Jordan  Cahill,  Jacqueline  Florick  &  Vu  (Tom)  Tran  Papillion-­‐La  Vista  High  School  

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LETIT13e

Stress. Something every high school knows all too well, from the class of 2016 enter-ing their first year of high school, to the class of 2013 preparing for the rest of their lives. Juniors stressed over their first AP classes and NESA testing. Sophomores stressed over the gut-wrenching excitement of the first year of intramural ping-pong.

But eventually we all learned we had to just Let it Be. We adjusted to new security, whether that was waiting for a staff member to let you into the building or having to get a pass just to go to King’s Corner.

But Letting it Be didn’t mean we sat and let the world pass us by. We fought for what we wanted. Monarchs made it to state games and championships in volleyball, softball, cross country, boys basketball and wrestling. We came together as a school in the pouring rain and cheered our football team on to a win over the Titans in the first game

of the year. We fought hard and toppled Central in the biggest basketball match-up of the year. We pushed ourselves in academics and extracurriculars. Broadcasting Club received a grant, had a huge increase in membership, and broadcasted every varsity live. DECA students would not let injustices in the world be, and every student organized a fundraiser for something that moved them. Drama students performed “Frankenstein” and “Grease” to packed theaters. Students came back from trips to France while other students prepared to leave for Italy and Spain. We let go of four cherished staff members: Mr. Berve, Mr. Conrad, Mr. Kupfer, and Mr. Johnston. We showed up to pep rallies and dances and made our own mark on PLHS.

We Let it Be.

Anna Caranazzo was hapy that she got to yell “Go home freshmen” this year. Allie Vondra enjoyed not having to stand in the back row at games anymore. Jordan Mack got into show choir and built a strong family bond with them. Jeffery Paschal became a part of a sports team, and got to work with all the coaches and players. Faith Chambers opened her locker with ease all year. Sierra Sprinkel finally got her license. Maddy Ten Kley made it through a whole year of Mrs. Hoch’s Honors World Civilizations class. Sarah Book could find any classroom without getting lost.

Joshua ActonMckenzie Adams

Allison Albeno-GarciaFrank Algya

Brianna Alspach YagerMolly Altman

Kaylee AmatoJulia Andersen

Rachael AndersenJerad Anderson

Dalton ArizaAshten Arkfeld

Sierra AstorinoMadelyn Ausenbaugh

Alicia BacaKylee Bainbridge

Cortland BakerDavid Bane

Hayden BarajasAdam Bartels

Peggy BartmanKatarina Bauermeister

Ray BealerMichael Beckstrom

Zachary BenakMichael BengstonJenna BienDenay BillupsAustin BluvasJacquelyn Bogenhagen

Tristan BohacEthan BohnSarah BookTyler BoverhuisMiranda BowenJenna Boyd

Joseph BrancoDamian BranstetterDavid BrodersenJa’rell BurnsShane BuscherAmanda Butera

Jason CalderonDominic CampbellFrank CardenasRhys CarlileReilly CarlowKaelan Carlson

Let it be... accepted

Let it be... comfortable

“Courtney is a very nice person and a really good swimmer!”

- Freshman Katie Mischo

“Cal is a funny person and makes every-body laugh.”- Freshman Braxton Fonyonga

“ Playing drums at halftime is crazy fun. Definitely the best part of band. - Senior Nick Pelzer

Senior Fraser Farmer keeps his eyes on the director during the

halftime show. Farmer was a part of the frontline of the band, where he played the drums. Photo: Jess Borer.

Senior Jasmine Emerick waits for the band to begin their show. Emerick

was also a baton twirler this year. Emerick has been a part of the Color Guard for three years. “I’m going to miss Color Guard so much!” she said. Photo: Mikenzie Krysl.

Junior Simon Saqueton plays the flute during the halftime show of the Omaha North game. Saqueton has been in band

since he was a freshman. Photo: Mikenzie Krysl.

”

Most common Misconception about Band?

“That band kids are ‘weird.’”- Senior Sam Plumb

“That band isn’t fun!”- Junior Juliet Clark

“That band kids are not athletic.”- Junior Blake Butterfield

The marching band experienced a myriad of changes under new direction, but they moved forward from it.

A new era began in the music department, as Mr. Tim Keller, assisted by Mr. Tyler Buglewicz became the new director of the marching band. The change, although unexpected, was welcomed by most band members. “It was a big change from past years, but we have improved as a band in spite of it,” drum major senior Rico Childs said. Among the major changes was the overall mood and focus of the band. “Now, it is a lot more about having fun and making music, rather than being competitive

about it,” senior color guard member Jasmine Emerick said. It was a tough job to take on, but most band students believe that the new directors have lived up to the challenge. “They have done a brilliant job with the band since they took their new positions, and I love their philosophy of working hard while having fun,” drum major senior Sam Plumb said. Emerick agreed that the new directors were successful in their new positions. “I have nothing but good things to say about them!” she said.

All-State Qualifiers

BandSenior Fraser FarmerSenior Dakota StarrSenior Claire WeberSenior Mark CasperSenior Daniel Woodworth- alternate

Jazz bandSenior Dakota Starr- alternateSenior Mark Casper- alternate

OrchestraSophomore Jenna Schooff

“Al can take any situation and make it funny. He’s just a really enjoyable

person to be around.” - Junior Matt Bracciano

“Drumline’s beats are impressive. They drop mad beats!” - Junior Jimmy Hartigan

SOUNDA NewFreshman Seda Bitter waits in her beginning position. Bitter was a cheerleader along with being in marching

band, so she wore her cheer uniform at halftime shows. Photo: Emily Pratt.

13 e precise. Junior Cameron Mezzell plays percussion during halftime of the Bellevue West football game. Mezzell was a part of the frontline of the band, which included multiple types of percussion instruments. He has been in the frontline since his freshman year. “I like being able to feel the energy from the crowd,” Mezzell said. Photo: Jess Borer.

65Marching Band & Guard

87

Football

BROKEN

“I liked how during football the entire student section stood together to

support the guys.” - Senior Regan Kulper

“I liked going to football games this year because I’m a senior and we get to be front and center.” - Senior Delaney Woodruff

The 2012 football season caused a lot of hype in students. The excited atmosphere in the stadium where students stood together in the pouring rain while the Monarchs defeated their rivals the Papillion-South Titans 30-7 showed the unity and overall support the school had for these boys of fall. This season was anything from ordinary though. From beating the Titans, qualifying for state, and not to mention breaking countless records, plenty will be remembered about this season. “Throughout everything that has happened I would have to say that scoring a touchdown against Papio South my senior year is something that I’ll always remember,” senior wide receiver Bryce Sheard said.

With a 5-5 record, the Monarchs went through many victories and also many heartbreaking losses. All the while, the team broke 13 school offensive records. “The offense had a great season. Alec [Ditoro] and Spencer [Lewis] really did a lot to help us by doing what they do best and putting everything they had on the field,” senior kicker Gabe Hoins said. Despite breaking the playoff record for most team passing yards in a game with 367 yards, the Monarchs lost in the first round of the playoffs. The anticipation and hype of the players about next year’s season has already begun. As the athletes began winter workouts and preparation for next year, another successful and exciting season seems to be on the horizon. “I think our team will be more experienced next year and we will be better prepared,” junior quarterback Alec Ditoro said. “Our team will be the fastest it’s ever been and I think we have a good chance of beating a lot of good teams.”

Name: Spencer Lewis

Grade: Senior

Years Playing: 13

Pre-Game Ritual: Eat at 4:30, listen to music with headphones in the locker room, get dressed, and chill in the weight room

Best Memory this year: My 80 yard touch-down against South for the first play of the year

Record Broken: Most receptions in a season (72)

Despite only a .500 record, the varsity football team still managed to set multiple state and school records throughout the year.

Most Yards (In Season)

Most Yards (In Game)

Individual Passing Yards(In Game)

Most Touchdown Passes (In Career)

We13 elieve That We Will Win. The varsity football team stands together in a huddle getting pumped up for their game. The Monarchs ended the season with a record of 5 wins and 5 losses. “As a team, I think we had a good season, we always played our hardest,” senior Bryce Sheard said. This year’s team set the bar high for future seasons with their many accomplishments and all their hard work. Photo: Brooke Nykamp.

Senior receiver Bryce Sheard battles through Millard South players to capture the ball. The Monarchs lost to the

Patriots 38-23, but the team fought all the way to the end. Photo: Sierra Sprinkel.

Running for the pass, senior Spencer Lewis prepares for the game with JV quarterback junior Gabe Kendall. Lewis

set a record with 72 receptions throughout the season. Photo: Jessica Borer.

Breakin

g

Standards

3535

66

367

484

Junior Alec Ditoro

Let the records be

Senior Tyler Wrice escapes the tackle while running to the

end zone for a touchdown. Wrice was a frequent scorer for the Monarchs

throughout the season. Photo: Sierra Sprinkel.

Catching the pass, senior Gabe Hoins advances the team toward the end

zone while playing rivals Papillion South. This game was the first of many victories for the Monarchs. Photo: Emily Pratt.

The varsity defensive line holds the Titans from

getting a touchdown. The Monarchs went on to defeat the Titans 30-7.

Photo: Sierra Sprinkel.

Senior Jordan Ross was excited for the start of flannel season.

Sophomore Nolan Zikas watched football games on Saturdays, and waited for Halloween to finally be here.

Junior Carly Welch watched the different colors of autumn leaves start to fall.

Junior Justin Kieffer went all out for no shave November.

Sophomore Gabby Perna loved wearing her favorite sweaters to stay warm.

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Freshman Lesley Robles enjoyed hayrack rides at the pumpkin patch.

Freshman Alec Dominski stuffed his face during Thanksgiving.

Senior Jenine Aburumuh couldn’t wait for the peppermint mocha to come out at Starbucks.

“The blood drive was awesome this year; we had alot of people who

wanted to donate blood. We killed it.” - Senior Caleb Beaver

“The way he asked her was really cute. It was such a unique way to ask someone out.”- Freshman Haley Butler

09October & Novem

ber