Tuesday, December 23, 2008

“A”chievers

Student Reporter: Ashlee Ansay

It used to be a pat on the back or a parent’s bribe was enough for students to want to excel at school, but recently Memorial Mall has extended an offer to help kids strive even more.

Memorial Mall set up a program to encourage students and schools to succeed academically, and in return students could receive a reward for their academic performance. Students can register for a chance to reward themselves and their favorite teacher for each “A” they receive on their report card (1st quarter, 1st semester, 3rd quarter, and final report periods). Each month, one student’s name will be drawn during the school year for a $25 Memorial Mall Gift Card. One teacher’s name will also be drawn each month in a separate drawing for a $25 Memorial Mall Gift Card as well.

To register for the reward, you can report to the Mall Office Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and present your report card. You then can fill out an entry form for every “A” on your report card or any grade equivalent, and also nominate your favorite teacher. The drawing is held on the first weekday of the month starting December and ending in July. The winners will be contacted by telephone.

For more information visit www.memorialmall.com or call (920)-452-2731.

Freshman 15—Truth or Myth?

Student Reporter: Rebecca Lemmermann

As high school seniors approach this coming fall, many students worry about their health once they enter college. It is a well known myth that many teenage girls gain a significant amount of weight during the start of their freshman year of college. Whether or not this is true is still unsure but has been proven that Cornell students tend to gain four pounds during their first semester of college. If this is a concern for you, there are a few ways to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Some reasons college students might gain weight is from the buffet-style dinning offered in many college dormitories. Each morning, noon, and evening students are offered an array of food choices, including unhealthy snacks which students often eat multiple times a day instead of choosing healthier foods. Students can eat healthier in their school’s cafeteria by navigating dining halls and rotating the selections to eat during each meal, skipping out on baked sweets and avoiding seconds on high calorie foods. Another way you can eat healthier while at school is by avoiding fatty snack foods and excessive snacks which are offered in vending machines. Vending machines are used to satisfy impulsive eating and are usually filled with candy, chips, soda and unhealthy snacks. Examples of expectable snack foods are crackers, baby carrots, pretzels, popcorn (minus the buttery topping), juice, milk and bottled water. By staying clear of vending machines and fast food restaurants it is easier for a college student to eat healthier.

Another factor which could attribute to weight gain is the busy lifestyles which most college students endure. College students are known to skip meals and stay up very late multiple times throughout the week to study and finish homework. When people force their body’s to stay awake for longer amounts of hours during the day, it causes your hunger level to rise and can ultimately cause someone to over eat or to choose quick fatty snacks. Skipping meals is also an unhealthy practice which causes people to over eat. When a person deprives their body of food for an extended amount of time, the person is more susceptible to over indulge when they find time to eat later during the day. By eating three meals a day and trying to get at least some sleep each night, a young adult can achieve more during the day. Sleep has been proven to improve concentration, appearance and boost the immune system.

So you’ve started college and you’re not really sure if you’re on the right track? Try checking your weight occasionally and noting any difference you’ve seen. Also try to keep track of your eating habits and try to stay consistent each day. If you have any serious concerns, do not hesitate to contact a nutritionist or a health profession. Taking good care of your body is the best way to a happy and successful future. A few helpful websites are listed below to help those who are looking for more information.

http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/top10Topics/nutrition-eating/hotTopics/freshman15.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/college/freshman_15.html

Music in the Air

Student Reporter: Jordan Dykstra


Oh the weather outside is frightful, but Christmas concerts are so delightful. This time of the year brings blustering winds and heavy, falling snow. It also brings Christmas music to the air. Whether it is on the radio or sung in the shower, Christmas music is everywhere. Band and choir teachers also look forward to this time of the year because they can pick out music for their students to sing and play.


This year’s winter band concert was on Monday, December 15, 2008. It started at seven o’clock and was kicked off by the 6th grade band led by Mrs. Lori MacRae. The 7th graders and 8th graders played after them. Following the middle school performances the freshmen/sophomore band took the stage. Their band was led by Mr. Tom Paulson. The songs they performed were Coast Guards March, Brookpark Overture, Theme De Noel, and The Carolers, Fanfare for Band. After the freshmen/sophomore band left, the junior/senior band gave their performance. The songs they played were Bonds of Unity March, Festive Scenario, A Christmas Trilogy, and Winter Holiday. Jackie Sopko, a senior, said “Mr. Paulson does a really good job with the band. He has a really fun time picking out holiday music for us to play.”


A week after the band concert, it was the choir’s turn to perform. This year, the concert was at First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove on Monday, December 22, 2008. There were two concerts, both of which were directed by Mrs. Linda Ruona. The first one started at 7:00 pm and was for the 5th and 6th grade choirs. The second concert started at 7:45 and the 7th, 8th, and high school choirs performed. The high school choir sang five numbers. The numbers were Great Day, Carol of the Bells, Christmas Peace Canon, With a Voice of Singing, and It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas. “A lot of preparing went into the concert, and with the snow days we had, we had to crunch our rehearsal times to make sure we got everything done,” said Jordan Dykstra, a senior.


Mrs. Linda Ruona, Mr. Tom Paulson, and all members of band and choir thank everyone who came out in the cold, snowy weather to support them.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Bada Bing Student of the Month


Student Reporter: Mariah Keller


Football, basketball and National Honor Society are just a few of the many activities that Josh Peterson has been involved in throughout his high school career. Recently chosen as December’s Bada Bing Student of the Month, Josh Peterson, son of Brad and Betsy, has high expectations for life after graduation.


Josh hasn’t decided where he wants to go to school yet but plans to go wherever football leads him. He has a walk-on opportunity at Western Michigan as well as many scholarship considerations from others including; South Dakota State, University of North Dakota, Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan, and many more. He has applied to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Western Michigan, South Dakota State, and has been accepted to Michigan Tech. Josh plans to go to school for Business Accounting.


Not only is Josh successful on the playing field, but he also excels academically and he’s pleased to have been chosen for this award, “It is an honor to be announced Bada Bing Student of the month! I would like to thank Bada Bing for supporting a good cause and keeping kids involved in school.” He said. He is currently taking a few advanced classes, AP Calculus being his favorite. Josh finds the class, though challenging, to be a great experience and a good reflection on his career path.


Congratulations Josh, keep up the good work and good luck in the future!

Girls Basketball Begins


Student Reporter: Mariah Keller



On Monday, November 10, the girls had their first basketball practice. The JV team consists of Aylin Birlik, Danielle Holzberger, Jessica Burant, Danielle DeHaai, Ashley DeSmidt, Brianna Weavers, Kelly Hubing, Liz Mandel, Macy Villa, and Anna Theike. The returning Varsity players from last year consist of Jordan Dykstra, Sadie Meinen, Abi VonHemburg, Rachel Slotman, Kristen Slotman, and Mariah Keller. Joining the Varsity team this year are Mallory Mentink and Kimberly Hoffmann, Stephanie Ruppel, Brittni Emperly, and Jackie Bruggink.


The teams are looking good and practicing hard to get ready despite all the fun and excitement of the football teams success. Due to the football team doing so well, the girls practiced at 6:00 AM Thursday morning before the state football game.
The Varsity is now 1-1 beating Oakfield 47-38 but losing to Howards Grove in overtime 51-46. They’re traveling to Elkhart Lake Thursday, December 4, hoping for a win. Next week’s games consist of Oostburg and Ozaukee, come cheer them on!
“This year’s team is playing together well and ready to make some noise in conference this year.” Says senior Jordan Dykstra.

Monday, December 01, 2008

School Play


Student Reporter: Joe Dettmann


When a nerdy nephew, an irritating ex-wife, a stuck up daughter, a ditzy mistress, and a sleazy old mobster are invited by eccentric millionaire Albert Doornale to join him in his mansion one evening, a night filled with mischief and mayhem ensues. When they arrive, Albert is nowhere to be seen. Confused and bewildered, the group proceeds to search for their host, only to find blood all over the upstairs bathroom. Now they must identify a killer and a motive with the help of a washed up police inspector who shows up. Who murdered Al? How? And what was the motive behind the murder?


All of these questions will be answered on December 12th and 13th during the high school drama department’s production of Lee Mueller’s “The Death of a Doornail”. Directed by Mr. Nonhof and Ms. Casarez, the plays cast includes Alex Isken, Amanda Isken, Alex Beutel, Ariel Beutel, Al Murphy, Jackie Sopko, Jim Burton, Jordan Vrubley, Mary Asma, Laura Rushford, Mike O’Donnel and your’s truly, Joe Dettmann. This production is filled with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, but also includes an endless amount of witty banter that is sure to have you on the floor laughing. So come support your friends and buy your tickets in the high school office.