Little black box holds the cast members' secrets

Matt Armstrong (Spooky Pirate) warns Olivia Tribby (Mysterious Host) to keep his past a secret from his crew members.

by Jered Engelking

Do you have a little black box in your life? What about one with a 10-number combination lock? How about one that holds incriminating evidence? Well, you may not, but Mysterious Host, played by Olivia Tribby, has a little black box that holds your deepest, darkest secrets.

On Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26 the Montezuma High School Speech & Drama Department performed “Murder in the Knife Room” written by Jonathan Rand and directed by Derek Bates. 

“Murder in the Knife Room” is a comedic spin on a classic murder mystery with a just as comical large group of characters. 

As the Inspector, played by Nathan Wheeler, called out suspects to reenact events from the past, the rest of the characters remained in position on a stationary set. 

“I have no idea if I’ll ever do a play like this again,” said Bates, “but I knew I had the numbers and the right actors to pull it off, so I went with it. And I’m very glad that I did.” 

The Speech & Drama Department made more than enough money to cover the cost for production rights and expenses from gate receipts. The audience count was around 210 for Friday night and 160 for Saturday night.

The lead cast included: Olivia Tribby as Mysterious Host, Nathan Wheeler as Probably-Faking-It-Deaf-Mute/Inspector, Katurah McKee as Brainless Model, Alex Peck as Santa Claus, Calli Zimmerman as Southern Belle, Connor Johnston as Die-Hard Dolphins Fan, Matt Armstrong as Spooky Pirate, Kendra Cranston as Wealthy Dowager, Brynna Steele as Sketchy Foreigner, Natalie Wheeler as Plastic Politician, Shena Bryan as Washed-Up Actress, Aly James as Pompous Millionaire, Alexis Ferguson as Serial Killer, Jered Engelking as Struggling Stand-Up Comic, Garrett VanMaanen as Intimidating Mobster, Niall Lyons as Bearded Scholar, Zach Gibson as Boy Band Reject, Norman Martin as Respected General, Alyssa Lyddon as Decrepit Invalid, Macy Taylor as Tramp, Cassie Corbin as Dirty Hippie and Lex Jack as Reckless Cowboy.

Seniors reminisce and predict future plans

by Hope Kriegel and Alexa Wheaton

Part 1 of a series

Being a senior and getting ready to graduate can be one of the most bittersweet moments while growing up. 

Goodbyes are just around the corner as we head off to college and it all becomes too real that we’re about to leave our security blankets. 

However, the excitement to leave home, stand on our own and begin the next chapter in our lives is real. 

As the seniors of 2011 look back on the past four years, we offer some advice to the upcoming freshmen about high school, think about what we will miss the most and try to predict where we will be in 10 years. 

Niamh Lyons

Niamh Lyons thinks 10 years from now she will be working in a bigger city and living nearby. Her advice to the upcoming freshmen is to get good grades and be involved. 

Niamh will miss being able to see her friends every day the most, because some of them will be hours away next year. 

William Johnson

William Johnson sees himself in the Air Force in 10 years. His advice is to save money and start looking for a career early. He will miss his friends the most. 

Alaina Kriegel

In 10 years, Alaina Kriegel believes she will be living life out on her own and having fun. 

Her advice to freshmen is to “Stick up for yourself! Just because you’re a freshman doesn’t mean you have to listen to the upperclassmen.” Alaina will miss her friends the most next year.  

Garrett Ogan

Garrett Ogan hopes to be done with college and have a good job in 10 years. His advice to freshmen is to just have fun, because high school doesn’t last long! Garrett will miss football the most next year. 

Paige Watson

Paige Watson says, “Ten years from now I see myself teaching and/or working toward my master's degree to become a school counselor and having the perfect husband and family.” Her advice is to work first and play second, because you will regret it if you don’t do your best. 

Paige will miss the close relationships the most. She knows everyone, because it’s such a small school and she loves being this close to everyone.  

To be continued…

Fun and learning with Spanish influence

by Natalie Kirton

¡Vamos! Let's go to the Spanish Night, hosted by the Spanish Department on Friday, April 8 in the junior high gym. This first-time event will be held from 5-9 p.m. and may include activities, such as piñatas – a papier-mâché object filled with treats – and churros – Spanish doughnuts covered in cinnamon and sugar.

Children will be learning lessons prepared about Spanish greetings, colors, animals, body parts and vocabulary. Pizza and snacks will be provided and prizes will be awarded. The cost is $10 per child or  $25 max per family. Parents are welcome to stay and have fun with their kids at no extra charge. 

Spanish students will be working to raise money toward one of three trips: to Chicago, Ill. next school year, to Spain this summer or to Costa Rica in a few years. 

Spanish students are Kaylene Corbin, Alex Brenner, Brittany Bender, Shayla Townsend, Clara Johnson, Jack Little, Sidney Roorda, Julie Audas, Katelyn Gregory, Dakota Norris, Maleah Phillips, Colleen Johnston, Courtney Peterson,  Kaylee White, Abbi Nelson, Steven Kopp, Rebecca Kopp, Connor Sirovy, Bryant Sutfin, Colton Maschmann, Alyssa Lyddon, Halley Ogan, Elizabeth Ostrem and Alexa Wheaton.

Wednesday, April 6 will be the last day to register. For more information or to register your student, please contact Carrie Stockman at cstockman@montezuma.k12.ia.us.