Volume 53 Number 5 Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005 Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

The Wrestlers at

Pentagon/page 4

By Eli SuchowackyUpdate Editor

Brandon Valley placed second in State Farm Insurance’s annual Celebrate My Drive contest. For this, State Farm awarded the school district a $100,000 grant, of which $40,000 went to the high school.

Since then, questions have arisen on how that grant is going to be spent and how each student is going to benefit from the grant money. In response to such questions, Principal Gregg Talcott said the money will go toward a wide variety of fun events.

“Our goal is to create a menu of options for our students,” he said. “We want to make sure there is an option that interests every student at Brandon Valley.”

Options Talcott mentioned ranged from educational field trips such as one to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, to more fun day trips to places like the Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City, Missouri, or the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska. One condition, though: no overnight trips.

Talcott also said he wants to avoid using this money on things the school would have paid for regardless of whether they won the grant.

“I’d like to see the $40,000 used to provide our kids with

opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have,” he said. “I’ve had some parents ask me if we’re going to use some of the money to help pay for the senior retreat in April, but that’s become a normal part of our school year. Nobody would gain anything extra out of that.”

After everything is figured out concerning the $40,000 that goes to the high school, there is still $60,000 left in the grant. Of the remaining funds, $20,000 goes to the middle school and $20,000 is to be split among the district’s four elementary schools.

Talcott said that he was unsure of how the funds given to other schools in the district were going to be spent, or of how the four elementary schools were going to split their cut, and that everything was going to be up to them.

Finally, $10,000 goes to the Brandon Food Pantry, and as a requirement of the Celebrate My Drive contest rules $10,000 goes toward safe driving.

Talcott said this money is going to be used in two ways: helping students on free and reduced price lunch afford a driver’s education class and increasing the quality of those classes.

“We want to use that money to get some new, unique programs that we haven’t been able to use in our driver’s ed classes before,” he said.

Grant money gives ‘menu of options’

Photo by Haley Hoeke

Seniors Eli Suchowacky, Emma Baier, Troy Small and Chris Bly produce an eight-minute film. Dordt College from Sioux Center, Iowa, conducted the film festival.

Students film movie for festival

Polar Plunge nets $19,000

Photo by Sam Peterson

Juniors Dana Schroeder and Kasara Pollema jump into the ice cold water for the Freezing for a Reason cause.

Photo by Sam Peterson

Senior Emily Anderson

gives blood for the first time. All of

the 32 units of blood donated will help save an estimated

total of 96 individuals.

32 units donated

By Shelby SimpsonStaff Writer

Within 48 hours groups wrote, directed and edited a five-to-eight-minute-long film.

Dordt College from Sioux Center, Iowa, conducted the Prairie Grass Film Festival again.

One group of Brandon Valley seniors consisting of Eli Suchowacky, Chris Bly, Kevin Huizenga, Emma Baier and Troy Small (former Brandon Valley student) filmed an eight-minute long film.

The festival has three categories:

high school, college and post-college. Officials assigned by the festival offered the opportunity to the CTE students to develop more into their expertise.

The members were given a prompt and 48 hours to complete the task. This year, the requirements were that the film be centered around a big question, that a driver’s license be used as a prop and that one of the characters be named Genevieve.

The Brandon Valley group of students have participated as a group for two years now out of

the nine years the challenge has been held.

“It’s probably going to be our last year doing this,” said Suchowacky, who participated in the festival for three years. “It’s kind of disappointing it didn’t turn out as well as last year’s. We still did pretty well, I thought.”

A panel of judges who are professional video editors judge the eligible films. Cash, prizes and the “Dordty” Award are given out after the results are announced Feb. 20.

By Amy VardsveenStaff Writer

With 40 degrees and 40 mph winds, Brandon Valley Polar Plunge participants raised over $19,000 for the South Dakota Special Olympics, the Brandon Valley Special Olympics program and the local adult Special Olympics team Jan. 17.

The 58 jumpers and the participants in “Too Chicken to Plunge” raised Brandon Valley’s five-year total to $90,000. This year sprinters raised $3,136, Brandon P.D. raised $1,135 and Brandon Valley teachers raised $6,705. The top five fundraisers were educational assistant Karin Reisch, $2,650; Erik Lien, $1,685; Scott Carroll, $1,370; Chad Hanten, $900; and Cody Linneweber, $575.

“The best part of the day is seeing all these people come out to support Special Olympics and do something crazy to raise money for this program,” said Scott Carroll, Special Olympics coach for 15 years and Polar Plunger for eight years. “Whether it be friends or just people in the

community, the people are great and it is very much appreciated by our athletes and the athletes of South Dakota.”

The South Dakota Law Enforcement Torch Run for

Special Olympics hosts the Polar Plunge. They have hosted it for more than 15 years and held it in Brandon for five years.

This year’s Polar Plunge beat last year’s by $3,000.

By Samantha Peterson Staff Writer

About 32 units of blood were donated to the blood drive Jan. 13. The donations will save about 96 lives.

“Since our partnership with the Community Blood Bank, we have donated over 1,900 units of blood,” biology instructor Lisa Fuccello said.

According to cbblifeblood.org, eight out of 10 people will need blood in their lifetime. About 110 units of blood are needed for patients in the

regional hospitals each day. “I think that if you have the

opportunity to give blood, you should,” senior Emily Anderson said. “It saves lives.”

This year was her first time giving blood.

Because donated blood is needed for bone marrow transplants, those patients need about 140 units through the process of their treatment.

Blood is also needed for other injuries and illnesses like accidents, surgeries, premature infants and cancer patients.

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, Jan. 30 2015

Valentine’s Daycost vs. romance

What do you think

about two-year colleges

being free?

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.

Heat waveFlu outbreak Gay marriage

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 ......................................................................... Macy MurrenA&E Editor ...............................................................................Becca GothSports Editors ..........................................Dylan Bludorn and Haley HoekeUpdate Editor .................................................................... Eli SuchowackyPhoto Editor........................................................................Jacob BoomsmaAd Manager ..............................................................................Becca GothCirculation Manager............................................................Kristen PaulsenStaff Writers........................................Samantha Peterson, Amy Vardsveen, Shelby Simpson.Adviser ........................................................................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.

‘The Interview’ diehard laugh-out-loud comedyBy Amy VardsveenStaff Writer

The Interview is a great laugh-out-loud comedy that is full of blunt but good-humored jokes.

James Franco and Seth Rogen star in the hilarious action comedy about Dave Skylark, James Franco, and his producer Aaron Rapoport who run a celebrity tabloid show called Skylark Tonight. After learning that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, played by Randall Park, is a fan of their show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. The CIA recruits Skylark and Rapoport to use their

trip to Pyongyang, North Korea, to assassinate Kim Jong-un, but Skylark ends up in a bromance with Kim Jong-un and finds it hard to carry out the assassination. The Interview is directed by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogan.

The Interview released, Dec. 24, is a controversial but popular movie. Few people, mainly the North Korean government, disliked the movie. It was intended to be a fun, goofball comedy to lighten up the mood about the problems in North Korea; instead, it may have been the cause of Sony being hacked. Nevertheless, it earned Sony $31 million online,

making it their most successful online movie.

“No one has officially told me our movie, 100 percent, has proven to be the cause of any of this stuff,” said Seth Rogen to the New York Times. “We’re not the first people to shed light on how crazy North Korea is, the myths that exist there and the oddities of the regime. The Daily Show, on a nightly basis, makes jokes about the real-life events. South Park does it on a weekly basis.”

The hilarious action comedy The Interview is definitely worth seeing.

“It’s not a good idea because it’s going to raise controversy in America because peo-ple aren’t going to want to pay more in taxes.”

-Junior Robin Vann

“It’s not a good idea because the state will lose money and educa-tion levels will drop due to people who are going because it’s free.”

- Junior Dylan Bosch

“It is a great idea to provide free college for people who can’t afford it, and they will be able to find better jobs.”

-Junior Alex Johnson

“It’s good because when people come out of high school, they don’t have a good source of in-come. It’s a good way for them to start their life.”

- Junior Rainy Zimmerman

“I think it will de-crease the unemploy-ment rate and it will give people a better education.”

- Junior Lance Rasmussen

“It’s a good idea because people with less money will be able to get an education.”

- Junior Tyler Gries

For some people Valentine’s Day is filled with love and chocolates. For others, it is filled with depression and loneliness.

Children had the best Valentines; they would decorate boxes to put all the candy they received in and make cute cards expressing their fondness to one another. Also, everyone single or in a relationship could participate without feeling left out because they didn’t have a significant other.

As people grow older, Valentines becomes an overwhelming scheme to buy overpriced red and pink items. That younger Valentines Day vibe was more comfortable than the fancy dinner and flowers people expect now.

Valentines is probably worse for the people in relationships because they cannot just ignore Valentine’s Day like the single people can.

Some people in relationships are uncomfortable when they are showered with candy and diamonds, and feel the need to return the favor. However, one should not feel pressured into receiving or buying extreme gifts, especially expensive ones.

Each year, according to cnn.com, Americans alone spend $130.97 on their significant other. They buy gifts ranging from jewelry to teddy bears.

Why should love be devoted to February 14?February 14 is the day some say birds “pick their mate.” So

why should humans have to spend so much money on roses and chocolates as if they are “picking a mate” also?

People should make everyday like Valentine’s Day and spoil their partner as much or as little as their heart desires.

Thumbs down to the influ-enza epidemic. A widespread

outbreak of influ-enza has people avoiding their loved ones at hos-

pitals and nursing homes to prevent the spread of the flu. According the Argus Leader, there have been over 400 hos-pitalized and 23 deaths.

Thumbs up to the warm weather. Heat waves have

been passing though the region with up to 55 degrees making it feel like spring outside.

People are going outside to enjoy the nice weather.

Thumbs up to the gay marriage ruling. A federal

judge ruled South Dakota’s gay marriage ban unconstitutional Jan. 12. South Dakota’s

attorney general plans to appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court.

Brandon Valley High School Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

By Jacob BoomsmaPhoto Editor

With the inclusion of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in Apple’s latest phones and new Apple Watch, it has lit the fuse of what will be an explosion of mobile payments, digital concert passes, smart home and car locks, and many other uses that smartphone users can enjoy, regardless of whether they are on Android or iPhone.

NFC has existed in phones for almost a decade, but never became popular due to its main use, mobile phone payments, requiring add-ons to credit card readers that business owners were not willing

to buy. But since Apple has now made a sizable investment in the technology, many companies are expected to accommodate it to stay relevant.

Apple strategically chose this year to show interest in NFC. A mandate issued by Mastercard and Visa requires the 9 million merchants who use their services to buy new credit card readers by October that feature a more secure means of transaction. Because most large merchants buy new card readers once or twice a decade at most, many businesses are forced to update their hardware anyway may likely purchase readers that support NFC capabilities.

According to mobiletransaction.org, mobile payments are predicted to be worth $950 billion by the end of this year, and, by 2016, over half of smartphones in use will be equipped with NFC chips. Besides the initial convenience, mobile payments hold appeal for both consumers and merchants because they are more secure than traditional plastic credit cards.

Mobile payments are a step forward from old methods of transaction. As more stores adapt the technology and more consumers try it out, both sides will realize the benefits of NFC in a business setting.

NFC use in smartphones grows exponentially in 2015

CH Patisserie brings European pastries

Photo by Becca Goth

CH Patisserie shows off an impressive Valentine’s themed window display made of macaroons.

(605) 331-6600 || usiouxfalls.edu

Friday, April 24Schedule your personal visit at usiouxfalls.edu/admissions.

UPCOMING CAMPUS PREVIEW DAY

Monday, February 16 Friday, March 27Register to audition at usiouxfalls.edu/finearts-q.

ACCEPTED STUDENT AND PERFORMANCE AUDITION DAYS

Mission work Haiti

By Jacob BoomsmaPhoto Editor

The Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove is an often-forgotten gem that is home to many exhibits not found elsewhere in the city, state or region.

Whether relaxing in the butterfly flight room and marine cove or touching the creatures in the tidal pool or shark and stingray tank, visitors can spend several hours enjoying what the Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove has to offer.

Because it is a non-profit organization that relies on 12 volunteers daily to provide guests with the best visit, volunteering there is a great chance to build résumés and a fun opportunity to help people experience new things.

Sertoma Butterfly House offers unique experiences

By Becca GothA&E Editor

After debuting in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls in early 2013, European-style pastry restaurant CH Patisserie has flourished.

The Patisserie is owned and operated by chef Chris Hanmer. Hanmer, having been named Bravo’s Top Chef of Just Desserts and one of the top 10 pastry chefs in the country, opened The School of Pastry Design in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2010 shortly before carrying out the dream of the Patisserie.

The restaurant offers a calm, clean and comfortable atmosphere with a chef greeting patrons just as they walk in the door. They offer multiple pastries, such as French macaroons, meringues, tarts and

petit gateau (small cakes). The Patisserie caters to events

both small, like meetings, and large, like weddings. It also offers gluten-free options such as

caramels and fudges and serves coffee during the morning hours.

The venue is difficult to not enjoy. The pastries are created to perfection and the chefs are incredibly kind. The only downfall of the patisserie is the high prices; granted, one receives what they pay for, and delicious European pastries in South Dakota are quite the rare entity. Sitting at about $2 per macaroon and $5 per petit gateau, the bill can add up quickly.

Overall, CH Patisserie deserves five stars. Two for Chef Chris and his team’s amazing work, two simply because it is one of the only places in Sioux Falls to master the craft of macaroon making and one because they chose the perfect spot to place their patisserie.

In the winter months, the Sertoma Butterfly House flight room (top left) is a literal oasis, with a garden of tropical plants, dozens of exotic butterfly species, a covey of Asian button quail and temperatures in the mid-80’s year round.

The interactive stingray and shark tank (botttom left) allows visitors to pet friendly Atlantic stingrays, bamboo sharks and horn sharks. The stingrays swim up to greet visitors and are most active in the morning.

Sertoma’s Marine Cove (left) consists of seven saltwater and two freshwater aquariums with 35 species of fish, 20 types of coral, anemones and other aquatic wildlife. It also features a tidal touch pool to feel shallow-water creatures like starfish and sea urchins. A glass bubble in the largest aquarium allows guests to immerse themselves with the fish.

Photos by Jacob Boomsma

“Lay in bed all day, watch Netflix and eat chocolates that I bought myself. Also avoid all couples.”

-Senior Cassidy Wethor

“I am going snowboarding in the Black Hills with my boyfriend Ty.”

-Senior Calli Hensley

“I will be attending my friend’s wedding.”

-Junior Jacob Meyer

“I might make plans with a friend or just stay at my house and play guitar.”

-Junior Isaiah Dietz

“I am going to hang out with my parents and eat the chocolate

that I’ll make them buy me.” -Senior

Summer Rogers“I plan on watching a

bunch of romantic movies, like The Notebook.”

-Sophomore Bekah Howard

“Having a long wonderful date with a box of chocolates, Netflix and my couch.”

-Senior Brianna Koch

“I’m going to Omaha with my family for my mom’s birthday.”

-SeniorVanessa Kaler

“I don’t really know yet. I’ll probably go to a movie.”

-FreshmanMason VanWeston

What are your Valentine’s Day plans?

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

New playoff system creates

opportunity

Senior sports spotlightsClayton Ebright Molly Drexler Nate Holm Lilli JasperSport: WrestlingFavorite sports moment: Winning regional matchWhom do you owe your success to? Coach Presler and Coach OutlandWhat is the hardest thing about your sport? Mindset and waking up earlyIf you weren’t in sports, what would you participate in? ChoirGoals for this season: Be on the awards stand at state

Sport: HockeyFavorite sports moment: Winning state last yearWhom do you owe your success to? My teammatesWhat is the hardest thing about your sport? Not hitting someone due to a cheap shotIf you weren’t in sports, what would you participate in? PlaysGoals for this season: Win state

Sport: BowlingFavorite sports moment: Bowling a 186Whom do you owe your success to? Mom, teammates and coachesWhat is the hardest thing about your sport? Staying calmIf you weren’t in sports, what would you participate in? Working on vehiclesGoals for this season: Break the 200 mark

Sport: BasketballFavorite sports moment: Team dinners and team sleepoversWhom do you owe your success to? My teammatesWhat is the hardest thing about your sport? Accepting your roleIf you weren’t in sports, what would you participate in? ChessGoals for this season: Win state

Wrestlers set for Les Tlustos

Junior Andrew Sorenson (above) works for a wrist against Corey Fichter from Sioux Falls Lincoln in the semifinal round at the second annual Pentagon Invitational. Sorenson finished second at the invitational. Senior Dylan Bludorn (left) locks up a cradle against his Pipestone opponent at the Pentagon Invitational. Bludorn won the match 9-4 and placed fifth at the invite. Overall as a team, the Lynx finished fourth with one champion.

Photos by Macy Murren

By Dylan BludornSports Editor

New college football four-team playoff system allowed an opportunity for more teams to make the National Championship game.

No team benefited from the format change as much as the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes, the lowest seed in the play-off, contended with Baylor, who finished No. 5 in the playoff rankings, and Texas Christian University, who finished No. 6 in the playoff rankings. Experts say what clinched the final spot for the Buckeyes was their blowout 59-0 victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten conference Championship game.

“With the championship game, Ohio State demonstrat-ed they were a total team and did overcome replacing two quarterbacks,” ESPN writer Jeff Long said, according to usatoday.com. “Ohio State’s victory in a 13th game gave them a quality win over a highly ranked team. …Ohio State earned that spot.”

In the old BCS system the Buckeyes would not have been considered for the National Championship Game. Also the Oregon Ducks, opposing the Buckeyes, in the old sys-tem were not the front-runner to play in the championship game. Instead, the top two teams in the flawed BCS were Alabama and Florida State, who Oregon embarrassed in the playoff semifinal round 59-20.

Also the new playoff sys-tem let the teams determine who belongs in the champi-onship game on the field as opposed to the BCS allowing a team’s fate to be determined solely on a computer.

The new system allowing four teams to play for the na-tional title makes the game exciting for more teams. Also it keeps the drama that the old system had for teams on the bubble.

Ultimately, the playoff is undoubtedly the best thing for college football.

By Dylan BludornSports Editor

Wrestling team will compete at the Les Tlustos Invitational in Brookings Saturday.

“Winning the Les Tlustos tournament would be an enormous feat,” coach Kraig Presler said. “Sioux Falls Roosevelt and Pierre will be bringing very strong lineups, along with the Rapid City schools and Spearfish from the west side of the state. However, I do feel we can compete very well with those teams, and I am looking forward to this next step in our preparation.”

The Lynx wrestled in a triangular with No. 9-ranked Brookings and Harrisburg. First, the team faced Brookings where they lost 37-27. Although the team lost, individually the Lynx had some key wins.

At 152 pounds No. 6-ranked senior Wyatt Winter defeated No. 3-ranked Peter Hanson 5-3, a rematch of the Floyd Farrand Invitational Championship where Winter lost.

“I wrestled well Tuesday night,” Winter said. “It was good to get that revenge win from the Floyd.”

Against Harrisburg the Lynx won 52-18. Battling back from a 7-0 hole, putting the first points on the board for the Lynx was junior Dawson Kremlacek at 120 pounds. The match of the night was at 220 pounds where No. 1-ranked junior Andrew Sorenson lost to No. 2-ranked Matt Schirado by pin.

“I feel like we did great as a team,” senior Connor Smith said, “but we need to stay mentally strong.”

Last Saturday, the Lynx competed at the Pentagon Invitational where they placed fourth with a combined score of 174.5 and crowned a champion.

“It was a great team effort at the Pentagon Tournament,” Presler said. “All 13 starters scored points toward our 174.5 point, fourth

place team effort. It is always special to get points from each wrestler. We also won numerous close matches where we scored points late in the matches to secure the victories. We were

finishing much stronger than we had been earlier in the season.”

At 145 pounds, Smith placed third at the Pentagon.

Winter was the Lynx’s lone champion Saturday with a 4-3

victory in the finals over Solomon Nielsen of Luverne.

“To win the Pentagon tourna-ment,” Winter said, “it took just wrestling to win and never taking the pressure off of my opponent.”

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

By Macy MurrenVoices Editor

Girls and boys bowling teams will host Sioux Falls Roosevelt Saturday.

The bowling teams competed against Brookings Jan. 16. The boys team lost 41-9 while the girls team won 45.5-4.5.

“We had our good frames and our bad frames,” senior Carter Erickson said. “Brookings is one of the best, so it is hard to win points against them.”

Seven bowled their best series of the season and five bowled their high game of the season.

“It was a tough lane condition,” coach Richard Blue IV said. “Some teammates struggled making the necessary adjustments.”

The lanes were half synthetic and half real wood, which made

it hard for the team to control the bowling ball.

Erickson was the highlight of the day with his all-time best game of 236. Erickson had 289 pins over his average for the day, which was the highest game bowled by a Lynx boy all season.

“I had a fun experience at Brookings by having led the team with a 564 series, although it may not happen again,” Erickson said.

Junior Lauren Blue, who led the girls in Brookings, has an average of 182. She is second in the league.

New goals for this season include striking and picking up spares.

“We have three straight home matches,” Blue said. “Hopefully, being the home team will help our overall comfort level.”

Bowling teams host Roosevelt Saturday

Seniors Denton Bose and Thomas Siemonsma practice at Cosmic Lanes.Photo by Macy Murren

Senior Alex Wilde goes up for the slam-dunk against the Harrisburg Tigers. The Lynx will host Pierre tonight.

Photo by Haley Hoeke

Boys to face Governors

Photo courtesy of Angie Wrightsman

Jennika Wrightsman and Hanna Mutschelknaus are at the Two Nations-College Prep Tournament in Toronto, Canada.

Wrightsman, Mutschelknaus join St. Louis Blues team

Lynx to play Lady GovsBy Haley HoekeSports Editor

The 6-5 Lady Lynx play the Lady Govs tonight in Pierre.

“We are going to have to play with a team effort,” senior Carley Kueter said. “We need to play really tough defense.”

Against Pierre, the Lynx will have to play all full four quarters to have a chance, coach Mark Stadem said.

“Pierre is a very good team,” he said.

Lady Lynx lost against Aberdeen Central last Friday 52-41.

“Our defense has been our strong point,” Kueter said. “By playing strong defense, we are able to compete with every team we play.”

The girls lost 40-26 against the

Brookings Bobcats last Thursday. Kueter scored eight points.

The Lynx have a group that has brought into team concept and hard work everyday, Stadem said.

“In practice we hope to get better every day,” Kueter said. “So at the end of the season, we are able to compete with every team we play.”

By Shelby SimpsonStaff Writer

Joining the St. Louis Blues hockey team has been a major accomplishment for sophomore Jennika Wrightsman and junior Hanna Mutschelknaus.

The girls joined the Blues team in late November 2014 after their Sioux Falls coach introduced them to the Blues’ coach.

“My ultimate goal is to play college hockey,” Mutschelknaus said, “so with this I am hoping to be seen by college scouts.”

The girls practice with the Jr. Stampede team three times a week and have three “blitz” weekends. During the blitz weekends, they travel to St. Louis to practice with their own team. Their season consists of games

and tournaments for almost every weekend.

Although being on the Blues team provides many opportunities for Wrightsman and Mutschelknaus, keeping up with their schoolwork is a high priority for them, especially since they miss many Fridays for traveling.

Wrightsman said her favorite part of hockey is celebrating a win with her team. Mutschelknaus enjoys the time playing hockey and doing what she enjoys the most without thinking about anything else.

The two have hockey in their blood. Their brothers are involved in the sport. Wrightsman grew up nine years younger than her oldest brother. They practically lived on the three ice rinks while growing

up in Roseau, Minnesota. Her older brothers would take her to the rink as a toddler to just skate with them. She joined hockey when she was three years old.

Wrightsman also plans to play in college.

“I plan on using it to get into a national winning college and play hockey for them,” she said.

Mutschelknaus also has an older brother who plays in Little Falls, Minnesota, and a younger brother, Nate, who plays for the Jr. Stampede team. She joined the sport when she was five years old.

Last weekend the girls played in Detroit and left with a 2-2 tied score.

Their next games will be in Faribault, Minnesota, Feb. 14-15.

By Haley HoekeSports Editor

The 6-7 boys basketball team will play Pierre tonight here.

“Pierre loves a fullcourt fast-paced game,” coach Brent Deckert said. “If we handle pressure and attack, I really think our chances are at home.”

Lynx lost against No. 1-ranked Sioux Falls Washington 51-35.

Sophomore Spencer Grage had

eight points and senior Austin Trevino, seven, with three assists.

In the first half, the Lynx blocked the ball pretty well, Trevino said. But as the game went on, the game didn’t go in their favor.

“We just need to keep working as a team,” he said. “Make sure and get each other shots.”

The Lynx are happy they played the best team in the state and can’t wait to see them again in five

weeks at the district tournament, Deckert said.

“We learned some things about them and, hopefully, got better because of it,” he said. “That is the biggest thing.”

Lynx lost to Aberdeen Central 58-50 last Friday.

The boys beat Brookings 48-41 last Thursday. Trevino scored 19 points and sophomore Alex Waltner had five assists.

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

Students can sign up for spring CDE’s

Did you know...?

Interpers to compete at Roosevelt CFC

n January Students of the Month are seniors Riley Duncanson, Ashley Guthmiller, Drew Reinschmidt; juniors Emma Bose, Seth Meyers; sophomores Tori Braley, Anders Barton; freshmen Jonas Kulzer and Hannah Hendrick.n Region II Instrumental Solo/ Ensemble Contest is Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Sioux Falls.n Early dismissal is next Monday and Tuesday for parent-teacher conferences. High School Conferences are Tuesday.n No school is on Feb. 13-16 for teacher compensation day and Presidents’ Day.n High school musical auditions are Feb. 17 and 18.n Variety Show is Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.n Orchestra Large Group Festival is Feb. 26 in Sioux Falls.

Anyone who is in Gary Griesse’s ag classes may sign up for spring CDE’s. People who sold fruit get first pick in which contest they want to participate.

Spring CDE’s for the FFA chapter consist of ag mechanics, vet science, landscape nursery, floriculture, food science, dairy product, dairy cattle, livestock and horse judging.

“Members need to start grouping teams together,” FFA adviser Gary Griesse said.

The chapter will be competing at Tri Valley, Flandreau and Lennox.

For more information about the groups, contact Griesse, the group leaders or the officers.

Corduroy Classic is Feb. 28. Sign up with Griesse and pay him $6 by Feb. 20. It is at South Dakota State University in Brookings. FFA will sponsor two girls basketball games. Students will receive free SDSU ice cream and a T-shirt.

FFA Week is Feb. 16-20. Popcorn day is Tuesday; Griesse will be making it in his room. Wednesday is camouflage dress up day. Thursday is breakfast-in-the-shop day. Friday is undecided.

By Eli SuchowackyUpdate Editor For senior trumpet player Chelsey Schmeling, preparation for the All-State Band audition has become an annual event. “I put a lot of effort into this,” she said. “It’s a big deal.” Schmeling and 38 others practiced for a few weeks for last Saturday’s audition. No matter the outcome of the audition, Schmeling thinks the effort is worth it. “My favorite part of the process leading up to the audition is all the extra practice

that goes into it,” she said. “Even if you don’t make All-State, you still learn from the experience.” Those selected for All-State Band will perform in concert March 28 under the direction of Dr. Mike Bankhead and Dr. Mark Heidel. Symphonic Band members will perform in concert Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Schmeling said her favorite part about the upcoming concert is the great, challenging music the band will play. Symphonic Band will also perform at

the South Dakota Bandmasters In-Service Music Conference Feb. 13 in Brookings. The band was one of two high school symphonic bands selected to perform at the conference. Band director Jesse Miller said this is a great opportunity for the band members. “The students are very excited to be able to perform there,” he said. Senior Brock Hansen, who plays bass clarinet, agrees. “It’s a pretty neat achievement,” he said, “especially in our senior year of high school.”

Symphonic Band to perform in concert

Director Melanie Sittig (left) urges actors to practice lifting and moving their non-dominant arms to prepare themselves for puppeteering their characters. The ensemble will perform a rendition of “Alice in Wonderland,” starring junior Katie Wright as Alice.

Photo by Umaima Koch

One-act ensemble to perform puppeted ‘Alice in Wonderland’

Quiz Bowl teams finish season

Photo by Eli Suchowacky

Freshman Brayden Harris; sophomore Johnny Hoffman; seniors Kevin Huizenga and Billy Trevillyan discuss a question at the Lynx Invitational. Their team placed eighth out of 20 teams.

By Umaima KochNews Editor

One-act ensemble will perform a rendition of “Alice in Wonderland” with a twist: puppets.

State one-act will be Thursday through Saturday at O’Gorman.

The idea of producing a performance involving puppets had been brewing in director Melanie Sittig’s mind for nearly a year. Students in her theater class work on a project of developing a scene from an adapted version of Alice in Wonderland, with one of several themes. Last year, one student’s theme was “puppets.” It stuck with Sittig, and after months of wishful thinking, the plan was finally able to come to life.

All the Wonderland characters are

puppets—over-sized hand puppets. Only two actors aren’t puppets: juniors Katie Wright (Alice) and Kirstyn Polasky as Alice’s sister.

Reality are human actors, Sittig said, which is why the only completely human characters are Alice and her sister. When Alice ventures into Wonderland, everything becomes “puppeted.”

“Usually people are joking when they say ‘talk to the hand,’” Wright said, “but this one-act play is all about ‘talking to the hand.’ While it may seem a little odd at first, I think it will become more natural as time progresses.

“I am very grateful for receiving a large part and thankful to have such a wonderful cast,” she said.

No distinction between tech and cast exists,

and the ensemble is trying things that the theater department has never done before.

“We’re a group of thespians putting on a show,” Sittig said. “Everybody is doing everything. The success of this show will be due completely to the fact that everyone is working together, and it hinges on the parent involvement.”

Sophomore Erin Livingston’s mother has headed the puppet-making process, and several other parents have helped with the production of the show.

“The point where we’re at now, I’m pretty confident,” Sittig said. “There are so many things that need to click and I’m pretty confident it will. It’s an intricate puzzle piece—when everything clicks, it’s going to be awesome.”

Oral interpers will compete in the second Central Forensic Conference (CFC) meet at Sioux Falls Roosevelt next Saturday.

“I’m anticipating that we’re going to have a good weekend,” coach Gina Koehn said about the upcoming tournament.

CFC meets are more local and smaller than tournaments such as the Speech Fiesta in Watertown, where the interpers competed Friday and Saturday.

Sophomore Lexi Hokenstad performed a piece titled “Masterclass” at Speech Fiesta.

“It’s about a famous opera singer named Maria Callas who had one of the most successful careers in opera during the 1940s and 50s,” she said.

Hokenstad placed third in drama.

By Eli SuchowackyUpdate Editor In their final meet of the season, Quiz Bowl Team 2 placed eighth and Team 1 placed 12th last Monday at O’Gorman. At the Lynx Invitational, Team 1 placed first and Team 2, eighth out of 20 teams. Senior Danny Eitreim was happy with the club’s performance this year. “I thought we had a good season,” he said. “We won a lot of meets.” The club placed third at Sioux Falls Roosevelt and won the meets hosted by Brookings, Tri-Valley and West Central, as well as the Lynx Invitational and the Siouxper Bowl at the University of Sioux Falls. Eitreim said Quiz Bowl’s best win came at the Siouxper Bowl. “I think winning the Siouxper Bowl was the highlight of our season,” he said. A win at this meet qualified the team for

the High School National Championship Tournament in Rosemont, Illinois, May 29-31. However, the team has declined this

invitation because the tournament conflicts with the boys state track meet in Rapid City.