Volume 51 Number 9 Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005 Friday, May 10, 2013

The Senior Wisdom Retreat

/pp. 2-3

Photo by Troy Small

Librarian Joli Bruggeman puts away books in the children’s section of the library. Bruggeman plans to retire after a 25-year career here as the high school librarian.

Bruggeman to retireBy Troy SmallCirculation Manager

After 38 years in education, librarian Joli Bruggeman will retire at the end of the school year.

Bruggeman began her career when she was a third grade teacher and the librarian at St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary in Sioux Falls. She then became the West Lyon Community School librarian in Larchwood, Iowa.

For 25 years, Bruggeman served as a librarian here.

“It’s a great school district,” she said, explaining why she came to Brandon Valley, “and I was also looking for a change and was also excited to be working at a high school.”

One thing she will miss the most about Brandon Valley is the contact with the students.

“There have been so many wonderful kids I’ve gotten to know over the years,” she said, “and it will be tough to not have that contact anymore.”

Bruggeman said her favorite part of the job has been the books she

reads and recommends every day.“I love selecting books and then

connecting kids with a book,” she said.

Bruggeman plans to spend her spare time by pursuing a plethora

of activities during her retirement, ranging from visiting her four, soon-to-be-five, grandchildren to helping out on her husband’s farm to rocking babies at the hospital. Bruggeman also plans to travel.

Sazama, Bender winDancing with the Staff

Photo by Jessica Morrison

Instructor Taya Sazama and senior Mason Bender waltz to a Dancing with the Staff first place.

By Jessica MorrisonAd Manager

Dancing with the Staff event raised over $1,000 for Jon and Anne Peters to help with the fees and travel costs of adopting Job and Gracie Peters from Haiti.

Of the 40 participants, senior Mason Bender and instructor Taya Sazama won the competition.

“We are extremely humbled by the staff and students in the Brandon Valley School District,” Jon Peters said. “We are very fortunate to call this our home and the support we have gotten from the community has been overwhelming. In the end every dime we spend on this will be worth it when we get to bring our baby or babies home.”

“I have never been a great dancer,” Sazama said, “so it is exciting to win.”

Bender said it was a really fun experience.

“I was really surprised that we won,” he said, “and I had a fun time learning.”

Photo by Cylie Svartoien Photo by Umaima Koch

Planning to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to major in economics, senior Brendan Gallo works on a review in instructor Justin Lovrien’s AP Biology class.

Senior Zach Van Ede observes a specimen in AP Biology. He will also attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to major in chemical engineering.

Gallo, Van Ede involvedBy Umaima KochUpdate Editor

Both of them attending the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, but majoring in two completely different fields, seniors Brendan Gallo and Zach Van Ede are notable students involved in schoolwork, various activities and with numerous people.

Gallo is involved in musical activities, having participated in band for eight years, All-State Band, All-State Orchestra, the musical pit and the South Dakota Youth Symphony Orchestra. He enjoys running in his free time and playing musical instruments, like his guitar and drum set, as a creative outlet to schoolwork.

Gallo is interested in playing the trombone because it can sound soft and sweet at times and at other times, really loud.

“It kind of fits my personality,” he said. “I like to be, you know, mature and quiet sometimes and other times be a little bit more fun and energetic, loud, annoying.”

Practicing trombone after working on calculus is something Gallo has always enjoyed because it eases his mind.

Gallo wants to use his talent of mathematics to make a difference in the world and is pursuing a career in economics, which he said is relevant and understandable, to do so. Business journals could always be found lying around his house and he has been reading them for a long time, a pastime that drove his desire to study economics.

“I’ve always had an aptitude for math and business seems like a good way to use some of the number-crunching skills but in an applicable way,” he said. “I really like dealing with people and being a leader, and so a career in business would be a good

way to merge a passion for logic thinking and also for people and as far as I can tell economics is the best thing for majors because it gives you a little bit of the hard math and sciences.”

Gallo is most proud of his test scores, he said, especially his ACT score that took two Saturdays of no distractions, a lot of work and preparation to achieve.

“A lot of it is believing that you can do it,” he said. “If you don’t believe that you can do it, then you won’t be able to do it.”

Gallo measures the worth of a career by how much of a difference it makes in other peoples’ lives.

“Money is fleeting,” he said. “When it

comes down to it, money is just a piece of paper. If there’s something that you’re good at, monetary success will come just doing it with all that you have.”

Van Ede loves the color green, almonds, volunteering with senior citizens and is a big supporter of public transportation; namely, transport by trains. He said he likes science, especially chemistry, because it makes him feel like a wizard.

In school Van Ede is involved in marching band, theater, quiz bowl, science bowl and SALSA, and his favorite thing in the world is learning new things.

“Early in my junior year of high school, I quickly learned that my favorite classes

were the ones I spent the most time on,” he said, “and AP Psychology was a class in which I spent many hours.”

Van Ede always enjoyed science but was undecided about what career to pursue.

“Luckily, I discovered chemical engineering and its power to keep my options wide open,” he said.

By pursuing a degree in chemical engineering, Van Ede realizes he gains more time to find a specific interest in a broad field.

“I am uncertain of what I hope to accomplish by pursuing this degree, but that is the real beauty of it—I get to explore,” Van Ede said.

A member of the track and cross country teams, Van Ede loves running because it relaxes him and clears his mind.

“When I first joined cross country I made a goal to run a marathon before I went to college,” he said, “and the summer before my senior year I got my chance.”

Originally Van Ede, accompanied by his older brother, had planned to run a half marathon; but an hour before the race was due to begin, his brother switched them to the full marathon.

“Although I was very unhappy with him at the moment,” Van Ede said, “I am very grateful that he changed the plan. The spontaneity made the race all the more enjoyable and all the more thrilling when I completed it.”

For Van Ede, no experience compares to the amount of friends he’s made through all of his activities.

“Having a wide variety of friends has shaped me into an open-minded, conscious individual,” he said, “something for which I remain deeply grateful.”

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 10, 2013

Class of 2013 announces post-graduation plans

Wisdom Retreat

Seniors gather around as the two finalists, seniors Rachel Volk and Tony Tripp, are about to compete in the elf, wizard, giant game.

South Dakota State UniversityBrian Albertson, electrical/biomedical engineeringTyler Anderson, biology/pre-medChris Ballis, architectureAdam Bauer, physical educationKaitlin Behrend, undecidedShelbie Berndt, biologyDerek Bose, pre-chiropracticLaura Broekemeier, early childhood educationRobert Buchanan, mechanical engineeringAmber Christian, nursing Brianna Clemenson, elementary educationCade Dawn, undecided Trey Etrheim, mathematics/statisticsMadison Gries, nursingNola Hallstrom, psychologyCaitlin Hammond, nursing anesthetistAlex Hieb, mathematics Haydn Heisel, electrical engineeringAshley Henriquez, nursingLuke Hyronimus, agronomy/wildlife and fisheriesLogan Johnke, nursingTayler Johnson, early educationGabe Langner, physical educationMallory Laughlin, nursingTraci Lenz, nursingCollin Livingston, electrical engineeringCollin Lloyd, early childhood educationAshlee Martin, cultural sociology/psychologyGarret Martinmaas, undecidedJack McCann, undecidedJosiah McGee, agricultural businessBrooke Merry, elementary educationEllen Minihan, nursingJessica Morrison, psychologyJacob Mulder, electrical engineering Jared Mulder, architecture Brady Mutschler, architectureTroy Nelson, civil engineeringQuiana Pardee, athletic training Amanda Peterson, family consumer science educationKatie Peterson, nursingNicole Peterson, psychologyAllie Poppenga, health field-undecidedGrant Rasmussen, electrical engineeringAlex Rogen, biology/pre-vetJacob Rosenbaum, aviation Kendal Rusten, civil engineeringMegan Scholten, nursing

Tanner Stoops, mechanical engineeringEmme Sumner, criminal justiceHaylee Thomas, undecidedDylan Tibke, pre-med/chemistry Trevor Tobin, undecidedJessica Valentien, undecidedZach VandenHoek, visual artsJake Wehking, undecidedAndrew Weidenbach, criminal justiceShaleigh White, nursingZach Woodward, mechanical engineering

University of South DakotaNicole Andrews, undecidedEmily Backer, undecidedStephen Bakke, marketingKylie Beck, criminal justice/psychologyKelle Beckman, communication sciences/disordersJessica Gabbert, kinesiology Sarah Gehrman, interior designMeghan Gorsuch, psychologyBen Hamann, undecidedCole Hensley, biology/chemistry and mathematicsBrookelyn Jellema, nursingJulie Konz, elementary education/special educationClay Lippert, medical biologyHolly Olesen, pre-medVanessa Rise, pre-med/medical biologyBlake Story, kinesiology Caleb Tschetter, criminal justiceHaley Ullom, medical biologyBrady Van Kalsbeek, undecidedMcKenzie Waugh, psychology

Augustana CollegeKara Anderson, exercise scienceMason Bender, undecidedKevin Dolge, chemistry/teachingTaylor Hanzel, undecidedAllison Koehn, biology/SpanishChase Marso, biology/pre-medClarissa Peterson, undecidedKara Shroll, biologySarah Stroud, nursingNate Winter, pre-law

University of Sioux Falls Miranda Cain, English composition/media studiesNicole Elster, physical therapyKayla Gloege, nursing

Jordyn Griffith, dental hygiene Courtney Herrick, exercise science/radiology Emily Larson, art/psychologyLogan Larson, nursingValerie Peltier, social workKayla Schettler, education

South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyDustin Johnson, chemical engineeringDylan Kasma, mechanical engineeringAdam Kirkus, mechanical/electrical engineeringForrest Miller, computer scienceAdam Olson, aerospace/aeronautical engineeringTori Westcott, industrial engineering

Other South Dakota CollegesTaylor Anderson, Black Hills State University, chemistryCierra Bultje, Globe University, Sioux Falls, vet techBrextyn Burnette, Dakota State University, pre-physical

therapyTommy Gardner, Northern State University, businessAdam Guthmiller, Northern State University, undecidedBrad Hamer, Dakota State University, computer graphicsBrandon Hintz, Dakota State University, undecidedNakita Hoffman, Dakota Wesleyan University, sociology/

human relationsPayton Knoll, Dakota State University, English for new

mediaLaken Krohn, Northern State University, psychology/

social workKenny Mattson, Dakota Wesleyan University, Spanish/ businessNathan Welch, Dakota State University, undecidedLevi VanderWeide, Dakota State University, digital arts/

designMichael Whitney, Dakota Wesleyan University, sports

managementCalvin Williamson, University Center, undecidedZach Wojciechowski, University Center, criminal justice

Southeast Technical InstituteTyler Bradley, mechanicRachel Briggs, criminal justiceLexi Brown, nursing Cole Boscaljon, media artsShelby Burckhard, ultrasound technician Dakota Collins, civil engineeringBeowulf Crapser, robotic engineeringMazie Elrod, early childhood educationKorissa Evenson, cardiac ultrasound/nursing

By Payton KnollA&E Editor

Seniors expressed appreciation for their classmates, participated in activities and even shed tears at the Youth Frontiers Wisdom Retreat April 25.

“I think it was a good experience for our whole class to be around each other one last time,” senior Spencer Smith said.

Wisdom Retreat allowed students who will be graduating to walk away without anything left unsaid. The event aimed to bring the seniors closer together and to show recognition for each other.

Youth Frontiers leader John Sandahl started with games to ease the tension for later events. Games ranged from wizard, elf, giant with pairs of two, to the spoon and string game that had

seniors cooperate in large groups. “My favorite part was the

spoon/string game,” Smith said, “because it was a fun way to talk to people you don’t usually talk to.”

After the games, seniors wrote their most memorable moments during high school, including their best and worst memories. When they were done writing, the seniors joined in small groups and reminisced about their high school experiences.

“I think we don’t realize who we take for granted,” Smith said, “and how different everyone is.”

Following the reading, Sandahl encouraged seniors to nominate students that made an impact on their life and allowed them to speak about their appreciation for them in front of the Senior Class.

Seniors bond

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 10, 2013

Class of 2013 announces post-graduation plans

Photos by Kinnley Comeaux and Cylie Svartoien

Seniors gather around as the two finalists, seniors Rachel Volk and Tony Tripp, are about to compete in the elf, wizard, giant game.

Seniors Mazi Elrod, Lexi McGee and Joe Sandoval listen as senior Shelby Rahn speaks about McGee’s influence on her.

Seniors write their most memorable moments throughout high school before sharing them with other seniors.

Seniors Ryan Shawd and Sydney Jessip compete against seniors Collin Livingston and Megan Forster.

Chelsea Fritza, law enforcement scienceHailey Hanisch, undecided David Hinrickson, undecidedKelsey Hove, nursingSydney Jessip, law enforcementBlake Lamfers, construction management Sidney McKinney, diesel mechanicJames Mork, computer administratorAshton Nifong, nursingTanner Ploen, automotive mechanicKane Rosa, diesel mechanicJoe Sandoval, diesel mechanic Braiden Smith, diesel mechanicMichael Speck, auto mechanics technicianJames Warwick, computer science

Other Vocational SchoolsGrant Dougherty, Mitchell Technical Institute, power

sports technologyCorey Gerovac, Mitchell Technical Institute, power line

maintenance/construction Lisa Gregersen, Institute of Design and Technology, fashion/fashion designPaul Jackson, Mitchell Technical Institute, power linemenDanielle Jones, Black Hills Beauty College, cosmetologyStephanie Meeter, Stewarts School, cosmetologyKylie Mulroy, Stewarts School, cosmetologyMatt Murphy, Mitchell Technical Institute, electricianChantz Neil, South Dakota AchieveDaniel Ruhoff, South Dakota AchieveMcKenzie Thompson, Black Hills Beauty College, cosmetologistRyan Shawd, Mitchell Technical Institute, farming/

agricultural production/processing

Minnesota SchoolsMcKinnley Comeaux, Art Institute of Minnesota,

photographyShannon Coyle, Southwest Minnesota State University,

theater/elementary educationConner DeBoer, Mankato State University, special

education/elementary educationMaggie Grapevine, Southwest Minnesota State

University, psychologyT.J. Vongdara Lo, Minnesota School of Business,

criminal justiceKatie Redford, University of Minnesota Twin Cities,

ecology/evolution/behaviorBrynne Rist, St. Cloud State University, undecidedSean Rollag, University of Minnesota-Duluth, chemical

engineeringAmy Steffen, University of Minnesota-Rochester, pre-

med/biologyBecca Tripp, University of Minnesota, kinesiologyTony Tripp, Southwest Minnesota State University, game

fisheriesCole VanderBeek, Southwest Minnesota State University,

businessAbby Voigt, Northwestern College-St. Paul, inter-cultural

studies/historyTanner Wehrkamp, Augsburg College, biology/business

Nebraska SchoolsJenna Breitzman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

undecidedMegan Callahan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

biology/pre-health/artBrendan Gallo, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

economics/music performance/computer scienceBrittney Hoeke, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

accountingSpencer Myrlie, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

chemical engineeringZach Van Ede, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, chemical

engineering Phil Volk, Nebraska Wesleyan University, exercise

science

Iowa SchoolsAshlynn Boerhave, Iowa State University, fashion design/

merchandisingDebbie Cooperrider, Luther College, biology/pre-medMackenzie Ivers, Ellsworth Community College, deaf

education/special educationHaley Kunkel, Morningside College, theatre/English

educationShelby Rahn, Iowa State University, pre-professional

health for speech/occupational therapyMalle Stephens, Northwestern College, English as a

second language (ESL)Matthew Vandeberg, University of Iowa, sports studiesRachel Volk, Northwestern College, mathematics/

secondary educationAndrew Waterfall, Marshalltown Community College,

business/marketing

Other Out-of-State SchoolsTrevor Arrowsmith, North Dakota State University,

exercise scienceJarad Bakker, Lincoln College of Technology, Colorado,

automotive master technicianSamantha Batzler, University of North Dakota, physical

therapyJacob Bruget, North Dakota State University,

construction managementMorgan Crull, Friends University, Kansas, zoo scienceTrey DeJong, University of North Dakota, fisheries/

wildlife biologyDillon Dutson, Bringham Young University, undecidedZach Flanigan, University of Wyoming, biologyMegan Forster, Vassar College, New York, biologyMadison McKeown, Kansas State University, mass

communicationsSkylar Mork, Lincoln College of Technology, Colorado,

auto mechanicsLong Pham, University of Chicago, economics/

international affairs/computer science/physicsAustin Sadler, University of Northern Colorado, musicSpencer Smith, University of Oklahoma, secondary

educationCylie Svartoien, University of Tampa, communicationsDillon Waldera, North Dakota State University,

engineeringJaysa Widmann,Paul Mitchell School, Arizona,

cosmetologyNicholas Wilde, Tulane University, Louisiana,

neuroscience/philosophy

Armed ForcesJoseph Blake, ArmyJacob Hamsa, NavyAustin Koob, NavyJocelyn Laite, NavyAidan Melvin, ArmyTyler Tew, Air ForceKelly Vardsveen, MarinesCollin Vielmette, Air ForceJayson Wickre, Army

WorkingMarissa Ageton Victoria BerknerReed BriggsJohn FisherTaylor GustafsonJarrett HiebJack KrugerHunter MayDerek OlsonEdik Onishchuk

Cole ReiterJeremy RomeJacob Schwint

UndecidedTaylor BentsonAnna BudahlHaley CarmodyJorden GreenhoffAlison KirbyJaymie LillestolBrandon MassmannLexi McGeeTrevor MeyerNick OsheimHunter PfeifleMeggin RobertsonDesiree TunnissenRowan VollendroffTyanna WachterLayne Waltner

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, May 10, 2013

Reporters receive awards in contest

Did you know...?

FFAers participate in Drive Tractor to School

By Kinnley ComeauxSports Editor

The high school orchestra isn’t the only one senior Anthony Pederson participates in. He spends much of his time with the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra, which consists of about 60 musicians.

With the youth orchestra, Pederson, who was first chair cello for one semester, performed four concerts a year and one with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.

Pederson also performs in the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts. He participates in a small group of a piano, violin and cello trio. This trio performs only in the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts concerts.

Pederson, who started playing the cello nine years ago in fourth grade, qualified

for the All-State Orchestra for the fourth time. He has also received other awards through the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra.

“I feel very happy and accomplished with an All-State title,” he said. “It makes me want to work harder for college scholarships.”

Pederson plans to continue playing the cello through college, but he is undecided where he wants to go. He has scholarship offers from Augustana College, Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

“I have learned a lot preparing myself for college,” Pederson said. “I’m noticing more things I need to do for my auditions along with the hard work and dedication required.”

Pederson named four-year All-Stater

Photo by Madison McKeown

Senior Anthony Pederson plays the cello at the Festival of Orchestras. He was a four-year All-Stater.

n College for Kofi event raised $8,000 for junior Kofi Gunu.n At the South Dakota State University Engineering Expo juniors Noah Klamm, Jack Sternburg and Jon Heiberger placed first in impromptu design.n Sophomores Weston Meyer, Alicia deWit and Amber Wickstrom placed first in the South Dakota Stock Market Game. The team made over $26,000 during the simulation.n Boys tennis Eastern South Dakota Conference meet is at Brookings today.n Varsity softball tournament is Saturday in Jackson, Minn.n High school/middle school orchestra Spring Concert is Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.n Baccalaureate will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Graduation is May 19 at 2 p.m. in the Student Activties Center.n Last Chance track meet is Thursday at 4 p.m. in Brandon.n Boys state tennis meet is May 17-18 at 9 a.m. in Sioux Falls and Brandon. n Girls golf state meet is May 21 at 9 a.m. in Yankton.n Semester tests are May 21-23.n Teacher inservice/workshop is May 24.n ACT test is June 8.

Koehn model of success

Photo by Kinnley Comeaux

Senior Allison Koehn goes to the hoop against Rapid City Central. She scored nine points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Photo by Kinnley Comeaux

Senior Matt Vandeberg evades the Mitchell defense. He set the career touchdown reception record of 37.

Vandeberg set to play football for U. of IowaBy Dustin JohnsonSports Editor

Senior Matt Vandeberg will attend the University of Iowa to play football.

Vandeberg, a standout receiver for the football team set the state record for career touchdown receptions. On the defensive side of the ball, Vandeberg intercepted seven passes and scored on three of those interceptions. Now he will go from the Eastern South Dakota Conference to the Big Ten.

“I’m excited and nervous,” Vandeberg said. “I’m just a scrawny, little kid from South Dakota, and now I’m going to Iowa to play football in the Big Ten.”

Vandeberg shattered school and state records. He earned all-conference, all-state and Elite 45 honors for football.

“It’s nice to know I have the records,” he said, “but going to college changes that.”

The ride was not the easiest for Vandeberg, who suffered many sprained and broken wrists along with all of the other expected scrapes, cuts and bruises. However, his recovery molded him into the player he is now.

“Everything happens for a reason,” he said. “Even if I don’t understand it, it makes you stronger in the end.”

Proving his strength and willpower, Vandeberg engraved himself into the record books along with a chance to play against some of the biggest names in college football.

“Go for your dreams,” he said, “because you never know where it’s going to take you.”

FFA members participated in Drive Your Tractor to School Day today.

The members also ate breakfast at Sunshine Deli at 7 a.m.

FFA members participated in the 47th annual Loyalty Day Parade Sunday. They threw out 6,000 pieces of candy.

Teachers interviewed the FFA officers during the Officer Interview Day Monday, and the FFA Banquet was Tuesday.

In the summer, FFA members will be attending camps, retreats and other activities.

By Cylie SvartoienNews Editor

As a model of success on and off the courts, senior Allie Koehn held varsity positions in basketball, volleyball and track while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

“The kids that typically have success, you never have to beg them to get in the gym and work hard,” coach Mark Stadem said, “and Allie is that type of kid.”

On the basketball court, Koehn averaged 14 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game her senior year.

“She had a plan when she walked in, and she would execute the plan,” Stadem said. “She’s goal oriented and focused.”

As a sophomore, Koehn started at forward on the 2010 State AA Girls Basketball Championship team. Looking back, Koehn said the game was a highlight of her

basketball career so far.Making her into the player

she is, Koehn acknowledges her coaches throughout the years, as well as her No. 1 coach and fan, her dad.

“He (dad) always told me to never give up and always set goals,” she said.

Koehn turned her goals into successes, which are recognized by the numerous awards she received.

“It’s so humbling to receive all of these awards, but it’s not necessarily who I am,” she said.

Off the courts, Koehn is involved in SALSA and four advanced classes while making the honor roll four years in a row.

Koehn will play basketball at Augustana College in the fall, where she will study biology and Spanish.

“If you give your best,” she said, “you will succeed.”

Echo staff and editors received 18 awards in the South Dakota High School Press Association Spring Writing Contest.

Senior Cylie Svartoien received first in non-school photography, first in front-page layout, second in school activities photography, third in news writing and third in editorial writing. Senior McKinnley Comeaux placed first in cartoon, first in sports photography and third in school activities photography. Senior Dustin Johnson placed first in sports writing, second in news writing and second in editorial writing. Sophomore Umaima Koch placed first in feature story writing, first in editorial writing and first in general interest/opinion writing. Senior Jessica Morrison received second in cartoon and second in sports photography. Senior Stephanie Meeter received second in non-school photography and third in general interest/opinion writing.