Volume 51 Number 7 Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005 Friday, March 22, 2013

The Marso embodies

Spirit of Su/page 5

With her host family, the Zells, junior Kim van Eden (third from the left, above) attends a Twins game. Junior Kofi Gunu (second from left) and his host family, the Bennetts, gather for a family photo.

Van Eden, Gunu experience America

Lovrien visits Belizean organic farmThorson, Schlekeway promoted

Photo courtesy of Justin Lovrien

Science instructor Justin Lovrien stands in the ruins of a Mayan temple dating back to before 600 AD.

Gunu/cont. p. 3

Photo by Cylie Svartoien

Middle school Principal Brad Thorson and high school Assistant Principal Mark Schlekeway are in the office.

By Umaima KochUpdate Editor

Seven months ago two foreign exchange students, juniors Kim van Eden and Kofi Gunu, voyaged overseas to each spend the year amidst American culture, traditions, school and day-to-day activities. Since then, they have settled into their temporary lives in the United States.

Van Eden is from Rhede, a city of 19,000 people in northwest Germany about five minutes from the Netherlands.

When she arrived, her host family was standing with a sign that said, “Welcome Kim Sophie to South Dakota.”

“That was pretty cool,” she said.

Van Eden lives with Brad and Elaine Zell and their daughter, sophomore Mariah Zell.

She simply wanted to come to the United States, and came here she did through the Nacel Open Door organization, an exchange program that has been working for over five decades.

After spending about a month in the United States, van Eden finally became used to the seven-hour time difference; however, she lived every day as if it was a reoccurring dream.

“For the first month or something, I was still in my head

at home,” van Eden said, “and then waking up, I heard people talking and they were talking in English, and I was just like, ‘Where am I’?”

“I was kind of confused the first days,” she said. “I was just overwhelmed and I was scared. I

was really scared because of the language at first. I didn’t want to say anything.”

Even the Zells’ home was different, yet strangely familiar to her.

Thus far, van Eden has been to the State Capitol in Pierre,

the Mall of America, a drive-in theater outside of Luverne, Minn., a Twins game, the Black Hills and the Zells’ lake cabin. She grasps all opportunities that she is able to because Brad tells her every day, “Life is about opportunities.”

“I think it was just getting used

to other people’s personalities and how people respond to and react to things,” Brad said, thinking about his family’s adjustment process to van Eden’s arrival. “You work out sleeping patterns, food that you like and don’t like, stuff like that.”

In German schools, students remain in one classroom throughout the day while the teachers rotate between them. Another difference, van Eden said, is the teachers there are more concerned about earning money; whereas, in America, people teach because they want to help their students advance.

“The most amazing thing about America, the thing that I’m gonna miss the most,” van Eden said, “is how people stick together.”

American schools are like a family, she said. Everyone grows together and knows each other; even people who don’t talk to each other know each other. It’s one thing van Eden is going to miss greatly because people don’t stick together like that in Germany.

“I’m thankful for all the people who made that experience so awesome,” van Eden said, “especially my host family, the Brandon Valley High School teachers and my friends.”

By Umaima KochUpdate Editor

Ever since reading the novel The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan, from which science instructor Justin Lovrien’s interest of organic farming sprouted, Lovrien tended to his own produce on his four-acre farm. In the novel, Pollan notes that people know who fix their cars and what parts are in them, but not who prepares their food.

In fact, one study that tested hamburger from grocery stores showed a package of meat can have the DNA from 400 different animals in it because the meat is generally ground up fat with all of the bits of leftover meat at the end of the day.

“I think organic is a great goal,” Lovrien said. “I’m not 100 percent organic and I don’t always buy organic food, but it’s a movement I’m really into.”

That’s why, during his seven-day sojourn in Belize last month, Lovrien stayed at Lower Dover Research Center, an organic farm approximately one mile from Guatemala.

“It wasn’t in any town,” he said. “You had to take a bus ride for a half an hour from the nearest town to get to it.”

Lower Dover is stationed near

an excavation site of Mayan ruins dating to 800 A.D., whose ancient people knew how to harvest enough food to sustain a population of 20,000. At the research center, they have trouble providing enough vegetables for 20 people.

“The Mayans were pretty significant farmers,” Lovrien

said. “They grew maize and corn and the fact that we can’t really grow that stuff now (in that area) is fascinating.”

Ancient Mayans used bio-char as fertilizer, mixing charcoal into the soil of their fields that they rotated regularly. In modern-day Belize, composting is very common. The gardens at Lower Dover are filled with eggshells and rice, among other things.

Lovrien’s own farm consists of two different fields: one organic, which he fertilizes with compost and chicken manure, and the other non-organic, which is fertilized with MiracleGro and outputs a higher yield. But he is always searching for ways to achieve higher yields from his organic farms, and has discovered two grains that are becoming popular: amaranth and quinoa, the latter of which he grows for farmers’ markets.

Quinoa, a plant native to Peru, grows well in rainforests and at altitudes above 8,000 feet. It is also drought-tolerant and grows well in South Dakota.

“Organic farming requires a lot of work,” Lovrien said, “(but it’s) great simply knowing who made your food. It’s a great activity to know where your food comes from.”

Gunu family photo by Umaima Koch

By Cylie SvartoienNews Editor

School board hired math instructor Mark Schlekeway to replace Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, who fills the position of middle school assistant principal, until next fall, when he will be the principal. The administrative officials started in their new positions Monday.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do the past three or four years,” Schlekeway said. “I’m extremely excited to be given the opportunity to be an administrator at Brandon Valley High School.”

After 10 years of teaching here, Schlekeway transitions to an office administration position outside of the classroom. He said one of the biggest challenges will be the dramatic shift in daily routine from the classroom to the office.

“I’m excited to be able to work with the teachers and students in a different capacity than I was before,” Schlekeway said.

Schlekeway’s new responsibilities include enforcing discipline, attendance and supervising school events.

Former student teacher Leanne Severson takes over Schlekeway’s classes for the rest of the year as a long-term substitute.

After 19 years at the high school, Thorson continues his career in education at the middle school. As principal, Thorson will oversee all day-to-day operations.

Thorson said what he will miss most are the relationships he has developed with students and staff at the high school. A major difference will be the age difference, he said.

“Hopefully,” Thorson said, “I can continue to challenge students and staff to continue to achieve high standards.”

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, March 22, 2013

Promotions bring positive changes

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........................................................................ Cylie SvartoienVoices Editor ......................................................................... Austin SadlerA&E Editor ............................................................................ Payton KnollSports Editors .................................Dustin Johnson and Kinnley ComeauxUpdate Editor .......................................................................Umaima KochPhoto Editors ............................ ..Madison McKeown and Casey KoutstaalAd Manager ..................................................................... Jessica MorrisonCirculation Manager .......................................... .......................Troy SmallAdviser ........................................................................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.

What do you think

about women being

drafted into the

military?

Women should not be drafted into the United States military

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.

HIV cureSentinels bill Food Pantry

“I don’t believe in the draft. I think military service should be voluntary.”

-SeniorStephen Bakke

“I think it’s good for them so long as they have the same requirements as males. I say go for it.”

-SeniorAidan Melvin

“I think it would be a good experience. Women should be able to fight for their country.”

-JuniorLeah Rohlf

“I think it’s fair because men and women should always be treated equally.”

-JuniorKara Schroeder

“It would be cruel and unjust. It wouldn’t be morally correct to put them in that situation.”

-SophomoreNelson Dingler

“My sister is in it, but I really don’t want to join the military. I’m against it.”

-FreshmanTate Watson

Thumbs up to the South Dakota legislature for

passing the school sentinels bill. The bill allows schools to decide whether

to employ armed volunteer defenders. This will permit smaller schools with less law enforcement to protect themselves if they choose to do so.

Thumbs up to finding a cure for a child born

with HIV. Using a three-drug regimen, Dr. Hannah Gay treated and cured

an infant born with HIV over the course of a year. This break through will help further the study and prevention of the disease.

Thumbs up to instructor Matt Christensen’s

charity event for the Brandon Food Pantry. He sponsored a

GoldenEye video game tournament. The 25 participants, who paid a minimum $5 entry fee, raised $170 and donated 50 pounds of food for the Food Pantry.

By Troy SmallCirculation Manager

The controversial draft, which was employed by the United States Government in 1940 to increase troops in World War II and later the equally controversial Vietnam War, required any American male, between the ages of 18 and 26, to sign up. If there was ever a shortage of soldiers, that male would be required to enlist in the military, under penalty of law. Since the Vietnam War, the draft has not been used since.

The debate about how constitutional the draft is continues, but it seemed mostly forgotten about until recently

when the Pentagon announced it would be expanding the draft to include women as well. This instantly sparked a public outcry.

Even though women have been allowed to serve in the military for years, only 14 percent of females are in the army today, according to statisticbrain.com.

So, is it unfair for women not to be drafted? The 1981 Rostker vs. Goldberg case went to the Supreme Court after a group of men claimed the draft was sexist because it did not require women to enlist. Eventually, the case was dimissed.

Many feminist groups support the draft because it would mean

more equality between the two genders. Even President Obama supports the idea of women being drafted.

Many people opposing this draft say society cannot expect every man or woman to have both the drive and physique those already volunteered for the military have. Not all of the young men and women are prepared enough for the trauma and strain of war.

No matter what gender, forcing both young people just graduating from high school and young married adults, who must abandon their children and careers for war, is wrong. No draft should be implemented for either gender.

Change is good. Promotions are better.After years of serving the Brandon Valley School District, the

school board promoted two staff members to administrative positions. Former-Assistant Principal Brad Thorson moves to the middle school as principal and math instructor Mark Schlekeway takes over as assistant principal at the high school.

The school board could have hired any qualified applicant from anywhere in the state or country. Instead, it hired locally and rewarded loyalty and service to our community.

Schlekeway said he has had his eye on an administrative position and was grateful to stay in the district. It would have been a shame to lose such a beloved teacher and coach to another district. Instead, he will remain here as an administrator.

As positions change, so must perspectives. Students and staff have recognized Schlekeway as an instructor for years. Now, all must adjust to his new position of authority.

In the meantime, Thorson moves to the middle school where he will finish this school year as assistant principal. With this unique situation, he will learn the ins and outs of the middle school systems and be prepared to start next fall as principal.

Thorson said he has wanted to be a principal for a while. After nearly 20 years of experience in education, he is now in charge of all day-to-day school operations.

A major difference with the move will be the students’ ages. Middle school prepares students for high school. It is a time when students build character and develop interests that will be useful later on in life. To be in charge of such a group of students will be a challenge, but one that Thorson is capable of taking on.

As assistant principal, Thorson managed discipline and supervising school events. The unique blend of authority and involvement earned him respect that will serve him well as principal.

The changes will continue to promote high educational standards.

Brandon Valley High School Friday, March 22, 2013

Variety Show features talent for fine arts

At the Variety Show junior Coleton Ginger (top left) plays a piano version of Pirates of the Caribbean theme song. Senior Jack Kruger (top right) sings Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” Senior Ashlynn Boerhave sings “I Will Always Love You,” accompanied by sophomore Greg Lundberg. Senior Dustin Johnson (above) plays the drums while his band performs Carrie Underwood’s hit “Blown Away.”

Photos by Kinnley Comeaux

Like van Eden, Gunu has had an unforgettable experience living here in the United States.

“I come from a place where people are adventurous,” Gunu said. “It was fortunate for me to go to the places I’d always heard about.”

Originally from Tamale, Ghana, a city of about 100,000 people, Gunu said his transition to living with the Bennetts was very good. His host family consists of Brian and Penny Bennett and their children, sophomore Nate Bennett, freshman Riley Bennett, seventh grader Grace Bennett and fifth grader Zach Bennett.

“I lived in Africa for a year,” Penny said, “and I really liked the idea of sharing our family with someone else.”

Gunu’s father works in a library that holds many compositions of

American literature, and going to places that he’s read about was the motivating factor, he said, of his decision to participate in the exchange program.

Gunu went through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, an organization that provides scholarships for international high school students to spend one year in the United States.

“I’m very impressed with it,” Brian said. “It’s a very well-run organization.”

The program made the transition an easy one for the Bennetts.

“The first few days were kind of uneasy for me,” Gunu said.

On their first encounter at the airport, Gunu looked really tired.

“He was smiling, though,” Riley said.

Gunu said he wanted to come into the Bennetts’ family and fit nicely, like someone bumping a

vase slightly but bringing it back to stability.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” Brian said. “Our kids were very interested in having an exchange student. There was no opposition at all.”

Gunu said a foreign exchange student’s mind should be like a parachute; both work best when open.

“I’m glad I came over here, especially with the size of our community because you really get to experience the true American values as they should be,” Gunu said.

In his stay thus far, Gunu has participated in high school soccer and performed in the one-act play, both some of the biggest highlights of his exchange that he will never forget.

And since his exchange program requires that its students complete 10 hours of service each

semester, Gunu has done a variety of volunteer work such as the Feed My Starving Children trip and packing things for families to deliver at Christmas time.

“The Christmas I had here was one of the best ones I’ve ever celebrated,” he said.

Gunu went to Washington, D.C., last month for a one-week civic education workshop. About 115 exchange students attended seminars about American civics and leadership. They also went sightseeing.

Gunu challenged other students to consider going on an exchange. “There’s a more diverse world out there,” he said.

Because of the exchange, Nate said, his family is more accepting of anyone and anything outside of the United States.

“Look into it. It’s not something to be intimidated by,” Brian said. “It’s been a very positive

experience for the Bennett family.”

It’s been such a positive exposure for them that they are considering hosting again.

“It’s an experience most people don’t get to do,” Nate said.

For Gunu, the exposure has been a lot about him getting to know himself, and realizing the values he truly believes in.

“He’ll leave a hole,” Penny said. “He has weaseled his way into our hearts.”

It will be quiet and sad, the Bennetts said, with one less person in the house when Gunu departs for Ghana.

“The more I enjoy the months I have, the more quickly they go,” Gunu said. “But yet my exchange here would be one of the points of my life that would have the most impact on me. And, hopefully, I won’t be saying goodbye for good.”

Gunu: ‘It was fortunate for me to go to the places I’d always heard about’Continued from p. 1

By Madison McKeownPhoto Editor

Dressed in western-style clothing, seniors Lexi McGee and Kara Anderson, along with their band, sang “Blown Away” by Carrie Underwood at the Variety Show.

“My junior year Kara Anderson and I decided to put a band together,” McGee said. “We performed ‘Rolling in the Deep’ by Adele. This year we brought our band back with a few new members. The best part about having a band are our practices and I wish I could come back next year and perform again!”

The band members included McGee, Anderson, seniors Clarissa Petersen, Anna Budahl, Dustin Johnson; junior Kevin Gingles and sophomore Weston Meyer.

Sophomore Sam Sperlich also performed a lyrical dance to “Echo” by Jason Walker.

“I like performing because I’ve been doing it for so long,” she said. “It’s what I grew up doing, and I just feel myself while dancing.”

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, March 22, 2013

Hardwood turns into war zone

By Jessica MorrisonAd Manager

Having lost five players to season-ending injuries, the girls basketball team finished at districts.

Those who were not injured had to battle illness leaving the team with little continuity, coach Mark Stadem said.

“I think we would have liked to have had more wins, but it just wasn’t in the cards,” Stadem said. “This team fought through a lot of adversity. We lost five players to season-ending injuries in our program. There are football teams

that don’t lose that many players. And of those who didn’t get injures, many had to battle illness. It left us with very little continuity from game to game.”

In the second game of districts against Yankton, the Lady Lynx lost 44-41. Senior Allison Koehn scored 18 points including three 3-pointers. Sophomore Carley Kueter had 10 points and six rebounds.

The girls lost to Washington 59-31 in the first round of districts. Koehn scored nine points and grabbed seven rebounds. Senior Brynne Rist had six points.

Girls basketball ends at districts

By Kinnley ComeauxSports Editor

Senior Mason Bender didn’t just spend a couple of weeks at wrestling camps; he dedicated his whole off-season to becoming an undefeated wrestler. And, he did.

Bender went undefeated and won the State A title for the 170-weight class. He was the first state wrestling champion since 1997.

“Being the state champion was my dream come true,” he said. “It was a goal I set five years ago and have worked everyday since to achieve this.”

The Lynx placed 12th of 35 teams at state scoring 65.5 points. Bender was the only wrestler who placed first. Junior Adam Presler placed fifth at 126; sophomore Wyatt Winter, sixth, 152; freshman Andrew Sorensen, seventh, 195; and senior Grant Dougherty, eighth, 145.

“There were a lot of great

wrestlers to practice with and the coaching was outstanding,” Sorensen said. “All of the hard work we put into this season really paid off at the regional and the state meet.”

The wrestling team placed second at the regional meet with 159.5 points and qualified five additional Lynx wrestlers to the State A meet. They were freshman Conner Rowbothom, eighth grader Jackson Pletten, sophomore Brandan Burkhart, senior Gabe Langner and junior Erik Ode.

The wrestling team, coached by head coach Kraig Presler and assistant coach Derek Outland, ended its season with an 8-9 record.

“It has been an enjoyable season and I think we made great progress,” Presler said. “A lot of our focus was to peak for the state tournament.”

Undefeated, Bender wrestles to State A title

By Dustin JohnsonSports Editor

Intense, buzzer-beating, upset-filled college and high school basketball seasons has turned the hardwood into a war zone.

The player launches a final shot. The crowd looks on. An eternity elapses. The crowd looks on. The buzzer resonates through the silent gymnasium. The crowd looks on. The prayer-of-a-shot finds a way into the net (or just misses). All of the fans erupt and engulf the players—those on the winning team and on the losing team—in disbelief.

But as exhilarating as being submerged in an electric crowd, it instigates its own consequences.

Injury risk poses the biggest threat in the post-game storm. Many fans can easily fall down and be trampled by hundreds of feet. The North Carolina State University student Will Privette, who took a video of himself and fell to the ground during the video, is proof of just how seemingly innocent celebrations can have severe, unintended consequences. Fortunately, star player C.J. Leslie saw Privette and rescued him. Had Leslie not done so, Privette would have been trampled.

Not only can fans suffer from injury, but also players. Fans who have ill-advised ideas can “accidentally” injure players of the opposing team to insure their opponents’ demise. The rivalry games such as Syracuse vs. Georgetown, North Carolina vs. Duke and Washington vs. Brandon Valley become heated. When the losing team slowly sulks off the court, interaction between the coaches, players and fans risk being escalated to fights and violence.

Even though celebration is meant for extolling the success of the winning team and not debasing the losing team, fans who are “caught up in the moment” can turn for the worse after a simple gibe or, in some cases, physical provocation. There is no tolerance for defaming opposing coaches, players and fans in any sport.

During the state championship, the arena staff curtailed any type of charge holding both crowds back. That allowed both crowds to support their teams safely and respectfully.

And when the Lynx won the second round of districts against Lincoln, the administration prevented any type of court storm and negative interaction between the students and the Lincoln fans. Fortunately, Dr. Gregg Talcott knows how to manage the potential charge.

Photos by Jessica Morrison

Senior Mason Bender (left) takes down his Pierre opponent Dawson Monfore. Bender beat Monfore in the State A championship. Junior Adam Presler (below) attempts to pin his Pierre opponent. He placed fifth at state.

During the second game of districts sophomore Emily Harris passes the ball against the Washington Warriors. The Lady Lynx lost to the Warriors 59-31. Senior Allison Koehn was named to the Eastern South Dakota All-Conference Team.

Photo by Kinnley Comeaux

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, March 22, 2013

Photo by Kinnley Comeaux

Senior Jack McCann squats while teammates cheer him on at the state powerlifting meet in Madison. The team placed three men at the state meet. McCann placed fifth at 181, senior Tanner Ploen, fourth at 198, and senior Joe Sandoval, fifth at heavyweight.

Lifters place three at stateSports in short...BOWLING: Lady Lynx placed second in the state

tournament. “I’m very proud of how we placed,” senior Caitlin Hammond said. “We came in second to the undefeated No. 1-ranked team (Washington).” Hammond led the team with a 514 series and junior Emily Steinhouse followed with a 512. For the boys team, sophomore Tyler Limmer led the team in the qualifying round with a 599 series followed by junior Luke Laycock with a 520 series.

BASEBALL: Varsity will compete in Shawnee, Kan., for its first games next Thursday and Friday. Returning letterwinners are seniors Cole VanderBeek, Jacob Bruget, Tom Gardner, Jacob Mulder, Jared Mulder and junior Jacob Adams.

TRACK: Track and field athletes will compete in their second indoor competition at the Dan Lennon meet in the DakotaDome Monday. Tuesday the team had many top individual and team finishes in the Bob Prince meet. Junior Cam Holmes finished first in the 400m dash in 50.53. Freshman Courtney Bickley finished fourth in her 400m dash in 1:03.77. Senior Trey Etrheim hurdled to second place in the 60m hurdles in 9.97. In the 3000m race junior Kaija Nitz finished in 11:06.83 placing second and senior Zach Van Ede finished in 9:28.72 placing third. In the 4x200m race the boys raced to second place in 1:36.70.

TENNIS: Boys tennis teams will battle against Yankton and Roosevelt in Sioux Falls April 2.

GOLF: Girls varsity golfers will compete in Brookings for their first meet April 1. Coaching the Lady Lynx is Todd Geerdes, who replaced former-coach Chad Nelson.

SOFTBALL: Varsity will compete at a tournament in Lincoln, Neb., next Friday and Saturday.

Senior Adam Bauer (far left) makes a basket during the first state game against Huron. Junior Nic Peterson (left) scores against Huron. Lynx won 62-29. Senior Nate Winter (top) drives to the basket against Pierre. As he looks to pass, junior Devan West (above) guards the ball. Lynx lost 50-39.

Photos by Kinnley Comeaux and Jessica Morrison

Boys basketball second at state

Senior Chase Marso receives the Spirit of Su Award during halftime of the State AA boys basketball championship.

By Jessica MorrisonAd Manager

After losing in the State AA championship game against Pierre 50-39, the Lynx brought home the runner-up trophy.

“We came out and played hard, and we stunned a lot of people,” junior Jacob Adams said about the tournament. “There weren’t very many people that thought Brandon would be in the championship game. I’m so happy with the team for playing hard all year.”

Senior Chase Marso scored 17 points against Pierre and Adams, 13 points.

Marso, Adams and junior Nic Peterson were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Marso also received the Spirit of Su Award.

In the second round at state, the boys beat top-seeded Roosevelt Rough Riders 57-51. Peterson scored 15 points with three 3-pointers. Adams had 14 points and eight rebounds. Marso had 10

points and made six free throws.In the first game at the

tournament against Huron, the boys won 62-29. Peterson scored 20 points, and Adams had 10 points and four rebounds.

To qualify for state, the boys won both district games.

At the second game of districts, the boys beat Lincoln 71-43. Marso led the Lynx with 30 points including six 3-pointers. Peterson chipped in 26 points, nine of which were free throws. Adams

had 11 rebounds.In the first game of districts,

the Lynx beat Washington 56-43. Marso scored 27 points and made five rebounds. Peterson had 10 points and five assists.

“It was a great season,” coach Brent Deckert said. “It’s always great to be playing your best at the end of the season, and this team, like many other BV teams in the past, were playing some great basketball through February and March.”

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, March 22, 2013

Thirteen vocalists receive superiors

Did you know...?

FFAers to compete

SALSA membersvolunteer for projects

n Board of Education meeting isMondayat6:30p.m.n Early dismissal is Thursday forSpringBreak,which is fromMarch29toApril1.n Board of Education meeting isApril8at6:30p.m.n ACTtestdateisApril13.n Prom isApril 20 at the ShrineMosque in Sioux Falls. The dancestartsat9p.m.n SchoolisinsessionApril26duetoasnowday.n To receive a 2013 Lynxonianwith a name stamped on the cover,students must pay Jostens beforeApril30.Topayorverifypayment,go to jostensyearbooks.com. Noextrayearbookswillbeordered.n March students of the monthare freshman McKenzie Gloege,sophomore Andrew Breitzman,juniorMannyBernal,seniorsSpencerMyrlieandTaylorAndersen.n Sophomores Megan Swets,Mariah Zell and Jacob Donahoewill attend the Annual Governor’sLeadershipLuncheonMay11attheUniversityofSouthDakota.n Dodge Ball and Soup Supperbenefit for senior Josiah McGee istonightat5p.m.inthecommons.

‘South Pacific’ set in WWII eraBy Kinnley ComeauxSports Editor

South Pacific, a musical directed byKevinBrick,willbeperformedApril4,5and6at7p.m.andApril7at1p.m.

South Pacific, set duringWorldWar II,is about a young nurse, Nellie Forbush,(seniorMalleStephens),whofallsinlovewithaFrenchplantationowner,EmiledeBecque(seniorBrianAlbertson).

“I’m really excited but somewhatnervous because I haven’t done anything

like this before,” Albertson said. “I onlyauditioned tobeasailorbutmadeoneofleadcharactersasEmile.”

ThecouplestumblesintoarelationshipasNellieeventuallydiscoversEmile’spasthehasbeenhidingfromher.Meanwhile,Lt.Joseph Cable (sophomore Matt Skadsen)arrives to lead a mission to create a spypost on the Japanese-held island. BloodyMary (senior Ashlynn Boerhave), theisland souvenir dealer, sets her daughterLiat(freshmanJessicaSadler)upwithLt.

Cable. After Lt. Cable refuses to marryLiat,BloodyMarytakesherdaughterawaytoseekanewsuitor.

Afterpressured,Emile agrees tobeLt.Cable’sguideonhisdangerousmission.

South Pacific illustrates the WorldWar II era with its theme, music andchoreography.

“I am excited for all of the dancing inthe musical,” senior Brianna Clemenson,thedancechoreagraphersaid.“Ihopetheaudiencewilllikethechoreography.”

SALSA will be participating invariousserviceprojects.

The members will be serving atthe Annual Spaghetti Supper forthe Sioux Empire Lions Club andvolunteering at the 10th Annual AgDay at the Washington PavilionSaturday.

The deadline to apply for KidsSpeakwasMarch8.SevenstudentsfromEastRiverandWestRiverwillbeselectedtomakepresentationsanddiscusswaysthatcouldreducedeathrates from motor vehicle crashes inthestateofSouthDakota.

ThenextSALSAmeetingisApril3at7a.m.inthelibrary.

Prom budgets set for any price rangeBy Madison McKeownPhoto Editor

Theaveragefamilywillspendanywherefrom$1,000 to$2,000on thepromnightexperience, according to USA Today, butthatdoesn’tmeaneveryonehasto.

“Ithinkyoucouldbuysomethingbetterwith more money,” senior Quiana Pardeesaid.“Ididn’tspendthatmuchbutI lovemydressandthat’sallthatmatters.”

Whenpromcomesaround,itissmarttocreate a budget so you’re not forced intopayingmoreforsomethingyoucouldhavepaidlesson.

TheFrenchDoorBoutiqueinSiouxFallsisofferingafreetuxrentalifyoupassout$10offcouponsandthosepeoplecomeinandusethemtowardtheirtux.Oncesevenpeopledothat,yoursisfree.

TipTopTuxinSiouxFallsisalsoofferingadealfor$40offatuxedorental.

“Promcangetprettyexpensivewiththetux, tickets, dinner and flowers,” seniorLukeHyronimussaid.“Itusuallyturnsouttobeprettyfun,though.Soit’sworththemoney.”

The most expensive part of prom isthe girl’s dress. Prom dresses can range

anywhere from $300 to $1,300. LindaKorman,advertisingdirectorforSeventeen PromandTeen Prommagazines,suggestsborrowing a friend’s old dress you reallyliked.

“Some dresses can have ridiculousprices,butit’sallaboutwhereyoushop,”juniorTiaraTinglesaid.“Borrowingfroma friend could be a good way to savemoney on a dress you’d only wear onceanyways.”

Limos.com has limos and party busesrangingfrom$5apersonto$8aperson.

Candyisthepromtheme.

Photo by Jessica Morrison

Senior Alex Rogen and sophomore Chelsea Schmeling play during the Symphonic Band Concert. The next concert is Turkey Supper April 13.

Bands host 48th annual Turkey Supper

Photo by Madison McKeown

Senior Anthony Pederson earns two superior cello solos at the Region II Solo/Ensemble Contest.

14 solos, ensembles receive superiors

Photo by Jessica Morrison

Senior Brendan Gallo performs his solo during the jazz band concert. Jazz I and Jazz II will compete at SDSU’s annual jazz festival April 11.

By Casey KoutstaalPhoto Editor

BrandonValleyBandParentsAssociationwillhostthe48thannualTurkeySupperandPopsConcertApril13from5to8p.m.

TurkeySupperbenefitsallaspectsofthebandprogramwhetheritisnewequipmentorflowersforAll-Statebandmembers.

Symphonic band prepared eight piecesfor its concert March 11, which included“Beyond the Horizon,” “LuxAurumque,”“OnTheOverlandStageToElPaso,”“TheThunderer,”“Ride,”“AfricanDreams,”“LaTregendaWitches’Dancefrom‘LeVilli’”and“DanseBohemien.”

Redandblackbandmembershad theirconcert March 12. The Red Band playedfive pieces, including “Fanfare for theThird Planet,” “Air for Band,” “By Lochand Mountain,” “Mambo Cubano” and“NationalEmblemMarch.”

Black Band played “Heart Beat 5,”“YorkshireBallad,”“SailingSongs,”“EternalPeaks”and“WhenHonorPrevails.”

“TheAugustanaJazzFestivalwentverywell,” director Jesse Miller said. “Bothbandsplayedverywell.”

Jazz Band I placed fourth out of sevenandJazzBandII,fifthoutofseven.

FFAmembersarepreparingfortheCareerDevelopmentEventcontests.

Due to the weather, the MondaycontestatFlandreauwasrescheduledtoThursday.Resultswereunavailableatpresstime.

ThestudentswillalsobecompetingnextTuesday.

StateFFAConvention isatSouthDakotaStateUniversityinApril.

Thirteenvocalistsreceivedsuperiorratings at the South Dakota HighSchoolActivitiesAssociationRegionII Vocal Solo/Ensemble Contest atAugustanaCollegeMarch12.

Receiving superiors were seniorsHaley Kunkel, Ashlynn Boerhave,Kara Anderson, Stephen Bakke;sophomores Lydia Eichelberg,Macy Murren, Matt Skadsen,Kevin Huizenga, Teresa Hardiman;freshmen Rachael Fredrickson,Elizabeth Schumacher, Kayla MossandLaurenBlue.

By Payton KnollA&E Editor

Orchestramembersrecieved14superiorsattheRegionIISoloandEnsembleContest.

“I was impressed that everyorchestra member participated insomefashionatthecontest,”directorShelly Berg said. “The studentsplacedagreat amountof timeandpreparationforthefestival.”

Superior soloists were seniorAnthonyPederson,twocellosolos;juniorsAnnikaHindbjorgen,cello;Anna Fruehwirth, violin; AlicenBeldin, viola; and sophomoreMariahZell,violin.

Eight ensembles also received

superiors.Violin duets includedMykayla Palmer/Zell, MaggieGrapevine/Carson Pruett,Todd Grothe/Pruett, JacobMeyer/Jacob Boosma, RainyZimmerman/Emma Baier andKendal Rusten/Kelle Beckman.JuniorsSpencerHeidbrink,LucasMutschelnaus,EvanMallattandfreshmanHannaMutschelknausplayed as an ensemble.Grapevine,Beckman,Heidbrink,HindbjorgenandseniorBeowulfCrapserplayedasaquintet.Inaddition to performing in thequintet,Crapseralsowrotethearrangementthequintetplayedforasuperiorrating.