law

Iowa SchoolsJacob Adams, Des Moines Area Community College,

undecidedAlicen Beldin, Northwestern College, actuarial science/

SpanishRachel Boy, Western Iowa Technical Community

College, photographyEric Eigenberg, Iowa State University, aerospace

engineeringKim Knochenmus, Dordt College, graphic designMackenzie Lien, Briar Cliff University, secondary

education and mathematicsTaylor Staab, Buena Vista University, public relations

Other Out-of-State SchoolsManuel Bernal, University of Arizona, psychologyCourtney Bruget, University of Kentucky, equine science/

managementShannon Gacke, George Washington University,

international relationsKevin Gingles, Brigham Young University, computer

engineeringJordyn Henderson, Florida Southern College,

communications broadcastShelbie Holiway, Baylor University, nursing/GermanHannah Johnson, University of North Carolina-

Greensboro, businessJoseph Karnof, California State University, robotics/film

makingBreanne Kline, Purdue University, EnglishLeandra Marais, Agrosy University, radiologyKaija Nitz, Pacific Lutheran University, global studiesAlex Oddy, East Carolina University, physics

Alex Pacheco, Brigham Young University, marketingRyan Rykhus, Colorado State University, biomedical

engineering/mechanical engineeringEmily Steinhouse, Lindenwood University, criminal justiceDrake Van Egdom, Lehigh University, bioengineeringJameson White, Lincoln Technical Institute, auto bodyEllie Williams, Florida State University, psychologyMinniya Wilson, Clark Atlanta University, business

Armed ForcesBlake Brockey, Army National GuardJacob Haan, Air ForceCourtney Herll, Air ForceEvan Mallatt, MarinesMason Sehr, MarinesRiley Swenson, Air ForceJohn Thelen, MarinesKirby Turbak, Air ForceAuston Weatherford, Army

WorkingHannah Albers Rachael BreenJonathan BrownMariah ClarkKenneth CooperriderChandler DawleyHunter FredericksSheldon HaugeKaleb KauffmanAlexander MaassenKathleen PerkinsonEthan ShabinoQuan SherronMolly SimpsonTrace SmykleKylie SnoozyTyler SnoozySathaphone Vongphouthone

UndecidedCole AlbertsonJacqualyn Berg

By Rachel BoyPhoto Editor

About 210 seniors reminisced, interacted, laughed and even shed tears with one another at the Youth Frontiers Wisdom Retreat last month.

“It was an awesome experience personally,” senior Erin Donovan said, “and I think our whole class really benefited from it.”

This retreat gave students an opportunity to speak up, recognize others for all they’ve done and share their overall school experiences and memories.

In the beginning, seniors participated in a variety of games and fun. They played elf, giant, wizard, bird on a perch, spoon on a string and more.

The seniors also sang together as a class, danced, gave recognition to other seniors and staff and shared advice for their futures ahead.

What affected Donovan most was when classmates were able to speak to each other at the end because it really sunk in that it was one of the last times the whole senior class was going to be together.

Senior Eric Eigenberg (top) rehearses his solo in his group’s singing performance. Seniors Derek Johnson and Mateya Lunstra (above) sit with Sam to support others.

Anna BlokAndrew BowdenCole BratlandKatherine DanielsJessica EdwardsColeton GingerEmily GrossZachary HansenJonathan HeibergerLogan HoekeLexi HooverRyan ImmekerRashel ItangishakaNathan JacobsonJordan JohnsonJosh JohnsonCody JostenErik JupiterThomas KhambounsyKarlie KirkpatrickBrittany KleinJosh MadsenBrittney MitchellMason MitzelAmanda OlesonSydney ReischAnthony StombergAlyson StonerEvan TellinghuisenNathan UnzenMason Van VuurenSuzanne VongkaenchanPresley Walth

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 9, 2014

Class of 2014 announces post-graduation plans

Senior retreat positive

Seniors play bird on a perch in the beginning of the Wisdom Retreat. Girls ran around in a frenzy searching for their partner’s knee to perch on. If you weren’t with your partner within five seconds, you were out. Seniors Derek Johnson and Mateya Lunstra won.

Seniors Karlie Kirkpatrick and Kate Ellis share their thoughts with each other. Seniors were paired up with five people.

South Dakota State UniversityAshlin Anderson, exercise scienceElliane Antrim, art educationJenika Arens, pharmacyAlexander Ask, nursing/GermanJohn Bachman, mechanical engineeringTristan Black, biologyErin Buse, Spanish/biology/pre-medTaylor Christensen, athletic trainer/massage therapyAlyssa Christianson, human development/family studiesSabrina Dietz, mathematical engineeringErin Donovan, wildlife fisheries and sciencesKate Ellis, engineeringColin Entinger, biology/pre-medShelby Fritz, psychologyRaymond Fuerst, exercise science/philosophyAlana Hall, exercise scienceAlek Hanson, undecidedAaron Hauck, business/marketingShannon Hegland, biologyBen Jackson, undecidedDerek Johnson, undecidedMaggie Kramer, agricultural business/economicsPaige Kramer, nursingAlexa Kruse, business managementRebecca Long, exercise science/pre-physical therapyJennie Lubbers, undecidedMateya Lunstra, exercise scienceBriana Martinmaas, undecidedEmali McGee, mathematicsHannah McIlravy, human development/human studiesJacob Meyers, health sciencesErik Ode, dairy manufacturing/dairy productionKathryn Ode, early childhood education/special ed.Cassandra Onnen, undecidedAntony Pacheco, undecidedJanae Paul, nursingCarson Pruett, undecidedJessica Randolph, nursingIngrid Rief, pre-veterinary medicineShelby Rosenau, human development/human studiesAndrew Schwarz, sociology

Holden Sjogren, pre-pharmacyKailyn Smith, undecidedKristin Smith, undecidedBrionna Spurlin, biologyZane Swanson, geography

University of South DakotaAmanda Berberich, undecidedJena Dreyer, biology/pre-medTanner Fjerestad, bio medWesley Hanson, businessJordyn Herr, nursingAnnika Hindbjorgen, health sciencesBayley Horner, nursingLarissa Irvine, social workBrittany Jackson, undecidedJohn Henry Knudtson, nursingEmma Larson, occupational therapyLuke Laycock, kinesiologyRebecca Lien, elementary/early childhood educationKara Polasky, communication sciences and disordersBailey Quanbeck, EnglishWyatt Reed, businessDesiree Rohrbach, graphic design/marketingAustin Snook, accounting Jack Sternburg, psychologyMcKenna Stevens, social workDavid Swars, criminal justiceLily Swenson, lawJared Waltz, businessDevan West, undecidedPaige Wright, secondary education/theater

South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyCooper Baltzer, mechanical engineeringLuke Bauske, mechanical engineeringSpencer Heidbrink, engineeringNoah Klamm, mechanical engineeringJacob Parker, mechanical engineeringCody Woessner, civil engineering

Augustana CollegeZach Bingen, mathematicsKara Schroeder, nursing

University of Sioux Falls Allyson Dykstra, pre-lawA.J. Garrow, sports managementLucas Lunstra, undecidedNic Peterson, businessLeah Rohlf, elementary educationJade Roozenboom, computer scienceBrooklyn Smith, business/management and financing

Southeast Technical InstituteJordan Chistensen, automotive technologyBailey Flanagan, surgical techMadison Fleming, graphic media designMichael Hillman, mechanicsMikayla Johnson, nursingKourtney MacArthur, nursingMark Magelky Jr., digital mediaLogan McDonald, collision repair and technologyKourtney Mullenix, law enforcementAndrea Ramirez, early childhoodMitchell Thier, HVACNickolas Wehmeyer, banking

Other South Dakota SchoolsBrooke Becker, Mount Marty College, nursingKyra Derr, Northern State University, biology/chemistryAlec Finch, Dakota State University, cyber operationsBriana Grage, Dakota State University, biology/exercise

scienceTodd Grothe, Dakota State University, animation/

computer game designAustin Krumbach, Lake Area Technical Institute, diesel

mechanicsNoah Kulzer, Dakota State University, audio production

engineeringMackenzy Larson, University Center, undecidedJeffrey Lush, Dakota State University, secondary

education for historyKaycee Metzger, Lake Area Technical Institute,

photography/business associateTaylor Murtha, Mount Marty College, nursingMegan Peltier, Dakota Wesleyan University, elementary

education

Jamie Peterson, Lake Area Technical Institute, dental assisting

Kevin Petersen, Dakota Wesleyan University, wildlife management

Drake Tutt, Mitchell Technical Institute, propane/natural gasBranden Waldner, Dakota State University, undecidedNoah Zangara, Southeast Technical Institute, business

Minnesota SchoolsAlana Christianson, Southwest Minnesota State

University, mathematics/educationShayla Eastman, Minnesota West Technical Community

College, nursingAnna Fruehwirth, University of Minnesota-Duluth,

mechanical engineeringMichael Horst, University of Minnesota, electrical

engineeringEvelyn Jorgenson, Solid Rock Discipleship Program,

Christian ministriesAbby Lusk, University of Minnesota-Morris, biologyCaitlin Murphy, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

dental hygieneHannah Murray, Aveda Institute of Minneapolis,

cosmetology/estheticsLucas Mutschelknaus, Gustavus Adolphus College,

nursingDominic Nealy, Minnesota West Community and

Technical College, sports managementAdam Presler, Concordia College, mathematicsRyan Sjoberg, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

secondary educationAriel Smykle, Aveda Institute of Minneapolis, estheticsAshley Sommer, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

bio medical sciences/pre-medHannah Stensrud, University of St. Thomas, businessKim Zahn, Minnesota State University-Mankato,

undecidedBrady Zell, University of Minnesota-Rochester, nursing

Nebraska SchoolsJennifer Baum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, actuarial

scienceRichard Blue V, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

chemical engineeringJessica Edwards, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

marketingCam Holmes, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

biochemistryLuke Nordmeyer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

businessMatt Pearce, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, journalismTiara Tingle, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pre-law

Iowa SchoolsJacob Adams, Des Moines Area Community College,

undecidedAlicen Beldin, Northwestern College, actuarial science/

SpanishRachel Boy, Western Iowa Technical Community

College, photographyEric Eigenberg, Iowa State University, aerospace

engineeringKim Knochenmus, Dordt College, graphic designMackenzie Lien, Briar Cliff University, secondary

education and mathematicsTaylor Staab, Buena Vista University, public relations

Other Out-of-State SchoolsManuel Bernal, University of Arizona, psychologyCourtney Bruget, University of Kentucky, equine science/

managementShannon Gacke, George Washington University,

international relationsKevin Gingles, Brigham Young University, computer

engineeringJordyn Henderson, Florida Southern College,

communications broadcastShelbie Holiway, Baylor University, nursing/GermanHannah Johnson, University of North Carolina-

Greensboro, businessJoseph Karnof, California State University, robotics/film

makingBreanne Kline, Purdue University, EnglishLeandra Marais, Agrosy University, radiologyKaija Nitz, Pacific Lutheran University, global studiesAlex Oddy, East Carolina University, physics

Alex Pacheco, Brigham Young University, marketingRyan Rykhus, Colorado State University, biomedical

engineering/mechanical engineeringEmily Steinhouse, Lindenwood University, criminal justiceDrake Van Egdom, Lehigh University, bioengineeringJameson White, Lincoln Technical Institute, auto bodyEllie Williams, Florida State University, psychologyMinniya Wilson, Clark Atlanta University, business

Armed ForcesBlake Brockey, Army National GuardJacob Haan, Air ForceCourtney Herll, Air ForceEvan Mallatt, MarinesMason Sehr, MarinesRiley Swenson, Air ForceJohn Thelen, MarinesKirby Turbak, Air ForceAuston Weatherford, Army

WorkingHannah Albers Rachael BreenJonathan BrownMariah ClarkKenneth CooperriderChandler DawleyHunter FredericksSheldon HaugeKaleb KauffmanAlexander MaassenKathleen PerkinsonEthan ShabinoQuan SherronMolly SimpsonTrace SmykleKylie SnoozyTyler SnoozySathaphone Vongphouthone

UndecidedCole AlbertsonJacqualyn Berg

By Rachel BoyPhoto Editor

About 210 seniors reminisced, interacted, laughed and even shed tears with one another at the Youth Frontiers Wisdom Retreat last month.

“It was an awesome experience personally,” senior Erin Donovan said, “and I think our whole class really benefited from it.”

This retreat gave students an opportunity to speak up, recognize others for all they’ve done and share their overall school experiences and memories.

In the beginning, seniors participated in a variety of games and fun. They played elf, giant, wizard, bird on a perch, spoon on a string and more.

The seniors also sang together as a class, danced, gave recognition to other seniors and staff and shared advice for their futures ahead.

What affected Donovan most was when classmates were able to speak to each other at the end because it really sunk in that it was one of the last times the whole senior class was going to be together.

Senior Eric Eigenberg (top) rehearses his solo in his group’s singing performance. Seniors Derek Johnson and Mateya Lunstra (above) sit with Sam to support others.

Anna BlokAndrew BowdenCole BratlandKatherine DanielsJessica EdwardsColeton GingerEmily GrossZachary HansenJonathan HeibergerLogan HoekeLexi HooverRyan ImmekerRashel ItangishakaNathan JacobsonJordan JohnsonJosh JohnsonCody JostenErik JupiterThomas KhambounsyKarlie KirkpatrickBrittany KleinJosh MadsenBrittney MitchellMason MitzelAmanda OlesonSydney ReischAnthony StombergAlyson StonerEvan TellinghuisenNathan UnzenMason Van VuurenSuzanne VongkaenchanPresley Walth

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 9, 2014

Journalists receive All-State awards

Did you know...?

FFAers in parade

By Taylor StaabUpdate editor

Instructor Melinda Winter and her ASL II students attended the performance of “The Deaf Duckling” put on by Mixed Blood Theatre at Minnesota West CTC Fine Arts Theater last month.

“The Deaf Duckling,” based on “The Ugly Duckling,” gave an insightful look on how a hearing family incorporates deaf and hearing communities into their family. The play was performed in American Sign Language and English. Of the three actors, the main actor was deaf and supporting actor were top level sign language interpreters.

“For us kids in ASL II, we understand how the people in Deaf community have felt a little better than some hearing people, and are much less discriminating,” senior Alexa Kruse said. “That is something I have thought a lot about with taking ASL. I feel like the students in ASL are much

better equipped to handle such a situation. I definitely look forward to the “someday” when I can communicate with my children much earlier than some because I can implement sign, and they can understand that sort of language earlier.”

The main actor is an actor in the ABC drama Switched At Birth, a show that has deaf and hard-of-hearing actors. They had opportunity to meet people from surrounding deaf communities that attended the play.

“The play would be really great for a lot of hearing people to see because it points out how important it is for deaf children to have sign language, and for hearing parents of deaf children to help immerse them and make a connection with them through sign,” Kruse said. “I really enjoyed the play and hope there are more experiences like it for future ASL students. I’m really glad I attended.”

Students watch ‘Deaf Duckling’

By Matt PearceSports Editor

Track standout senior Cam Holmes will continue his career in college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Running the 100, 200, 400 and 800m dashes for the Lynx as well as numerous relays, he will run the 200m and 400m dashes as well as the 4x100 and 4x400m relays for the Cornhuskers.

“I’m super excited to be able to compete for Nebraska in the upcoming years,” he said. “They have a very talented team and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”

Before deciding on Nebraska––where he will major in biochemistry––he received interest from many schools, but in the end he said his decision came down to Nebraska or the University of Minnesota. Academics––not just track––played a role in his decision.

“Nebraska has excellent academics,” he said. “I loved the campus and the atmosphere surrounding it.”

One day while Holmes and his dad were looking at the middle school track records, he asked his dad if he thought he could break any of them. When his dad responded the 400m dash looked doable, but the 100m and 200m dashes would be a stretch due to how fast they

were, Holmes decided to go out for track.

His dad proved to be right as Holmes currently holds three Brandon Valley High School track records as well as one state meet record. The school records are the 400m dash, the 4x200m relay and the medley. The state meet record is in the 400m dash with a time of 48.39 seconds. (For reference, the world record is

Holmes to run track for Nebraska43.18 seconds, set by Michael Johnson of the United States.)

Along the way, Holmes has earned six conference championships and two state championships.

“The highlight of my career so far is winning the Eastern South Dakota title last year for the second year in a row,” he said. “That was definitely the most fun year of track.”

Throughout his time running track, he has put in hard work, which has paid off.

“I think visualizing how hard your competition is working, and then working even harder than they are, helps push you to the top.”

Before he heads to Lincoln to compete for the Cornhuskers in a few months, he still has a few high school meets to go, including the conference and state track meets. The Metro Conference Meet is today and the Eastern South Dakota Conference Meet is May 17. State track preliminaries are May 30 at Sioux Falls O’Gorman and the finals will be the next day at Howard Wood Field.

At Lincoln, Holmes hopes to make an impact right away.

“My goal for next season is to earn a spot on the starting 4x400m (which placed second at the indoor nationals),” he said.

n Students of the month are fresh-men Hanna Jellema, Ben Clememsen; sophomores Ethan Brown, Andrea Mikkelsen; juniors Shane Gacke, Brock Hanson; seniors Todd Grothe, Shannon Hegland and Kathryn Ode.n Girls golf awards dinner is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.n SALSA meeting is Tuesday at 7 a.m. in the community room.n Academic Awards Assembly is Wednesday. n Baccalaureate is Wednesday in the Performing Arts Center.n Eastern South Dakota Conference track and field meet is home May 17 at 11:30 a.m.n Graduation is May 18 at 2 p.m. in the Student Activities Center.n Summer school registration is available in the counselors’ offices.n Girls golf state meet is May 19-20 at 9 a.m. in Pierre.n Boys tennis awards dinner is May 20 at 6 p.m.n Semester tests are May 21-23.n Boys state tennis meet is May 22-24 at 9 a.m. in Rapid City.n Teacher workshop is May 27.n Track and field awards dinner is May 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the commons.n Track and field state meet is at O’Gorman May 30 at 10:30 a.m. and at Howard Wood May 31 at 9 a.m.

Photo by Taylor Staab

Senior Cam Holmes will run track at Nebraska next year.

18 acts perform at Variety Show

Quanbeck is involved

Photo by Jacob Boomsma

Senior Bailey Quanbeck performs during the Variety Show.

Garrow to play football at USF

Journalism students received All-State awards for the Echo and Lynxonian as well as 14 awards in the South Dakota High School Press Association’s Writing Contest.

Senior Rachel Boy received honorable mention for sports photography. Senior Evelyn Jorgensen placed first for cartoon and second in general interest/opinion writing. Senior Matt Pearce received first in sports writing and second in feature story writing. Senior Kate Perkinson received first for non-school activity photography. Senior Taylor Staab received second for sports photography. Junior Jacob Boomsma placed second for school activity photography. Junior Becca Goth received second place in cartoon. Junior Molly Howard placed first in general interest/opinion writing and received honorable mention for cartoon. Junior Umaima Koch received second place for newswriting and honorable mention for front page layout.

The first edition Echo placed second place in Class One newspaper.

“Getting second place was rewarding because of all the time and effort we all put into designing and writing for the Echo,” senior Evelyn Jorgensen said.

By Katelyn KendallCirculation Manager

At the Variety Show 18 acts performed. The acts included singing, dancing,

piano, guitar, beatboxing, a comedy act and a Sherlock Holmes skit.

A surprise act included three school board members and Assistant Principal Mark Schlekeway dressed as the rock band Kiss. They wore the black-and-white makeup the band members wear.

About 350 people attended the show, raising approximately $1,500 for the Fine Arts Booster Club. The money will be used for scholarships, equipment and other requests.

“This has become a very positive annual tradition that provides a venue for students to showcase talents that might otherwise not be displayed,” said Beth Hindbjorgen, president of the Fine Arts Booster Club.

For the 14th year, FFA members decorated a float for the Loyalty Day parade, which was last Sunday.

“The kids like to throw candy,” adviser Gary Griesse said, “and eat a little bit of it, too.”

Griesse’s welding classes have been working on redoing the tractor that pulls the float. The students painted it red.

By Taylor StaabUpdate Editor

Band, theater and oral interp are at the top of the extracurricular list for senior Bailey Quanbeck.

Quanbeck participated in oral interp, Optimist Club, oratorical contest, National Honor Society, teaching Sunday school and was co-president of Art Club.

Quanbeck was involved in Symphonic Band, pep band and marching band. She has been playing the flute since fifth grade, and earned herself a spot in All-State Band for the first time this year.

“(High school) has taught me that you can take difficult classes and participate in many activities without sacrificing any one,” Quanbeck said.

Quanbeck was active in theater produc-tions including the fall play, one-act play and musical. She performed in The Movie Game, A Walk in the Woods, “Little Shop of Horrors,” Seussical the Musical, South Pacific, A Christmas Carol, “The Scheme of the Driftless Shifter” and Willy Wonka.

After starting oral interp in her freshman year, Quanbeck has earned over 1,000 points, the most points interp coach Gina

Koehn has seen.“It has always been a goal of mine to

publish a book, to decide what to do with my life and whatever career I want to do,” Quanbeck said. “I want the passion to be shown.”

Quanbeck plans to attend the University of South Dakota and major in English.

“I think USD has many opportunities. They have a great English and teaching program,” she said. “I think USD will have my activities and then some. USD will be able to foster my work ethic and enthusiasm for learning and contributing in activities and my community.”

By Dylan BludornSports Editor

Senior A.J. Garrow, like his father and grandfather, will play football at the University of Sioux Falls.

Garrow, a Lynx captain, will start over as a freshman battling for a spot on the Cougar’s depth chart. Including Garrow, USF has nine receivers on their preseason roster.

“He will do whatever he can to be prepared, go out and compete this summer and in fall camp,” coach Chad Garrow said.

Garrow, a standout receiver in his three-year varsity career as a Lynx, set a state record for the most receptions in a single game with 14 in the state semifinal game against Sioux Falls Roosevelt.

“There is definitely nothing like coaching your son for the past three years,” coach Garrow said. “There were some very challenging times and some very emotional times.”