'State Fair' performances on Friday

Makayka Slings and Joe Peck dance the jitterbug during practice for “State Fair.”

by Vincent Bushong

Don’t miss Montezuma High School’s performance of Roger and Hammerstein’s “State Fair,” directed by Derek Bates and Carol Behounek. The two performances will take place on the nights of Nov. 11 and 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the junior high gym. Tickets will cost $6 for adults and $3 for students. 

The musical takes place at the Iowa State Fair and follows the Frake family on their adventures. The musical features dancing, singing, heartbreak, falling in love and humor.  

Prior to the play from 4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Spanish Club will be serving a dinner in the cafeteria of a baked potato bar and chili, as well as funnel cakes and desserts on a stick. Adult meal tickets cost $5, and children’s cost $3. Children under three eat free. The proceeds will go to support the Spanish trips to Spain and Costa Rica. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket for the dinner, contact a student in the Spanish Club.

Don’t miss it, don’t even be late!

Teacher Talk: Anya Johnson

by Natalie Kirton

New teacher Anya Johnson first appeared shy and reserved at the beginning of the school year. As the days passed, she was quick to show students that she was a quirky, but serious, teacher. 

Johnson attended North Iowa High School in Buffalo Center, Iowa. She participated in yearbook, fall play, spring musical, speech, band, choir, cheerleading, FFA, student council, and National Honor Society outside of school hours.

Johnson discovered her dream to become a teacher while in high school. “I was greatly influenced by the teachers that really cared about students and took time to help in their free time,” said Johnson. She hopes that she is able to help her students in the same way. 

In the beginning of her education, Johnson considered becoming a band teacher, having played flute, piccolo and valve trombone during high school. She soon realized her love of literature and performance would be a good reason to pursue a career as an English teacher instead. 

After graduating high school, Johnson attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. While she was there, she not only studied English and secondary education, but also participated in choir and Council for Exceptional Children, an organization where Luther students spend time doing activities with special needs children.

After graduating from Luther, Montezuma schools contacted Johnson about applying for the open position in the English department . “I loved the environment around the school and was excited by the opportunity to teach here. I come from a small town, so I was looking forward to teaching in a small school,” said Johnson. She has enjoyed her time at Montezuma, because the community and staff are incredibly helpful and welcoming. Her first year as a teacher has been a great learning experience and an adjustment to the new environment.

In her free time, Johnson’s favorite things are going for walks, reading and spending time with her family; especially nephews and niece. Her favorite book series is the “Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins, and her favorite movie is “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.”

MHS honors Veterans Day with assembly

by Elizabeth Ostrem and Kayla Werner

As the American flag ripples in the wind this Veterans Day, our school will be hosting an assembly to give thanks to the men and women who have served to protect our country.  

The high school band will be performing “Veterans of Valor,” a piece comprised of the official songs of the military branches: “Marines’ Hymn,” “Caisson Song,” “Anchors Aweigh,” “Semper Paratus”  and “Into the Wild Blue Yonder.”  

The high school choir will be singing “Heal The World” by Michael Jackson. There will also be special guest speakers during the program.

Students, parents, community members, teachers, veterans and active members of the military are invited to the assembly. The assembly will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the high school gym.

Turn of the Page: 'Witch & Wizard'

by Kayla Werner and Elizabeth Ostrem

Witches and wizards have been present in the culture for many years, shown in both bad light and good. I’m sure if you asked someone they would be able to name at least a couple of famous magicians: the Wicked Witch of the West, the White Witch, Harry Potter and Merlin are a few that spring to mind.

In the book “Witch & Wizard,” written by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet, brother and sister Whit and Wisty are accused of possessing magical powers, but they are unaware of having such powers. Any person associated with magic is arrested and eventually executed under the recently implanted New Order government. In addition to dealing with their newfound abilities, they have to escape from prison, rescue their parents, who have been forced into hiding, and help a rebel alliance battle against this new unjust government.

Kayla:

I love reading, but it’s hard for me to find books that actually keep my attention. With this book, I was instantly hooked. Throughout the whole thing you could feel the intensity and the hardships that Whit and Wisty had to endure. Patterson uses strong descriptive language that sucks the reader right into the book. 

There was a point in the beginning of the book that really  caught my attention. The point was when Wisty was denying the fact that there was even a possibility of being a witch. The New Order guards took them to a psychiatric hospital that was turned into a penitentiary for dangerous criminals. She got excited because she thought that she was crazy, and it was all just in her head. The guards then pulled her out and reassured her that this was, in fact, reality. Wisty said, “You know life sucks when you’re desperately wishing to be institutionalized, drugged or shocked back to reality.”

I think that quote showed the reality of the situation that they were going through. Being separated from their parents and being sentenced to death when they turn 18 is a lot for any 15-year old or 17-year old to go through.

Liz:

Although I’m not a fan of Patterson’s work, I have to say that this was an interesting read. It’s a bit reminiscent of “Harry Potter” in areas (e.g. The One Who Is The One vs. He Who Must Not Be Named), though the difference in writing style is obvious from the get-go; where “Harry Potter” is rich in character development and fun details, “Witch & Wizard” shines in plot advancement and witty retorts. I would recommend this book if you want a shorter, uncomplicated read and love rebellious teens squaring off against controlling adults.