|
SPORTS & SCHOOL |
 |
Journal-Press Internet Sports & School
by
Journal-Press Sports Editor
Samantha Lefebvre
may be reached
by
phone at 763-682-1221
or click here to email her
Internet Sports – June 13 issue
Bison set records, shave times and podium at state track and field meet
By Samantha Lefebvre
Sports Editor
Buffalo High School senior pole vaulter Mitch Valli flew his way not only to a state championship title, but to a Class 2A state meet record during the first day of the state track and field meet held at Hamline University on Friday, June 7.
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this last season, and to do it like this and go out with a bang is pretty sweet,” said Valli.
Valli, who came in at a height of 14 feet, worked his way up and over 15’ 3” to earn first place. But he wanted more. So he went for the state meet record of 15’ 7.5”. He soared over the height, which was just half an inch over the previous record holder Tim Koupal of Anoka from 1997.
“It has been there for awhile, but it is awesome to finally have that record now,” added Valli. “I didn’t get the state record, but I got the next best thing.”
After setting the new Class 2A state meet record, Valli went for the state record of 16’1”.
“He had a good attempt on his last attempt, but didn’t quite make it and came down on the bar,” said Buffalo head coach Scott Palmer. “He had a great performance that day. He had a plan coming into the meet and he followed his plan. It was definitely fun and exciting to watch.”
Valli tried to reach the record height of over 16 feet three other times this season, once at the true team state meet, once at the Mississippi 8 Conference meet and once at the Section 2AA meet. Each meet he came close to clearing the bar, but would knick it just enough that it would fall.
“I am happy with my season,” he said. “You can’t complain about what happened. This season started out slow, but it ended up as good as I could ask for.”
Valli plans to continue pole vaulting at the collegiate level, but is still undecided between the University of Minnesota Twin Cities or the University of Florida.
The Bison had many other strong finishes at the state meet, landing on the podium in five additional events. Buffalo’s only girl to advance to state, senior Emily Spier, took fourth place in the shot put with a distance of 40’10.25”. Senior Maggie Ewen of St. Francis placed first in the event with a distance of 54’ 8.5”, setting a new state record and falling short of the national record by just 2.25 inches.
“Emily did a nice job,” said Palmer. “Here is a kid that is still learning the shot; she just joined track two years ago, and she placed both years she went to state in a very competitive event. She did great.”
The boys’ 4x200 meter relay team of seniors Josh Alden, Austin Youngs, Michael Swearingen and Tyler Olson also placed fourth at the state meet with a time of 1:29.02. In the prelims, the relay team set a Buffalo school record in the event with a time of 1:28.90. They beat the previous record of 1:29.10 set in 2009 by Kaleb Stevens, Taylor Vick, Tim Ernster and Jerome Begin.
“We rolled the dice on this relay,” said Palmer. “Because of the conditions this season, the first time this relay ever ran together wasn’t until the section meet. We don’t necessary like to do that, but we never got a chance to put them together so we just tried it in the section final and it worked out well.”
Olson and Youngs also made the podium in their individual events. Olson placed seventh in the 400 meter dash with a time of 49.73, while Youngs placed seventh in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 39.50.
The fifth event the Bison made it to the finals in was the high jump with senior Jackson Schepp. Schepp tied for ninth in the event with a final height of 6’2”.
“They all did a great job,” said Palmer. “They all ran the fastest times they did all year. The 4x400 relay team came into the state meet with the slowest seed time and they shaved nearly eight seconds off of that and just missed qualifying for the finals. It is hard to complain when you have guys running their best and shaving off eight seconds.”
Senior Bo Brailler also ran his best time in the 800 meter with a time of 1:59.15, besting his seed time by seven seconds. The Bison placed 11th overall as a team with 24.5 points. Stillwater Area won the meet with 65 points, followed by Forest Lake (59.5) and Wayzata (57).
“I’m proud of all those guys that competed. It was a tight team race with 4th to 12th place all within just a few points of each other,” said Palmer. “Overall we set a school record, shaved eight seconds off a relay, we had a state champion, and we had our only girl, Emily, place fourth. It was a good meet for us.”
Earning All-State honors for Buffalo are all those who podiumed: Mitch Valli, Tyler Olson, Austin Youngs, Josh Alden, Jackson Schepp, Michael Swearingen and Emily Spier. Earning Academic All-State honors were: Leah Mussell, Kailee Steen, Kaylee Lingen, Katie Glen, Amber Doebler, Nick Swearingen, Michael Swearingen, Jackson Schepp, Dan Pettit, Ethan Freer, Andrew Mussell, Reed Morehouse, Jon Eastlund, Cameron Decker, Bo Brallier and Emily Spier.
Jewell and Bollant take on the state’s elite
By Samantha Lefebvre
Sports Editor
The Buffalo girls’ golf team was once again represented at the Class 3A State Girl’s Golf Tournament June 11-12 at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids. Making her third consecutive state appearance is junior Lexi Bollant and making her first state berth is her sophomore teammate Madi Jewell.
“It is exciting, but it makes me kind of nervous,” said Jewell about advancing to state. “I’m just proud that I’m going. I’ve played the course before, but it will be nice to have Lexi there with me.”
Jewell led the team with a steady two days of golf, shooting an 85 each day for a total score of 170, good enough for fifth place overall. Bollant ran into a little bit of trouble, but was still able to qualify with a round of 86 the first day and 87 the second day. Bollant’s total score of 173 tied her for sixth place overall in the section.
“I was hitting my driver pretty well,” said Jewell. “That was my strength.”
“Yeah you were,” added Bollant. “Unlike her I didn’t hit my driver very well, and it was kind of a struggle for me both days. Everything was just a bit off. I was a bit nervous as the captain this year, I wanted to get the team to state but at least I got Madi to come with me.”
“I want to play well and I want to perform well,” said Bollant. “Obviously my goal is to win state, that is what I am going there for, and I know I have a chance at it. I just have to work hard at it and relax.”
Jewell just hopes to take in all there is to take in at the highest level of high school golf in the state.
“I want to shoot well for myself and make a good representation,” she said.
“If I could do anything for these two, I would just want them to feel relaxed and enjoy their opportunity. Not many girls get to do this,” added Bison head coach Riti Sanderson. “They are both good representations for our school and they are good leaders and they will do a great job.”
During the section meet, the Bison trailed by three points to Alexandria after day one of the tournament on June 3, but were unable to triumph over Alexandria’s Amanda Bigger and Emily Thul who shot outstanding scores of 78 and 82, respectively, on the second day.
Seventh grader Hanna Morin played steady golf in both days of her first ever section tournament with rounds of 91 and 92. Eighth grader Jordan Wurm carded a 90 the first day, but the wet, soggy course conditions hit her hard the second day with a final round of 102.
“The course was wet the first day, but the second day it wasn’t very playable in a lot of spots,” said Sanderson. “The rough was super thick wet soggy, mucky and it was throughout the whole course. There were some areas it was going to be bad no matter where you hit it.”
The conditions on the second day also affected the other girls on the team. junior Lauren Schultz hit a 94 on the first day and a 99 on the second day for a total of 193 and sophomore Kirsten Olson carded a total of 199, shooting 96 the first day and 103 the second day.
“We put up a good fight; Alexandria just over powered us that day,” said Sanderson. “We definitely were the two favorite teams and our scoring was higher than expected, but will return the entire section team for next year.
The first day the Bison had 32 pars and two birdies, while on the second day the team had 13 pars and four birdies. Buffalo placed second in the section with a two-day team score of 715, compared to Alexandria’s score of 688. Monticello’s score of 398 after the first day didn’t allow them to advance as a team the following day, but freshman Amber Eckstein narrowly missed the cut with a two-day score of 183.
Other Class 3A qualifiers
Junior McKenzie Swenson of Buffalo and former BHS student qualified for the Class 3A Girls’ State Golf Tournament at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids as a member of the Benilde St. Margaret’s team. Swenson, a former teammate of Bollant and Jewell, advanced to the state meet after a strong 167 two day combined score (86 and 81) in the Section 6AAA tournament at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan on June 4.
STMA and Delano individuals to state
St. Michael-Albertville senior Ryan Swenson and Delano senior Jordan Peters will represent Wright County this week at the boys Class 2A and 3A state golf meets.
Class AAA
Senior Ryan Swenson of St. Michael-Albertville will be representing the Knights at the Class 3A state meet at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids June 11-12. Swenson tied for fourth place overall in the Section 7AAA tournament in Hinckley May 27 and May 30 with three other golfers from Cambridge-Isanti, Grand Rapids and Cloquet/Esko. He shot a 75 on the first day and a 76 on the second day for a combined round of 151.
Class AA
Delano senior Jordan Peters will play in his third Class 2A state tournament in a row at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan June 11-12. Peters was the co-champion of the Section 5AA tournament held at Pebble Creek in Becker May 30 and June 3. He shot a 73 on the first day and improved two strokes for a 71 on the second day. His combined two-day total of 144 tied him with junior Josh Polingo of Litchfield for the section title. Last year Peters placed fourth at the state meet.
Buffalo Section 8AAA results
This season the Buffalo boys’ golf team did not qualify anyone for the state meet after a tough section meet at Greystone Golf Course June 3-4. The team missed the first day cut off by just three strokes with a team total of 325. Hunter Bruhn led the Bison with a round of 75, Jake Ramsey with an 82, Gunnar Goodmanson with an 83, Josh Fishman and Ben Zitur with an 85 and Zach Bussman with an 88.
On the second day, the Bison competed as individuals in the hopes to qualify for state. After a 75 on the first day, Bruhn struggled in the rain the second day with an 86, missing the state cut by six strokes. Goodmanson was also in the running for a bit after an 83 on the first day, but an 81 on the second day was not enough to earn him a state berth.
“I really enjoyed working with this team,” said Bison head coach Charley Keifenheim. “They are a great bunch of guys and have a lot of potential in the game. We were double snake-bit this season with injuries and bad weather. Hopefully it all comes together in the spring of 2014.”
Alexandria went on to win the section championship with a combined two day total of 622, just one stroke over St. Cloud Tech.
BHS Class of 2013 ready for new experiences
By Doug Voerding
Staff Contributor
“None of you are special. I’m nothing special either. As a class, we are nothing special,” said student speaker Hanna Hillstrom.
But the graduation ceremony at Buffalo High School on Friday, June 7 was special for the 418 members of the Class of 2013, along with their parents, families and friends who filled the gymnasium to share in the excitement and happiness.
“Please let me explain what I mean,” continued Hillstrom. “In the United States, there are about 3.5 million graduates… but we don’t need to be special high schoolers to succeed. We need to grow, and we need to be happy.”
“Get rid of that bubble,” concluded Hillstrom. “Make yourself something special. There may be 3.5 million other graduates, but there is only one you.”
Student speaker Julia Bothun said, “We are full of possibilities. Today isn’t necessarily where your life begins, that was around 18 years ago, but this is what I’d like to call a new beginning, and our lives will be full of them. This is a time for fresh starts and trying new things.”
Bothun suggested that the seniors should try to be more like the whale next year. “Over the years, whales have developed the ability to always be awake. Half of their brain sleeps at a time, leaving the other half alert. This comes in handy when you’re up until 3:00 a.m. writing a paper or working a graveyard shift.”
Bothun added, “We should strive to make the absolute best out of what we have and amaze people with what we can do… It’s a big ocean out there, but we can get through if we keep our past behind us, no matter what, muddle through our exhaustion, and remember you have the ability to amaze people.”
During the ceremony, several groups of seniors were honored. The 162 honor graduates were acknowledged by Pamela Miller, director of Teaching and Learning; the international exchange students by Adam Kolling, senior class cabinet officer; and the 34 graduates with exemplary attendance by Mark Mischke, high school principal.
Local scholarships totaling $77,850 were awarded to 93 seniors and announced by Mark Jones, high school guidance counselor. Prior to the ceremony, a photo collage was played showing each of the scholarship winners. An additional 48 scholarships, many of them local, were listed in the ceremony program. That program also listed seven seniors who are joining the military: Marines: Devon Bainey and Sarah Brainerd; Army: Maggie Wahlstrom; Air Force: Jonathan Wirkkala; and National Guard: Zach Young, Christopher Whited and Luke Lingo.
During the ceremony, the concert orchestra, making its first appearance at the graduation, played “Adieu” by Todd Coleman. The concert band played “Alleluia! Laudemus Te” by Alfred Reed. The concert orchestra also played the processional and the “Star Spangled Banner.”
The welcome was given by Olivia Wyatt, a senior class cabinet officer. Emily Klatt, David Rayl, Maggie Walstrom, Amanda Letsinger and Hope Mueller, all senior class cabinet officers, announced the graduates’ names as they received their diplomas from the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Scott Thielman.
The class motto was “Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go” by Christian Larson. The class flower was the white lily.
After the graduation ceremony, the new graduates greeted their parents, families and friends in the setting sun on the north lawn. The seniors later returned to the high school for an all-night celebration party sponsored by the parents.
Class Motto -
“Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go.” - Christian Larson.
Class Flower - White Lily
Buffalo High School Class of 2013
Ashly M. Abrahamson
Mackenzie A. Aguirre*
Nathaniel K. Aiyawar
Joshua J. Alden
Delaney J. Alexander
Joshua P. Allen
Elizabeth R. Anderson*
Zachary B. Andrews
Cali J. Annis
Lindsay N. Babler
Devon C. Bainey
Charlie J. Ball
Kendra A. Barnes
Jonathon P. Beaton
Dani L. Bebault
Ashlee R. Benson
James P. Benson
Samantha J. Berg
Mark K. Bjork
Logan L. Blum
Cortney T. Bode
Aimee N. Bogren
Montanna R. Bohall**
Tucker L. Bohall
Christina L. Bokusky
Nicole M. Bonin
Caterina Bortot
Julia C. Bothun
Michaela A. Bowman
Laura K. Boyle
Bailey L. Braatz
Kathryn A. Brainerd
Sarah E. Brainerd
Bo B. Brallier
Austin M. Brandes*
Brianna R. Branvold
John P. Braun**
Mariah K. Brings
Cassidy M. Brown #
Krystle M. Brown
Sawyer L. Brownlee
Crosby C. Bruhn
Laura L. Brummer
Adam P. Burggraff
Justin L. Burnette
Meghan N. Bye**
Rebecca L. Bzdok
Alexis P. Callicott
Valerie N. Campa
Andrei N. Casey
Peter J. Cassady
Jorge D. Castellanos**
WingSze Chan
Adriana N. Charriez
Brianna M. Christian
Thomas J. Clarke #
Edward P. Clifton
Emma J. Clubb
Kyle J. Cole
Mason J. Coudron
Taylor L. Crowser
Damon T. Curry-Cavalier
Faith J. Dahlman
Trevor R. Dahlof
Kevin J. Danielson#**
Leah J. Danielson #
Claire E. Daughters
Jacob T. Davidson
Mandi L. Davidson
Andrea G. Davis
Gabriel C. de Sousa
Cameron A. Decker
Jerika A. Decker
Samantha J. Decker
Albert L. Dela Cruz
Kaylin R. DeLacey
Emily A. DeVore #
Laura K. Dirks #
Veronica L. Drewelow
Kassidy P. Duffney
Kaitlin E. Duske
Taylor M. Eakins
Stephanie P. Edmonson
Robert J. Edwards
Cale T. Ehresmann
Austin D. Ellefson
Eric R. Elletson-Smith
Jackson F. Elliott
Nicholas R. Engfer
Chandler W. Engle
Lindsey L. Erickson
Elijah D. Etzel
Alexa R. Evenson
Lana E. Evers
Ethan J. Fabel
Lauren N. Faulhaber
Kirsten E. Fenton #
Sara E. Filo
Zackary D. Forstie
Jaden D. Fortune
Ethan P. Freer
Madaline A. Frost
Megan E. Gannon
Jennifer M. Gertsema
Justin J. Geurts #
Brennan J. Gilyard
Madalene M. Gold
Amanda R. Goodfellow
Christopher A. Gonzalez
Spencer J. Gosewisch
Austin R. Gregg
Zackery T. Groshens
Emma A. Groth
Logan D. Gruber*
Emma G. Gutknecht
Miranda L. Haaland
Levi J. Haapala
Sara S. Haapsaari
Margaret L. Hacker
Dustin R. Hafften
Searra R. Hafften-Potter
Heidi J. Halonen
Rebecca L. Haggerty
Brandi J. Halsten*
William G. Hancock
Mitchell K. Handt
Michael D. Hank #
Daniel S. Hansen
Emily R. Hansen
Wade P. Hansen
Bailey M. Hanson
Paul P. Hanson
Lindsey J. Hartfiel #
Adam H. Hartung
Andy V. Hartung*
Joseph J. Hayes
Baylee T. Heimer
Kayla C. Henne
Madison G. Herzfeld
Jordan L. Hesse
Abigail S. Hicks #
Hanna L. Hillstrom
Logan A. Hillstrom
Nikki L. Hillukka
Michaella J. Hirsch
Julia R. Hogan
Dylan M. Holen
Evan C. Holmstrom*
Grant J. Hopkins
Margaret L. Hosey**
Avonlea R. Hubbard
Justin L. Huhn
Erin M. Jeannot*
Jesse P. Jendro
Katelyn A. Jerde
Cedric C. Jimenez
Andrew L. Johnson
Emma L. Johnson
Jordan L. Johnson
Kailey M. Johnson
Megan V. Johnson
Travis G. Johnson
Hayley J. Johnston
Devan T. Jones
Ryan J. Jones
Gracie L. Jordet
Vaughn H. Jundt
Alex S. Jurmu
Devin M. Jurmu
Jessica A. Kalenda
Anne M. Kaminski
Jessica J. Kath
Kasenia J. Keller
Courtney S. Keskey
Emily E. Klatt #
Kori A. Klein
Seth M. Kluck
Jeffrey M. Knack*
Adam W. Kolling #
Jessica F. Konopatski
Jake A. Kramber
Travis C. Kramer*
Andrew E. Krause
Miranda L. Krause
Danielle E. Krecklau
Nicole R. Krug
Daniel J. Kruse
Zachary K. Kuhlman
Madison A. Kuhlmann #
Rylee J. Kula
Celeste M. Kulzer
Kelsey M. Kumpula
Zoe M. Kunz #
Daniel J. LaGue
Mollie J. Lang
Cera K. Langton
Kari F. LaPlant
Danielle K. Larsen
Olivia J. Laskey
Amanda J. Lee
Haeun Lee
Mark W. Lee
Samuel E. Lehtola
Benjamin R. Leipholtz
Cheyanne V. Lenoir
Amanda J. Letsinger
Juan D. Limones
Meng-Hsien Lin
Hannah J. Lindborg
Breanna R. Lindquist
Luke R. Lingo
Erin R. Lochner
Madison D. Loomis
Stephanie J. Lorentzen
Jordan A. Lund
Phillip R. Lyrek**
Amber M. Maas
Erin M. Mackenthun #
Burgandy L. Mallinger
Connor R. Mann
Peter A. Manz**
Joseph L. Marschel
Garrett J. Marttinen
Tyler D. Maxson #
Cullin E. McEachern
Maegan M. Melby
Alexandra G. Melgard
Joseph O. Merz
Douglas J. Meyers
Alina E. Miller
Brelynn R. Miller
Jacob A. Miller
John B. Miller
Justin C. Miller
Kiley Y. Miller*
Rebekka A. Miller
Marcus G. Miner
Jacquelyn E. Minke #
Daniel T. Moline
Laura L. Morey
Laura R. Morris
Hope P. Mueller*
Jenna C. Muntifering
Andrew C. Mussell*
Julia A. Neddermeyer
Eric M. Nelson*
Kyle C. Nelson
Leif K. Nelson**
Nathaniel L. Nelson
Joseph S. Neumann
John P. Newman
Nicole J. Niederkorn
Ashley K. Niemela
Derek A. Nikula
Kassandra J. Nisbet
Bradley M. Norman #
Hannah R. Norton
Abigael E. Nowak
Joseph L. O’Flanagan
Carlie L. O’Malley
Britta J. Oden
Aaron D. Ogdahl
Mary C. Ogdahl
Molly M. Olson
Tyler K. Olson
Jacob C. Otto
Nicole A. Otto*
Aaron P.
Outhenthapanya
Allyson N. Owens
Courtney J. Parks
Emily M. Parks
Jack T. Patnode
Emma R. Pearson
Jackson R. Penney
Chad M. Peterson
Chris W. Peterson
Donna M. Peterson
Joshua J. Petit
Daniel R. Pettit
Justin D. Phillips**
Zackary T. Phillips
Aaron R. Pikkarainen
Caitlin L. Pitts
Noppharat Plubyai
Emily J. Podvin
Stephanie N. Pollock
Kate E. Polman
Christian M. Polzine
Raquel V. Powell #
Haley G. Prim
Alex M. Probst
Abby E. Prom
Michael D. Quady
Michael J. Raitor
Sarah L. Ralph
David M. Rayl
Samuel E. Reed*
Charlie R. Rentz
Mackenzie J. Rixe
Kellie N. Robinson
Walter J. Rohde
Raveerat
Rojtavornpornsuk
Camoriah L. Roland
Joshua R. Rollag
Katherine J. Rooney #
Lucas Rosa
Aaron J. Rouse
Lucas C. Sammons
Hanna L. Samuelson
Vianney Sanchez
Brandon K. Sarkinen
Ashley F. Scanlon
Jackson T. Schepp
Adria E. Scherber
Alek J. Scherber
Andrew J. Scherbing
Tyler A. Schibonski
Andy S. Schlechter
Brooke B. Schmidt
Nicolette L. Schmidt
Rachel H. Schmidt
Zachary J. Schmidt
Taylor J. Schnabel
Taran J. Schonhardt
Joseph T. Schram
Anthony M. Schroetke
Carmen J. Schumacher
Paige M. Schumacher
Gunner D. Schwanke
Christopher P. Scott
Anthony J. Scully
Jason D. Senger
Tyler R. Shelby
Tessia M. Silbernagel
Michael L. Simeon
Jordan E. Skarin
Kaylin A. Skinner
Nicole E. Slicer
James W. Smith
Savannah L. Smith
Shane T. Smith
Riley E. Smithson
Daniel J. Socha
Cati M. Soppeland
Emily K. Spier
Julianne K. Spreeman
Elizabeth C. St Amant
Allison K. Stadt
Quincy J. Stangl
Dane A. Starry
Sterling J. Steen
Lauren T. Steinbach
Benjamin A. Stelton
Brody C. Stevens
Taylor A. Strege#**
Robert L. Struck
Sandy L. Swanson
Michael P. Swearingen
Zoe L. Syverson
Ruani Tafolla-Perez
Trevor C. Tarnanen
Rachel P. Thaemert**
Cody R. Theien*
Addison M. Thein
Daniel J. Thielen
Dylan J. Thomas*
Claire N. Thompson
Elizabeth H. Thompson
Gabrielle M. Thompson
Gregory D. Tolkinen
Tori R. Tonn
Kiara E. Trigg
Emily E. Tuchtenhagen
Surapa
Udompornwongsa
Rachel L. Ulfers
Mitchell T. Valli
Nicolas A. Valtierra
Samantha K. VanMuyden
Emily A. Varner
Christopher J. Veeder*
Jonathan D. Vega
Austin C. Veit
Mia E. Velasquez
Justine L. Verdugo
Lauren E. Vernick
Erika R. Voeller
Emily H. Wagner
Lindsay J. Wahlstrom*
Levi G. Walls**
Maggie L. Walstrom
Taylor L. Walter
Samantha J. Wanner
Austen J. Warner
Ian S. Warpula*
Erik G. Weber
Ashlie R. Weller
Charlie J. Weros
Tyrah L. Whisler
Christopher J. Whited
Bradley C. Williams
Christopher L. Williams*
Johanna R. Williams
Chelsea E. Williamson
Collin G. Wilson
Matthew R. Winter
Julia R. Winterhalter
Jonathan P. Wirkkala
Drake E. Wohlenhaus
Erin L. Worner
Olivia R. Wyatt #
Jared M. Wycoff
Madelynn P. Yates
Hunter P. Young
Zachary J. Young
Austin M. Youngs
Trevor C. Zaffke
Fei Zheng #
Jenna F. Zimmerman
Honor Graduates
** Exemplary Attendance all four years at BHS
* Exemplary Attendance during the senior year
# Two-Year NHS Member
Eight individuals choose success and graduate from Phoenix Learning Center
By Doug Voerding
Staff Contributor
“We are the graduating class of 2013!” said Brelynn Miller, the class speaker for the Phoenix Learning Center graduation. “This is proof to ourselves that we can succeed. We are pushing forward on our life mission to accomplish our hopes and dreams.”
“I know that when we leave today, each and every one of us strong, independent, young adults is going to succeed because we have the potential to do anything!” continued Miller.
Last Wednesday, June 5, eight Phoenix students were honored at a special graduation ceremony for accomplishing their goal of completing the requirements for a high school diploma. The graduates were Cortney Bode, Nicole Bonin, Nicole Krug, Joe Marschel, Brelynn Miller, Stephanie Pollock, Kiara Trigg and Trevor Zaffke.
Keynote speaker Micah Morris said, “Every day you make choices that affect your life and the lives of those around you. All of you graduating tonight are here because you made a choice. You made the choice to graduate high school. With the help of the staff, your parents, and effort on your own part, you are here.”
Morris, who taught science and math at Phoenix last year before returning to the high school, has known some of the graduates since 7th and 8th grade, as he taught at the middle school when he first came to Buffalo.
“If I can encourage you to do anything as you leave here tonight, choose to embrace your life. Love it, and be an instrument of positive change in this world. Graduates, you will find the world can be a hard place, but by approaching with the right attitude and remembering the choices you have, you can make it much easier and better,” concluded Morris.
“My advice to all of you,” said Bode, “It’s worth it. It’s worth being up here and knowing you finally did it. The twelve years have finally paid off for this moment and many more.”
Krug said, “To my parents, thank you from the bottom of my heart for pushing me forward and instilling in me a work ethic that I will always cherish.”
Trigg said, “Phoenix Learning Center is a tremendously welcoming school. Gretchen (Lieb), Mona (Weisman), Josh (Rogers), and Joy (Turner) are amazing teachers and very supportive. Most importantly, I want to thank my mom and grandma for pushing me to graduation.”
This year marked the 15th year of Phoenix Learning Center. The school opened in 1998 through the efforts of then-Superintendent Tom Nelson. Lieb and Weisman have been staff members for all of those fifteen years.
Highlights of the Phoenix school year included going on an Outdoor Experience class camping trip to Gooseberry Falls, participating in Secret Santa, and raising funds for Heifer International at the Baby Animal Fair.
Five of the graduates are registered for college in the fall.
In her closing remarks at the ceremony, Bonin said, “2013 is our year, so embrace what life is going to throw at you, and when you get that thought of, ‘I just can’t’ do it,’ remember this moment and all the amazing feelings that finally holding your diploma gives you, and put that determination towards whatever obstacle you’re facing. Let’s leave here with nothing but hope and determination for our future.”
PRIDE Transitions awards diplomas to five students including one via webcam
By Samantha Lefebvre
School News Editor
“Pride in oneself comes with understanding who you are, believing in one’s capabilities and gaining confidence through experience,” said PRIDE Transitions teacher Terri Brummer. “We always hope that each of our students learn to celebrate who they are, particularly on the inside. Your outside can send a message, yet it’s your inside that lives your message.”
Celebrating who they are and celebrating receiving their high school diplomas were LeeAnn Baker, Tyler Borg, Dan Bollant, Keaton Bowden and Joseph Kemna, during and intimate ceremony held at the PRIDE Transitions classroom located in the Lakeview Mall on Wednesday, June 5.
Unable to attend the ceremony, Bowden joined his classmates via webcam all the way from Louisiana. He even dressed up for the occasion wearing a dress shirt and tie. Bollant was not in attendance.
A video highlighting this year’s PRIDE graduates and their peers participating in various activities started off the ceremony. Activities such as geocaching, sledding on the golf course hill and playing laser tag, arcade games and mini golf during their big annual outing, were just a few of the fun activities the students took part in this year.
Students also participated in constructing a professional portfolio; planned, shopped and prepared meals; and looked forward to adaptive physical education days with Nate Sunderman and speech activities with Janelle Munson. This year PRIDE Transitions served 18 students in the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District and added a new teacher, Julie Semeizer, to the classroom.
Diploma recipient Joseph Kemna felt inspired to share with family, friends and others at the ceremony how his experience at PRIDE Transitions has made an impact on his life. He also thanked all of his teachers for their commitment to him and the other students.
Julie Wenzel was the keynote speaker. Wenzel taught for over 30 years in the BHM district before retiring a few years ago.
“I hope you continue to make mistakes,” she said. “Because when you make mistakes you learn. I want you to try new things. Challenge yourself and this is when you will grow.”
Wenzel also told the graduates their choices matter. She said making decisions can be challenging but they make a difference and if you do make a bad choice you have to be able to forgive yourself.
“Remember it is the mistakes and choices that have brought you here today,” she said. “Go forward and make mistakes.”
BHM Superintendent Scott Thielman, Director of Special Education Joy Kieffer, BHM School Board Chairperson Sue Lee and BHM acting clerk/treasurer Pattie Pokorney awarded the diplomas to the three graduates in attendance, while Emily Marshall walked with the laptop on which Bowden was on the screen via webcam.
Marshall then sang, “We are the Champions” by Queen, before Brummer closed out the ceremony. Holding out four boxes, each different sizes and each wrapped differently, Brummer asked the students, which one would you choose?
“You can’t judge a gift by is wrapping,” she said.
Brummer shared a story about a daughter who wrapped an empty shoe box with very expensive gold wrapping paper and gave it to her dad as a present. While the father thought it was empty, the little girl said it in fact was full of kisses. Bringing the story back to the ceremony, Brummer handed out golden wrapped gifts to each of the graduates saying, “Those that are sitting before you today are our gifts, our Golden Gifts. What remarkable individuals they are. They have all brought us laughter, smiles, and many feel-good moments over their time spent at PRIDE.”
“Dan, Keaton, LeeAnn, Tyler and Joseph, each of you has demonstrated your ability to face your individual hurdles,” concluded Brummer. “You’ve learned that a disability is only a challenge within you, it does not define you. You are who you are based on what’s on your inside and always be proud of that. Everyone you meet will not be blessed to learn about what you have on the inside, but our wish for you, is that you share your gift of what’s inside of you with as many people as you possibly can. You are Golden.”
Baker plans to continue to work at Walmart and get her drivers license. Bollant plans to continue to work at Wild Marsh Golf Course and ref local youth basketball games. Borg plans to attend Anoka-Hennepin Community College to become an auto mechanic. Bowden is currently in Louisiana looking for a career. Kemna plans to continue to work at Functional Industries.
The HERD pushes through the ‘Elements’ this summer
By Samantha Lefebvre
School News Editor
The Buffalo High School summer marching band, The HERD, will combine Earth, wind, fire and water to its show this season. While there may not be extreme fire or water show displays, the 136 piece band and color guard will evoke the essence of each of the four elements.
“The goal is for the band and the color guard to illustrate what the audience is hearing in the music with the four elements,” said HERD Director Scott Rabehl.
The show titled “Elements,” composed by Brian Balmages, was originally written for concert band ensembles but the HERD took the four small pieces and formed it into a marching piece that would highlight Earth, air, water and fire.
“I really like it because it has four different aspects to the song,” said first year drum major Bill Otten. “Fire is really fast and aggressive, water is very slow and fluid, Earth is kind of bouncy and air is kind of a mixture between water and Earth. It is just really cool because you can tell when they switch. The tempos and the dynamics change and our movement will also change with that.”
“I just like the fullness of the whole song. I really like the earth part of it because it is really light and that is different from what we usually do,” added HERD veteran Brianna Christian. “I like that it is not the same feel the whole way through the piece.”
Other than their admiration for the song selection, both Otten and Christian feel that overall the band is more prepared than in pervious years and they are optimistic about what the band will be able to accomplish.
“The rookies have been awesome so far and I think it is going to be a really great year because this is one of the first years I have seen the rookies catch on this fast,” said Otten.
“I think we are going to do really well,” said Christian about her expectations for this summer. “You can’t even tell who the rookies are. I think we are ahead marching wise and a lot of people had the music memorized really fast and I just think people are more on top of things this year.”
Rookie alto saxophone player Jonah Schmitz, said the music has been really fun to learn and that it is a nice challenge having come from a middle school music program. A soon to be freshman and a new transfer to the Buffalo school district, Schmitz said he has felt very comfortable stepping into the new activity and he is happy to be making friends before the school year starts.
“It has been really great. It has felt really comfortable,” he said. “The instructors are nice and the veterans have really just made the rookies feel really comfortable.”
Schmitz admitted he is a bit nervous about learning the marching movements for the show, but is up for the challenge.
“It is going to be hard but where the hard work is, is also where the most fun is. I’m excited,” he said. “This is an activity where the harder you work the better the results are.”
This year is also a trip year for the HERD. In July, they will travel to Greeley, Colo., just Northeast of Denver, to perform in the town’s Fourth of July parade. They will then travel back home through the Black Hills of South Dakota and perform their piece standing at the base of Mount Rushmore. During their time in Colorado, the band will also spend a few days whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River and enjoying the mountainous views.
“I like Colorado as a destination because it introduces the kids to a geography that most of them have never seen before. It is almost as exciting as taking them to the ocean,” said Rabehl. “We will be going to the top of Rocky Mountain National Park and the kids will see snow in the summer and know what it feels like to breathe thin air.”
The HERD also has a new drumline instructor, Michael Latana, who worked with the winter drumline this past year. The HERD’s first parade performance will be this Saturday, June 15 during the Buffalo Days Parade, which is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. The band will continue to perfect the choreography part of the performance for the remainder of the week in order to prepare for this weekend and the rest of the parade season, which is in full force come the middle of June.
“We will be ready. We are always ready,” said Christian about this weekend’s performance. “Buffalo Days is always fun because we get to perform in front of our friends and family.”
2013 HERD Schedule
Saturday, June 15
* Buffalo Days Parade, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19
* Foley Parade
Thursday, June 20
* Milaca Parade
Friday, June 21
* Sauk Rapids Parade
Monday, June 24
* Roseville Parade
Thursday, June 27
* Brooklyn Center
Saturday, June 29
* St. Cloud Parade
July 2-July 8
* Colorado Trip
(Greeley, CO Parade and performance at Mt. Rushmore)
Sunday, August 18
* Montrose Parade