1. education
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The Dog Pound
...it’s a great day to be a bulldog
Coeditor: Dayton Rand
Coeditor: Cody Hatfield
December
2014
Dance team brings home state dance team trophies
By Katie Ruhland
Congratulations to the
LCHS Dance Team on
bringing
home
three
trophies from the state
dance team competition
in Des Moines on Friday
December 5. LCHS placed
fourth in Kick, fourth in
Pom, and fifth in Jazz.
The day began
with make-up and hair at
5:45 am and ended after the
awards ceremony around 10
pm. The girls agree waiting
to find out what places the
team won is the worst part.
The team members
are very proud of their
accomplishments this year.
The girls are very excited to
perform their state routines
at upcoming basketball
games.
Dance team coach,
Mrs. Amy Davis states, “I
could not be more proud of
the dance team girls. They
are a great group of young
ladies who work very hard.”
Plan to attend the
home basketball games
throughout the season
because the dance team is
sure to entertain the crowd
during half-times.
Congratulations to the Dance team on winning three trophies at the State dance competition.
Congratulations to the 2015 NWI
Honor Orchestra selections
Congratulations to the NWI Honor Orchestra selections from LCHS. Pictured (front) David
Barker, Katy Price, Diana Loutsch, (back) Dominic Loutsch, Ivan Espinoza, Paige McDougall,
Kasja Hallberg
Siouxland soldiers appreciate
LCHS donations
The Siouxland soldiers and veterans showed their appreciation
for the generous gift from LCHS students and staff. The LCHS
family donated over 7,243 food items including canned goods,
Thanksgiving dinner supplies, peanut butter, Slim Jims, cereal,
and seven cases of Ramen noodles. Students also donated two
large boxes of hard candy.
Pictured are student council officers: Matt Ellefson,
Emily Ahlers, and a Siouxland Soldiers representative.
Page 2
The Dog Pound
Tis the season...
Tis the season for holiday sweaters. Pictured (left to right) Sophie
Fedders, Chaise Benjamin, and Dylan Harms
Student of the month: Barker great role model
Seniors and teachers advise underclassmen to take college-credit courses
By Katie Ruhland
By Britney Thompson
David Isaac Barker is a
smart and talented LCHS
senior who keeps himself
very busy. David’s senior year
activities include orchestra,
band, jazz band, chamber
choir, Crimson and Black,
4-H, Thespians, plays,
musicals, Madrigals, and
NHS. Woof! He is a busy
guy.
College
English
is David’s favorite class.
David states, “English is
my weakest subject, so it’s
more of a challenge.”
O r c h e s t r a
instructor, Mr. Ted Hallberg
is David’s favorite teacher.
Nine years ago Mr. Hallberg
suggested that David play
the cello; nine years later
Mr. Hallberg is still teaching
David who was recently
selected to the NWI 2015
Honor Orchestra.
David’s
favorite
food is chicken noodle soup
in a bread bowl from Panera
because “who doesn’t love a
bread bowl.”
In his spare time,
LCHS partners Western Iowa
Tech Community College to
offer dual-credit courses for
high school students.
Thirteen
courses
in a variety of subjects are
offered to students. Class
options include College
English with Mrs. Sherri
Permeswaran, Pre-Calculus
and Calculus with Mrs.
Colleen Bortscheller, College
Basic Word
Processing
with Mr. Dave Iwrin,
College Western Civ with
Mrs. Rachel Cunningham,
College Fundamentals of
Technical Drawing with Mr.
Leroy Wichers, and College
Anatomy with Mr. Doug
Martin just to name a few. In addition, several
online classes are also offered.
See the Guidance office for a
David Barker as Tevye performing Fiddler on the Roof.
the senior enjoys playing
his instruments. The wellrounded guy also enjoys
woodworking.
David’s plan after
graduation is to attend Iowa
State University to major in
some sort of engineering.
His
favorite
high school memory is
performing in Fiddler on
the Roof. He loved playing
Tevye, but he also is grateful
for becoming closer friends
with all of the actors and
everyone involved in the
production.
David
is
very
involved in school activities,
and more importantly, the
senior is always nice to
everyone. The smart and
classy senior is a role model
to many people. David is
the student of the month
because he does a great
job of representing what a
high school student should
be doing. Congrats to our
student of the month!
Los Posadas connects families from around the world to share their joy
By Dayton Rand
This December, religions
and cultures around the
world rejoice in celebration.
Christians
everywhere
commemorate the birth of
Jesus Christ as they partake
in the season of giving
that is Christmas. While
there are many familiar
Christmas traditions, such
as purchasing presents
for
loved
ones
and
decorating a Christmas
tree with ornaments, there
are also several lesser
known activities that are
extremely important to
different Christian cultures.
Specifically,
several
Christians from Spain,
Mexico, Guatemala, and
parts of the Southwestern
United States truly unique
Christmas tradition: Las
Posadas.
Las Posadas is a
nine day religious festival
that begins on December
16 and ends December 24.
The nine days are symbolic
for the nine months that
Mary was pregnant with
Jesus. Additionally, the
nine days represent Mary
and Joseph’s exhausting
and frigid journey from
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Page 3
Nazareth to Bethlehem in
search of shelter.
Las
Posadas
celebrations
traditionally
start with a party held in
a neighborhood home.
When night falls, the
party guests congregate
outside the house with their
children, who are dressed
as shepherds, angels, and
Mary and Joseph. Adults
carry lighted candles and
follow one of the children
dressed as an angel to visit
houses in the neighborhood.
Upon arriving at a
house, the “pilgrims” sing
a song asking for shelter
much like Mary and Joseph
did during their journey.
The owners of the house
sing a reply and eventually
open up the doors to the
pilgrims. The hosts may
then offer festive foods such
as hot ponche, buñuelos, or
tamales. The last night of
Las Posada on Christmas
Eve traditionally ends with
the community coming
together for a midnight
mass.
Many
students
at LCHS celebrate this
Christmas tradition every
year with their families.
Senior Cassandra Gomez
says that Las Posadas is
about preparing for the
birth of Jesus with friends
and family. She adds, “Las
Posadas is a great way for
families and members of the
community to come together
to celebrate.” Several other
LCHS students such as
Jorge Perea-Ahumada, Matt
Lopez, Oscar Otereo, and
Juan Cobian also celebrate
the tradition of Las Posadas.
complete list of dual-credit
classes. Whether a student
favors science, mathematics,
history, computer, or art
classes, dual-credit courses
can be great options in order
to get the most out of high
school.
Mr. Barry Borchers
comments, “Students should
look into taking advantage
of these dual-credit classes
because in the end the student
will be saving money and
gaining valuable knowledge.”
Every senior student
who was interviewed agrees
that saving money will
become important as students
enter college.
Senior Ellen Meis
agrees with Mr. Borchers
adding, “Classes such as
College English will give
students practice for writing
college papers.” Ellen has
taken four dual credit classes.
Senior
Trevor
Kliever also has taken four
college level classes in high
school. The senior comments,
“I advise all students to take
as many college level classes
as they can handle because
the class will be easier in
high school than in college.”
Seniors and teachers
advise underclassmen to take
dual credit courses. Though
the college-credit classes
in high school are not easy,
the classes are easier than
in college. In addition, the
classes are completely free to
students in high school. The
courses also put students at
an advantage when they enter
college.
Lifeguards get paid to sit by the pool
By Dayton Rand
Are you looking for a
part-time job with a lot of
benefits? If so, consider
becoming a lifeguard! Many
LCHS
students currently enjoy
their work as lifeguards, yet
the Le Mars YMCA is still
short three or four lifeguards.
Senior Shania DeBoer and
sophomore Lauren Tabbert
are both lifeguards who
love working at the pool.
Shania says that one
of the best benefits of being a
lifeguard is the “rockin’ tan”
you get during the summer.
Shania wanted to become a
lifeguard because she loves
to be around water. She also
wanted a part-time job that
was different than any other
jobs. Shania adds, “Being
a lifeguard means I get to
save lives! I’m basically
Wonder Woman when I’m
on the job.”
Lauren is extremely
proud to call herself a
lifeguard. Some of her
favorite things about the job
are the perfect hours and
the awesome people she
works with. Lauren enjoys
protecting swimmers from
danger. She says, “I love the
pool, and with my job; I can
be there almost every day!”
Both Shania and
Lauren have nothing but
positive things to say about
their manager, Angela.
Lauren says that another
reason she loves coming to
work every day is that she
believes Angela truly cares
about her employees. Shania
adds, “Angela tackles many
problems at once to keep the
pool up-and-running. She
keeps all of the lifeguards
on task and has a great bond
with all of us.”
Becoming
a
Western Civ students work on synthesis questions for test review.
Mrs. Colleen Bortscheller reviews with Pre-calc students.
Rethink drinking that pop at lunch
lifeguard does, however, By Cassandra Gomez
require
undertaking
a
training
process.
This Do you drink Coke?
involves taking a few According to the
classes in lifeguard training Coca-Cola Company, 1.7
and in CPR training. These billion servings of Cocaskills are important for Cola are served every day.
any lifeguard to know, Although sales are good for
but could be useful if you the company, many people
are planning on becoming might be surprised about the
an EMT or other health effects and uses of Coke.
professional. Lauren says, Did you know that
“Anyone who wants to drinking excessive amounts
become a lifeguard will of Coke makes the bones
need to attend a lifeguard weak and brittle because the
course. After I was hired soda depletes the calcium in
at the YMCA, I attended a the body?
one day in-service where I Researchers found
learned everything I needed using Coke as a toilet cleanser
to know about my job.”
works well. When Coke is
If you are interested poured into the toilet and left
in becoming a lifeguard, to sit for an hour, the toilet is
head over to the YMCA and ready to be scrubbed and left
apply today! If you have any sparkling clean.
questions, contact Shania The carbonic and
Deboer or Lauren Tabbert phosphoric acid contained in
for more information.
Coke also removes stains on
clothing by simply adding it
to the detergent in the washer.
Coke can also be
used as a window cleaner.
The citric acid in the product
can easily substitute as one of
those fruity window cleaners.
Coke is also used to
remove gum from hair. People
use Coke to remove rust and
to defrost windshields. Coke
also shines up coins.
Research suggests
that
drinking
excessive
amounts of Coke can cause
Esophageal Cancer.
Most people drink
a Coke every now and then,
but having one every day
could really do damage to the
body. Next time you have
a Coke, think of what the
outcomes could be.
The Dog Pound
Page 4
Students promote elective classes to eighth graders
Though the school year is not
quite half over, the time has
come to think about registering
for next year’s classes. To help the
incoming freshmen register
for their classes, every year
in December high school
students are asked to present
information about the elective
classes offered in the high
school. The high school students
highlight the key learning
objectives in the class as well
as any activities and projects
that students may be interested
in.
In the top picture,
Aaron Bagstad (left) and
Mason Wichers are discussing the activities in Mrs. JoAnn
Johnson’s Child Development.
In the middle picture,
Ashely Christianson presents
to her group in Mrs. Johnson’s
class.
In the bottom picture,
Shania DeBoer (nearest to
poster) and Kelly Arens discuss the Foods class also
taught by Mrs. Johnson.
Winter break plans
By Kyle Kommes
To some people, winter break
is the greatest time of
the school year, the time
when families get together
to enjoy Christmas and New
Years together. Students and
teachers enjoy two weeks of
no school.
The
Christmas
holiday is a time to enjoy food,
the presents, the mistletoe,
and even the Christmas music
within reason. New Years is a
great time to get together with
friends and family to enjoy the
last day of 2014 and welcome
the new year.
Some people like to
travel during break; others like
to stay close to home. People
also enjoy traditions during
Christmas and New Years.
Students share plans
for winter break.
Junior Laine Frerichs
is going snowboarding in the
Colorado mountains.
Sophomore Sydney
Brown plans to hang out with
friends and family.
Sophomore
Brady
Kommes is looking forward to
the Kommes family Christmas.
Junior
Danielle
Martin plans on staying home,
spending time with family,
watching Christmas movies,
and drinking hot chocolate.
Senior Emily Zink is
going to Mexico.
Senior
Lexie
Klingbeil is going to spend
time with family, cuddle
with a warm blanket, watch
Christmas
movies,
and
drink lots of peppermint hot
chocolate.
Senior Tom Toel is
going to do absolutely nothing.
Senior
Hannah
Harnack is looking forward to
sleeping and hanging out with
family.
Freshman
Sophie
Fedders
and
sophomore
Morgan Ten Napel are going
to Mexico together.
Whatever your plans
are for winter break, this
writer hopes you have a great
vacation and will be seeing
you all next year!
Tips for taking semester tests
Happy Holidays
The Dog Pound staff wishes you a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year
By Wyatt Hulshof
The end of the first semester
is nearing. That means the
school year is half over.
That means new classes, and
the dreaded, the terrifying,
semester test.
Most classes have
a semester test. The test
takes place on Wednesday
January 12 and Thursday
January 13 with Friday as
a makeup day. Students do
not have to attend study
halls or P. E. classes those
days.
Semester
tests
are worth ten percent of
one’s final grade, so an F
will not change an A to a
C,’ however, a good grade
can change a B+ to an A-.
So, some preparation is
important.
Sleep is important
in the days before any big
test. A good student will get
at least eight hours of sleep
before a big test.
Eat
a
good
breakfast. Many teens
skip breakfast. Studies
have shown that eating a
well-balanced
breakfast,
especially on a big test day,
helps students focus.
Pay attention in the
days leading up to a test.
During the days leading
to the test, teachers often
review the material before
the test. The students who
are interactive in these
experiences, see the most
success on a semester test or
an ACT.
Studying
is
important. Many students
do not study. Many feel
that the idea of studying is
stupid. A good student who
does not study may get a B
on a semester test, but an
average student can get an A
if he/she studies.
These tips can
help anyone who wants to
do well on semester tests.
Good luck. The Dog Pound
Pep band rocks the house
Twins: BFFs forever
Page 5
By Nicole Koopman
HO HO HO! Percussionists join the festive fun with holiday
sweaters and hats at the basketball games.
Favorite Christmas songs
By Kris Grover
It is the time of the year again for Christmas music. Some people
like the holiday tunes while others not so much. Ranging from old
time classics to new favorites, any Christmas music is guaranteed
to brighten many people’s day. LCHS students and staff share
their favorite Christmas songs.
Mrs. Beth Collins: “Carol of the Bells”
Mrs. Deb Richarz- “The Little Drummer Boy”
Mrs. LeAnne Hobson and Trevor Kliever- “Mary, Did You
Know”
Caitlyn Hughes, Allie Thiesen, Trevor Renken, Silas Buss, and
Robby Hodson- “Jingle Bells”
Lexi Thompson- “Under the Mistletoe”
Mrs. Kathy Dalton- “Silent Night”
Sophie Fedders and Sarah Adams- “Frosty the Snowman”
Dillan Baartman- “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
Andrew Carpenter, Tanner Smith, Cody Laughton, and Bubba
Rol- “Rudolph the Red Noise Reindeer”
Dylan Harms- “Away In a Manger”
Emma Madsen- “Hark the Harold”
Chaise Benjamin and Amanda Schwartz- “Santa Baby”
Katie Ruhland- “Jingle Bells (Mean Girls Style)”
Sydney Rand- “Winter Wonderland”
Jack Ruhland- “Deck the Halls”
Jorge Hernandez- “Feliz Navidad”
Hannah Harnack- “O Magnum Mysterium”
Tyler Ahlrich- “Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer”
Emily Zink-“What Child Is This”
Lexi Smit- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (Justin Beiber and
Mariah Carey)
Many people say that a bond
between twins is a bond that
cannot be broken. Being a
twin or a triplet also comes
with many advantages and
disadvantages. Twins Abbey and Allie Rieken feel blessed
to have each other.
When the seniors
were asked about their favorite
part of being a twin, they
responded very differently.
Abbey states, “My
favorite part is being the oldest
by two minutes!”
Allie states, “Being
a twin is unique, and people
always say ‘your sister will be
your best friend for life.” So,
I guess I am guaranteed a best
friend.”
Being a twin comes
with many advantages. Allie
adds, “I always have someone
there for me, especially at
night in our dark room.”
Abbey
responds
similarly, “I like always having
someone to hang out with.”
Though Abbey likes
sharing clothes with her sister,
she feels that is a disadvantage.
Allie extremely dislikes the
fact that Abbey wears her
clothes. Allie
states,
“I
thought after yelling at her
multiple times about wearing
my clothes that she would
stop, but that did not work. I
had to outsmart her somehow,
and I did. I finally put a paddle
lock on my closet door, and
that cured my problem!”
Abbey and Allie
were also asked about their
relationship throughout their
elementary, middle school, and
high school years. Allie says,
“Jackie, my mother, thought it
was cute to send us to school
in the same outfits. I did not
really mind at the time because
Abbey and I were pretty good
friends.”
Abbey
agrees
with her sister stating, “In
elementary school, we were
as tight as peanut butter and
jelly.”
While
their
relationship in elementary
school was tight, middle school
was not the same. Allie said,
“In middle school, I finally got
to wear my own outfits, except
for on picture day. I went my
own way, so Abbey and I did
not hang out too much.”
Abbey states, “Our
relationship in middle school
was really starting to hit a
rocky point.”
Abbey
was
determined to fix their
relationship in high school.
She states, “I wanted our
relationship to improve in high
school, and I think it has. The
other night, Allie let me sit on
her bed and eat chips with her,
so that is really a step up in our
relationship.”
Allie says, “In high
school, I have started to enjoy
her presence more and more.”
Amahi Boddie
Chantel Cockburn
Chaise Benjamin
The twins both dressed up for the LCHS Prom
Students enjoy the holiday season
Page 6
The Dog Pound
Schneider hopes to end senior Students reflect on favorite memory of 2014
By Kyle Kommes
year sports on high note
Holly Schneider (left) prepares as a free-throw is being shot
By Matt Ellefson
Holly Dee Schneider was athlete and makes our team
chosen for athlete of the month better by motivating us off and
due to her commitment and on the court.”
talent that she brings to LCHS Mitchell
Sitzmann
sports. says, “Holly is so much fun to
She plays volleyball, watch play sports!”
basketball,
softball,
and Tyler Borcher states,
runs track for the Bulldogs. “Holly puts in time during the
The senior prepares for her off season to help improve
sports by going to camps herself and the team. This is a
and attending clinics to help well deserved honor.”
develop her fundamentals.
Holly is the basketball and Emily Zink says,
volleybal team captain.
“Holly is such a great athlete
Holly averaged 12.5 and deserves this recognition.”
points per game last season in Emily Ahlers states,
basketball earning a spot on “Holly is an amazing team
second team all-conference.
mate, when I am playing with
Holly also qualified her I can always count on
for state track three times in her to make a shot when it is
the shuttle hurdle relay. She needed.”
was conference and district Holly is humbled
champion for the shuttle hurdle to be chosen as athlete of the
her freshmen and junior year.
month. The senior states, “I
This
volleyball feel very honored to be chosen
season Holly averaged 3.10 as the athlete of the month. My
kills per set and had over 300 goal for this basketball season
kills. This season and last is to finish every game and
season, she made first team all- make it to state. My goal for
conference.
softball this season is to return
Last softball season, to state!”
Holly helped lead the team to The senior adds, “I
state earning district honorable am excited to finish my senior
mention and second team all- year of sports with all of my
conference.
friends and end it on a high
Logan
Schneider note!”
states, “Holly is one of the best After high school, Holly will
female athletes that I have ever attend Buena Vista University
seen play sports.”
to continue her basketball
Janessa
Milbrodt career.
exclaims, “She is a great
One could say that 2014 was
full of memories, both good
and bad. While some students
favorite memories are of bad
times, let us focus on all of the
great memories that 2014 had
to offer. Students at LCHS
have shared their favorite
memories from this year.
Sophomore
Gina
Gearke recalls going on a
Disney cruise to the Bahamas.
Junior
Paula
Martinez says her favorite
memory was a trip Amsterdam
last summer.
Junior Gabe Jenson
enjoyed seeing Austin Mahone
in a post-game concert.
Junior Jacob Beyer
says his favorite memory was
running in his first 200 in the
distance medley in track.
Junior Taylor Beach
says her favorite memory was
playing Trivia Crack.
Freshman
Jordyn
Jongerius enjoyed spending
her summer with some
amazing people and meeting
almost all of her internet
friends.
Freshman Hannah
Kliever recalls getting her
highest score ever in bowling.
S o p h o m o r e
Lizzie Anderson enjoyed
participating in the musical, A
Fiddler on the Roof, her first
LCHS production. She hopes
for many more to come.
Junior
Maria
Renken’s favorite memory is
also being a part of A Fiddler
on the Roof.
Senior
Destiny
Boyd’s favorite memory was
becoming a senior and going
on the choir trip to New York
City.
My favorite memory
was being a part of A Fiddler
on the Roof because it was my
first musical and I sang a short
solo in front of the crowd.
The year 2014 had
some very great moments.
Several memories were made
that will hopefully last a life
time.
Girls basketball team ready for competitive season
By Kyle Kommes
The Lady Bulldogs basketball
team is working for the
upcoming season, and head
coach Judd Kopperud could
not be more excited for the
season.
“I am looking forward
to working with a great group
of kids who have worked very
hard.” Coach Kopperud says.
“They have positive attitudes
and work well together. It is
enjoyable to come to practice
each day with the team.”
Every year, the Lady
Dogs and coaches have set
expectations for the season.
Coach Kopperud explains his
expectations for the season.
“We talk to our team about
improving each day and taking
care of things we can control.
If we take care of these things,
then we give ourselves a
chance at success. Ideally we
are working and building so
we compete at the right time,”
he states.
The Lady Dogs have
an experienced group this year
with five returning seniors.
“The seniors are tremendous,”
Coach Kopperud explains.
“Our seniors are Emily Ahlers,
Kacey
Hovden,
Janessa
Milbrodt, Kassidy Rieken,
and Holly Schneider. They
are positive leaders, and they
have worked hard together and
have remained a tight group.
These five seniors are so fun to
coach.”
Competition for the
Lady Dogs this year will be
tough as usual, but Coach
Kopperud is excited about
the competition. “The Lakes
Conference in girls basketball
is tough every year, so we
know we need to be ready each
game. Our non-conference
schedule is also one of the
toughest around. We don’t
back away from competition
because in order to be the best,
you have to beat the best. We
are ready to get it rolling this
season with our schedule.”
Players also share
their thoughts and goals for the
year.
Senior Kacey Hovden
says, “Our goals are to start
by perfecting and working on
the little things, then winning
key games, and ultimately
extending our season into
March. We plan on reaching
those goals by building our
strengths and improving on our
weaknesses and just working
together as a team towards
where we want to be.”
Senior
Holly
Schneider says, “My goals for
the season are to compete and
finish games and obviously
the ultimate goal is state. But
to reach these goals it takes us
pushing each other and going
hard every day in practice.”
Senior
Janessa
Milbrodt says, “Goals are
definitely higher than last year.
Ultimately, everyone’s goal is
state, but we have smaller goals
like finishing games strong that
we will have to accomplish
before anything else. I’m
really looking forward to this
season!”
Senior
Kassidy
Rieken says, “Our goals are
to be the Lakes Conference
champs and make it to the state
tournament.”
Best of luck to the
Lady Bulldogs this year!
Page 7
The Dog Pound
The good, the bad, and the ugly: Writing a research paper
By Matt Ellefson
Writing a research paper can
bring out the worst and the
best in a person. The research
process can feel overwhelming
at first, but when it is all over,
the students get a sense of
accomplishment for their
work. Students learn a lot from
writing a research paper. They
learn about how to find good,
non-biased sources, how to
manage time, and how to form
a position on a topic.
Students in grades 1012 are assigned research papers
in English class. Seniors and
sophomores, who are currently
writing research papers, shared
their feelings on the project.
Senior
Austin
Popken states, “I am doing
the Keystone XL Pipeline. It
is nice to pick our own topic
because it makes it easier to
complete when you have an
interest in your paper.”
Sophomore Morgan
Ten Napel states, “Writing
a research paper is very
challenging because we did
not write a research paper like
this in middle school or our
freshmen year. Sure, we have
all written papers, but not like
this.”
S o p h o m o r e
Nathan
Anderson
says,
“Writing a research paper is
challenging because finding
all of the information and not
plagiarizing can be hard.”
Senior
Mitchell
Mullally states, “I feel stressed
finding reliable topics and
meeting all of the deadlines.”
Sophomore Sydney
Rand says, “I am researching
mental illness. I feel good
because people need to be
educated about it.”
Sophomore Matthew
Simoni states, “What makes it
challenging is that people have
different opinions.”
Senior Allison Perera
states, “I think it is interesting
writing a research paper
because I am learning things
about my topic that I did not
know before.”
Sophomore
Parker
Magnussen states, “It is hard
because we have not done
this before. We need more
experience.”
S o p h o m o r e
Alexandra Pick says, “I was
dreading it, but it has turned out
not as bad as I thought. I find it
challenging to write a research
paper because this is the first
time writing a paper with any
guidelines and requirements.”
Senior Allie Rieken
states, “I feel like writing this
paper is somewhat challenging
only because it is hard to
decide what information is
good and what isn’t.”
Sophomore Madison
Taylor states, “Writing a
research paper is challenging
for me because I am used
to writing about just one
person’s life (mostly mine),
or just a problem that I have
gone through, as a personal
College English students working on research papers
experience.”
Sophomore
Hazel
LaBreche says, “Lots of
trial and error makes writing
a research paper difficult
because I do not have patience
to sit at a computer every day
for a month.”
Senior Susan Letsch
who is writing her paper on
eating disorders states, “Barbie
created a norm for the perfect
body for the perfect girl,
which is causing severe eating/
mental disorders among young
women.”
Sophomore Jasmine
Heithus
states,
“I
feel
frustrated! Trying to find the
information is harder than I
thought!”
Fire marshall declares piñatas a fire hazard
By Cassandra Gomez
Señora Gale Horan’s room
is known as a very inviting,
festive classroom. That
is until the first week in
December when the fire
marshall paid the school a
visit. The marshall said the
piñatas had to come down
citing them as a fire hazard.
For years, Señora
Horan has had her classes
create piñatas for end of
the year fiestas (parties).
The veteran teacher wants
her students to learn about
Spanish culture as well as
the language. The project
promotes artistic expression
and teaches cooperative
work, too.
Señora
Horan
admits she misses the
piñatas. She states, “It
seems a little bare in my
classroom because I was so
used to them. They added
a brightness and a cultural
element.”
When asked if
piñatas would still be made
in class, Señora Horan
states, “Students will still
make them, but we will not
be able to utilize them.”
Like any other
teacher at LCHS, Señora
Horan wants her students
to be and feel safe in her
classroom.
Spanish students (left to right) Adrian Quintanilla, Jonathan Hovden, Thomas Havey, Tyler
Oetken, Cameron Rol take a picture with one of the last times they will see their festive piñatas
The Dog Pound
Page 8
Year in review: Good-bye 2014
Media center fun:
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...
By Kyle Kommes
The year 2014 is coming to a
close, but people should not
forget a year that had some
major news articles. Let us
review some of the major news
stories in 2014.
Obviously, one of
the most controversial news
stories that has happened this
year is the shooting of Michael
Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
Mr. Brown was caught robbing
a marketplace and police
officer Darren Wilson pursued
him on foot. Brown reached
for Wilson’s gun and was shot.
Riots formed all over the city.
The NFL also had
several major news stories this
year. Ex-Baltimore Ravens
running back Ray Rice was
charged with abusing his wife,
Janay. The NFL suspended
Rice at first for two games,
until camera footage showed
more violent actions then
suspected which caused his
suspension for the season.
Minnesota Vikings running
back Adrian Peterson was
also charged with abuse to
his son. He was placed on the
commissioner’s exempt list,
meaning he was suspended
from playing but still was paid.
He pleaded no contest to the
misdemeanor, was reinstated
back into the NFL only to be
suspended for the season.
The scary disease,
Ebola, which originated in
Africa, entered the United
States. Two people in the U.S.
died from this deadly disease.
The election in Iowa
between Bruce Braley and
Joni Ernst was one of the most
competitive races in the United
States this year. After several
advertisements and phone
calls promoting the two, Ernst
received 48.1 percent of the
votes while Braley received
only 45.6 percent.
In the sports world,
several close championship
games were played this year.
Florida State won the college
football championship, the
Seattle Seahawks won the
Super Bowl, the San Antonio
Spurs won the NBA finals,
the San Francisco Giants won
the World Series, and the
Los Angeles Kings won the
Stanley Cup.
Finally, the World
Cup of soccer was held in
Brazil. Several million people
watched USA play Belgium.
Tim Howard, Team USA’s
goalie, recorded 16 saves,
which is a milestone that has
not happened in decades. Team
USA lost to Belgium 2-1.
Germany won the 2014 World
Cup.
This year was full of
news headlines, and next year
will certainly have some news,
too.
Students in the media center gather around the “open fire”
created by librarian Mrs. Nancy Isebrand in the holiday spirit.
Pictured (down in front) Tanner Smith, (left to right) Dany
Rivero, Dillan Baartmann, Emma Madsen, Andrew Carpetnar
Students enjoy festive library book tree
Crimson & Black back in action
Rehearsals are underway
for the show choir season
Under the direction of Mr.
Randy Ewing, rumor has
it the show is going to be
spectacular.
Members recently
spent the school day and
countless hours learning the
choreography for the music
for this season’s show.
Though
the
performers
complained
about the grueling workout,
they are excited to perform
and all agree the work is
worth the effort.
Crimson & Black
fans are looking forward
to another great year of
competition. Plan to see
them in action.
High school librarian, Mrs. Nancy Isebrand wins the Dog
Pound best decorations award. Mrs. Isebrand created
a festive tree using books. Admiring students pictured
include (left) Dylan Harms and Silas Buss.
Sophomores present speeches
Junior Preston Vore’s beard rivals Santa’s
Happy holiday traditions
By Dayton Rand
By Britney Thompson
This month, the Dog Pound
is featuring a student with
facial hair game so strong,
his beard even rivals the jolly
goodness of Santa’s snowwhite beard. Junior Preston
Vore is facial hair of the month
for December.
Vore
started
perfecting his luscious beard
in early November. His early
ambitions were to perfect the
typical lumberjack look so
he could pursue a career in
professional lumber jacking.
Since then, Preston’s beard has
grown to become a fantastic
new look that he calls the “chin
curtain.”
Preston claims that
his grizzly beard causes those
around him to feel intense joy
at all times. Regarding his
friends and family, Preston
added, “I think they appreciate
the pure manliness oozing
from my pores.”
Throughout the halls
of LCHS, Preston’s reputation
as a smooth-talking ladies’
man precedes him. Preston
attributes his success with
the girls to his ability to grow
amazing facial hair. “All the girls claim
that my beard transformed me
from a baby-faced dweeb into
a rugged hunk,” Preston states.
Vore enjoys using his
Christmas time is a time of
joy. The joy of not being able
to worry about school and
work and just relax. This is the
time of year that families go
on vacation, give and receive
presents, and come together as
a family.
Sarah Adams states,
“My favorite part of Christmas
is spending time with all of my
friends and not having to go to
school for two weeks!”
Emily Ahlers says,
“I enjoy spending time with
my big family and sharing our
stories around the Christmas
tree.”
Tyler Ahlrich states,
“My favorite part about
Christmas is being able to
relax and not have to worry
about school!”
Judd Bagstad says,
“My favorite part about
Christmas is giving and
receiving gifts!”
Lexi Smit states, “I
enjoy Christmas break because
it is a great time off of school
that I am able to spend with
friends and family.”
Emma
Bixenman
says, “I enjoy going shopping
with my mom and sister!”
Caleb Cline states,
“I love the holiday season
because I enjoy spending time
with my dog because he is the
Junior Preston Vore is facial hair of the month for December.
beard to his advantage as much
as possible. He loves to stick
his chin out and intimidate
his future employees with his
facial hair.
Preston believes that
his facial hair enables him to
appear older than he actually
is. He also claims that his beard
grants him the power of super
strength saying, “It is a proven
fact that a person can lift more
if they have facial hair.”
If you are looking
to grow awe-inspiring facial
hair of your own, Preston
recommends
going
on
Instagram to look at Dan
Bilzerian for inspiration. only one that truly loves me!”
Shania DeBoer says,
“My favorite part of Christmas
is spending time around a
warm fireplace sipping hot
chocolate when it is freezing
outside.”
Hunter
Fedders
states, “I love spending a ton of
money spoiling my girlfriend
on Christmas!”
Kacey
Hovden
states, “My favorite part about
Christmas is being able to
spend time with my friends
and going to IHOP any day of
the week!”
Emma Hunter says,
“My favorite part of the
holiday is the amazing food
that my family makes!”
Amy
Isebrand
states, “My favorite part of
the holidays is being able to
sleep whenever I want and not
having to wake up for school
every morning.”
Tyler Pauley says,
“My favorite part of the
Christmas is cleaning my
house for all of my family that
comes over.”
Janessa
Milbrodt
states, “My favorite part of
Christmas is being able to
spend time with all of the
college kids that come home
for break.”
Basketball players join in the holiday fun wearing festive sweaters
HO HO HO!
Sophomore English students completed problem solution
research papers that must be formally presented in class.
Pictured Zach Pratt presents his problem-solution speech
promoting corporal punishment as a solution to controlling
disruptive and disrespectful students in the classroom.
Page 9
The Dog Pound
The boys basketball players
joined in the holiday fun
wearing Christmas sweaters
on Friday, December 12.
Pictured (left to right)
Logan Schneider, Mitchell
Sitzmann, Trenton
Hilbrands, Caleb Cline,
Tyler Borchers, Matt
Ellefson, and Tyler Paulson
The Dog Pound
Page 10
It’s that time of year again
The Dog Pound
Page 11
Birthday tribute to Disney
By Britney Thompson
The LCHS Pep Band playing at the Hull-Western Christian vs. LeMars game.
Bulldog fans waiting for the players
to take the floor
“We don’t make movies to make money. We make money to
make more movies,” said Walt Disney. Since the first Disney premiere of Snow White and the
Seven Dwarves in 1937, over 700 Disney movies have been
shown in theaters or are available to buy. Walter Elias Disney who
is known today as Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901.
This month we celebrate the extraordinary life he led.
Although lung cancer ended Walt’s life at 65, Disney’s legacy
continues to live on today. With six theme parks and many
movies, Walt Disney’s name will never be forgotten throughout
the world.
LCHS students recall their favorite Disney movies:
Emma Hunter- Pocahontas
Mrs. Julia Wilken-Ott: Fox and the Hound
Mr. Neil Utesch- Aladdin
Lincoln Collins- Bed Time Stories
Madi Martin: Cinderella
Mrs. Nicki Addison- Benji Loves Tiffany
Mr. Barry Borchers and Mr. Tom Smalley- Jungle Book
Emma McQuillen- Toy Story
Senora Horan and Mrs. Beth Collins- Beauty and the Beast
Mr. Dave Irwin- The Lion King
Amy Isebrand- Peter Pan
Lexi Smit- Brother Bear
Mr. Mark Iverson- Robinhood
Janessa Milbrodt- Anastasia
Matt Ellefson- How to Train Your Dragon
Cassandra Martin, Mrs. Amy Davis, and Kaitlyn Danielson- The
Little Mermaid
Jess Van Otterloo- Lady and the Tramp
Sydney Rand- Aristocrats
Craig Schwartz and Juan Duran- The Lion King
Hazel LaBreche- 101 Dalmatians
Silas
Buss- Pirates of the Caribbean
Madison Taylor- Princess and the Frog
Jasmine Heithus- Frozen
Everyone can thank Mr. Disney for creating a movie
empire that will continue for many years. Think of Mr. Disney the
next time you snuggle up and watch your favorite Disney movie.
State dance team excitement
Festive fans and the boys basketball team enjoyed a big win over Hull Western on Friday,
December 12.
Amanda Schwartz and Katie Ruhland cannot contain their
Name: Jenn “Lawrence”
Arnold
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Susan and Craig Arnold
Senior year activities:
Show choir, speech, thespians,
college English club, Spanish
club, NHS, working at 4
Brothers
Plans after graduation:
Attend the University of Iowa
What is your favorite quote?
“Katniss”
Where do you see yourself in
10 years?
Married to Peeta (spoiler alert)
What is something no one
knows about you?
I’m Katniss
What is the biggest obstacle
you’ve had to overcome?
Being in the Hunger Games
What is your proudest
accomplishment?
Winning the Hunger Games
What is your favorite high
school memory?
Never went, was at the Hunger
Games
What
was
the
most
embarrassing thing that
happened to you in high
school?
Getting beat up by the girl
from Orphan
What advice would you give
an underclassman?
Learn to hunt squirrels = life
What/who is your favorite
musical group/ musician?
Me, my voice is amazing
If you could have one
question answered, what
would that question be?
Why do we need the Hunger
Games?
What are your pet peeves?
The Hunger Games.
Name: Thomas Toel
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Jay and Mary Toel
Senior year activities:
Chamber Choir, Show Choir
Pit, Marching Band, Jazz Band,
Concert Band, Symphony,
Solo and small Ensemble
Contest, large group contest,
large group speech, IE speech
Plans after graduation:
Attend Wayne State College
and become a mathematics
teacher or accountant
Describe yourself using one
word:
Salty
Where do you see yourself in
10 years?
Married with two kids
What is the biggest obstacle
you’ve had to overcome?
My uncle dying in August
What is your proudest
accomplishment?
Making All State Choir for two
years
What
was
the
most
embarrassing thing that
happened to you in high
school?
Tripping over a cinder block in
Orange city during a marching
band competition
If you could have one
question answered, what
would that question be?
What goes on in Charlie Ellis’
head?
If you could be an animal,
which animal would it be?
Turtle
If you were stranded in a zoo
overnight, what would you
do to pass the time?
Sleep
What are your pet peeves?
People who think they are
better than everyone else
Name: Kassidy Rieken
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Scott and Cana Rieken
Senior year activities:
Basketball, Softball, Spanish
club
Plans after graduation:
Attend College
Describe yourself using one
word: laughable
Where do you see yourself in
10 years?
Married with a kid or two
living in a mansion in the
country.
What is something no one
knows about you?
Luke Bryan and I snapchat.
What is the biggest obstacle
you’ve had to overcome?
Father’s heart attack
What is your proudest
accomplishment?
State Softball 2014
If
you
could
change
something about LCHS,
what would it be?
Parking
What/who is your favorite
musical group/ musician?
Luke Bryan
If you could have one
question answered, what
would that question be?
Why is Hunter Fedders so
annoying?
If you could be an animal,
which animal would it be?
Cheetah
If you were stranded in a zoo
overnight, what would you
do to pass the time?
Hang with the gorillas
Who are your pet peeves?
Hunter Fedders and Beau Ohm
Name: Hunter Fedders
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Matt and Julie Fedders
Senior
year
activities:
Football, Wrestling, Spanish
Club
Plans after graduation:
Continue my military career,
attend college, take over
Fedders
Describe yourself using one
word:
Exciting Describe yourself using a
song title.
“Way out There” –Josh
Thompson
What is your favorite quote?
I do not fear the valley for I am
the shadow.
What is something no one
knows about you?
I love 90s punk rock.
What is your proudest
accomplishment?
Joining the guard
What is your favorite high
school memory?
The rush before every football
game
What advice would you give
an underclassman?
Shower
If
you
could
change
something about LCHS,
what would it be?
Longer lunch
What/who is your favorite
musical group/ musician?
Kenny Chesney
If you could have one
question answered, what
would that question be?
How did Obama get elected for
a second term?
What are your pet peeves?
People with bad table manners!
Name: Brie Nice
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Bob and Krystal Nice
Plans after graduation:
Get a job
Describe yourself using one
word:
Cheerful
Describe yourself using a
song title.
“Happy”
What is your favorite quote?
“Whoop, just kidding!”
Where do you see yourself in
10 years?
Married with two kids
What is the biggest obstacle
you’ve had to overcome?
Moving around a lot
What is your proudest
accomplishment?
Staying in one school for
more than one year
What is your favorite high
school memory?
Mr. Tom Smalley’s class with
my girls: Cassandra, Jalyssa,
Kylie, and Shelby.
What was the most
embarrassing thing that
happened to you in high
school?
I tumbled in the hallway.
What advice would you give
an underclassman?
Keep your pants pulled up.
Which movie is your all-time
favorite? Why?
Transformers 1, 2, 3, & 4
because they are AWESOME!!
If you could be an animal,
which animal would it be?
Cheetah
What are your pet peeves?
Rude people
The Dog Pound
Page 12
Name: Alexis Rolfes
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Moriah Utesch-Detloff and
Roger Rolfes
Senior year activities:
LG speech and Tennis
Plans after graduation:
Going
to
college
for
Elementary Education or
graphic design
Describe yourself using one
word:
Fan girl
Describe yourself using a
song title.
“Hakuna Matata”
What is your favorite quote?
“I reject your reality and
substitute my own.” – Adam
Savage
What is your proudest
accomplishment?
Writing my 26,000 word novel
in a month
What advice would you give
an underclassman?
Just keep walking
What/who is your favorite
musical group/ musician?
The Pretty Wreckless
Which movie is your all-time
favorite? Why?
National Treasure, it’s just
perfect
If you could have o n e
question answered, what
would that question be?
Who in the world is Hank?
Please see
Mrs. Beach
to turn in
your senior
profiles
ASAP!
Name: Jayme Kelly
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Amy and Jeff Kelly
Senior year activities:
Cross Country, Tennis, Choir,
Women’s Choir, Large Group
and Individual Speech, Spanish
Club, Calc Club, Advanced
English Club.
Plans after graduation:
Attend a 4-year university to
study business and math
Describe yourself using one
word: Sarcastic
Describe yourself using a
song title.
“Simply Irresistible”
What is your favorite quote?
What if I fall? Oh, but my
darling, what if you fly?
If you had to pick one teacher
to be stranded on a deserted
island with who would you
pick and why? Senora Horan.
She’s very resourceful so we’d
be comfortable and wouldn’t
starve.
Where do you see yourself
in 10 years? Working and
married
What is the biggest obstacle
you’ve had to overcome?
Trying to figure out who I want
to be
What is your proudest
accomplishment?
Making it to individual allstate speech.
What is your favorite high
school memory? Riding
down to state volleyball with
Cassidy, Katrina, Riley, and
Kacey.
What
was
the
most
embarrassing thing that
happened to you in high
school? I missed the one note
I had in an entire song during a
band concert.
If
you
could
change
something about LCHS,
what would it be? Less
crowded halls
Name: Hannah Harnack
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Dave and Amy Harnack
Senior year activities:
Girls basketball manager, @
Hank_23,
@Hankphotos,
Jerry’s pizza
Plans after graduation:
Attend ISU
Describe yourself using a
song title.
“0 to 100”
What is your favorite quote?
“Through every dark night,
there is a brighter day”
What is the biggest obstacle
you’ve had to overcome?
My ugly feet
Where do you see yourself in
10 years?
Married, starting a family, and
owning 3 cars in case I crash
one.
What is something no one
knows about you?
I could dunk before T
What
was
the
most
embarrassing thing that
happened to you in high
school?
Mike stud, homie
What is your proudest
accomplishment?
Keeping a minimum of .50
cents in my savings account at
all times. #poorHSstudent
What advice would you give
an underclassman? Please shower and blue is not
a hair color
What/who is your favorite
musical group/ musician?
Down with Wenster/ G-easy
If you could have one
question answered, what
would that question be?
Will Em Zink give me back my
yogas?
What are your pet peeves?
Matt Ellefson
Name: Mikayla BeBout
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Krista and Branden Gramlow,
Jasen and Sierra BeBout
Senior year activities:
Concert/ Chamber Choir,
marching band, concert band,
prep band, color guard, show
choir, solo and ensemble
contest,
College
English
Club,
College
Anatomy
Club, Spanish Club, musical,
Basketball cheer leading
Plans after graduation:
Attend WITCC for a couple
years and then go to a four year
college to major in elementary
education
Describe yourself using a
song title.
“Angel Eyes”
Where do you see yourself in
10 years?
Graduated from college and
married to Brady Westhoff
What is the biggest obstacle
you’ve had to overcome?
My parents getting divorced
Which movie is your all-time
favorite? Why?
Beauty and the Beast, Belle is
relatable
If you could have one
question answered, what
would that question be?
Why does there have to be
“cliques” in our school?
If you could be an animal,
which animal would it be?
Mockingbird
If you were stranded in a zoo
overnight, what would you
do to pass the time?
Visit the aquatic area and sleep
under the Arc of Ocean animals
What are your pet peeves?
People bugging me when I
sleep
Name: Britney Thompson
Parents’ (guardians’) names:
Bill and Sharla Thompson
Senior year activities:
Volleyball, Tennis, NHS,
MVP, Spanish club, Mr. P’s
waitress, AAU coach, Adv.
English club
Plans after graduation:
Attend Southwest Minnesota
State to play volleyball while
majoring in Education with a
Spanish minor
Describe yourself using one
word:
Athletic
Describe yourself using a
song title:
“Bad to the Bone”
What is your favorite quote?
“Take no prisoners”
If you had to pick one
teacher to be stranded on
a deserted island with who
would you pick and why?
Mr. Bork- no explanation
needed
Where do you see yourself in
10 years?
Married with a dog and cat…
and maybe with a kid or two.
Teaching high school students
and hopefully coaching
volleyball
What is your proudest
accomplishment?
-Breaking the school record
for assists in a season
-Signing to SMSU to play D2
v-ball
What is your favorite high
school memory?
State experiences in tennis and
volleyball
What was the most
embarrassing thing that
happened to you in high
school?
Just ask the volleyball team,
I’m sure they could tell ya a
few