Teacher Talk: Leah Farrington

by Chelsey Moore

New teacher Leah Farrington began her first year of teaching at the start of this year. Farrington went to Albia High School in Albia, Iowa. In high school she was involved in volleyball, cheerleading, tennis, band and choir. 

After graduating high school in 2007,  she attended college at Central College in Pella, Iowa and graduated in May of 2011. At Central Farrington studied social studies, secondary education and Spanish. Farrington was involved in two different choirs while in college at Central. Those choirs were A cappella Choir and Chamber Singers.  

From August until December of 2010, she student taught at Lynnville-Sully Community Schools while still attending college.

Farrington chose to become a teacher because her father was a teacher.  She always looked up to him and decided to follow in his footsteps.

She has enjoyed her time at Montezuma so far and feels as though she has a great start for her career.

Farrington said, “I’ve enjoyed getting to know all of my students, and I love all the classes I teach.”

The thing she enjoys most about our school is the close-knit faculty and staff.

In her free time, Farrington likes spending time with her friends and family. She also enjoys singing in a community choir at Central College. Farrington’s favorite movie is “The Proposal.” 

Farrington said, “My favorite scene from the movie is the where she’s dancing in the woods.”

Voting for bond issue to take place February 7

by Vincent Bushong 

After two unpassed attempts, the Montezuma board hopes the third time is a charm as a petition has been passed to get a bond issue for the school on the ballots for the third time in two years. The vote will take place on Feb. 7, 2012. 

The Montezuma board has tried for the past two years to pass a bond issue that would allow for funds to be raised for improvements to the school, first in Sept. 2010, next in April 2011. Now the board has brought it back by obtaining signatures of residents of the Montezuma Community School District to bring the item to a vote. 60% of voters will need to vote yes in order for the bond issue to pass.

This bond issue is to make $6.7 million available for the improvement of our school. This amount is nearly half of the first proposed bond issue, which was $11.5 million. The second bond issue was also lowered, bringing it down to $8.5 million. 

The board has laid out priorities for the different advancements of the school to ensure that the largest projects are completed.

 The first priority is improving the school’s infrastructure, including improved heating and installing air conditioning, upgrading the plumbing system, improving the electrical system and retrofitting the lighting. 

After that, upgrades to the safety and communications systems will be implemented, including a functioning bell system and changes to the school clocks, phones, fire alarms and intercom system. 

Classroom remodeling is third on the agenda, which will bring updates to the floors, ceilings, cabinets and other general building elements. Any remaining resources will be used to update classroom furniture. 

If the bond issue is passed, it will take two years to fully integrate the changes. Year one will include upgrades in the elementary and junior high, and year two will bring change to the high school facility. 

The effects of the bond issue will create a better environment for the students’ education.  

Montezuma high school teacher Allison Pargeon said, “I think the bond issue is all about the students at Montezuma. They deserve the best for their efforts to be successful. This is our way of giving back.”

JH Braves face off with Lynnville-Sully

Carson Losure goes for a basket against Lynnville-Sully during the 8th grade game on Dec. 12.

by Natalie Kirton

The junior high boys basketball teams versed Lynnville-Sully on Monday, Dec. 12. 

The 7^th grade boys made a spectacular win with a score of 55-35. 

Dakota Strong contributed most, bringing 19 points to the scoreboard. Logan Price made ten points, and both Price and Strong made five steals throughout the game. Carson Losure and Kaleb Kriegel scored eight and six points respectively, while Zach Townsend, Dominique Ward and Strong all made four rebounds. 

“We had a lot of steals and ran the floor well. Our press was very effective in creating turnovers that lead to quick scores,” said Coach Clayton Hjelmeland. 

The 8^th grade team suffered a disappointing loss, scoring 27 points to Lynnville-Sully’s 49. 

“This game didn’t go quite the way we drew it up, but we did do some good things,” commented Hjelmeland.

Collectively as a team, seven rebounds were made as well as ten steals. Brody McKeag contributed seven points to the team’s overall score. Tyler Thompson made three rebounds, and Carson Losure had three steals. 

“The boys hustled right up to the very end and that impressed me a lot,” said Hjelmeland.

JV Braves win with ease

Bryan Gregson prepares to shoot against Cedar Valley Christian at the JV basketball game on Dec. 9.

by Elizabeth Ostrem

The JV boys’ basketball team had an impressive victory against Cedar Valley Christian during a home game on Dec. 9. They finished with a respectable score of 54-28.

Dillon Wilhelm led the team with 10 points, along with Bryant Sutfin and Siraj Thomasen with nine points each. Bryan Gregson also contributed with six assists. Wilhelm managed four steals during the game. Gregson and Braden Schlesselman had three and two respectively.

Joseph Peck, Thomasen and Sutfin led the team with five, six and four rebounds apiece.

Coach Dale DeJong said, “I thought our guys played extremely hard and it was great to see everyone get in. We had some sophomores who did a great job of getting others open shots and our guys continued to get better at boxing out. I look forward to seeing even more improvement in our rebounding as we move forward in our season."

JV Bravettes fight a close game

by Colton Talbert

All high school basketball teams traveled to Keota on Dec. 10. The JV teams played first followed by the varsity teams. It was Saturday full of games and cheering.

The JV Bravettes lost their battle 29-34. They started out slow while Keota was ready to play. Keota showed it by their tempo and pressing to force a time out to stop the 9-0 run by the Eagles. The Bravettes showed signs of improvement to end the half, bringing the score to 13-19. 

They came back out to start the third quarter and started slow again, as they did at the beginning of the game. The Bravettes tried to fight their way back but gave Keota too big of a gap earlier in the game. 

Coach Timm said, “I was proud of the way the girls responded to being down. In the past I don’t think they would have done that. They gave a tremendous effort for 22 of the 28 minutes played. Unfortunately we need the 28 minutes of that effort to come out with a victory.” 

Scorers were Katelyn Gregory with ten, Mackenzie James, Abbi Nelson and Paige Snook all with four, Courtney Petersen, Clara Johnson and Dakota Norris all with two, and Cheyenne Peters with one. 

Rebounding leaders were Cheyenne Peters with three, Katelyn Gregory, Abbi Nelson, Paige Snook, Courtney Petersen and Clara Johnson all with two, Dakota Norris, Mackenzie James and Shayla Townsend all had one. The Bravettes also made 15 out of 25 free throws. 

Timm said, “The girls are starting to show great strides both individually and as a team. I am excited for the upcoming games.” 

The Bravettes will next be in action after break on Jan. 3 at HLV.

A win and a loss for young Bravettes

by Natalie Kirton

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the Junior High girls’ basketball team played hard against Tri-County. The 7^th grade girls just barely lost against the opposing team, with a final score of 21-25.

 During the first half of this home game, Hannah Beenken completed two free throws, as well as one two-point goal. Saphire Gatton performed a two-point goal while Aly Fahlenkamp made two.

“The girls played really hard and made a terrific come back. Unfortunately it was not enough. I was proud of their effort,” commented Coach David Brondyke.

On the other hand, the 8^th grade team celebrated a win against the Tri-County girls, ending their game 22-21. 

Aliya Pargeon shot three two-point goals in the first half. Katie Maschman completed a free throw in both the first and second halves of the game as well as three two-point baskets during the entire game. 

Brondyke was very happy with how the 8^th grade girls performed throughout this game.

“The girls were resilient and played great defense and managed the clock well. Every girl hustled and gave their all on the court,” said Brondyke.