Volume 52 Number 7 Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005 Friday, March 28, 2014

The Students to be the change

/page 3

By Evelyn JorgensonA&E Editor

Every year English instructor Matt Christensen’s introduction to literature class reads Life of Pi by Yann Martel, and every year Martel corresponds with the students via email. This year, senior Erin Buse, who contacted the author on Facebook, set up a day for him to Skype with the class.

Life of Pi is a story about a young Indian boy, Piscine Patel (Pi), who ends up on a lifeboat with a tiger after his ship sank in the Pacific. The book was also made into a film in 2012. Even though the book has nothing to do with high school in South Dakota, Buse said Christensen does a great job at relating the book to his students’ lives.

“I wanted to set up the Skype with Martel because I wanted to thank Mr. C for all he has done,” Buse said, “and this was the most incredible thing I could come up with.”

It is obvious to all in the class that Christensen loves Life of Pi. He has been the most animated with the discussions of Life of Pi, more than any other work of literature his intro to lit class has read. This was the first reason Buse chose to pursue a conversation with Martel.

Her second reason was that

Martel seems to care about what his readers have to say as far as analyzing his work. This shows in that he has been willing to correspond with Christensen’s classes before, just not as “face-to-face” yet.

Martel responded to Buse the same day and told her that although he is very busy, a good teacher is worth the interruption.

Buse’s fear was that her message on Facebook would not be seen for months. Her hope, however, was that it would be

read before the day she sent it. Contrary to her fears, Martel did reply within a few hours.

“I was thrilled for the response,” Buse said, “but I wasn’t excited for myself, I was excited for Mr. C.”

Despite his busy schedule, Martel scheduled to Skype with the class March 13 at 2:30 p.m.

Given that most seniors have early release, it was a time where many of Christensen’s students could join in on the call. Students had the opportunity to ask Martel

Christensen’s lit classes Skype with ‘Life of Pi’ author Yann Martel

questions during the time. Students who showed up were able to personally sit in front of the computer and directly talk to Martel, while the author’s image was projected up on a screen for everyone to view. A few days before the scheduled Skype conversation, Christensen set up an order of students to talk and a list of questions to be asked.

The Skype ended up being pushed back an hour because no one realized that there would be a difference in time. Where Martel

lives, they do not observe Day Light Savings. Many students still took the time to stay and talk with the author.

Buse also arranged for money to be collected by the literature classes to buy a thank-you gift for Martel. She has already raised $99 to cover the gifts and shipping costs. She said she is still being approached by people wanting to give more.

“I am just amazed by our class,” she said.

Buse wanted to buy something that would be of use to Martel, and something he would like. He said that he would like books about Elvis Presley.

Although Martel is just finishing revisions on his next novel, he has already started an idea for another.

“I do have this idea, this slip of an idea,” Martel said, “about Elvis Presley. I do not know yet if it will grow into a novel, but books about Elvis would be helpful.”

So Buse purchased books about Presley with the money raised by the class and shipped to Martel.

Buse said she is super excited about Skyping with the author, but what means the most to her is that it has also raised excitement among the rest of the students and especially Christensen.

Photo by Taylor Staab

Instructor Matt Christensen’s English 210: Introduction to Literature classes Skype with the author of Life of Pi, Yann Martel. After countless problems including not knowing Martel did not observe Day Light Savings and technical difficulties, the class interviewed him.

Image courtesy of Chad Nelson

A Darker Place, art instructor Chad Nelson’s mezzotint print in the “Into the Dark: Artists Exploring Dark Matter” gallery, depicts his daughter holding a jar 23 percent full.

Nelson visits Sanford LabBy Umaima KochNews Editor

Dim, sultry and wet was what the mine was like as trickles of water rained down upon the 22 passengers of a seemingly barrier-less, seven-minute elevator ride that traveled just less than a mile underneath the surface of the Earth into a network of caverns in which smooth-ridged, moon-surface-like rock hung overhead, covered in a film of sturdy mesh as colored wires snaked along the tunnels.

In mid-April of 2013, 22 South Dakotan artists, one being art instructor Chad Nelson, ventured 4,850 feet into the Earth’s depths and scoured the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) for inspiration for South Dakota artist Chris Francis’s vision for an underground gallery.

“I kept trying to put that into perspective in my mind,” Nelson said about journeying so deeply underground. “It was more than I could imagine.”

The artists’ adventure

started when Francis created an unauthorized Facebook page to gather artists for an equally unauthorized venture to place dark-matter-inspired art into the depths of the Sanford Lab itself. The research program staff found the illegitimate page, but instead of completely removing it as they had intended, an honest expedition for artists to tour the lab was planned between Francis, Lead’s Deadwood Art Council and SURF’s communications director Bill Harlan.

“He (Francis) is always looking to do new things,” Nelson said. “It was to celebrate something really interesting happening in South Dakota.”

And thus the journey began.Unable to spend more than three

hours underground, the artists quickly transitioned from trekking through rough-hewn cavern walls to exploring the sharp-edged synthetic walls of the laboratory itself into the heart of an external-dust-free world of jumpsuits, lighted hardhats and scientists covered head-to-toe in protective

masks and safety goggles, into one of the experiments: the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) dark matter detector.

Housed in one of the massive experimental chambers, the LUX detector, according to SURF, is a phone-booth-sized titanium capsule filled with ultra-pure liquid xenon that rests inside a 71,600-gallon tank of de-ionized water meant to block external radiation noise. Designed to detect weakly interacting massive particles, that many scientists believe are what dark matter may be, the detector is the world’s most sensitive contraption for dark matter detection.

“If they don’t find dark matter down there,” Nelson said, “they’re gonna have to go back and rethink a lot of things.”

In the meantime, after exploring the mine-turned-laboratory and countless hours of work and effort, the artists gathered their dark-matter-inspired artwork together and created “Into the Dark: Artists Exploring Dark Matter,” their collaborative

gallery. The gallery opened July 13, 2013, and was originally stationed at the Lead-Deadwood Art Center, but has since traveled across South Dakota from the Statewide Arts Conference in Pierre to the Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center to Augustana College where the Art Club toured the gallery.

Nelson’s piece in the gallery, A Darker Place, a mezzotint print, took roughly 48 hours to complete.

“I was trying to represent what

they’re looking for,” he said, “so I drew my daughter holding a jar 23 percent full.”

Nelson incorporated pieces of the LUX detector into his artwork, as well as drawings of the fibers people speculate dark matter is composed of.

“I took away a greater knowledge and understanding of theoretical physics,” he said. “Understanding my place in the universe, maybe I feel a little bit smaller.

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, March 28, 2014

Personal stories enlightening

What do you think about prom?

Cost influences college choice

Echo editors encourage readers to submit letters to the editor, which must be signed. They may be rejected or edited for grammar, condensation, good taste and/or libel. They should be addressed to the Echo editors or dropped off in the publications room, 120.

Cold weatherProm theme ‘Willy Wonka’

The Echo is published monthly by the publications students of the Brandon Valley High School, 301 S. Splitrock, Brandon, S.D. 57005. Telephone number is 582-3211. It is a state and national award-winning publication affiliated with the South Dakota High School Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. News Editor..........................................................................Umaima KochVoices Editor .............................................................................Becca GothA&E Editor .....................................................................Evelyn JorgensonSports Editors ........................................... Dylan Bludorn and Matt PearceUpdate Editors .........................................Taylor Staab and Molly HowardPhoto Editors...........................................Rachel Boy and Jacob BoomsmaAd Manager ...........................................................................Caiti MurphyCirculation Manager .................................. .......................Katelyn KendallAdviser ........................................................................Debra RothenbergerBrandon Valley Echo is a public forum. The editorial content of the Echo expresses the views of the newspaper and not necessarily of the administration, faculty or school board of the Brandon Valley School District. Bylined editorial content is the writer’s opinion and not necessarily of the staff, adviser or school administration. Signed letters to the editor are encouraged, but they may be rejected or edited for grammar, condensation, good taste and/or libel.

Thumbs up to the prom committee’s theme Under the Sea. Prom will be decorated with greens and blues with a land and sea

feel. Instructor Naome Poppe’s advanced foods class will make the hors d’oeuvres.

Thumbs down to the cold weather. March 1 marked the end of Meteorological Winter. Sioux Falls finished the season

with an average temperature of 12.3 degrees, making it the 10th coldest winter on record.

Thumbs up to the spring musical Willy Wonka. This play has the biggest cast yet with about 160 members. Willy Wonka is a fun

classic which particularly appeals to young people.

“It is one of the most memorable nights of high school. You get to go out while looking and feeling beautiful.”

-SeniorIngrid Rief

“It will be a lot of fun. I’m excited to see how it turns out.”

-JuniorCalli Hensley

“I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be a nice stress reliever after the ACT.”

-JuniorTyler Erck

“Prom is fun and cool, even if you just go with friends. I personally can’t wait for prom this year.”

-Senior John Henry Knudtson

“I think prom night is the best night ever. It’s something the senior girls look forward to all year.”

-SeniorEmma Larson

“I think prom is going to be a great time.”

-SeniorCody Woessner

Hearing the personal stories of a few classmates was a truly enlightening experience.

These were people who would be seen walking the hallways everyday with a smile on their face and a friend on each side. Some of them practically seemed invincible with the way they carried themselves. But, under the surface, these people were fighting an emotional battle everyday.

One person was fighting against racial and religious prejudices because of her heritage. Some people were fighting the physical hardships that a family member had to endure. Others were fighting a word that is as disrespectful as any other slur would be, a word that hurts and misrepresents who a person is.

The Be the Change assembly Friday was necessary. As a society, it is sometimes easy to become calloused towards the feelings of others. It is easy to forget that there are people among us who are hurting because they have learned to hide it everyday. It is also easy to forget that what is said can hurt a person emotionally. And, when a person is hurt emotionally, it stays with them much longer than any bruise or broken bone.

At school, it is important to recognize and respect everyone’s differences and go throughout the day without belittling someone else just because they are different. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and everyone should feel wanted at this school.

By Molly HowardUpdate Editor

Many students claim that after graduation, they want to go as far away from home as possible. They do so believing that being further away from their parents will allow them to gain their independence to truly become adults.

Because tuition costs are at an all-time high, more students than ever have a massive amount of loans to pay off. Generally, going to an out-of-state college means a dramatic increase in tuition. But, there are options for South Dakota students to put some distance between them and home without paying for it for the next 20 years.

According to selectdakota.org, the average price to go to a public university or tech school in South Dakota ranges from $12,000-17,000 a year. These costs include tuition and fees, books and supplies and on-campus room

and board. Generally, a student’s overall cost to attend college will decrease with financial aid and/or some type of scholarship.

Another form of a cost cut is if SD has reciprocity with another state. Reciprocity is when two states have a mutual agreement to exchange college students and allow them a lesser rate than they would pay if they paid the full out-of-state price. Unfortunately, over the years the number of states that offer South Dakotans reciprocity have dwindled.

The University of Minnesota system has the closest colleges students can attend out of state at a reduced rate. For example, the out-of-state cost per credit at the U of M is $704.24. The residential cost is $463.85. If a student gets approved for reciprocity, he/she will pay the same price that a residential student would pay.

South Dakota is also a member

of the Western Undergraduate Exchange program. This program includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, the Dakotas, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Students in these states have the opportunity to apply to any other members’ two- or four-year institutions with a “reduced tuition rate of 150% of the resident tuition rate,” according to collegeexpress.com. But, any student interested in this program will have to apply to get in and even then, not every eligible student will be awarded with the discount.

Overall, college is one of the most important investments a people can make for themselves. It educates and prepares students for careers in the real world.

Although one might wish to attend a college far away, the wisest choice may be to select one a little closer to home.

Brandon Valley High School Friday, March 28, 2014

By Taylor StaabUpdate Editor

The 1975 is England’s new alternative/indie rock band based out of Manchester and the greatest band I’ve ever listened to.

The group consists of Matt Healy (guitar/vocals), Adam Hall (guitar), George Daniel (drums) and Ross MacDonald (bass). The album The 1975 was released Sept. 2, 2013, and was No. 1 on the UK Album Charts Sept. 8, 2013.

The 1975 band members have a specific type of style in dress, music and overall sense of self. All but a few music videos are in black and white, with the band in black skinny jeans and baggy t-shirts, but don’t let their outside appearance ward you off. The 1975 have lyrics you want to

tattoo on your body; that is when you can understand them through Healy’s thick Manchester accent. Their lyrics aren’t about random one-night hook ups or getting drunk every night. The lyrics are about figuring your heart out and saying what’s inside your head or “Is there somebody who can watch you?”

I found out about this band through another group and I thought, “Hey, let’s just listen to them and see. Who knows,m maybe I’ll like them.” Now The 1975 is my go to album for the car and the shower. It doesn’t matter if I’m having a good day or a bad day, “Chocolate” will always put a smile on my face and make me sing at the top of my lungs. I mean, what’s better than singing a song that says chocolate every

other line?The 1975 songs reach almost all

spectrums. “Is There Somebody Who Can Watch You” is slow, “The City” is fast and up-beat and “An Encounter” is solely instrumental.

The newest single “Settle Down” is about being in a closeted same-sex relationship. The black and white music video for “Settle Down” is Healy’s reoccurring dream he had as a child about two boys wandering around the surrounding areas of where his parents grew up. Healy wanted a music video that explores love, the love as he always imagined.

The 1975 is England’s greatest indie rock/alternative of the year because their songs are catchy, yet tasteful and not bubblegum pop.

The 1975 invadesU.S. music industry

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Be the Change Week celebrates stories, diversity

Doyon kayaking champion

Photo courtesy of Megan Doyon

Freshman Megan Doyon and her team are competing in a kayaking competition in Canada. They won nationals.

School supports Vermeers

Photos by Becca Goth

Seniors Kathryn Ode and Emily Gross speak about their struggles facing bullying and encourage students and staff to take the pledge to eliminate the use of the “R” word.

Sophomore Connor Rowbotham talks about life with his brother Carson.

Junior Umaima Koch tells about what life and school are like being in a minority.

Math instructor Jacob Shoup sings “My Own Little World” by Matthew West.

By Katelyn KendallCirculation Manager

Freshman Megan Doyon is a Canadian national kayaking champion.

Doyon, who is originally from Québec, Canada, finished second in the province.

Kayaking is nothing new to Doyon, as she has been kayaking since the age of 7.

“When I was 7, our school did an outside activity and this activity consisted to go kayaking,” she said. “Since that moment I never stopped kayaking.”

Since then, Doyon has loved kayaking.

“What I really liked and love about kayaking is the feeling you have when you put the paddle

in the water and pull back all the water to move forward and obviously when you finish a 500m, 1K or even 6K,” she said. “The feeling is undescribable.”

Doyon has seen much success in the sport as she has received many individual medals. In addition to

her medals, she and her kayaking club members won the trophy for the kayaking championship in Canada.

Competitions were at four different places: Lac Beauport, the St-Maurice River, the Shawinigan River and the Lac Sergent.

By Umaima KochNews Editor

Dodgeball tournament and supper benefit to support Brandi Vermeer, ’01, is here from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight. The tournament begins at 6:15.

In May 2013, when doctors went in to replace the shunt in Brandi’s head, they found five lesions in the area instead, Assistant Principal Mark Schlekeway said. Soon after, it was discovered that the lesions were cancerous.

Brandi underwent a set of 12 chemotherapy treatments between August and December of 2013. The treatment sickened and weakened her, and she spent nearly 12 weeks in the hospital.

January of 2014, Brandi received the news that she was cancer-free, but recent additional

complications have landed her in the hospital for four to six weeks.

Schlekeway said he is proud of the students and staff members who have stepped up to help with the event.

“When we all heard what was going on (with the Vermeers), the staff wanted to do something to help Brandi,” he said.

The fundraiser is to assist Brandi and her parents, LeeAnn and Burt Vermeer, who have lived in this district for 40 years, with the medical bills.

“It’s hard to put a goal on it,” Schlekeway said, “(but) no matter what we do, it’s going to be great.”

Student Council and an organizing committee planned and sponsored the fundraiser.

By Umaima KochNews Editor

Several students and staff members shared heartfelt pieces about their struggles in life or a loved one’s during a massive story time Friday.

Seniors Annika Hindbjorgen, Bailey Quanbeck and Jeffrey Lush told the stories of various staff members; seniors Kathryn Ode and Emily Gross, junior Umaima Koch and sophomore Connor Rowbotham shared their stories; math instructor Jacob Shoup shared his story and sang Matthew West’s “My Own Little World.”

“I felt like the students were very receptive (and) honored those who spoke by listening,” Principal Gregg Talcott said. “Those who spoke provided great

messages for all to hear. It was a fitting conclusion to the week’s activities.”

Be the Change Week featured daily TEAM gatherings, during which Talcott shared pieces of his own story and read to the students “A Letter from the Fringe,” a story about a group of students bullied and ostracized by their peers.

“I think students and staff should always be alert to new opportunities to make this a better place,” Talcott said. “I hope (these) events will empower students to take action.”

This most recent Be the Change Week is only a part of the puzzle, he said, and just one event is not going to make a difference.

“Challenge Day, freshmen (and) senior retreats,” Talcott said. “It’s the whole deal.”

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, March 28, 2014

Wolters a bright spot for Bucks

Junior Eden Burch (above) places seventh in high jump at the Bob Prince Early Bird Invite with her jump of 1.42 meters. Anchoring the boys 4X400 meter relay team in the last event of the evening is senior Cam Holmes (left). His team placed second.

Photo by Taylor Staab

By Matt PearceSports Editor

Former South Dakota State University basketball star Nate Wolters has been a rare bright spot for the Milwaukee Bucks this season.

Spending four seasons with the Jackrabbits, the 6-foot-4 point guard owns their records for most career points (2,353), assists (663) and free throws made (644).

Leading SDSU to NCAA Tournament berths in his junior and senior year, he attracted national attention for his performances and became a favorite of ESPN college basketball announcer Dick Vitale.

During his junior season, the Jackrabbits almost pulled the upset in the tournament as a 14 seed losing 68-60 against a three seed, Baylor. The following season, they lost to Michigan as a 13 seed. Michigan would go on to finish second in the tournament.

At the end of his time in Brookings, he had reached cult-hero level for the passionate Jackrabbit fans. He is one of only four players in NCAA Division I history to have over 2,000 points, 600 rebounds and 600 assists in his career. He also scored double digits in all but 13 of his 128 games––11 came as a freshman and the other two as a sophomore. His streak of consecutive double-digit games reached 72 by the time he graduated.

Perhaps the biggest honor he earned while in college was being named a third-team All-American as a senior. This is the first time a Summit League player made any All-American team. As a junior, he just missed out on this award as he was named honorable mention.

With his college career over, the St. Cloud, Minn., native entered the NBA draft. There was no question about production in college, but there were some questions about the level of competition he faced while playing in the Summit League. This caused him to drop to the second round of the draft. With the 38th overall pick––eighth in the second round––he was selected by the Washington Wizards. This made him the first South Dakota college basketball player selected in NBA draft since 1983.

Soon after, the Wizards sent him to the Philadelphia 76ers in a draft day trade. In another draft day trade, the 76ers traded him to the Bucks in exchange for shooting guard Ricky Ledo and a future second-round pick.

Playing close to home in Milwaukee, Wolters has had an up-and-down experience so far. Injuries caused him to see heavy action early in the season. He soon became a benchwarmer, though, as he had a couple games where he didn’t even play. However, he is now back in the Bucks’ rotation and is seeing solid minutes every night with the occasional start.

His performance has been noticed as he has signed an endorsement deal with Nike. According to the Argus Leader, this makes him one of a reported 285 active NBA players who are signed with the mega-brand.

One of his best––if not his best––performances came against the Orlando Magic Feb. 18. For the game he had 15 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. With 30 seconds left in the game, the Bucks were down 97-96. Dribbling the ball at the top of the key, he pulled up and took a three-pointer––something he has struggled with at times this season. Draining this three, he gave the Bucks a 99-97 lead that they didn’t give up winning 104-100.

Currently, he is averaging 7.2 points per game along with 3.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds. These rank as the eighth best, fourth best and 17th best for rookies in the NBA.

His assist to turnover ratio––a key statistic for point guards––ranks fifth in the league at 3.28.

Digging into advanced statistics, Wolter’s PER (Player Efficiency Rating) is 12.81, which is tied for 216th in the NBA. (The league average is 15.00.) When you compare this to other rookies though, it looks better as he has the ninth best PER for rookies. Despite being selected with the 38th overall pick, he is one of the top-10 rookies in the league this season.

Playing against the Sacramento Kings Sunday, he broke his left hand. This injury is expected to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Although the Bucks have been the worst team in the NBA this season, that hasn’t been Wolters’ fault. In the midst of a major rebuilding effort, the Bucks have a league worst record of 13-58.

Along with fellow rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo (a first-round pick), Wolters has been a rare bright spot for the Bucks.

Playing for an awful Bucks team, attention is staying away from him at the moment, but based on his performance so far, Wolters is here to stay in the NBA.

By Matt PearceSports Editor

Baseball team will play tonight against Wahpeton, N.D., and Yankton at Yankton, and then Aberdeen Saturday, again in Yankton.

“I have very high expectations for this team,” head coach Dallas Schneiderman said. “And we’ve been working hard all winter to prepare for the season. I’m also excited to see who will take advantage of their opportunities on the field and watch guys battle for playing time.”

As the Lynx start a new season, they will be doing it with a new head coach. Schneiderman, ’97, takes over for Grant Hieb, who left to coach at the University of Sioux Falls. Schneiderman had been the assistant for Hieb the last two seasons. Jeremy VanHeel takes over

as the new assistant coach.“It’s a tremendous honor (becoming a head

coach) and something every coach works towards,” Schneiderman said. “I’m from Brandon and growing up in this community makes coaching here that much more special to me.”

Last year, the team finished second at the state tournament losing to Sioux Falls Roosevelt in the championship game.

Returning seniors for the Lynx are Jacob Adams, Luke Bauske, Alec Finch, Jake Haan, Derek Johnson, Luke Laycock, Lucas Lunstra, Matt Pearce and Nic Peterson.

“I expect us as one of the top teams in the state,” Adams said. “And with our pitching so deep, we should be one of the most dominant teams out there.”

Baseball to play in Yankton

By Jacob BoomsmaPhoto Editor

Girls bowling team placed third, and the boys, fifth, at the state tournament in Brookings.

Senior Emily Steinhouse improved her average by over 20 pins and made the All-Tournament team.

“I started the season determined and ready and finished strong with nothing in the lanes,” Steinhouse said. “I am happy where we finished at state with a

team that was not the best, but we proved everyone we could be just as good as they were.”

The state match was the final high school competition for seniors Mike Hillman, Luke Laycock, team captains Steinhouse and Richard Blue V.

“I really enjoyed bowling with my siblings on varsity 1,” Blue said. “Having those memories is a good way to end my high school career.”

Blue and Hillman bowled on the team for five years.

Bowling teams place at state

Track starts with indoor meetsBy Evelyn JorgensonA&E Editor

For the first time ever, the Lynx track and field team will compete in Aberdeen next Saturday at Northern State University’s indoor track.

If the weather permits, the team will run and perform in their first outdoor meet of the season. If the weather remains cold and windy, the team will compete on a 120-meter track indoors.

Along with the meet in Aberdeen, a new outdoor meet in Sioux City, Iowa, has been added to the track schedule. The track team will compete Saturday.

“It is exciting to go to Sioux City,” Immeker said, “because we’ve never been there and we get to compete with other teams.”

The track and field team competed in the Dan Lennon meet at the University of South Dakota DakotaDome on the indoor 200-meter track Monday.

Sophomore Cortney Bickley placed second in the 400-meter dash; senior Tiara Tingle, fourth. In the 800-meter run, eighth graders Haylee Waterfall and Courtney Klatt placed second and fourth.

The girls sprint medley team of Tiara Tingle, freshman Tanya Tingle, Bickley and Waterfall placed first. Freshman Emma Terveer placed fifth in long jump.

Senior Cam Holmes placed first in the 400-meter dash. Junior Mitch Selken placed fourth in the 800-meter run.The boys sprint medley team placed second.

Freshman Cole Christiansen placed fifth in pole vault. Junior Alex Wilde placed first in triple jump; senior Dominic Nealy, fifth.

After two weeks of practice, the track team competed in its first meet in the DakotaDome for the Bob Prince Invitational last Tuesday.

In the girls 400-meter dash, Tiara Tingle placed fourth; Tanya Tingle, fifth. In the 800-meter run, Waterfall

placed second; Klatt, third. In the 3000-meter run, eighth grader Dannika Kocer placed fourth.

In the 60-meter hurdles, freshman Becca Koehn placed seventh; sophomore Arika Jacobsen, eighth.

Girls 4X200 meter relay team of Bickley, junior Sammie Peterson and seniors Tiara Tingle and Evelyn Jorgenson placed second. Girls 4x400 meter relay team of Bickley, eighth grader Felicity Klinkhammer, Tingle and Jorgenson placed fourth. The girls 4x800 meter relay team placed second.

In high jump, sophomore Hannah Paauw placed first. Junior Hailey Murray placed first in pole vault. Terveer and freshman Anna Boomsma placed third and fourth in long jump, and senior Courtnet

Bruget second in triple jump. Junior Ashley Westcott placed fifth in shot put.

Immeker placed fourth in the boys 60-meter dash. In the 400-meter dash, Holmes placed first. In the 800-meter run, sophomore Jacob Hegland placed second; Selken, fifth. In the mile run, freshman Jakob Hanna placed third. Junior Cody Dutson placed sixth in the 3000-meter run.

Boys 4x200 meter relay team anchored by Holmes placed first; the 4x400 meter relay team placed second.

Nealy and senior Michael Horst placed third and seventh in long jump. Senior Alex Oddy placed third in pole vault. In long jump, freshman Chase Grode placed fourth.

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, March 28, 2014

Winter places third at state tourney

Junior Wyatt Winter (160) celebrates his 6-3 win over Luke Reiter of Washington with coach Kraig Presler. Winter placed third in the state tournament. He, senior Adam Presler (138) and sophomore Andrew Sorensen (195) received Metro All-Conference honors.

Photo by Becca Goth

In the second round of districts, senior Lexi Hoover dribbles the ball past her Lincoln opponent. Hoover made the Eastern South Dakota All-Conference team.

Photo by Taylor Staab

By Rachel BoyPhoto Editor

Lady Lynx ended its season at districts after losing to Sioux Falls Lincoln 56-35.

Junior Carley Kueter scored 11 points, and senior Lexi Hoover, 12.

“I thought the Lincoln game was a battle,” Hoover said. “I think we played the hardest we possibly could. The ball just didn’t bounce our way that night.”

Kueter said the girls had good looks on offense but could have played better defense.

Girls suffered a loss to Washington Warriors in the first round 53-25.

Kueter scored 10 points and grabbed three rebounds, and Hoover seven points. Senior Becca Long had one assist and one steal.

The girls’ final record was 6-17.

“It’s extremely sad knowing I will never play basketball in a Lynx jersey again,” Hoover said, “but all four years have been

seasons I will never forget.” Coach Mark Stadem said the

season was very successful and the team improved everyday, becoming a much better team at the end of the season than they

were at the beginning.“The seniors left an excellent

legacy,” he said. “They showed our younger players how to work hard and how to treat their teammates.”

Girls conclude their season

By Dylan BludornSports Editor

Wrestling team finished 14th at the Class A State Wrestling Tournament.

The Lynx qualified 11 for the state tournament. With seven of the 11 state qualifiers returning for the 2015 season, the Lynx have a promising future

“We have an abundance of varsity wrestling experience returning,” coach Kraig Presler said. “It is imperative that we have a solid off-season to advance the talent we have returning.”

Although the Lynx did not reach the podium as a team, five wrestlers did.

Junior Wyatt Winter (160) had the best finish for the Lynx. He placed third avenging his loss in the Region 2A championship to Luke Reiter of Sioux Falls Washington. Winter won the state match in a dramatic fashion after trailing 3-1. With a short time left in the match, Winter hit a five-point throw defeating Reiter 6-3.

“It took me staying aggressive and just trying to get my offense going and just stopping his shots early in the match,” Winter said.

Sophomore Andrew Sorensen (195) finished fourth at the state

tournament proving that he has a bright future ahead of him for the next two seasons. Sorensen’s fourth place finish is his second medal as he finished seventh at 195 pounds a year ago. Although Sorensen finished fourth, he had defeated the 195-pound state champion twice this season.

Another wrestler who had

defeated the champion at his weight class was senior Adam Presler (138). Presler placed sixth finishing his high school career with a record of 168-58. Presler was also the team leader in falls. He has placed in the state tournament three times. His best finish was his freshman season where he placed fourth.

Sophomore Conner Rowbotham (126) reached the podium for the first time in his high school career with a seventh place finish. Rowbotham met up with Tristen Boeckholt of West Central twice in the state tournament. The first meeting was in the first round where Rowbotham won 6-1. He also wrestled Boeckholt in his

seventh place match where it took Rowbotham all three periods and then some with a 5-3 overtime victory.

“I just kept focused and determined to win,” Rowbotham said. “It was my last match of the season and I knew if I lost that match it would have impaired my wrestling that summer.”

Senior Erik Ode (285) placed eighth at the state tournament with a 3-2 overtime win over Robert McCardle of Mitchell. Although Ode finished his high school career with a loss, he came a long ways, having only wrestled for two seasons.

The Lynx wrestling program will say goodbye to six seniors: Spencer Heidbrink, Jack Sternberg, Ode, Kevin Gingles, Eric Eigenberg and Presler. This senior class is gifted not only on the mat but also in the classroom. Their average GPA was 3.607.

“Our senior group of wrestlers and managers have left a strong legacy,” coach Presler said. “The biggest item I will miss is their dependability. They also had a strong work ethic, and they knew how to sprinkle some good humor into the monotony of any given practice or meet.”

By Taylor StaabUpdate Editor

Boys basketball team ended the season at districts.

“The toughest part of not getting back to the state tourney is that it ends a Lynx basketball career of eight outstanding young men: Jacob Adams, Ryan Immeker, Dom Nealy, Ryan Sjoberg, Kevin Petersen, Derek Johnson, Nic Peterson and Devan West,” head coach Brent Deckert said. “It was a great experience to share a gym with them, watching them grow, compete and play throughout all their years in the Brandon Valley School District. They will be missed greatly.”

Johnson said the best part of the season was Senior Night because it was the last night the seniors could play together.

Washington beat the Lynx

64-60 March 7. Junior Austin Trevino scored 17 points; Adams, 15; and Peterson, 13.

In the first round of districts, Yankton beat the boys 54-37.

If he could go back in time and tell his preseason self about this year, Peterson said he would “tell myself what the results would be so we could change the outcome. In hindsight it’s easier said than done.”

Some of Deckert’s favorite memories with the eight seniors include: Peterson’s fastball fruit tossing into Adams’ mouth, Sjoberg and Petersen drilling Deckert with paintballs, Immeker and Nealy dancing in the locker room to pre-game music, West’s half court shot and Johnson’s habit of licking Deckert’s elbow every time they stacked it up.

Boys basketball ends at districts

Photo by Taylor Staab

Junior Maddy Klamm benches

95 pounds at the Class

AA State Powerlifting

Tournament in Madison. The

team, coached by Adam

Bobzien, placed third at the

meet.

Powerlifters finish in third at stateBy Dylan BludornSports Editor

Coached by Adam Bobzien, the powerlifting team placed third at the Class AA State Powerlifing Tournament in Madison.

“I felt like the team competed very well,” Bobzien said. “They worked hard in the weeks leading up to the meet and I think their hard work showed in the final results. We had our best place in team points, a state champion, quite a few new school records and many personal goal met.”

Three lifters placed in their weight classes. Senior Courtney Bruget finished second with

a score of 605. Bruget benched 115 pounds and dead lifted 275 pounds.

Freshman Nick Hanson (148) finished with a combined score of 885.

Junior Riley Frantzen (165) placed first in his weight division with a score of 1135. Frantzen finished highest in his weight class in squat (415 pounds) and bench (285 pounds).

“We are returning two of our place winners and we have a lot of young, talented lifters that will continue to improve,” Bobzien said. “As the popularity of powerlifting continues at Brandon Valley so will the talent pool.”

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, March 28, 2014

Science Bowl teams place 4th, 7th at Huron

Did you know...?n All-State Band is at Pierre Saturday.n SALSA meeting is April 8 in the community room at 7 a.m.n ACT test is April 12.n Blood Mobile will be here April 15 and 16.n No school is on April 18 or 21 because of spring break.n High School Parent Advisory meeting is in the Community room April 24 at noon.n To receive a copy of the 2014 Lynxonian with a name stamped on the cover, students must pay Jostens before April 30. Go to jostensyearbooks.com to pay or verify payment. No extra yearbooks will be ordered.n Flyers girls hockey team won the state championship in Watertown. The team included junior Mollie Drexler, sophomore Hanna Mutshelknaus, freshmen Carson Haase, Kaylee Mork, Jennika Wrightsman; and eighth grader Taylor Dawley.n Junior Umaima Koch will represent South Dakota at the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C., this summer.n Seniors Jacob Adams and Nic Peterson have been selected to the Eastern South Dakota Basketball All-Conference First Team. n Nominations along with two letters of recommendations for Teacher of the Year are due April 11 in the central office.

Students compete in oratorical contest

Science Bowl teams placed fourth and seventh out of 20 teams at the Huron Plainsman Tournament March 1.

The fourth place team consisted of seniors Tiara Tingle, Cody Woessner; juniors Robert Haggar and Billy Trevillyan. Placing fourth earned the team a medal in their competition.

The seventh place team consisted of senior Brandon Waldner, sophomores Sean Hicks, Kaily Davis and Jared Rohrbach.

“We did great,” Tingle said. “Brandon Valley Team 2 got the highest placement any previous BV Science Bowl has gotten. Both teams did remarkably well.”

Although both teams did place in the top 10, neither team made it into the finals at the competition.

The advisers for the teams were science instructors Lisa Fuccello and Louisa Otto.

Jazz bands performconcert, compete

Junior Greg Lundberg performs his feature solo in “Skylark” during the Jazz Band Concert.

Photos by Taylor Staab

By Taylor StaabUpdate Editor

Jazz I and Jazz II performed a concert March 10.

Jazz I played “Come Out Swingin’” with soloists sophomore Isaiah Dietz on trumpet and junior Bethany Hendrick on alto saxophone; “Dat Dere” with soloist Hendrick; “Skylark” featuring junior Greg Lundberg on tenor saxophone; and “Abracadabra!” with soloists sophomores Kirstyn Polasky on trombone and Braden Paulsen on trumpet.

Lundberg said he was nervous at first playing his solo, but it was great having the

spotlight on him.Jazz II played “Full Swing Ahead”

with soloists senior Kate Ellis on trumpet, junior Marina Gillespie on trombone and freshman Heather Kirkpatrick on trumpet; “All The Things You Are” with soloist junior Morgen Burkman on trumpet; “It’s Only A Paper Moon” featuring the trombone section and soloist Ellis; and “Comin’ At Ya!”

“It was our best show,” Lundberg said. “We did better than at the Augustana Jazz Festival.”

At the Augustana Jazz Festival, Jazz I placed fourth and Jazz II, sixth.

By Rachel BoyPhoto Editor

Under the Sea is the theme for prom, which is April 12 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the El Riad Shrine Mosque in Sioux Falls.

Decorations will include the colors blue and green, along with many balloons and other props. The entrance will have a dock theme with lights leading the way. The dance floor will be more of a water theme with a treasure chest, bubbles and more.

“Under the Sea is a fun, playful theme that I feel students will enjoy,” said Carolyn Ebright, head of the prom committee.

Instructor Naome Poppe’s advanced food classes will

provide a variety of hors d’oeuvres.

The prom committee includes juniors Alissa Kuhn, Cassidy Wethor, Maci Smykle, Marina Gillespie, Ashley Guthmiller, Makenzie Marso, Calli Hensley, Mackenzie Nelson, Taia Tupy, Shayna Berberich, Karly Neuberger and Haley Andrews.

The prom committee will prepare decorations after school the week of prom.

Set-up will be the morning of prom at 8 a.m. until noon. Ebright said extra help is needed by parents because of the ACT and Lynx Invite.

Only juniors and seniors may attend. Outside guests are allowed but must be signed up ahead of time.

Theme for prom night to be Under the Sea

By Jacob BoomsmaPhoto Editor

Choir and orchestra members received superiors in a solo and ensemble contest at Augustana College March 11.

Orchestra soloists who received a superior were seniors Annika Hindbjorgan, Amanda Berberich, Carson Pruett; junior Mariah Zell; freshmen Tyler Nelson, Anna Sorenson, Carly Campbell and Spencer Donaway.

“I feel very proud of myself considering I prepared my piece in one week,” Berberich said. “As for ending my senior year, the superior is a great end to my new beginning.”

A duet by seniors Anna Fruehwirth on violin and Pruett on piano received a superior.

Choir members awarded superiors were seniors Ally Dykstra, Hindbjorgen, Ellie Antrim, Coleton Ginger, Kevin Gingles; juniors Lydia Eichelberg, Summer Rogers, Kevin Huizenga, Eli Suchowacky, Amy Kramer; sophomores Katie Wright, Rachael Fredrickson; freshmen Lexi Hokenstad, Heather Kirkpatrick, Tanya Tingle and Andrea Poole.

“It was really rewarding,” Wright said. “All of my hard work definitely paid off. The choir performed strongly this year. We have so many talented singers involved.”

The three choirs will compete in a large group contest April 9 at the Brandon Lutheran Church.

Vocalists, string players awarded superiors

By Becca GothVoices Editor

Willy Wonka, a musical directed by Kevin Brick, will be performed, April 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and April 6 at 1 p.m.

“The musical as a whole should be really enjoyable to watch,” choreographer senior Jena Dreyer said. “Willy Wonka involves kids of all ages and experience levels.”

Brick cast about 160 people, including preschool through high school students. The cast, which is the largest that a Brandon Valley musical has ever had, will

play various roles such as squirrels, cooks, marshmallows and oompa loompas.

The musical tells the story of a poor young boy named Charlie Bucket (Johnny Hoffmann) and his adventure through the mysterious Wonka chocolate factory. Bucket’s grandfather gives him change for a candy bar and he stumbles upon the opportunity to tour the Wonka factory because he obtained one of five golden tickets. The tickets were dispersed throughout the world into candy bars, and the children who find them receive the

chance to tour.Little do the children know, but Willy

Wonka (Chandler McGrath) is searching for a child to carry on his legacy and run the factory. He chooses that child at the end of the musical.

Willy Wonka illustrates the modern time period as well as other decades through the music, choreography and costumes.

“We really wanted to have unique choreography so that it would bring the musical to life,” choreographer senior Shannon Gacke said.

‘Willy Wonka’ hits stage April 3

By Jacob BoomsmaPhoto Editor

English instructor Matt Christensen’s video game marathon raised $120 and food for the Brandon Food Pantry last Tuesday.

“I had a lot of fun. I’ve been looking forward to this,” freshman Shay Smith said. “I like old games. I finally got to play an SNES. That was cool.”

Christensen, a veteran video gamer, has organized the event for seven years as a way of combining students’ love of giving with his love of video games. He said the marathon is a good cause and it gives students something to do in a safe and fun

environment.Students brought TVs, gaming consoles

and video games from various genres as well as setting up a Pokémon card game tournament.

The marathon went from after school until 9 p.m. with a cash prize offered for anyone who could beat Christensen at the classic game James Bond Goldeneye 007 on the N64 or a shiny Pokémon if someone beat senior Spencer Heidbrink in a Pokémon battle. Both were undefeated.

“I get to know kids that I’d never get to know otherwise,” Christensen said. “It’s a blast; I love it.”

Gamers play for charity

Photo by Jacob Boomsma

At the food pantry fundraiser senior Ryan Rykhus plays Pokemon.

Nine students competed in the BV Optimist Club’s third annual oratorical contest last week.

Senior Annika Hindborgen and junior Evan Weiser placed first with their stories of how passions affect the world.

In the male and female divisions, senior Desiree Rohrbach and sophomore Adam Else took second places. Senior Bailey Quanbeck and freshmen Anders Barton placed third.