Braves dominate the Early Bird Relays

Mitch Stevens lands his winning jump of 17' 9"  in the long jump event. (Bryan Stanford photo)

by Bryan Stanford

The Montezuma Junior High track teams hosted the first annual Early Bird Relays April 14, 2011. The Braves hosted four other teams at the boy/girl meet, winning the meet as a team. The Braves won the meet with 164 team points, while Iowa Valley finished second with 127 points. The track team had seven first place finishers. 

The Braves competed strongly in all field events. In the Discus, Joe Peck placed second with a throw of 96’ 6’’ and Steven Kopp placed sixth with a throw of 79’ 7’’.  Peck also competed in the Shot Put and placed first with a heave of 40’ 10’’. In the Long Jump Mitchell Stevens placed first with a jump of 17’ 9’’ and Bobby McCulley placed third with a jump of 14’ 0’’.  The Braves had two athletes place in the High Jump: Luke Goodman placed fifth with a jump of 4’ 6’’ and Seth Fahlenkamp placed sixth with a jump of 4’ 4’’.

The Braves started the running events strong with a fourth place finish in the 4 X 800 Meter Relay by Skyler Romberg, Brody McKeag, Travis Lewis and Cass McKeag and a first place finish in the Shuttle Hurdle Relay by Vincent Bushong, Jake Hasley, Goodman and Mikey Lyons. They won the event by 9.3 seconds. Stevens ran away with the 100-meter dash title, with a time of 12.50 seconds. In the 1600 Meter Medley, the Braves’ relay team of Lewis, Sidney Roorda, Brody McKeag and McCulley placed second with a time of 5:24.28. The team had two place winners in the 400 M dash, Fahlenkamp and Romberg, Fahlenkamp winning the event. The Braves’ relay team of Roorda, Frank Gillum, Jacob Shaver and McCulley placed second in the 4 X 200 Meter Relay. Cass McKeag placed fourth for the Braves in the 1600 M run. The newest event in the JH meet was the 10 Flight Hurdles; Montezuma had two place winners. Lyons won the event with a time of 17.41 seconds, while Vincent Bushong placed fifth with a time of 19.05 seconds.

In the 200 M dash, Stevens and Gillum placed for Montezuma. Stevens won the event with a time of 26.18 seconds. Montezuma’s relay team of Shaver, Gillum, Tyler Geiger and McCulley placed second in the 800 Meter Medley, with a time of 2:14.91. The Braves had two place winners in the 200 M hurdles, with Goodman placing second and Jake Hasley placing third. 

In the 800 M run, the Braves placed two, Skyler Romberg finishing fourth and Lewis finishing fifth. Montezuma placed second in the 4 X 100 Meter Relay with a time of 59.19 seconds. Lyons, Hasley, Fahlenkamp and Stevens ran the event.  The Braves finished the meet strong with a second place finish in the 4 X 400 Meter Relay with a time of 4:45.89. Goodman, Geiger, McCulley and Fahlenkamp competed in the event. 

Overall, the Braves competed well throughout the windy night and look to improve their times as the season continues.

JH Bravettes receive second place at home

by Andrea Farrington

Junior High Bravettes opened the track season with a second place, 111  point finish on April 14, just one point behind Iowa Valley with 112. 

Alex Brenner received 1^st place with a 76’ 6” throw in discus, Kaylene Corbin received 3^rd place with a 23’5” throw in shotput. 

Second place finishes were earned by Jade Crandall, Clara Johnson, Sidney Ehret and Aliya Pargeon in the 4x800 Meter Relay. Pargeon in the 1500 meter run and 1600 meter Distance Medley Relay with runners Alex Brenner, Taylor Ives,  Pargeon and Alisha Arendt placed third. 

Katie Maschmann finished first in both the 100 meter dash and 200 meter hurdles. 

Mackenzie James placed second in the 100 meter dash and first in the 200 meter dash. 

To end the meet Keira Blanke, Maschmann, Arendt and James placed first in the 4x100 Meter Relay. 

Coach Reif said, “Every event we entered had a girl place, which means everyone contributed to our score. Great team effort from every girl.”

FFA members are successful at 2011 State competition

Student teacher Lindsay Crawford prepares Business Management members Alex Peck and Calli Zimmerman for taking a practicum to get ready for their State FFA Convention. (Alexa Wheaton photo)

by Alexa Wheaton

On Wednesday, April 13, the Montezuma FFA contest participants left for Ankeny to work on final details for the 2011 FFA State Convention. Twenty-nine students began early Thursday morning, either for their contest, studying for an upcoming contest, attending the FFA career show or supporting fellow teammates. 

Following a long day at the convention, students departed for the hotel to continue studying and preparing for Friday’s events. Students invested  long hours since January practicing and preparing for these two days to hopefully earn a first place and to advance to nationals. 

Business Management

The Business Management team brought home another state title to join the previous 17 consecutive wins at the state competition. The Business Management contest consists of two tests. The team was given two hours to complete a 75-question multiple choice test; 15 minutes to complete a 7-question team test based on material that was given a week prior.

Following the team activity, students were given 15 minutes to complete a 5-question multiple choice test individually. The team consisted of Nathan Wheeler, Stephen Vavroch, Carrie Graham and Kendra Doty. Individually, BGM students Graham and Doty placed first and second; Wheeler placed sixth. 

Wheeler said, “At times it was very stressful to know that we could be the team to end the streak, but with Mr. Swenson’s help, we had confidence that we would come out with a successful win.”

Agriculture 

Communications

On the first day of the convention, Agriculture Communications students were given a 30-minute test based on proofreading and editing and another 30-minute test on the basic knowledge on the communication field.

Friday led a busy day with Agriculture Communications at the Polk County Convention Center starting with a 7 a.m. press release where students were allowed to take as many notes as possible in the 15 minutes that were allotted. After the presentation, students were given 45 minutes to create practicums: a news story, press release, radio broadcast and graphic design. 

Following the 45 minutes of practicum, the team gave a 15-minute presentation on a topic that they had been rehearsing and followed by 5 minutes of questions from the judges. The team placed first along with Natalie Wheeler placing first and Halley Ogan placing sixth individually. The team will advance to nationals in Indianapolis in the fall. The team consisted of Tyler Swenson, Ogan, Wheeler, Kendra Cranston and Aly James. 

Agriculture Sales

Agriculture Sales began the contest a week early by taking a 50-question test online. On the second day of the contests the team began with a 15-minute practicum, such as: customer relations, prospecting or order taking. Following the practicum the team individually did a 7-minute sale on their rehearsed product. 

Once the team reunited, they gave a team presentation on a topic they were given to memorize the night before. The team placed sixth at the state competition. The team consisted of Norman Martin, Eric Osborn, Kaylin Hansen, Calli Zimmerman and Alex Peck. 

Conduct of Meetings

On Thursday the freshmen team conducted a 10-minute FFA meeting followed with 5 questions about the FFA organization. The Conduct of Meetings team, Courtney Petersen, Karah Hansen, Colleen Johnston, Abbi Nelson, Tiffany Heishmann, Julie Audas, Mitch Gibson, Kaylee White and Katelyn Gregory, placed third of twelve teams.  

This contest is not eligible for national competition.

Job Interview

Nathan Wheeler began the contest early while designing a cover letter, formatting a resume and giving 3-4 references all prior to competition.

On the first day of competition Wheeler had 20 minutes to fill out a job application form and then was interviewed by a panel of four judges for 10 minutes. Following the interview judges asked questions for 5 minutes based on the position applied for. Wheeler placed fifth at the state competition. 

Ag Broadcasting

Aly James participated in the Radio Broadcasting CDE on Thursday. All radio broadcasters sat through an actual radio broadcast and are given the script and are allowed to cut, copy or mark on the script to create their own 4-5 minute broadcast consisting of a news story, weather report and a commercial. James placed eighth. 

Individual Sales

Thursday afternoon Alexis Ferguson defended Montezuma during the Agriculture Sales event. Ferguson was given 12 minutes to sell Heartland's Health Salsa to the judges. Ferguson placed second. Ferguson said, “Ag. Sales has given me the ability to handle myself professionally while dealing with a sales product. It also helped me with my personal ability to work with people I have never worked with before.”

Rising Star

Tyler Swenson represented the Montezuma FFA Chapter on Friday during the Rising Star Award. The Rising Star is designed to recognize sophomore FFA members. Six finalists that make it out of districts are interviewed by the Boone FFA Alumni Chapter. The award is based on the FFA involvement and their SAE record book. 

Iowa Degree

Courtney Latcham, Shannon Sutfin, Alexa Wheaton, Calli Zimmerman and Alex Peck were given one last chance to wear their FFA jackets and represent Montezuma while accepting their Iowa Degree. This award is based on the SAE record books that students have been working on since they were freshmen. The Iowa degree is the highest award that the Iowa FFA chapter can award members.

Student teacher Lindsay Crawford said, “Being new to the Montezuma FFA Chapter, I was very impressed with all the FFA members and their competition. I enjoyed watching where each member started the season and where they were on contest day. I am very proud of all their hard work and efforts.”

Final advice from seniors

by Hope Kriegel

As final preparations are being made for graduation, the class of 2011 is counting down their last days at Montezuma High School. They are about to begin the next chapter in their lives and have some things they think younger students should know about high school. They share their hopes for where they will be in ten years and what they will leaving behind and miss. 

Kayla Evans

Kayla says, “I see myself somewhere other than Iowa, maybe even in another country, working happily.” She wants the younger students to get involved with something because high school isn’t just about books. Kayla will miss seeing all her friends the most. 

Kirk Salnave

In 10 years, Kirk wants to be working in Des Moines or somewhere that offers him a good job with his wife and child. He tells the freshmen, “It might seem pointless to take the time, but these are the years that shape who you are.” Kirk is going to miss messing around with his friends, playing sports and just being with the people he grew up with.  

Alex Peck

Alex wants to have a job and be settling into a medium-sized town about the size of Grinnell in 10 years. He also would like to be moving up to a management position, so that in 15-20 years he can have the experience and knowledge of how to run a business so he can start his own business. Alex’s advice is to take foreign language because if you don’t, it will come back to bite you when you apply for college so take it even if you hate it. 

He also says, “Take English and agriculture classes because they teach you many skills you will need later in life. Dave Ramsey (Personal Finance) is a very good class as well because it helps you understand how to invest and stay out of debt.” Alex will miss knowing everyone so well but says he is ready for college. 

Marisa Bushong

Marisa predicts herself to be back in Monte with a nice house and a family of her own with a great job working as a registered nurse in 10 years. She tells the freshmen, “Don’t be scared to live your life to the fullest. High school can be rough but you will make it through.” Marisa is going to miss her friends and all the great memories we have made the most.  

Bret Rhodes

Bret thinks he will still be in the army in 10 years. He says, “After high school, it is either college or work so work the hardest to be your best.” Bret will miss his friends the most.  

They are happy to say they are moving on to the next stage in their lives but they know they will miss the comfort of growing up in a small town where they know everyone they pass in the halls. They leave their advice and best wishes for the future classes. 

TAG tastes the college experience

Nathan Wheeler, Natalie Wheeler, Rachel Ranfeld, Natalie Kirton, Katie Benson and Kaylin Hansen eat lunch in the cafeteria at Wartburg College for the Iowa Talented and Gifted Young Scholars Program. (Abby Clark photo)

by Natalie Kirton and Rachel Ranfeld

On Tuesday, April 12, six students traveled to Waverly for the Iowa Talented and Gifted Young Scholars Program, as well as approximately 120 students from other Iowa schools. This conference was held at Wartburg College and was a day full of activities. 

Instructor Abby Clark brought students Kaylin Hansen, Natalie Kirton, Rachel Ranfeld, Natalie Wheeler, Nathan Wheeler and Katie Benson to participate in the conference. Check in began at 8:30 a.m. at McCaskey Lyceum, followed by a small continental breakfast. President Darrel Colson welcomed students and Wartburg senior Abbey Hempen spoke about how taking initiative in high school can ensure a better future.

Wartburg staff led students to different parts of campus to partake in one of eight morning workshops, such as The Brain, Studying Abroad, Social Media and Civic Engagement. These workshops were designed to be a preview of courses offered at the college. 

Afterward, students reported to lunch in the Mensa, or cafeteria. Because Montezuma students were set to leave early, instructor Abby Clark, a Wartburg graduate, guided them on a tour of campus, ending at the college fair in the Hall of Champions. Represented colleges were Buena Vista, Central College, Graceland University, Grandview University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Luther College, Simpson College and Wartburg College. 

Lastly, the TAG group moved on to their final workshops, which consisted of Socrates Café, Secret Gospels, Social Media, Exploring the Nature of Science and The Brain. 

Abby Clark said, “We had a wonderful time learning about different career opportunities and college experiences, including everything from dessert in the cafeteria to a tour of the dorm rooms. I was glad to have shared some of this college with my students.”

Class of 2011 evaluates their future goals

by Hope Kriegel

Part 3 of a series

Graduation is just around the corner and the seniors are eargerly waiting to be officially done with high school. We will have completed 2,330 school days since we were kindergartners. 

After all this time, we have thought about where we hope to be in the future, what we think the younger students need to know about high school and what we will miss after we leave.    

Vincent (Vinny) 

Buchanan

Vinny wants to be managing a hotel or fine restaurant in 10 years. He tells younger students to keep up with their schoolwork. Vinny will miss hanging out with his friends the most. 

Katurah (KT) McKee

In 10 years, KT sees herself as a nurse, helping people, living life to the fullest and being happy. KT wants to tell the freshmen, “There will be dark days that really suck and there will also be good days that everything goes great but no matter what, just have a positive attitude!” 

She is going to miss making great memories with everyone and just bonding and being with them, being on a team and growing with each other in sports the most. 

Shannon Sutfin

Shannon wants to be working as a nurse in the Cayman Islands in 10 years. She tells younger students to “Get involved in as much as you can throughout high school because once it is over, you’ll wish you could do it all over again.” Shannon will miss being able to walk through the halls and know everyone by name the most. She will also miss being involved in sports. 

Dakota McFatridge

Dakota will be working in 10 years. His advice is to get good grades and play sports. Dakota will miss baseball and hanging out with his friends the most.  

Teona Sutfin

Teona says, “I should be working in a dental office as a dental hygienist, married with kids and living in a bigger town in 10 years.” Her advice is to make as many memories as possible because it's over before you know it and start planning for college early! Be prepared to grow up quickly because we all have to. Teona is going to miss her friends the most. She says, “They have gotten me through the last 13 years. I love them to death!”

Spencer Roorda 

Spencer hopes to be working as an engineer traveling around the world for his job. He tells the younger students to “Be sure to take advantage of every opportunity when you’re here because when the end comes, you don’t want to ask yourself where your high school experience went.” Spencer will miss his friends and participating in sports the most.  

Hope Kriegel

Hope wants to have a stable job doing what she loves and helping children in 10 years. She also hopes to be married and possibly with a child or two and loving her life.  Hope tells the freshmen, “Take chances, push yourself, make mistakes and learn from them. Do what makes you happy, be around the people you love and just have fun. Never accept less than you deserve or let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” She is going to miss her family and knowing everyone so well. Also, she will miss playing high school sports and all the memories she made while playing.

Wyatt VanDee

Wyatt wants to be married with at least one child, and living on his own farm raising cattle in 10 years. His advice is to do homework and turn it in on time. Wyatt is going to miss being in class with his friends the most.  

To be continued…

JH raises awareness for African issues

by Bryan Stanford

Andy Erselius’s seventh grade geography class recently completed a project to raise awareness of factors that affect the people in Africa. 

The issues that students decided to present ranged from lacking clean water to fighting HIV and AIDS to providing education for women with needs. Other topics focused on blood diamonds, orphanages, the fight against malaria and provisions for the basic needs of people.

The criteria for the project was that students were to choose an issue that occurs in Africa that intrigued them. After that, they were to research the topic, find an organization that works toward that issue and present their findings to the class. Aliya Pargeon said, “After learning about the issues in Africa, I wanted to help children in Africa.”

The class wanted to raise money for an organization that the students presented. The class had a tough time deciding between Play for Hope, Girls Education Fund and Waves for Water. Play for Hope is an organization in Rwanda that is helping to build up youth that are in the shadows of the genocide of the 1990s through sports. Girls Education Fund helps women get the education they deserve. 

“I was looking for a project that students could present to their classmates that required them to learn about issues that some people in the United States take for granted,” Mr. Erselius commented. They decided to donate money to Waves for Water, an organization that provides portable water filters so people all over the world can receive clean water. 

The geography class was able to raise enough money to purchase a Family Use filter system that will provide enough clean water for 14 people for the rest of their lives. 

Stressed about ACTs

by Rachel Ranfeld

The pressure is on for students across the Midwest. 

ACT testing was given in a center set up at Montezuma High School for the fourth consecutive year Saturday, April 9. Fifty-three students were registered, of which 40 were from Montezuma, leaving 13 from nearby schools.

Afterward, we students agreed that the science portion of the test was the most difficult of the four. Because of the time limit, many of us felt rushed and didn’t finish individual tests, but filled in the few remaining answers at the last minute. After all, it wouldn’t count against us if we guessed wrong.

As we all know, ACTs are a big deal for getting college acceptance letters and scholarships. We all aim high and try our hardest to get the best score, which is a 36. Although that’s not very likely since our Iowa average is 21, we can still hope. 

However, we aim to get a 28, at least, in order to be eligible for the full-ride Burgett scholarship to Grinnell. 

So these next 2-3 weeks are going to be tedious as we await the results, because we know one great score could open the door to the best schools in the nation whereas one low score could make it difficult to even reach for the door handle.