A high school newspaper modeling professional journalism standards

September/October 2011In This Issue

Nebraska History Fourth grade stu-dents discover how the past relates to the present. Seth Miles shares the story on page 2.

Welcome to SMHNew teachers and exchange students grace the halls of SMH. Bradley Reynoldson intro-duces the new stu-dents on page 5.

Snapshots!Take a look at SMH Homecom-ing festivities. Our photo montage fills pages 6 and 7.

Alumni UpdateCody Colman talks to SMH alum John Hurley about golf, the tour, and Catholic education. Check out the in-terview on page 9.

Memories...High school faculty share tidbits about high school with Jared Tomjack on page 12.

New Policy Allows Cell Phone Use Specific Time Limits Set

by Cody Coleman

A new and improved cell phone policy is in effect at St. Mary’s.

The handbook says, “ Students may check cell phones prior to the 7:55 bell, at break time, and during lunch prior to announcements. At no other time, including passing time between class periods, should cell phones be used or manipulated by students. Phones must be turned “off ” or set to “silent mode” and not set to vibrate. At no time are phones to be audible during the school day.” Principal Walt Dupre said the policy change happened after consulting with faculty and school board. “Cell Phones are now a way of life and wanted to allow students a measure of freedom in regard to its use. Also many cell phone viola-tions in the past few years resulted from parents attempting to leave students messages.” One downfall is a possibility with this new policy because students may use their phones for the wrong reasons; such as picture messaging or in any other way not intended. Dupre says that the student body is trusted to do what is expected, but if caught breaking any of the

policy rules, there will be a price to pay.Both Sister Anita and Mrs. Atkeson weighed in about the new policy. Both are for the new policy because it provides a balance throughout the day. They think that this will lessen the urge to text in class. Both say it is easier to teach when students are not distracted by their phones and are aware of what is going on. Sister says “Students can’t con-centrate NOW, in class, as my experience shows them asking me to repeat a question, to repeat an answer, to repeat.....!!! How would I expect them to concentrate with cell phone disturbances?!?” This new policy will be a learn-ing experience for both students and teachers; the students have to take responsibility, and the teachers must trust all the students with their phone. School is a time for learning and education, there are enough dis-tractions without the vibrating and ringing of students’ phones in the middle of class.

Schmitz Wins State 4-H Dog Show

by Deanna Tomjack

When you think of a dog show, you think preppy dogs, hard

work, and major grooming to im-press the judges. For Amy Schmitz, an eight grader, these are all worth winning the prize. Schmitz quali-fied for the State Fair Dog Show in Grand Island, Nebraska, on August 27. There where eight flights of showmanship dogs. The top two winners from each flight were called into the championship round. Amy was with her dog, Zip, at 10:00 AM on August 27, hoping to win.

With 64 other competitors,Schmitz felt a lot of pressure.

“The competition was challenging, and every year it gets more chal-lenging.” She won the first round in about 10 minutes. Schmitz won the final round in about 15 minutes. She won a medal and multiple rib-bons.

Schmitz first started entering com-petitions in 2007. She entered her dog Zip, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, in 2008 after training him. She first started training when he was a just puppy, with the basic commands. This year she trained him for 15 minutes, every day, all summer long. Schmitz plans on entering next year. She will continue training this win-ter. She says, “Absolutely, every year, the class becomes more difficult, and I want Zip to stay sharp and responsive.”

Her family knew Schmitz would do her best. They were hoping for her to place, but none of them ever ex-pected her to win the championship. Schmitz says they were all surprised and super excited that she won. Zip is now a star in their home. She exclaims, “Yes, Zip is now a big celebrity in our home!”

But do not expect it to go to his head. He still trains, plays, and does his chores at home! Zip is still Amy Schmitz’s best friend. They will continue to enter the Grand Island State Fair together, and hopefully, win again.

The O’Neill Eagles softball team ended their season with a third place finish at districts. Jessi Simons stirs it up during a game in O’Neill earlier this season. The Eagles finished with a 22 - 12 record. Photo by Kaylee Krotter

Amy and Zip won the Nebraska State Fair dog show on August 27.

~~Courtesy photo

School Improvements Take Place During Summer Vacation

by Claire Wetzel

Over the course of the summer, many changes have taken

place throughout the halls of St. Mary’s School. The lecture hall is by far the most intriguing addition to the high school building. In addition to this, there are changes in Mrs. Schmeichel’s room,the chemistry lab, and Ms. Adams’ room. All of these changes occurred to benefit the school and will do so in the future.

The lecture hall has been under construction for about a year and a half. During that time many changes took place. The highlights of the new classroom are the new theatre-style seats and the smart-board. There are high hopes for these new features; they are to help improve learning conditions for the students of SMH.

According to Mr. Chvala, this new addition is not only going to prove useful for teaching purposes, but also for teacher meetings and video showings for the student body. With new carpet and paint, the room is ready for students.

In the science department, a couple different changes are noticeable. Ms. Adams has taken up permanent residence in room 101, and her old room has been transformed into a science lab. This room will not only be used for Adams’ classes, but Mrs. Roth and Mr. Dupre will also utilize it for labs as well. Room 101 is not the only room that has a fresh coat of paint. Mrs. Schmeichel has given her room a new makeover. The walls glow a cheerful yellow, and fine detailing highlights the ancient Greek era. The hope is to give the student a better learning atmosphere.

And, it may be working. Deanna Tomjack, a participant in the sophomore English program, said “I love her new room, and it makes English class real exciting”.

Even though students may think that school’s out for summer once the final bell rings in May, work for the next year begins once it signals the start of vacation.

The Marian is a monthly publication of the journalism stu-dents at St. Mary’s High School. The goal of The Marian is to provide accurate and informative news and features about St. Mary’s school and students. Opinions on the opinion page do not necessarily represent those of the entire school com-munity. To contact The Marian, email LuAnn Schindler at lschindler@smcards.org.

Editor - Seth Miles Advisor - Mrs. LuAnn Schindler Reporters - Claire Wetzel, Bradley Reynoldson, Cody Col-man, Deanna Tomjack, Jared Tomjack, Tom Chvala, Ella SpencerPhotographers - Kaylee Krotter, Justine Blumenstock, Jessi Simons, Ella Spencer, Carissa Soukup, Sarah Pribil, Aaron Ohri, Ty Eiler, Ryan Schneider, Chism Sholes

Top Dog...Bottom Dog TheoryWhat’s the biggest change

from grade school to junior high?

Getting the salad bar at lunch. --Tyler Regan

Having to move from classroom to classroom.

--Taylor Colman

Having to deal with different teachers and

being able to have a locker.--Marcus Schneider

Having all the new bigger responsibilities of

being in the high school.--Kim Schneider

Fourth Graders Share Pieces of Historyby Seth Miles

Nebraska history is one of the fourth grade classes. It is the story of our families, communities, and the great state of Nebraska.

Students in the fourth grade class brought in old family heirlooms like ledgers, jewelry, trinkets, and anything that was passed down to them. They gave presentations on these valuables. The explained what the valuables were that they brought, and gave a brief history of the valuables. Almost all of their heirlooms came from a grandpar-ent.

Logan and Lucas Dougherty brought in a ledger from their old family store - Crandall. It was located at Stafford, Nebraska. The store sold farm equipment. The ledger even had instructions on how to use a horse-drawn corn planter. (continued on page 3, History)

Surviving school on a sleepless night is nearly impossible.

Those days where we only get four or five hours of sleep and each class is a battle to stay awake, yet alone stay focused.

Here at Good ol’ St. Mary’s, each classroom is usually perfect napping temperature...so for at least one or two classes, you just don’t keep fully focused. There are common mistakes that everyone makes while napping, like closing your eyes “just for a second,” which turns into minutes. These seconds bring glorious, long minutes of pure comfort. But this turns into you being a primary target for a teacher to hand you a demerit.

I do a few things on these days to stay awake.

I try to keep constant motion and I load up on sugary foods at break. I tap my foot whenever I’m on the verge of slumber. It distracts me. And that sugar gives me that small push.

People who can sleep through class without being noticed: more power to you, but we all know the repercussions of be-ing caught.

Stay alert and focus, or better yet, get a good night’s sleep and you can avoid a day of tiredness.

by Cody Colman

(History, continued from page 2)

Mrs. Wetlaufer explained that she wanted the students to talk with their grandparents to learn about their history and how it is a part of Nebras-ka. Mrs. Wetlaufer gave the students a week to prepare their presentations. She wanted them to talk to their grandparents and learn and appreci-ate their family’s history. “We are losing a whole generation,” said Wet-laufer.

But if we learn from that generation and their experiences. We can keep their memories alive and in essence that great generation.Katie Pongratz displays a gold-beaded broach during the fourth grade Nebraska history display. Photo by Bradley Reynoldson

Take Five With New Teachers

Look for new changes in the SMH music de-partment this year with the addition of new

music instructor, Stephanie Aulston.

She has spent the last few yours attending college at Chadron State College. There, she completed classes to prepare her to teach music

What made Aulston interested in becoming a teacher? “Poor music teachers in my past made me want to become a teacher”. It is her goal to be the best possible teacher and show children the joys of music. Music as a subject has always been easy for her. Aulston plays woodwind instruments, although she is well-versed at the flute as well.

Shortly after her college graduation, Aulston met Principal Walt Dupre at a teacher interview located in Chadron and was ecstatic to accept the position and is looking forward to expanding the music department into something great.

“I’m very excited to build this music program into something of my own,” said Aulston.

by Claire Wetzel

Katie (Ziska) Rowan is a new teacher at St. Mary’s for the 2011-2012 school year. She will be teaching elementary art

classes.

Where did you grow up? -O’Neill, Nebraska.Where did you go to college and what was your major? -University of Nebraska at Lincoln-Elementary educa-tion.What do you enjoy doing in your free time? -Reading, shopping, going for walks, and golfing.Would you rather teach at a public or private school and why? -I would rather teach at a private school because the class sizes are smaller and it is more of a community feel.”What is your favorite type of music and movies? -Pop music and romantic comedies.

by Cody Colman

Coach V or Coach Viterna is a coach, obviously, but recently

has become the new shop and high school art teacher. What brought you to St. Mary’s?

(laughing) Gary Chvala. I help with basketball and track and I really like the faculty, students, families, and community. How long have you been teaching?

It’s my first year as a full time teach-er, but I have 20 years of part time and 25 years of coaching experience. What was your major in col-lege?

Health, Physical Education, Art, and History. Where did you go to school?

Verdigre, Sioux Falls Col-lege, and Wayne State. How do you like St. Mary’s?

I love it.by Seth Miles

St. Mary’s has recruited new members of the staff this year. One of these is Ms. Amber Ginter. She teaches multiple

math classes and an assistant coach of the SMH volleyball team.Ginter has dreamed of being a teacher ever since she was in Kindergarten in her hometown, Spearfish, S.D. Chadron Sate College brought her to Nebraska where she learned different styles and techniques of teaching and earned both teaching and coaching degrees.

Did she have any fears or concerns being a new teacher? “I was nervous the first day because I didn’t know what words to say, but you just have to find the right words, and for fears, I am afraid that the students won’t learn the subject the way I ap-proach it. She adds, “I thought teaching would be like this: see-ing different learning styles and getting to know today’s youth.

Ginter enjoys reading James Patterson and Jodi Picoult novels, but she isn’t so sure about Tolkien. “I don’t really watch Lord of the Rings. by Bradley Reynoldson

Stephanie Aulston Katie Ziska Rowan Amber Ginter Terry Viterna

Two SMH Students Part of 20 & BelowThis school year, Tom Chvala and Seth Miles are taking part in the 20 & Below section sponsored by the Norfolk Daily News.

The section features students from various North Central and Northeast Nebraska high schools and runs approximately three times a month. Each page design centers on a theme and students sum up their thoughts in 300 words.Their first articles, which appeared in late September editions, shared memorable moments and thoughts about music. NVC

One-ActsTuesday,

November 15

atSt. Mary’s

8:30 AM

What Makes You

HAPPY

WHEN I’M SAD, MY MOM AND ME PLAY. THAT MAKES ME HAPPIER.~~EMMA OTTEKINDERGARTEN

MY BABY BROTHER MAKES ME HAPPY WHEN HE SMILES AT ME.~~EMMA WINKELBAUERFIRST GRADE

GOOD GRADES AND MY GRANDMA AND GRANDPA MAKE ME HAPPY.~~CHARLIE BARLOWSECOND GRADE

I’M HAPPY WHEN I KNOW I’M GOING TO GET SOMETHING EXCITING.~~WILL OTTETHIRD GRADE

The Exchange RateSeniors Return to Earn Diplomas

by Seth Miles

They’re back!

Igor Volk and Akmal Nosirov are back to finish their senior year at St. Mary’s. This is Akmal’s third year here at St. Mary’s and its Igor’s fourth year. Akmal came his sophomore year, and Igor came to St. Mary’s during his eighth grade year and is now a senior. He has skipped his junior year and he and Akmal will both be a part of the graduating class of 2012.

Igor and Akmal have been our peers for several years. They first came to O’Neill through foreign exchange programs, but now their families send them here to get a good education. They been our classmates, teammates, and stage crew. Both Igor and Akmal have played a contributing role to St. Mary’s since they’ve been attending school here.

Why St. Mary’s? Igor and Akmal come back for school every year because they like our school, stu-dents, teachers.

And since they are seniors - at the top of the food chain - they are both feared and loved by all. At least both think they are.

While high school years can be boring, Akmal believes they’ve been “very good, very very very good.”

Igor likes the atmosphere of St. Mary’s; it is friendly. Akmal’s favorite things about St. Mary’s are the classes, classmates, and sports.

Igor and Akmal also plan to go to college here in the U.S. Igor wants to go somewhere in Den-ver, and Akmal has UNO, UNL, and Baltimore as options for col-leges.

What ever they plan to do, we are proud of our fellow transplanted Cardinals.

One of the newest changes at SMH is the addition of

an Industrial Technologies class offered to students. Currently, ten student are enrolled in the class.

How difficult has it been to start a program from scratch? Only a few problems have surfaced. Finding the tools and equipment has proven challenging. Thanks to Mr. Viterna, instructor of the class, tools are available to use for the projects.

Viterna formerly taught shop class at Niobrara.

Plus, the location of the class-room makes it even more inter-

esting. The shop is located in the boiler room of the grade school.

Class members will be working on wood working projects, such as birdhouses, shelves, and other wood-related projects.

Sophomore Wilson Hupp, a stu-dent of shop class said, “Along with wood work, we have also been learning about how to identify types of wood and how to operate tools. Also, we learned tool safety.”

Next semester students will work

on engines and other compo-nents of a vehicle that students may need to know.

When many schools are limiting practical arts, the addition of the industrial arts adds another level of offerings at SMH.

Principal Walt Dupre said, “By making this class available to our students, it will help give our next generation the practical skills that may benefit them in the future.”

Industrial Arts Class Added to Schedule

by Jared Tomjack

Right: Lucas Kozisek and Kyle Regan tend to Kyle Loecker during rehearsal for SMH’s upcoming one-act production “Dark of the Moon.” Photo by Deanna Tomjack

SMH Journalism Featured in Daily News The SMH Journalism class will be featured on the 20 & Below page of the Norfolk Daily News on November 15. The class will be responsible for the “trunk” - or main - story on the page, a question posed to students, along with their answers, and basic information about SMH.

Make sure to check out our students’ work!

PRESLEY PRIBIL“Each Little Birds That Sings”

She liked the plot. “A little girl has no family, Then she goes to a funeral and she sees these lit-tle birds flying.”

THE BOOKSHELFWHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

WHY DO YOU ENJOY IT?

Jacob Wiese“Heat”

He liked the plot. “I really liked the story and the action.”

CLAIRE EVERITT“THIEF LORD”

She liked the interesting characters. “The main character was really interest-

ing.”

MRS. COLE“HEAVEN IS FOR REAL” She liked the plot.

“Mostly the little boy who got to meet Jesus, and experience heaven.”

New Exchange Students Join St. Mary’s Senior Classby Bradley Reynoldson

Two additional seniors have joined this year’s senior class. Anne Marie Paintsil and Pakchiraporn (Mint) Chitthammachak are busy with school and activities.

Let’s get to know more about both girls.

Marian: What is your home country?Anne Marie: West AfricaMint: Thailand

Marian: Is the U.S. what you expected? Anne Marie: Yes. Mint: Yes, the language. No speeding.

Marian: What do you enjoy about SMH?Anne Marie: The people are nice.Mint: My friends and teachers.

Marian: How do you feel about our rural lifestyle compared to an urban area? Anne Marie: In an urban area, there are more things to do. Mint: There isn’t as much to do here.

Marian: What is your favorite movie?Anne Marie: Man on Fire with Denzel WashingtonMint: Lil Steve. It’s fun!

Homecoming 2011

The summer is dwindling away, the days are getting

shorter and the temperature is cooler. This is a good opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors a little bit. What can you do outside this time of year? You could do some fall fishing or go on a hunt for some upland birds, such as dove or prairie chicken. You could also go on a fun-filled adventure hunting those pesky hares, such as rabbits and squirrels. As of September 15, you could drive to the middle of the country, relax in a tree stand and do some archery deer hunting.

Fall fishing is a good way to get the family outside and involved with the outdoors. It is also a way to get a few last casts in before the water freezes, and you have to go out onto the ice to fish. Even though ice fishing is a lot of fun, fall fishing from the bank or from a boat is usually a little more enjoyable due to the fact that the weather is a little better most of the time.

Doves and prairie chickens are a blast to hunt because it takes major skill to hit those tiny doves. It also takes skill to know how to successfully harvest these birds because you need to know where they like to nest and also, the weather conditions that these animals thrive in. Another fantastic thing about hunting upland birds is that you can do so many things with them to make a tasty meal for supper that night. Doesn’t some oven-cooked dove with special seasoning or a plate of fried prairie chicken sound delicious? It does to me. Yummy!

Does anyone have a problem with those annoying rabbits and squirrels? Well, some people do because rabbits are always hopping around being nosey and nibbling on the

heads of lettuce and carrots in people’s gardens. If you have this problem, maybe you should take an adventure and go on a good ole’ rabbit hunt. Once you harvest those wascallyy wabbits, you can enjoy them with some of those carrots and lettuce that they won’t be nibbling on anymore.

Bow hunting is not for everyone because it takes a lot of patience, which some people have none of. Archery hunting may be very frustrating sometimes, but it is an awesome way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Hunting with a bow is always more challenging than with a firearm no matter if you are hunting turkey, deer, or any other type of game. This is true because you don’t have the advantage of speed or distance because an arrow moves much slower than a bullet. And you can’t go near as far either. Many people enjoy bow hunting more than they do rifle hunting because they feel it is more of a challenge and doesn’t give the animal as much of a disadvantage.

Venison, as well as any other game, can make a very tasty meal. After a day of bow hunting, you’ll be able to find out.

The great outdoors is a good way to spend time with family and friends. There are many ways to spend time in the outdoors; such as fishing, hunting, or just going out on an evening bike ride. Going hunting can solve problems, such as a wabbit problem in your garden, or an overpopulation of a certain species, like deer.

All in all, I cannot find a downfall to enjoying some time in the great outdoors.

Run Like The WindCongratulations to Kyle Pardun, a mem-ber of the O’Neill Eagles Cross Country team. Pardun quali-fied for the State Cross Country meet, which was held October 21 in Kearney.

It’s Just a...

FantasyWho Made Your Dream Team?Ndamukong Suh. Aaron Rogers. Alex Henery.

If you could draft a group of players to comprise your personal dream team, who would make your list?

Would you follow their stats? Take note of any injury? Because come Sun-day, the way they play makes the difference in this athletic fantasy world.

A lot of people are into the popular activity known as fantasy sports, includ-ing a number of SMH students. Fantasy sports is a fun group activity where couch potatoes, wanna-be athletes, or web surfers create the ultimate sports team.

Love NASCAR? Draft your fantasy drivers. Want to hit a home run? Draft top MLB players. Fancy football? There’s a league for you.

Fantasy sports offer good-hearted competition between friends and family.

What do you win?

Bragging rights.

Tom Chvala, a senior, has been participating in fantasy sports ever since he drafted a fantasy baseball team when he was nine years old.

“This year’s football draft was different from past years. “This year it is auto-matic because we were late and didn’t have time to pick players (because of the NFL player/league talks),” said Chvala.

Once you select your starting lineup (before kickoff, tip-off or the first pitch), then the pro athletes go to work. Stats are compiled and determine if you get the “W” or add another mark in the loss column.

Why do fantasy sports matter?

It provides a distraction from everyday routines. Fantasy sports give people a better understanding of a sport.

And, it can be time consuming. Mrs. Schindler, who took part in a weekly fantasy football league for several years, said some of her teammates spent hours reading sports stories and analyzing plays.

“They were competitive; they won a lot. But we played for fun and love of the game.”

by Bradley Reynoldson

He’s an ACESMH Grad John Hurley shoots for the PGA Pro Tour

by Cody Colman

John Hurley, who recently had his first professional victory in early September at the Dakotas Tour Champi-onship, sat down with Cody Colman and discussed his golf career and St. Mary’s.

Marian: How did you get started playing the sport of golf ?

My dad was the one who in-fluenced me in starting golf. I started when I was around 3 years old dragging around a little golf club and hitting the

ball around on the course.

Marian: Did you always have dreams of being a pro golfer?

Ever since I can remember starting to play competitively and watching the PGA Tour on TV is when I realized that I wanted to be a pro golfer. It’s been fun to go from junior golf, college golf, and now playing professional golf with hopes of making it on the PGA Tour.

Marian: What is your favorite high school golf memory?

There are two actually...win-ning my first state high school title and then defending it the next year would have to be my favorite high school golf

memories.

Marian: Did you consider any other colleges other than Texas A&M?

I took the maximum number of official visits allowed by the NCAA. I looked at Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Kansas State, Missouri, and Nebraska. There were some others that I looked at but did not take a visit to. It was a fun process seeing what

each university had to offer.

Marian: What is the difference between winning a state championship and winning a national championship?

Winning any championship takes good golf for many days. I knew I had to be mentally tough and trust that all of the practice I had put in before the tournament would be good enough to finish the tournament off. The main difference between the state and national championship is that the state title was all up to me individually and the national championship took the great efforts of

four of my teammates.

Marian: How did you make your decision to go pro?

The decision was quite easy since playing on the PGA Tour has been a goal of mine ever

since I can remember.

Marian: How many professional tournaments will you participate in this year?

I have played in eight tournaments this past summer and have had some success getting my first profession-al victory early September at the Dakotas Tour Cham-pionship. I’m not sure yet how many I will play in this fall between stages for PGA Tour Qualifying School but hope to play in some to keep the competitive mind

sharp.

Marian: What was your college ma-jor?

I majored in Sport Management with a minor in Coaching and another minor in International & Cultural

Management.

Marian: How did St. Mary’s prepare you for college, and what you’re doing now?

It was hard adjusting to school at Texas A&M on my first day of class. My first class at A&M had 610 students in it and after coming from a class of fifteen, this was a big adjustment. There were almost 50,000 students at A&M so it was nice to get one on one attention at St. Mary’s that I was unable to really achieve at A&M until my last few years. St. Mary’s helped me become or-ganized and manage my time which helps me to this day. I have to be able to manage my time well and be organized in every-

thing I do.

Marian: What would you be doing today if you were not golfing?

Golf has always been a major part of my life and is my job right now so I really can’t think of anything else I would be do-

ing if not golfing.

Preparing for

B A T T L E

Throughout high school, most teens participate in some type of extra-curricular activity. It is common knowledge that it is not possible for any type of team to succeed without practice, and each sport has its own methods of preparing for battle.

by Claire Wetzel

And They Call the Thing

R O D E OAlthough some people may over look rodeo, it is considered a sport for many rea-

sons. It requires just as much practice as the next extra-curricular activity. Four SMH students participate in rodeo, which is part of the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association. I asked Cody Colman why he practices for team roping.

“I practice because I know I’m not perfect, and I want to get better and be the best I can.” Throughout the week, Colman says he practices between one and four hours

a night, depending on whether he is going to rope the dummy or take his horse out for roping. Since Colman participates in team roping, he does spend some practice time with Ryan Schneider, his roping partner. All of this time rehearsing has definitely paid off for Colman and Schneider because they have proved very successful throughout their high school roping careers. The duo earned a trip to Nationals this past summer.

SMH students competing in ro-deo are (l-r) Cody Colman, David Shields, Rachel Schmitz, and Ryan Schneider.

Photo by Jodi Loecker

RunX-Country

Run

Cross country is another sport that some people do not think of as a fall sport.

Although sometimes it is not given great amounts of credit, cross country is an-other sport that takes much conditioning and prepara-tion to reach perfection.

SMH coops this activity with O’Neill High School. Nine students - Mint, Anne

Marie Paintsil, Kyle Par-dun, Miranda Pribil, Sarah Pribil, Chloe Sanchez, Lo-gan Spencer, and Alejan-dra Vergera - participate.

Coach Hilker has been coaching cross country for 16 years, and he says “I have enjoyed every minute of it. It is a true joy to see the kids succeed”.

Throughout practice, the

participants have shown great improvements in their strength, speed, and en-durance.

All these things are impor-tant for the competitors to have for the actual races.

Plenty of practice and endurance prepares Cross Country runners for meets and weather conditions.

Preparing for

B A T T L E

Throughout high school, most teens participate in some type of extra-curricular activity. It is common knowledge that it is not possible for any type of team to succeed without practice, and each sport has its own methods of preparing for battle.

by Claire Wetzel

Hard work pays off. The SMH football team has been practicing since August and now will participate in the Class D-2 state football playoffs. Photo by Kaylee Krotter

Football is another sport that prac-tice time is vital.

According to Coach Tony Allen, the football team has been practicing hard since the beginning of August.

At the beginning of the season, the team started working on offensive and defensive schemes and learning the plays. These skills are essential for any team to become great.

When the SMH football boys began to master the plays for offense and

defense, Allen began to work on some training and perfection of the plays.

“The boys work hard and know how to get down to business”, says Allen, when describing his team’s performance in practice.

All this hard work pays off during the season games, and the en-tire team has high expectations for the rest of the football year.

Block ‘n

Tackle

Raise the

R O OF

Kaylee Krotter and Brooke Bauer await the serve from the opposing team. A combo of drills and scrimmages has prepared the Lady Cardinals for the season.

Photo by LuAnn Schindler

Volleyball is an intense sport and requires intense practice. According to Jessi Pongratz, the SMH volleyball team has been working hard. From the start of

the season, they have been focusing on the fundamentals and lately the team has started team building. Now, the group spends time scrimmaging so players perfect play in their assigned positions.

Because games throughout the week are more plentiful - and time-consuming - after-school practices are shorter. Generally, practices run around one hour 45 minutes.

Justine Blumenstock says at this point in the season, Coach Renshaw is pushing the girls to finish strong, so they can go far.

“Practice is more intense now,” Pongratz asserts, “because it’s crunch time.”

On the Senior Retreat, my class-mates and I were asked to ponder our lives and where we are headed. It’s funny that we are at the last stage of our high school careers and we still have no idea what our plans for the future are. Sure, we may have colleges in mind, but we never really sat down and thought about how deep our spiritual lives were until we arrived at Schuyler. This retreat was unlike any other that we had ever been to, and it was the perfect last hurrah for our class.

The biggest part of this retreat was the silence. We applied silence while we ate, while we prayed, and while we walked throughout the building. To outsiders, this quietness could seem unattractive and unnecessary, but I think that if we did not ob-serve the stillness, we would have gotten nothing out of the experi-ence. Talking to Jesus in silence is extremely refreshing and calming, and it was strange realizing that our lives are tremendously loud and busy.

The retreat center in Schuyler is beautiful. All of the land around the facility is bursting with butterflies, budding trees, and intricately-carved benches. Surrounded by God’s creation, all who enter this atmo-sphere find inner peace. It is easy to sit on one of the benches and lose yourself in the serenity of God’s creation. After asking my class-mate Luke about his experience, he replied, “I was able to just go off by myself and really concentrate on my personal relationship with God. This one-on-one time with God really helped me strengthen my relation-ship with Him and recognize His importance in my life.”

The Senior retreat was a mixture of spiritual meditating, enjoyment, and bonding time for our class. It creat-ed a more desperate desire for Jesus in our hearts and lives. Father Nigli was even questioned by the monks who lived near the center; they asked him how he made seventeen teenag-ers quiet for more than half an hour. Father responded, saying that all was because of God. I know that be-cause of this retreat, Jesus will stay near and dear to each of our hearts, and we will continue to do God’s will for the rest of our lives

Quo Vadis?Where Am I Going?

by Ella Spencer

Right: The class of 2012 takes a moment away from their spiritual retreat and share a few moments together as one, united group.

Photo by Jodi Loecker

My High School Experience Was...

I was the high school. I owned it. If there was to be a party, it was I that started it. I was Valedictorian of my class. Teachers loved me, principals loved me, parents adored me. It was a fantas-tic experience. Mr. Dupre

My high school experience was very positive. It was full of good times and friends.

Mrs. Schneider

I had an entertaining and very fun time.Ms. Ginter

Attention to Detail

Alejandra Vergera double checks a sketch during art class.

Photo by Claire Wetzel