The

ExpressPonyPony

Produced by the Journalism Class • Silver Lake High School

May 2008Volume XVIssue 7

Every high school kid looks forward to summer - three months where their only concerns are when they get to see their friends next. Since we are nearing the end of the fourth quarter of the 2007-2008 school year, many kids already have a countdown going until May 16th. At this time, teens are always trying to plan for their summer - working all day, hang-ing out and staying up all night with their friends. Some people go to the lake every weekend to enjoy the weather and the water, while others take family vacations. Let’s face it, every kid loves summer. Have fun this summer!

It’s Almost Time for

By KateLyn Crowell

Sun!in thein theFunFun

Sorensen Qualifi es For National FBLA Conference Decked out in busi-ness attire, eighteen members and two sponsors of the Silver Lake FBLA group headed to Omaha to the annual State Leadership Conference on Thursday, April 3rd. The event was a three-day confer-ence where FBLA chapters from around the state met up to take tests, listen to key note speakers and seminars, and socialize with others. The Silver Lake chapter earned awards in sev-eral competitions. Melissa

Klein received eighth in Busi-ness Concepts, and Ronny Sorensen got third in Technol-ogy Concepts. With a third place fi nish, Ronny qualifi ed to attend Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. Honorable mentions were also announced for those who placed in the top fi ve per-cent during testing. This year, Baili Klein received one in Business Calculations, Kevin Hall in Keyboarding Knowl-edge, and Jenae Parr in Proof Reading.

By Ronny Sorensen

Silver Lake Students Succeed at Actions Day!WINNERS! - Zach Crowe earned fi fth place in Re-cent Events, Erin Plambeck earned fi rst in Health and Connor Morris was second in Sports. Other participants who placed in the top ten include Dalton Echternach, Aurora Gibson, Baili Klein, Mark Lutkemeier, Kim Crow-ell, Betsy Battreall, Kevin Hall, Kate Crowell, Kristin Primm, Jordan Parr and Ethan Smith.

The Pony ExpressThe Pony Express May 2008Page 2

The Silver Lake High School Choir went to Grand Island for this year’s district music competition. A group of soloists and small group performers left the high school with the ultimate goal of earning a 1 rating. Our fl ute trio was tal-ented enough to achieve this feat! Those three girls were Caitlin Bruckman, Besty Ba-treall and Lettie Ostrander.Another talented young man, Ethan Smith, performed the solo, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and also received a one for his performance! Next, it was the choirs’ time to shine. They sang “Old Irish Blessing” and “He Never Failed Me Yet,” and received a 2 for their ef-forts. Mrs. Dart was pleased with everyone’s performance.

Yes, it’s true, stu-dents of Silver Lake have waited days, even months, for the events that happened on April 11! Getting in their fancy dresses, nice tuxedos, and beautiful jewelry, the stu-dents were lining up for prom 2008. The theme for the outdone prom was Lost in this Moment, being based on Cin-derella and having a fairy-tale night. The theme had a fantasy look to it with white lights and blue colors across the room. A long fairy tale staircase sat

in the corner by a carriage that had bright lights sparkling off of it. Tables were spread out with a very fairy tale looking theme to them. The juniors started the night with pre promenade. They did it a little differently this year, with cars being valet parked. Students had the op-portunity to walk down the red carpet and then pose under a decorated arbor. After all the pictures had been taken it was time to sit down and eat. Prom at-tendees had their choice of

Mrs. Rupprecht welcomed these fourteen students who attended Kindergarten Registration at Silver Lake Elementary School on Tues-day, April 22nd.Front Row - Jenna Bonifas, Emma Parr, Hunter Watts, Holly Wilcox, Gabbi Kis-sell, Kerigan Karr, Jenna Strampher; Back Row - Cale Gowen, Luke Swan-son, Sam Hemberger, Lane Parr, Derek Zubrod, Tren-ton Schmidt, and Canyen JamesonNot Pictured: April Olinger

Lost in this MomentLost in this Moment

Welcome Silver Lake Class of 2021Welcome Silver Lake Class of 2021

Music Students Compete at District ContestBy Chloe Gibson

Students Make Memories of a Lifetime at Prom 08’

By Chloe Gibson and Taylor Hampton

prime rib or chicken, sided by cheesy potatoes, corn, and salad. For dessert, it was dec-adent oreo ice cream cake. To burn off every-thing they had eaten, the dance soon began. The juniors, se-niors, and their dates boogied down until around 11:30 p.m. After the dance, it was time to pull an all night-er at post-prom! Post-prom consisted of tons of games and prizes! By the end of the night, every person who had enough caffeine in them to stay awake had won a prize!

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Elementary Students Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Sixth Graders StudyForce in Science In Mrs. Mahoney’s Science class the sixth grade students are studying a Unit on Force and Motion. The students made parachutes and fl ew them this week, testing small parachutes versus large parachutes. Para-chutes that stayed fl oating the longest amount of time were fl own by Austin Woodward and Anthony Shuck (1st place) and Paige Manglona and Na-dine Lovejoy (2nd Place). The also designed containers to put a raw egg in

and threw them out the third fl oor window to see if they had designed a way to prevent the egg from breaking. Several students were quite successful in their efforts. The students voted on “Most Creative” and awarded fi rst place to Samantha Fulk, second to Peter Trausch and third to Paige Manglona. Students also found the wind was great this week for fl ying kites. Newton’s laws of mo-tion are being studied with these activities.

“Here’s To America” Concert a Great Success “From every moun-tainside, let freedom ring!” sang the elementary students at Thursday’s performance. Patriotism was the theme for the night as they lifted their voices in song to honor our great country and those who have sacrifi ced so much for our freedom. Family and friends gathered in the elementary gym to hear their children sing, but received a surprise on a grand scale. A giant American fl ag measuring 38’ x 20’ was suspended from the ceiling to

serve as the backdrop for the evening’s entertainment. The students sang familiar patri-otic songs as they comple-mented the music with sign language, instruments, and visual aids. Poetry, patriotic standards, and a presentation on the history of our fl ag were included. The concert was con-cluded with all of the kids singing together on two fi nal songs. Audience members were invited to view the “Wall of Honor,” listing names of servicemen and women fol-lowing the program.

Books were recently presented to the Silver Lake Elementary Media Center in memory of Elizabeth Boyd. Elizabeth was a former teacher in several area schools. Through the generous donation of these books and novels, Elizabeth will still go on teaching. The Media Center is very grateful for the 17 new books. Pictured here is the kindergarten class checking out some of the donated books.

By Megan Jacobitz

Silver Lake Elementary Receives Donated BooksSilver Lake Elementary Receives Donated Books

Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth graders enjoyed their recent trip to the Nebraska Outdoors EXPO, even though it was a little cold and wet. The event featured many attractions that kids enjoy, such as hands-on ac-

tivities, exploring wildlife and habitat concepts. They learned about wildlife man-agement. The sixth graders en-joyed the archery and shooting the air guns the best. Like the rest of his class, Peter Trausch said, “My favorite part of the

day was the archery.” Mean-while the fi fth graders had dif-ferent things that they liked. Madison Jehorek said, “I liked the bear trapping the best.” The fourth graders also had fun. Austin Stras-burg said, “My favorite part of the day would have to have

been the dog training,” while Joslyn Grabill added, “I liked the fi shing part of the day.” The sponsor, Mrs. Diane Mahoney said, “It was a very fun day. It was cold and wet but it was really great for the kids, and I think they enjoyed it!”

Kimberly Kimberly Christine Christine

Crowell

with

Birthday: June 5, 1990

Parents: Jody and Terry Niles

Siblings: Kate, Jenny (step), Tara (step), Jason (step)

Birthday: May 29, 1990

Parents: Harley and Deb Jaide

Siblings: Jeanne Kaufman and Jody Schlochter

Favorite High School memory:When Adam tripped on the stage while playing Ping-Pong.

Who is your hero and why: Heros are fake, but if I had to choose a hero it would probably be my dad because he is a hard worker.

Where do you see yourself in ten years: Having a good job and hopefully starting a family while living on my own.

Most embarrassing moment: I don’t get embarrassed that easily.

Rockin’

Britni Justine SimsBritni Justine Sims

Joshua Leigh Joshua Leigh Jaide Jaide

• Sensit ive • • L oyal • • Gigg ly •

Birthday: January 16, 1990

Parents: Robin and Bobby Sims

Siblings: Marissa, Ian, Miranda Half: Josh Jerimiah, Melisa Step: Samantha

Favorite High School Memory: Getting the opportunity to come back and graduate with my class.

Who is your hero and why: I would have to say my mom. She has been there for me through thick and thin. She’s so strong and brave, and I look up to that.

Where do you see yourself in ten years: Hopefully happily married, maybe start-ing a family, owning my own salon, and living by Kim.

Most embarrassing moment: When Lettie depants me in 8th grade year, and all the guys saw my green undies! Thanks, Lettie.

• Bubb ly • Obnox ious • L oud •

the

Seniors

The Pony ExpressThe Pony ExpressPage 4

• T ruthfu l • • T ruthfu l • • • Wise • •

• C lever • • C lever •

Favorite High School Memory: When Britni, Kristin, Adam, and I were at McDonalds and I exploded a package of sweet and sour sauce all over me. I was sticky for the rest of the night.

Who is your hero and why: My mom because after everything our family has been through, she does her best to keep us together. I love you!!

Where do you see yourself in ten years: Hopefully married, starting a family, and living next to Britni.

Most embarrassing moment: My junior year in Accounting Class, I pointed out to everyone that the Business Room chairs are blue.

Kimberly Christine

Crowell

School is over rated.

Contrary to popular belief, school IS all fun and games.

Just because you CAN leave class doesn’t mean that you SHOULD.

Food is for eating, not throwing.

When you ask Derrick to do something, he WILL do it.

Your friends will always be there for you.

Pencils CAN be used as a weapon. (Thanks Ben)

Sometimes good looks and charm don’t get you what you want.

NEVER TAKE PHYSICS!!

There is a reason they call us Seniors.

FunFunFans

for

The Pony ExpressMay 2008 Page 5

StangStangStuffStuff

Can you match these schools with their MASCOTS...How Well How Well Do You Do You Know Know Your Your AreaArea

Schools!?Schools!?

___ 1. Silver Lake___ 2. Kenesaw___ 3. Harvard___ 4. Red Cloud___ 5. Lawrence/Nelson___ 6. Ravenna___ 7. Minden___ 8. Shelton___ 9. Blue Hill___ 10. Franklin___ 11. Wilcox/Hildreth___ 12. Superior

A.) WarriorsB.) WhippetsC.) FlyersD.) Blue DevilsE.) WildcatsF.) BobcatsG.) MustangsH.)FalconsI.) Blue JaysJ.) BulldogsK.) CardinalsL.) Raiders

Top Ten Things I’ve Learned in High School

Which school in the area has the same mascot as Silver Lake??

BONUS:

By Ethan Alan Smith

I know that my life is just beginning to unfold in front of me, but it seems that another part is ending. That part is high school. I have enjoyed my years here, but it’s fi nally time to say good-bye. I’ve learned so much here, but it may not be what you think. Here are the top ten things I’ve learned in high school.

Words of Wisdom From an Outgoing Senior...

1.2.3.

4.5.6.7.8.9.10.

Have you had a chance to check out the “Week in Review” on the Silver Lake website yet?? If not, what are you waiting for? The computers 2 class has been working hard on this new feature on our website. This weekly project has consisted of the schedule for the following week, the opinions of students about events, the weekly song, spot-lights on teachers and staff and even a few miscellaneous and quite enjoyable features. All in all, it has been a great way to showcase the happenings at Silver Lake for the public to view.

Week in Review...

Check It Out!!

By Courtney Hohlfeld

answers on page 8

By James Skinner

The Pony ExpressThe Pony Express May 2008Page 6

BBorn To Lift

Strength. Integrity. Pride. These are some of the things the weight lifters at Silver Lake High School are taught. Some of them got their chance to prove that they showed these qualities. Ten of Silver Lake’s best ventured to Stella on Fri-day March 28th, to show what they were made of. Seniors Brett Bonifas, Maddie Thur-ston, and Ethan Smith led the group. Under them were Ju-niors Reid Choquette, Molly Conner, and Jessica Monroe.

The freshman were Sawyer Monroe, Erin Plambeck, Bai-ley Morris, and Derek Peters. They arrived in Ne-braska City about 8:00 P.M. Many of the lifters had to lose some weight to be in their de-sired weight class. For them, this was not easy. Some sat in hot tubs, while others tried to sweat the weight away. By midnight, everyone was in bed, hoping that they would meet the required weights. The time came Satur-day morning for everyone to

wake up, they were all ready to roll. They headed toward Stella with one thing on their minds, total victory. They got there and weighed in. Every single Silver Lake lifter met his or her weight class. Af-ter the weigh in, it was fi nally time to eat, which gave the lifters the needed energy for their big day. When the time fi nal-ly came to start lifting, there was no doubt on what had to be done. The lifts included squat, bench press, and dead

lift. The SL lifters did their part and won second place in the coed division. Many of the lifters placed in their weight classes. Brett Bonifas, Maddie Thurston, and Bailey Morris all won in their weight class. Ethan Smith and Derek Peters both got third in their weight classes. Molly Conner got fourth while Sawyer Mon-roe earned fi fth. All in all, the Mustang lifters did very well. This was an opportunity few get, but the ones that did will never forget it.

SSilver Lake Athletes Earn 2nd in State Powerlifting Meet

BIG AND STRONG: Ten Silver Lake Athletes competed in the State Power Lifting meet at Stella. Back Row - Sawyer Monroe, Reid Choquette, Ethan Smith, Brett Bonifas, Derek Peters , Coach Lovin; Front Row - Jessica Monroe, Molly Conner, Bailey Morris, Maddie Thurston, and Erin Plambeck.

By Ethan Smith

Silver Lake Athletes Earn 2nd in State Powerlifting Meet

The Pony ExpressThe Pony Express Page 7May 2008

Tough Competit i on Found at Wood Ri verTough Competit i on Found at Wood Ri ver On Friday, April 4th, some of the Mustang athletes took off to compete at the Wood River track meet. Only a few Laker ath-letes could pull off places in the morning fi eld events. Con-nor Morris came out with a fi fth place on the boys discus, while Aurora Gibson tied for sixth in the girls high jump. In the running events, the boys 4x8 relay team placed fourth with a time of 9:34.4. The runners were Brock Gra-bill, Connor Hansen, Nate Kosse, and Jared Rathje. Reid Choquette gained a second place in the 110 hurdles with a time of 15.9. He also got sixth place in the boys 400, and gained a fi rst place win in the

By Brianna Gentertboys 300 hurdles. In the boys’ 3200, Kosse came out with a third place fi nish. In the 800, Rathje earned a third place medal, while Hansen came out with sixth. To end the day, the boy’s 1600 relay gained a fi rst place medal with a time of 3 min 34 sec. The team consisted of Reid Choquette, Jared Rathje, Sawyer Monroe, and Zach Crowe. For the girls, Shelby Rupprecht gained a third place fi nish in the 400. Jami Shaw also got third in the 3200. The girls 4x1 fi nished their race in fourth with a time of 57 sec-onds. The competitors on the team were Aurora Gibson, Brianna Gentert, Shelby Rup-precht and Jami Shaw.

By Brianna Gentert

Mustangs Compete for a Vi ct ory at Blue Hi llMustangs Compete for a Vi ct ory at Blue Hi ll On Tuesday, April 15th the Silver Lake track team headed to Blue Hill to compete in their fi fth meet of the season. Starting the day off was the fi eld events. For the boys, Connor Morris showed what he was made of by plac-ing forth in the boys shot put and third in the discus. Kevin Hall also gained a fi fth place fi nish in high jump. Finish-ing with a gold medal that day was Dallas Thompson in long jump, jumping a distance of 20’ 3 1/2”. For the girls fi eld events, Aurora Gibson gained four points for the team by placing fourth in high jump. The boys’ 3200 me-ter relay team got the running events started off right, plac-ing second. The runners were

Brock Grabill, Connor Han-sen, Nate Kosse, and Jared Rathje. Reid Choquette would come out with fi nishes in both the 110 and 300 hurdles, get-ting second and fi rst place re-spectively. In the 800, Jared Rathje earned a third place medal with a time of 2:13.4. Nate Kosse placed fi fth in the mile. To fi nish the day off, the 4x4 relay team gained second place with a head-to-head fi n-ish. The boys competing were Reid Choquette, Jared Rathje, Zach Crowe, and Kevin Hall. For the girls’ running events, their 3200 relay team also got the day started off right with a fi rst place fi nish. The girls on the team were Bailey Morris, Jami Shaw, Caitlin Bruckman and Cami

Bruckman. In the 400 meter dash, Jami Shaw came out with a fi fth place fi nish with a time of 68.3. In the two mile Betsy Battreall repre-sented Silver Lake well, earn-ing fourth place. Silver Lake captured both third and fourth place, in the 800 meter run, with Cami Bruckman gaining third and Jami shaw earning fourth. In the mile run, Cami Bruckman came out with a second place fi nish while Bai-ley Morris was shortly behind her and fi nished fourth. Finish-ing off the running events for the girls, the 4x1 relay team fi nished fourth with a time of 58 seconds. Aurora Gibson, Brianna Gentert, Chloe Gib-son, and Shelby Rupprecht were the competitors on the relay team.

TAKING FLIGHT: Silver Lake Sophomore, Connor Hansen, gets plenty of air for extra dis-tance.

UP AND OVER: Sophomore Kevin Hall approaches for a successful attempt in the high jump event.