Dear Santa...high school style

by Calli Zimmerman

Dear Santa letters are seen and received at Christmas time every year, but for some reason the tradition of writing the letters fade after kids hit junior high. This week the journalism students were challenged to write a letter and here is what was returned. 

Dear Santa,

I have been trying to be good this year, even if my parents tell you otherwise. So please grant me everything on my Christmas list. My list consists of: makeup, makeup bag, cranberry grape juice, dark brown slippers from Aéropostale, a laptop without a virus, a memory card for my phone, zebra phone cover and a scrapbooking set. I will leave you cookies and milk so you do not get hungry or thirsty. 

Sincerely,

Andrea Farrington

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is my family, friends and a warm place to spend Christmas day with them.

Love,

Cami

Dear Mr. Santa,

I’m sorry I haven’t written you a letter since I was a kid. I’ve put a lot of thought into my Christmas list for this year and I promise I’ve been good. I want a new laptop computer for college next fall, the movie Despicable Me, some clothes, old Disney movies from when I was a little kid, colorful socks, a new pair of Nikes and lots of candy in my stocking. 

Your friend,

Teona Sutfin

Dear Santa Claus, 

How is everything at the North Pole this year? How are the reindeer and Rudolph especially? I don’t want much this year just a few things, I am wanting a new Coach purse and wallet, skull candy iHome, Army Wives season 4, a new Mac laptop for college, some clothes from American Eagle, gift cards, a new pair of shoes and a new North Face jacket. 

Love, 

Alexa Wheaton 

Dear Santa,

This year I’d like an iPod touch and seat covers for my car because mine don’t stay on. For my brother I’d like you to bring two Wii Controller Pro. For my mom, please bring her a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee because she deserves a nicer vehicle, preferably blue. For my dad, could you help him not to have anymore issues with the house so he can finish it stress free and relax? I know he has been very stressed for the past about four years and I would like you to help him not to have it be for another two years also. I will be sure to leave you the customary chocolate chip cookies and milk and mini carrots for the reindeer. I hope you aren’t too stressed up there in the North Pole this year! 

Love, 

Morgan

Dear Santa,

This year, as you may know, I have been really good. On Christmas morning, I would like to see a couple of presents from you under our family tree. I would like a puppy, a puggle to be exact, that will keep my parents company next year when I am at college. I would also like my mom to receive some new earmuffs to keep her ears warm at recess duty, and for my dad, new scissors for him at the Iowa Barber Shop. That is all for this year, have a safe trip!

Happy Holidays,

Bryan

The best gift is peace

by Jered Engelking

In 1914 British soldiers met German soldiers on a battlefield of trenches. Millions of lives were lost in the first year of the war. 

However, Christmas giving really shined through when German troops offered a truce to the Allied Army that no shots would be fired on Christmas Eve and Day. 

They even celebrated together, singing carols, trading goods, and playing a casual game of soccer. Most truces lasted for three days while in some parts it lasted for two weeks.

These men show that no matter what you have to compromise and set all differences aside, then you will see that the so called enemy is not that much different from you. You will also see that you can get along and celebrate with them.

 In the present, we could really learn something from these great men. Just as both sides gathered around the Christmas tree to sing Silent Night in different languages for one night, we should accept other people, not just for Christmas, but also for all of time. 

Braves suffer a tough loss

by Alexa Wheaton

The Montezuma JH Braves started the 2010 season with a close eighth grade loss of 31-30 and the seventh grade team struggled in a 36-23 loss against BGM on Dec. 6. 

Jake Hasley, Joe Peck and Mitchell Stevens led the eighth grade team. Peck and Hasley had 7 points, while Stevens had 5. 

Peck also led the team with a total of 4 rebounds while Luke Goodman had 3 rebounds. Hasley and Stevens also paced the team with each having 2 steals. 

Tyler Thompson and Brody McKeag led the seventh grade. Thompson had 11 points while McKeag had 6. 

Bobby McCulley and Thompson also led the team with 5 rebounds each. Thompson also guided the team with 3 steals. 

Coach's philosophy guides young Braves

by Bryan Stanford

The JV Braves earned their first victory in their 59-29 win against the Iowa Valley Tigers. 

Offensively, the Braves were aggressive in the first half with 32 team points. Kane Barker and Siraj Thomason led the JV squad in scoring with 10 points each, while Tyler Swenson was close behind with 8.

Defensively, the Braves were able to hold the Tigers to under 16 points in each half without getting into foul trouble.

Coach DeJong commented, “Our guys continue to crash the boards hard. I think the guys have really bought into Coach Schulte’s philosophy of defending, rebounding and valuing the basketball.”

Two wins vs. the Hawks

Megan Baker grabs the loose ball during the 7th grade game at home against Lynnville-Sully.

by Cami Shaver

The seventh grade basketball girls pulled out a close 21-20 win against the Lynnville-Sully Hawks on Dec. 13.

Katie Maschmann paced the team with 9 points and 5 steals. Aliya Pargeon added 14 rebounds, while Maschmann and Megan Baker had 6 each. 

The eighth grade girls racked up a big 30-17 win later that night against the Hawks. 

Mackenzie James led with 10 points and 4 assists. Alex Brenner had 8 steals and Vanessa Minner had 7 rebounds. Brittany Bender also scored 9 points and had 8 rebounds. Both teams are currently 2-1.

Montezuma winter concert

Joyful noises raise Christmas spirits

The high school choir entertains the crowd with "The Twelve Days After Christmas", an interesting piece about the gifts from the classic carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

by Jered Engelking

Thursday night vocal and band students in grades 7-12 orchestrated a winter concert under the direction of Mrs. Behounek and Mr. Stanton.

Junior high choir sang two Christmas songs, “Cold and Still the Night” and “Feliz Navidad.” In “Feliz Navidad”, Jake Shaver played the Bongo drums, Tyler Geiger played the Claves and Clara Johnson shook the maracas. 

The high school choir sang five songs, three of which belong to the Messiah Book; “And the Glory”, “For unto Us a Child is Born” and “Hallelujah Chorus.” During the Messiah book, approximately 25 community members joined. The other songs the high school chorus performed were “The Twelve Days After Christmas,” and “Singin’ on Christmas Morn” with soloists Coleton Tompkins, Cassie Corbin and Calli Zimmerman.

Junior high band performed three songs,  “Matrix March” by Ed Huckeby, “Ultimatum” by Robert Smith and “Power Trip” by Dean Sorenson. 

The high school band also played three songs, “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing” by Mannheim Steamroller, “Songs of the American Civil War” by a collection of authors and “Deck the Halls” by Mannheim Steamroller. 

The combined song between the junior high and high school was “Joyful and Triumphant” by Huckeby. The band had the audience join in singing the joyful songs with them. 

Chorus member Morgan Sanders said, “It was good to hear the crowd respond to our songs. ‘The Twelve Days After Christmas’ was a lot of fun because it was something new and exciting that we don’t normally do.” 

Evans receives Tae Kwon Do honors

by Niamh Lyons

After six months of taking Tae Kwon Do, Maranda Evans now has three medals, two gold and one silver. 

The fifteen-year-old MHS student attends Forrest Gibson’s classes three times a week at Jung’s Tae Kwon Do in Grinnell. 

She competed in a tournament held by Martial Arts of America in Ankeny on Nov. 13 where she received a gold medal in both board breaking and forms and stances. She also received a silver medal in free sparring. 

Upon arriving, she was scared to compete, but once her competitions were done, she felt relieved. Evans said, “It felt like everyone was my family and I had nothing to worry about.” 

Evans enjoys walking into Jung’s Tae Kwon Do and hearing her instructor say, “Whenever you walk in that door, all your problems and worries are gone.” 

He keeps Evans motivated, along with her classmates and the five tenets (convictions) of Tae Kwon Do: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. She works to incorporate these tenets into her daily life. 

Seeing martial arts on TV is what sparked Evans’ interest in the sport and made her want to get involved with it. 

Right now, she has a yellow belt but watching more experienced members inspires and encourages her to continue working to attain their level.

JV Bravettes unable to overcome sluggish start

by Bryan Stanford

The JV Bravettes had a rough start in their 46-25 loss to the Sigourney Savages. 

The Bravettes had offensive struggles in the first half, while being down at half 27-7. 

The JV squad had an explosive second half, but rallied too late. 

The Bravettes were able to come down with 18 total rebounds. Courtney Petersen was the leading rebounder with six.

Offensively, the Bravettes were aggressive and were able to reach the free throw line 19 times throughout the game. Dakota Norris led the Bravettes in free throw attempts with eight. 

The leading scorer for the JV Bravettes was Petersen with nine, while Carly Steele and Norris were close behind with six apiece.

Defensively, the JV squad was able to force eight total steals with Norris leading with three. 

Coach Stew Timm commented, ”In the first half we struggled to get the ball up the floor, but the effort and discipline in the second half was much better.”

Bravettes improve and earn first win

by Bryan Stanford

The JV Bravettes came out on top for the first time in this season with a 21-14 win against the Tri-County Trojans. 

Coach Stew Timm commented, ”I was proud of the effort they gave, while we improved offensively.” The JV squad continued to rebound well, with 20 total rebounds, as Courtney Petersen led the way with nine.

Defensively, the Bravettes were able to maintain good team defense as they held the Trojans to six points in the first half. Abbi Nelson and Dakota Norris continued to harass the opposing team’s offense with six and five steals apiece.

Offensively, the Bravettes were able to take advantage of their scoring opportunities. Carly Steele led the team in assists with four, while Norris and Petersen led the team in scoring with eight points each. 

“This group is very willing to work hard, and they are always asking questions trying to make themselves better,” coach Timm said about the JV girls. The Bravettes record improves to 1-1 on the season.

Students stack up!

Fourth grader Michelle Taylor makes a tower of cups during the cup stacking unit in elementary P.E. class.

by Cami Shaver

Parents, you might be wondering what in the world physical education students, kindergarten through eighth grade, are talking about when they say they are sport/speed stacking in gym class.

Elementary gym teach- er Megan Carlson said, “This is the first year for the [Guinness] world re- cord here at Montezuma, but I plan to continue being part of it as long as possible.”

She said cup stacking is great because it requires students to use both sides of the brain. This fact is very true and even proven with a University of Wis- consin study by Dr. Brian Udermann. He found that by cup stacking, a child’s hand-eye coordination and reaction time im- proved by 30 percent.

When a child is cup stacking they develop a greater percentage of the right side of the brain, which includes aware- ness, focus, creativity and rhythm.

Also this sport helps train the brain for oth- er sports and activities where kids use both sides of their brain, such as us- ing a computer or playing an instrument.

Sport stacking also in-

volves elements like pat- terning and sequencing which helps with math and reading skills.

The students start do- ing a 3-3-3 stack where cups are “up stacked” and “down stacked” from left to right or right to left (in- dividually) in three stacks made up of three cups in each stack.

Then students move on as quickly as possible to the 3-6-3 where cups are “up stacked” and “down stacked” from left to right or right to left in three stacks made up of three cups on the left, six cups in the center, and three cups on the right.

After they finish the 3-6-3, they go on to the cycle stack, a sequence of stacks combining a 3-6-3 stack, a 6-6 stack, and a 1-10-1 stack, in that order. Stackers end the cycle stack with cups in a 3-6-3 “down stacked” position.

This event is actually hosted for Guinness World Records to break the re- cord for “Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations in One Day. ”

Their record for this year was 300,000 and Guinness beat it by 16,757 people. Just in our school about 100 kids helped Guinn

Student groups sponsor "Cans for Christmas"

by Andrea Farrington

Christmas season is about helping others around you. While Christmas is a season of festivities for many, we have others who are feeling lonely, more than any other time of the year.

The spirit of sharing during this season should never be forgotten. Student Council advisors Beth Orr and Derek Bates suggested Student Council members participate in something that benefits the community.

Council members also felt that if they combined

efforts withFFAmembers and advisor Rick Swenson, the outcome would be greater.

Student Council President Courtney Latcham said, ”We feel it is important to give something back to our community and as leaders of our school, we should take initiative.” They have decided to have a food drive, “Cans for Christmas.”

The main goal is to bring joy and holiday spirit to the families in need. The canned goods will be donated to the Montezuma

Food Pantry a couple of days before Christmas and distributed to local families who are less fortunate.

The goal is to have each student donate at least one can of food or dried goods. With the help of students, parents and community members, Student Council and FFA members hope to collect greater amounts.

Goods canbedelivered to Vannoys, Manestreet Hair Designers and the elementary or high school offices. Cans are due by Tuesday, December 21.

Color Guard dazzles with fifth place

The Montezuma Color Guard squad consists of, front row, l to r: Tiffany Heishman, Katelyn Gregory, Aly James, Carly Steele, Brynna Steele and Colleen Johnston. Second row: Katie Benson, Teona Sutfin, Julie Audas, Shannon Sutfin, Shena Bryan and Krista Engelbarts. Third Row: Emily Long, Natalie Wheeler, Katy McKee, Aly Breese and Courtney Latcham.

by Calli Zimmerman

The Montezuma color guard squad traveled to Des Moines Friday for their annual state compe- tition.

The 2011 State Dance and Drill Team competi- tion was held Thursday

and Friday between Wells Fargo and Hy-Vee Hall.

Montezuma competed Friday, Dec. 3 in Hy-Vee Hall at 11:12 a.m. They were in Class 1 color guard and they competed against 10 other schools.

They were judged on

Paige Marie Watson

Paige Watson is the daughter of Brian and Dawn Watson and Karla Bauer. She has three sib- lings, Bree, Camden and Ryan. She was born on May 22 of 1993.

Her awards and achievements throughout high school have consisted of A and B honor roll, and All Conference Academic Team in Volleyball. Her extracurricular activities have included volleyball for four years and soccer for two.

Her favorite activity is being with friends. Her best memory is “being able to move back to Mon-

appearance, choreogra- phy, originality, content, technique, execution, movement and show- manship.

The color guard team will be performing Dec. 17 and Jan. 14 during half- time of the boys games.

Students prepare for holidays

by Jered Engelking

On Dec. 9, vocal and band students of Junior and Senior high will per- form a winter concert. Instructors are Mrs. Be- hounek and Mr. Stanton.

Junior high band will play three songs on their own and one song com- bined with the high school band.

The three songs are “Matrix March” by Ed Huckeby, “Ultimatum” by Robert Smith, and “Power Trip” by Dean Sorenson.

The three songs are “Hark, The Herald An- gels Sing” by Mannheim Steamroller, “Songs of the American Civil War” by a collection of authors, and Deck the Halls by Mannheim Steamroller. The combined song will be “Joyful and Triumphant” by Huckeby.

Junior high choir will be singing three time hon- ored Christmas songs, which include: “Cold and

Still the Night,” “Echo Carol for Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad.”

The high school choir will be singing six songs, three of which belong to the Messiah Book. “And the Glory of the Lord,” “For unto Us a Child is Born,” and “Hallelujah Chorus.” The other three are, “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “12 Days After Christmas,” and “Singing on Christmas Morn.”

Bravettes battle the Bears to open season

by Bryan Stanford

The junior varsity Bra- vettes started the season with room to improve in their 26-12 loss to the BGM Bears.

Offensively, Carly Steele and Courtney Pe- tersen led with 5 and 4 points each. The team was aggressive all game, as they were able to reach the free throw line 14 times throughout the game.

Defensively, the Bra- vettes kept the Bears caged in the first half by

holding them to 7 points at the break, while forcing turnovers.

The JV squad totaled 22 steals with Steele and Abbi Nelson leading the way with 9 and 6. The Bravettes pulled in 23 re- bounds; Paige Snook and Petersen led the team with 9 and 6.

“This was the first time this group of girls all played together. I loved the effort they gave,” Coach Stew Timm com- mented.

JH Bravettes start with a victory

by Alexa Wheaton

The Montezuma Junior High Bravettes opened the 2010 season with an eighth grade 41-8 win and a seventh grade 28-16 win at Tri-County on Nov. 30.

Mackenzie James, Brit- tany Bender and Alex Brenner led the eighth grade team. James had 14 points, while Bender and Brenner each added 8.

Brenner and James also

led rebounders with 5 each while Kaylene Corbin had 4 rebounds. Brenner paced the team with 11 steals.

Veteran Coach Dwight Flemmer was pleased with the first outing and said everyone got a lot of playing time.

Katie Maschmann dominated the seventh grade match with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 5 steals.

Start holiday shopping 2010

by Andrea Farrington

Thanksgiving is the start of the Christmas shopping season.

The ten most popular gifts of the season are: Apple iPod Touch-newest generation, Apple iPad, Xbox Kinect Console, Playstation Move, Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Halo Reach, Samsung 40 inch LCD HDTV, Call of Duty: Black Ops, ASUS Thin Laptop and the Motorola Android Cell Phone.

Some tips for successful holiday purchases are:

1. Start your sale searching on Thanksgiving Day or sooner.

2. Figure out what you want to buy, which stores have the best sales and what time they open.

3. List stores by opening time from early to late.

4. Know where your items are in the store.

5. Be respectful of other shoppers.

6. It is busy at the food court so bring a snack! (The bathroom is also packed so plan ahead.)

7. Do not forget about stores that do not advertise. They will have deals too!

8. Have fun!

Thanks to early online information regarding times and products, shopping now happens earlier in the season.

A popular Black Friday website indicated post-Thanksgiving shopping increased 13.3 percent between 2008 and 2009 and spending rose 3.6 percent in the same period. 

According to predictions, as the percent of holiday shoppers increase the number of dollars spent per shopper will decrease.

Elementary Principal Darin and President of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Marinda DeJong are thankful to receive a check from the leadership class for $2,065.44 from the proceeds from Friday's Night of Fright and Fun. The money will go to the PAC fund to benefit the elementary students, such as  new playground equipment, Donuts with Dads and Mornings with Moms.

Students' knowledge of Thanksgiving

by Calli Zimmerman

If asked the following questions, would you be able to answer? 

What boat did the pilgrims come to America on? What is the name of the area where they landed? What year was the first Thanksgiving? 

A survey with those questions was held in the study hall for students who weren’t busy. 

Twenty-four students took the time to complete the survey and surprisingly only eight answered all three questions correctly. 

Twenty-three students had the Mayflower correct, while 21 had Plymouth Rock right and only 10 had 1621 correct. 

Out of the 21 who answered Plymouth Rock correctly, only 12 spelled it right. 

This is interesting because many people say that kids do not care, and they do not listen in class. Well, out of the 24 students, all of them had at least 2 questions right. 

Some interesting answers returned were the date 100 BC and Pilgrims Rock as the area. 

Summing up Thanksgiving activities

by Alexa Wheaton & 

Niamh Lyons  

Study hall students were asked to participate in a Thanksgiving Day survey. 

We were curious to find out the different family traditions. Turns out, 54 percent of students go out of town, 8 percent eat four or more Thanksgiving dinners and 20 percent travel to their grandparent's homes to eat those  big dinners, watch the football games and play card games. 

What did you do on Thanksgiving?

It's all about the food

by Morgan Sanders 

Thanksgiving is a time when families come together with the one thing everyone can agree on, food.  Every year, Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November. 

People surround themselves with their loved ones, families and friends. Everyone joins together to finish the food. 

The most popular foods now are turkey, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, stuffing, corn, rolls, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, apple pie and pecan pie. 

The first Thanksgiving was thought to have lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squash, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs and goat cheese. 

Of course, there are those weird foods. Some not so traditional Thanksgiving foods are frog legs, grits, giblet gravy, duck instead of turkey and fried quail. 

Americans eat 535 million pounds of turkey each Thanksgiving and 91 percent of people eat turkey that day. The average American eats 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving; that’s more than double the recommended daily! Forty million green bean casseroles are made for this holiday and 50 million pumpkin pies are consumed. Over a year, Americans eat an average of 16 to 18 pounds of turkey. 

How much did you eat this Thanksgiving? 

Drama surge continues at MHS

Improvisation practice began last week as coaches Derek Bates and Liesl Roorda work with students Niall Lyons, Matt Armstrong and Zach Gibson. (Alyssa Lyddon photo)

by Alexa Wheaton & 

Niamh Lyons

Eighty-eight students began preparing for the upcoming Speech & Drama season.

Tryouts were held Nov. 3 for grades 10-12 to determine what groups would best fit each student. Freshmen are not required to try out.

Coaches Liesl Roorda and Derek Bates were impressed with the number of students trying out and their enthusiasm. Roorda and Bates created twelve different groups and began practicing for large group district competition on Jan. 22 held at Montezuma High School. 

Casts are: Group Improvisation: Calli Zimmerman, Matt Armstrong, Zach Gibson, Niall Lyons, Olivia Tribby and Alex Peck.

Radio/TV Team: Maddi Dawley, Jered Engelking, Konner Klein, Carly Steele, Halley Ogan, Mariah Hirsch, Brynna Steele and Macy Taylor.

Musical Theatre Team: Cassie Corbin, Natalie Wheeler, Zimmerman, Kendra Cranston, Bridgette Moore and Alyssa Lyddon.

Short Film Team: Shena Bryan, Moore, Brittany Bryan, Rachel Ranfeld, Coleton Tompkins and Alexis Ferguson.

Ensemble 1: Bryan Stanford, Spencer Roorda and Courtney Latcham. Ensemble 2: Hope Kriegel, Alexa Wheaton, Katy McKee, Kaylin Hansen, Tyler Swenson and Taylor.

Ensemble 3: Natalie Kirton, Ranfeld and Peck.

Readers Theatre: McKee, Wheaton, Tribby, Teona Sutfin, Dawley, Cranston, Destiny Romberg, Engelking, Katie Benson, Sage Comstock, Arly LeBahn and Corbin.

Freshman: Radio Broadcasting: Logan VeVerka, Tyler Foubert, Tiffany Heishman, Colleen Johnston and Lex Jack.

Ensemble: Kane Barker, Mike Duggan and Julie Audas.

Choral Reading: Elijah Bryan, Becky Kopp, Katelyn Gregory, Paige Snook, Abbi Nelson, Shannon Robison, Cody Rhodes, Colleen Johnston, Lex Jack, Courtney Petersen, Matt Duggan, Connor Sirovy, Kaylee White and Karah Hansen. 

Family support leaves students feeling thankful

by Teona Sutfin

During the Thanksgiving holiday, some families like to share what they are thankful for with one another. When several students were asked what they are thankful for this year, many different answers were given, ranging everywhere from food, electricity and giraffes. 

“I am thankful for my wonderful friends and family that I can celebrate with this year,” said junior Kendra Cranston.

Eighth grade student Steven Kopp said, “I’m most thankful for getting to spend Thanksgiving break with my friends and family.”

Some unique answers received were cheese, the weather, giraffes, dogs and sunshine. A few of the seniors surveyed said laughter, support, the pursuit of happiness and the opportunity to succeed.

Senior Olivia Tribby said, ”I’m thankful for change and the strength of the people in my life who endure it.”

“I’m thankful for food, as well as family, money and electricity,” Trevor Moyer, 8^th grade, commented.

Family was the most popular answer given, as 86 percent of students surveyed answered with family.

“I am thankful for all of my friends and family who always have my back and waking up every morning to continue on my journey in life,” said freshman Monika Fetzer.

Beauty and the Beast comes to life on stage

LeFou, Steven Kopp, raises the arm of Gaston, played by Joe Peck, to remind him how masculine he is. (Jered Engelking photo)

by Jered Engelking

Roses, love, and enchantments filled the heads of Montezuma Junior High students as they performed the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast for their fall play on Friday, Nov. 12.

Luke Goodman as the Beast, Sidney Ehret as Belle, and Joe Peck as Gaston filled the lead roles. Vocal Music Director Carol Behounek was pleased with the casting. “The students brought out the best of all characters,” said Behounek.

 Throughout the play, the audience experienced a roller coaster of emotions and was entertained the whole night.

Peck played Gaston, the hunter, who continually showed his strength by flexing his biceps to fight off the silly girls while trying to woo Belle. 

When Belle sang about wanting to fit in, Ehret’s strong and heartfelt voice drew upon the melancholy spirit of her loneliness. 

Goodman demonstrated a character in evolution as he changed from the Prince with a bad attitude to the Beast and back to the prince after his love for Belle broke the curse.

Narrators were Brady Cameron, Katie Maschmann, Alisha Arendt, Siara Broadston, Ceirah Catron, Fernanda Lopez, Caitlin Hicks, Megan Baker, Ashley Moore, Taylor Ives, Aliya Pargeon, and Emma Karnes.

The wolves were Skyler Romberg, Brody McKeag, Trent Salsman and Jake Shaver. Steve Kopp and Caleb Talbert were LeFou and Monsieur D’arque. Vanessa Minner, Mackenzie James and Cheyenne Peters were cast as “silly girls.”

Trevor Moyer, Tyler Geiger, Seth Fahlenkamp, Kerri Gregory, Clara Johnson, Travis Lewis and Cassie Farrington were various enchanted items in the castle.  Other villagers included Aliya Pargeon, Emma Karnes, Taylor Ives, Ashley Moore, Jake Shaver, Skyler Romberg, Kaylene Corbin, Trent Salsman, Brody McKeag, Megan Baker, Keira Blanke, Shayla Townsend and Brittany Bender.

The servants were Heaven Lorenz, Laci Brennan, Lexie Smith, Katie Maschmann, Fernanda Lopez, Siara Broadston, Ceirah Catron, Caitlin Hicks, Brady Cameron and Christian Schmitz. The statue guards were Cole Corbin and Frank Gillum.

The play lasted from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Conner Sirovy managed  the sound system while Sidney Roorda and Vincent Bushong operated the spotlights.

US Navy Band inspires MHS band

by Niamh Lyons

The United States Navy Band is a group of Navy officers who are skilled with instruments. The officers play jazz music but also incorporate a popular music style in their method. 

The touring group visited the Midwest and had a concert planned at the George Daley Auditorium in Oskaloosa. Scott Stanton, the MHS band director, saw the opportunity for the band students to hear a different style of music with the instruments they play. 

Eighteen band students and eight chaperones attended the Oskaloosa concert Nov. 15. One student, sophomore Kayla Werner, said the Navy band was “very fun to watch. They had fun, upbeat music.” She also added that she “especially liked when they played songs from each branch of the military for all of the veterans.” 

Another student, sophomore Norman Martin, said, “The band inspired me to keep working on trying to improve the Monte band. It was also an incredible experience to see such experienced players performing. The solos were amazing; one of the trumpet players was a Grammy Award soloist. I think that would be the best job in the world, considering you are also serving your country.” 

Sophomore Katie Benson found inspiration for her own future solos and said, “Many of the soloists were very confident in what they played.” She added, “The coolest part was at the end when the band played a song to commemorate each branch to recognize veterans.”

The other students who attended the performance were Ben Ahrens, Kaylene Corbin, Jade Crandall, Cassidy Ely, Luke Goodman, Clara Johnson, Jack Little, Jake Shaver, Shayla Townsend, Jacob Woodard, Morgan Benson, Elijah Bryan, Elizabeth Ostrem, Sidney Roorda and Natalie Wheeler. The chaperones were Pat, Harold and Allison Wheeler, Laura Ostrem, Andrea and David Martin, Pam Bryan and Scott Stanton.

Old bus barn belongings auctioned off

by Calli Zimmerman 

On Wednesday, Nov. 10 the old Montezuma bus barn’s belongings were sold. 

The school board saw the old bus barn as an extra on the school property and felt it still had value so they decided to have an auction. 

Since the family and consumer science program is no longer functioning, board members decided to combine the two areas and sell the appliances from each. 

They sold various items including furniture, computers, desks, dishwashers and other kitchen equipment. 

Mr. Versteeg said, “There were no high expectations; [all items] sold at fair prices.” 

M&M auction performed the auctioneering and about 50 people attended. Proceeds from the sale were $8,916 and will be used to pay expenses such as the auctioneer, cleaning up the site and other various tasks. 

The school board is hoping to breakeven with this project. 

Students solve nonprofit problems

Maddi Dawley helps her team solve the math worksheet given to them as an ice breaker at the Poweshiek Leadership Program Youth/Adult Conference. (Mrs. Wilson photo)

by Bryan Stanford & 

Alexa Wheaton

Local students formulated problem-solving ideas at the Poweshiek Leadership Program Conference in order to break the communication barrier between the youth and adults. 

Bob Mann, President of Grinnell’s United Way, presented information about the organization. The United Way is a volunteer-based organization which strives to improve people’s lives and advance the common good of the community by providing fundraising efforts to benefit human services in the Poweshiek County area. 

Four nonprofit agencies receive help from United Way presented problems they have encountered. 

The four agencies were: Big Brothers/Big Sisters Heart of Iowa, Galaxy Youth Center and STARS Programming, Domestic Violence Alternatives and the American Red Cross.

The students who attended the conference were asked to come up with solutions for the problems for each agency. For example, the problems the American Red Cross organization face every year are a lack of volunteers and the amount of funds available. 

The Big Brothers/Big Sisters Heart of Iowa organization has problems with advertising and marketing. The Domestic Violence Alternative also face problems with the number of community members’ knowledge of the organization. 

The Galaxy Youth Center and STARS Programming is in need of updated technology.  After each group of students thought of many ways to help each agency, they presented their ideas to the other groups of students. 

Most groups thought of various fundraising opportunities, while getting good publicity for each agency. One solution was getting local businesses to help with the printing of flyers, posters and the word of mouth. 

Montezuma, BGM and Grinnell students attended this conference at the Carmen Center, Mayflower Community in Grinnell on Thursday, Nov. 18. 

Montezuma students attending were: Shane Lyons, Breanna Johnson, Alexis Ferguson, Matt Armstrong, Connor Johnston, Maddi Dawley, Destiny Romberg, Spencer Roorda, Alexa Wheaton and Bryan Stanford.

Matt Armstrong, Spencer Roorda and Colton Talbert serve dinner to Hope Café residents. (Bryan Stanford photo)

by Bryan Stanford

The Montezuma boys' varsity basketball team fed people at a homeless shelter in Des Moines on  Monday, Nov. 8. 

Team members Spencer Roorda, Bryan Stanford, Kirk Salnave, Garrett VanMaanen, Colton Talbert, Nathan Wheeler, Matt Armstrong, Brady Losure with help from Coach Derek Schulte and assistant coach  Dale DeJong served food and washed dishes at the Hope Café in the Bethel Mission of Hope Ministries, a privately funded organization that seeks private donations without any type of government funding. 

The basketball players split into two groups; one group took a tour of the mission while the other group served food and washed dishes. After the first group finished their tour, they served food while the other group took the tour. 

The mission first serves food for the 85 residents at 5 p.m. After each resident has eaten, then the mission feeds walk-ins. 

The mission is the first step in a long-term recovery and aftercare program available to the residents. The first step lasts 30 days; after that, all residents graduate to the second step in the program that lasts 12 months.

Last year the Braves and the BGM Bears completed a joint project, as they put on Hot Cakes for Haiti, to help the Haitians after the devastating earthquake. 

With full bellies, the Spanish 2 and 3 students express their take on the authentic Spanish food at Café Iberico in downtown Chicago. 

by Alexa Wheaton

Recently 17 Spanish students and 6 chaperones found themselves immersed in the Spanish culture of Pilsen, a cultural suburb of the modern city of Chicago. 

“I was impressed by the culture the students absorbed. Everybody found something unique that interested them,” Spanish teacher Carrie Stockman said. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated Nov. 1 and 2 by honoring their Mexican heritage and that inspired the trip.  

“Yes, we have the internet and books to research, but I hope students will retain it for a longer period of time due to this hands-on experience,” said Stockman. 

The group arrived around 11 a.m. on Saturday. The first stop in Pilsen was La Baguette, an authentic Spanish bakery where students had the option of buying tasty treats such as churros, empanadas and pandulce. 

Students then went to the National Museum of Mexican Art which has the largest Day of the Dead exhibit in the U.S. The cultural art showed students the Spanish speaking culture’s traditions and history. The many altars in the Day of the Dead exhibit represented the real altars families make to honor the lives of their deceased friends and families. 

Each altar has the four main elements of nature: earth, wind, water and fire. These elements are represented by light-weight items such as papel picado (tissue paper cutouts) reminding us of wind, a glass of water, candles resembling fire and food or flowers reflecting earth. 

Students then split up into two groups for a scavenger hunt. They were given a map with designated stops and questions to answer about each one. All over Pilsen, huge life-like murals represent the culture and people of the community. Students admired and interpreted what the murals were saying about the culture. 

Sunday night the group ate at Café Iberico, a Spanish tapas restaurant. Tapas are Spanish appetizers shared by everyone. Stockman ordered 21 tapas from hot to cold plates. 

Some of the students’ favorites were Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes with tomato sauce), Pincho de Pollo (chicken brochette with caramelized onions and rice), Tortilla Española (vegetarian Spanish omelet) and Paella (orange rice served with chicken, pork and seafood). 

After packing to head home, the group stopped at the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum. The Amazon exhibit in Shedd Aquarium displayed how the river rises and falls every year, affecting Spanish-speaking people who live there. At the Field Museum students enjoyed the Aztec exhibit. 

In addition to Spanish speaking cultural activities, students also had opportunities to see the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Navy Pier, Blue Man Group, John Hancock Building and many famous shops.

Students who traveled to Chicago are Carly Steele, Mariah Hirsch, Macayla Gregson, Sage Comstock, Alyssa Lyddon, Halley Ogan, Zach Gibson, Coleton Tompkins, Shane Lyons, Stephen Vavroch, Taylor Gregson, Madison Dawley, Breanna Johnson, Cheyenne Klos, Kendra Cranston, Destiny Romberg and Alexa Wheaton. Chaperones included: Marlene Johnson, Jamie Nelson, Matt and Missy Ogan, Marg Stockman and Kristy Romberg. 

As Senora Stockman said, "The students gained knowledge about the Spanish culture which will motivate them to further their studies in the Spanish culture."

Bru shares impression of Vietnam War

VFW member Daniel Bru shares Vietnam War experiences via audio recording during the Veterans Day assembly for students. (Bryan Stanford photo)

by Andrea Farrington

We celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 to honor our veterans who fight for us every day. 

Guest speaker this year was 1968 Montezuma alumnus, Daniel Bru, a Vietnam War veteran. He talked about what it was like to be in war at that time, and then played a voice recording about it. 

The recording was very in-depth, because we could hear bombs exploding in the background showing that he was in danger while recording. It also showed how things have changed over time. Today, veterans have the advantage of using webcam and telephone to talk to loved ones unlike in 1968 when they were lucky to write letters back and forth. 

Every year the school takes part in a Veterans Day assembly at 11 a.m. in the high school gym. 

To begin the assembly the National Guard presented the colors, and the band played the “National Anthem.” Mariah Hirsch then gave the historical background to Songs of the American Civil War that reflect patriotism including “Taps,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “Dixie” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Then, the junior high and senior high bands performed those selections.

Following the performance was the announcing of the Patriots Pen essay winners. The 3^rd grade topic was “I love America because.” Winners were Madelyn DeJong and Caymen DeJong. Fourth graders wrote about “Why I am Grateful to Veterans.” Winners were Jared Theis and Kylee Taylor. 

“The Visions for Our Country’s Future” was the topic for 5^th graders; the winners were Shelby Helm and Vance Bushong. “Does Patriotism Still Matter?” was the theme for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders. Sixth grade winner was Ashley Vinton; the 7^th grade winner was Katelyn Long and the  8^th grade winner was Joseph Peck. Those individuals advance to Districts. 

The choir sang “I Have a Dream” by Mary Donnelly. To start out the song, Calli Zimmerman sang a solo. To end the assembly Norman Martin and Coleton Tompkins played the “Taps.”

The holiday was first incorporated by President Wilson as Armistice Day in 1919. Armistice Day was enacted as an official American holiday in 1938. In 1954, Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

ITEDS and ITBS tests shake up schedules

by Niamh Lyons

National laws require all schools to report student progress through the use of tests. The scores are then compared with national scores to see how Iowa ranks among the states. They are also used to identify at-risk schools. 

Therefore, students in seventh through eleventh grades are participating in ITBS and ITEDS testing this week. Seventh and eighth grade students are taking the Science, Math and Problem Solving, Math Concepts and Estimation, Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary tests. Students in ninth through eleventh grades are taking Math Concepts and Problem Solving, Science, Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary tests. If a student misses a test, there will be make-up sessions on Friday.

With the exception of seniors, students are required to take these tests every year. The tests are used to measure how much the students know and provide staff with scores. These scores allow a teacher to recognize a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The test scores also help identify weak areas in a school’s curriculum. 

In the past, seniors have had to come to school while the other students were testing. The testing period is from 8:25 to 9:25 a.m., so seniors do not need to show up until 9:25. If seniors show up early, they must go to the library. The daily class schedule is adjusted to allow each class to meet. 

Journalism takes a bite

Cami Shaver and Jered Engelking enjoy Casey's pizza as the entire class has a pizza party for their great effort and success with selling yearbook ads.

Torch Club members Aly James, Nathan Wheeler, Kaylin Hansen, and Austin Battreal work with blood donors such as Brady Losure and Matt Armstrong while they replenish with a snack and a beverage after donating blood. (Niamh Lyons photo.)

Students receive letters from soldiers

Eighth grader Seth Fahlenkamp enjoys the letter he received after writing to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan the previous school year.  (Andrea Farrington photo)

by Andrea Farrington

Recently, Seth Fahlenkamp, Jake Hasley and Matt Duggan had a great surprise in English class when they opened letters from Dustin Thomas, David Delarosa and Vincent W. Meyers. English teacher Roxanne Goudy also received a letter from LTC Dave Flynn, Commander. 

In his letter Fahlenkamp learned that Thomas is married and has two children, rides a motorcycle, likes the Pittsburgh Steelers and scored 292 out of 300 on his physical training test.

Thomas’s closing was inspirational. “Knowing that you appreciate what we do over here makes it a lot easier to do what it is we do. Thank you for the support. Take care of yourself,” Thomas said. 

The letters were in response to those written by seventh and eighth grade students last spring during a friendly letter-writing unit in Goudy’s English class. To practice that concept, students wrote “Letters to Soldiers,” a new project last year, to soldiers in Iraq to feed positive feeling and appreciation to the people in the armed forces.

In these letters, students wrote about the weather, hobbies and school. Goudy plans to continue the project again, because it gave the students a chance to connect with someone in the service.

This idea came from the program, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach which sends packages and letters of encouragement to deployed soldiers whose families cannot afford to send packages continually. The web site is http://www.forgottensoldiers.org/about-us/

The students wrote the letters, which were then sent in bulk to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach for screening and directing purposes. 

National Honor Society collects for blood drive

Senior Katy McKee donates one pint of blood at the Montezuma High School blood drive. Each pint of blood can be used to save three lives. (Niamh Lyons photo)

by Niamh Lyons

According to the Blood Center of Iowa, the probability of a person needing a blood transfusion is 95 percent if he or she lives to be 72 years old, so it is easy to see donations are collected each year as blood supplies are used. 

There are requirements for donors, like being healthy and being at least 16 years of age. Some donors decide to give “double red.” This means they donate twice the normal amount of blood. 

Every year, students, staff and community donate blood at the blood drive held by the Torch Club, or National Honor Society.

Allison Pargeon is the new advisor for the Torch Club. Seniors in the group include Courtney Latcham, Shannon Sutfin, Teona Sutfin, Spencer Roorda, Kirk Salnave, Katy McKee, Calli Zimmerman and Alex Peck. Juniors are Stephen Vavroch, Kaylin Hansen, Nathan Wheeler, Natalie Wheeler, Austin Battreall and Aly James. 

These students are in charge of setting up for the donation, bringing the donors to the gym and taking them back to class, making sure they ate and cleaning up the gym afterward. 

The 2010 blood drive  was held Nov. 5 in the high school gym. Thirty-two donors - students, former students, faculty and staff members - signed up.

The goal was to receive 30 units of blood and that goal was met from 28 donors. Last year, 38 units were collected from 50 donors. 

Braves put it together for season finale

by Bryan Stanford

The junior varsity Braves finished their season the right way, with a 26-8 victory against the Warhawks from North Mahaska. 

The Braves played well and were full of excitement and enthusiasm on the field and sideline. 

Defensively, the Braves were solid all night. The entire defense flowed well, got to the ball, and had a good tackling performance. They were also opportunistic, recovering a fumble and intercepting a pass as well as a big goal line stand late in the third quarter when the score was still 18-0. 

Offensively, the Braves were able to do a little bit of everything. They ran the ball well, due to the push the offensive linemen were able to get up front, while the running backs ran hard and picked up yards when maybe there were not any to be had. 

The junior varsity squad was able to throw the ball consistently, which has not happened for most of the season so it was good to see receivers and tight ends get in on some more action. 

Coach Keith Sietstra said, “As coaches, we were so excited for kids to end our season on such a positive note. The junior varsity season can be grueling but they kept working hard and we ended the season with a 3-4 record.”

Braves cannot overcome first half struggles

by Bryan Stanford

The Junior Varsity football team struggled to start, but had some success in their 28-7 loss against BGM. Unfortunately, the JV  came out flat and had trouble on both offense and defense. 

“We just did not come out with the intensity and excitement that you need to have to be successful playing this game,” Coach Keith Sietstra said. 

Offensively in the first half, the Braves struggled to move the ball. After halftime they were a very different team. They played a physical BGM team toe to toe in the second half. 

The Braves flew around, tackled well, blocked well and ran hard – all things that it takes to be successful. The Braves’ only score on the night came in the fourth quarter, when Kane Barker recovered a punt snap fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. 

Offensively the Braves were able to move the ball consistently and march from 20 to 20, but could not find a way to put the ball in the end zone.  

Coach Sietstra also commented, “We hope to iron some things out and finish our last two games of the season on a high note.”