The Bison – March 15, 1991

Whether or not a student votes, major decisions structuring his/her life are formed by the state legislature.

For example, due to a bill being proposed, eighteen would become the new legal drop-out age at the beginning of the 1993-94 school year, if passed.

Although the bill wouldn’t affect many current upperclassmen, this year’s freshmen would be the first students to experience the new law.

For years, politicians have argued the worth, and harm, of the bill.

Even with many predictions of success and “Americans reentering the World Trade Market,” due to this law, some school officials are critical of the change.

“Forcing people to be in a place that they don’t want to be [causes problems],” said Assistant Principal Mark Minkler.

Some insist that the new law is yet another instigator of tension.

“It’s going to put a lot of stress on the schools,” said Principal Nick Miller.

Keeping potential dropouts two or more years by law, could cause supervision problems.

“It’s pretty difficult to handle a 16 year old that doesn’t want to be in school, let alone, an 18 year old,” said Minkler.

The legislation is also raising the length of the school year. Legislation plans to increase the school year, two days per year starting the 1993-94 school year and ending the 2002-03 school year. By that time, students will be required to attend school for at least 190 days.

District 877, ahead of most school districts, already has 176.5 days, so that plan will not affect BHS until the 1996-97 school year.

Minkler said, “We should concentrate on a better job we do, and not do the job we do longer.”

In other words, educators should strive for education quality, not quantity, according to Miller.

Attendance is another matter. Laws say that a student must attend school regularly. Schools must maintain records for a variety of reasons.

“It’s easy to find a student in the school if anyone needs to find them,” said Miller.

Students that don’t follow the attendance laws are subject to the compulsory attendance laws. When the student is absent for more than seven unexcused, separate days, or seven separate hours, the school district files a truancy petition to Wright County, usually by the social worker.

A “dream come true,” Prom 1991 is scheduled for May 11.

Still in the planning stages, several factors will remain the same as last year, while others will vary.

For example, the St. Cloud Civic Center will again host the Prom dance.

“The Edge Of A Dream”, will be the center theme of Prom with metallic colors of basic black, hot pink, aqua, yellow, and red, depicting a city skyline.

Traditionally, the junior class puts on the Prom as a courtesy for the seniors. The main planning for this year’s prom is the responsibility of the junior class officers.

Advising the group Julie Swaggart, junior class advisor, assists in making preparations.

According to Swaggart, the St. Cloud Civic Center is a classy place, has plenty of room, and was the best choice.

“All is going well and yet needs lots of work,” said junior class officer Kim Ibs. “It will be the same D.J. as last year. All us class officers are really pumped to do a great job.”

Others agree.

“The most exciting thing about Prom will be seeing how it’s going to turn out in the end, and to see how all the hard work will pay off,” said junior Heidi Winter.

Juniors wishing to add their ideas about planning for prom should contact a class officer.

An expected increase of 252 high school students in the next five years has District 877 seeking a way to accommodate them.

Architects have been hired and are currently working on ways to accommodate the increased number of students.

Many options are available to the architects, including building a new school entirely.

“The options are unlimited,” said Principal Nick Miller.

The district owns a 40 acre site in the Upper Davis Addition in which a new high school could possibly be built, but there is question as to whether 40 acres is enough land for a high school.

Outcome Based Education (OBE) is another factor for architects to consider when drawing up plans.

“We need to get more flexible type of classrooms,” said Miller. “OBE is better defined when you have a little more flexibility.”

The building exists for students, so student input plays a major role when deciding which is the best option.

Another option being considered is building on to the current school.

“The best way to accommodate all these students is to build on,” said senior Jennifer Reibeling. “We’ve got plenty of space around the school.”

Any new additions or building may cost $30 million. Depending on how the community feels about the expense, the plans may be influenced.

Each year, along with the student population, the number of students in band and choir increases.

“In the next five years, I could see us adding another band, depending on class scheduling,” said band director Rolf Mohwinkel.

The academic computer lab is also feeling the affects of the increasing number of students, it is booked solid for as much as three weeks in advance.

Currently, the school is spending $30-40 thousand per year in technology, $3-4 thousand of that toward computer software alone.

“You can’t predict now what will be needed by then,” said [unclear].

3 News
Students face the April 15th deadline.

6 Features
Kids behind bars, minors or adults?

Selected for the program, BHS will join high schools from over 19 states in the NCA (North Central Association for Accreditation.)

NCA is a self-help program which stresses finding problems within schools and fixing them.

“It is to help us do what we are doing better,” said Band director Rolf Mohwinkel.

BHS applied for accreditation last year, however, the program will not go into effect until the 1991-92 school year. According to Mohwinkel, “A high percentage of the staff thought it was significant.”

Before and during the duration of the program, visitors from other schools in Minnesota will come and evaluate certain areas of the BHS curriculum.

Mohwinkel said, “They would only bring about “fine-tuning changes,” according to Harlan.

The evaluators will talk to department heads and find out what they would like to change in the school. These suggestions will then be taken into consideration.

When the program goes into effect, BHS will not undergo a major transformation. NCA facts show that NCA really does improve the situation in schools. “Nearly 80% of the violations cited in a year are corrected by the next school year,” states a pamphlet on the program.

Student opinion will not be forgotten. Many of the evaluators will be here during the school day. They may stop students at random and find out what they think of the school and what they would like to see changed.

“It (NCA) has to help the students,” said Mohwinkel.

The program is not easy to get into. There is a lot of paperwork involved, and the school applying must meet criteria set by the board.

“I think our existing situation would match well with the criteria,” said English teacher Jack Harlan.

Changes are taking place in the recycling program.

On January 1, 1993 the state of Minnesota will enact a law that states: Every school in the state of Minnesota must recycle three items. BHS plans to be recycling aluminum, cardboard, glass, paper and cans from the kitchen by then, according to Dave Fielder, a member of the teachers' Environmental Task Force.

The items that are recycled include cans, paper, and glass but the recycling program only receives money for the cans, according to Fielder. These products are brought to Polka-Dot recycling at least once a week.

Concerned persons have already acted to broaden the recycling program within BHS. Each classroom now contains a bin for empty aluminum cans, and a box for recyclable paper. The teachers are responsible for emptying the bins.

It is hoped that the new bins will create awareness of environmental concerns and allow for easy disposal to recycle.

“Recycling is a great way to conserve the environment and have a good place for our children to live,” said junior Denise Zacharias.

Although the bins cost approximately $300, the Lions Club donated $100 and the students have collected $126.13 through recycling cans.

Enrollment for about 6 years. Bloomington, one of most populated schools in the Twin Cities, enrolls an average of 57 new students from various regions of Minnesota, while Apple Valley, which excels in its sports program, enrolls an average of 30.

Currently, BHS accepts an average of 11 new students through the Open Enrollment Program in a single year.

Some students question the necessity of Open Enrollment.

“I don’t really care for it because kids take advantage of it-like if they have friends in a different district they’ll move where their school is located,” said junior Roland Walti.

Others prefer the freedom that it offers.

“If [students] don’t like it here they can go somewhere else to their liking,” said junior Jon Hamm.

Some schools in the Twin Cities Metro Area and neighboring communities have a limited number of student enrollments in one school year.

Before enrolling in another school, it is recommended to talk to friends and a school counselors.

The annual all night graduation party will be held on commencement evening, May 7, 1991.

The cost is $30.00 per person, and those attending are encouraged to pay the fee as soon as possible, although it may be paid up to the day of the party.

No guests are allowed, those attending must be a member of the 1991 graduating class.

Notices were sent out in the mail, and if a person did not receive one, or lost theirs, a copy can be received from Marge Zrust, in the school's office.

Third Quarter will be ending on Wednesday, April 3, 1991. Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 - 8:30 P.M.

The next District #877 School Board will be meeting on Monday, April 1. The meeting will be held at Hanover Elementary School, at 7:00 P.M., and is open to the public.

All District #877 students will be dismissed for Spring Break March 25 - 29, and school will resume on Monday, April 1.

Tax forms pile up as the April 15th deadline nears. Even minors must file, and many BHS students must file this year.

Tax professionals suggest many tips when the crunch of tax season nears.

Withdrawing properly and knowing the deductions one is allowed, is a good tip for teens and adults, when filing their taxes according to Donna Priem, an H & R Block tax preparer.

Some students seek professional help for taxes.

“100-150 students come each year. I wish more students would come in so we can explain the tax process to them earlier in their lives,” said Priem.

Others complete the forms by themselves.

“I feel more like my parents have less control of what I do with the money and that makes me feel grown up,” said junior Patty Haworth.

But the majority of the students let their parents, friends, or even grandparents file for them.

Many students say that they approve the practice of a small amount removed from each paycheck throughout the year.

For some teens, taxes are just a sign of getting money back. But for others, taxes can turn out to be an unpleasant bill to the government.

The amount one receives or pays the government varies from person to person, and job to job.

Since 1987, many BHS students have learned how to relate to handicapped students through the Youth Association for Retarded Citizens (YARC).

“Dealing with the handicapped makes us realize that they are more like us than different and we are exposed to more kinds of people,” said Carla Finke, Director of YARC.

Currently, 30 students in YARC work with the handicapped, planning fun activities and getting to know them personally.

Several activities are planned for the coming months. Handicap awareness week will be held during April 21-27. Throughout this week, speakers will be talking about various handicaps.

Other special events planned include a rolling Timberwolves basketball game, an awards banquet, a band concert were Special Education students will participate, the Special Olympics, and a track and field day.

Students recognize the many benefits of being in YARC. “I have lots of fun with the kids and it gives me a better understanding of the handicapped,” said senior Mary Kaurtbaeur. “I enjoy the new friendships I’ve acquired. Most of all, it gives me personal satisfaction.”

Others agree.

“It made me realize that the way we relate to Special Ed. students is to treat them like anyone else because that’s what they are,” said senior Jennifer Reibeling.

“[YARC is aimed at] transferring ideas and beliefs so prejudice isn’t handed down from generation to generation.” said Finke.

YARC has experienced continued growth and more students are receptive to the new and different.

“I am a Special Ed. assistant and I enjoy working with them in class, so I thought it would be fun to play games and activities after school, too,” said senior Leslie Jahnke.

Even school is different for the handicapped students. They attend elementary school until the age of thirteen, then transfer directly to the senior high, where they stay until the age of twenty-one years old.

Completing a difficult season, the Mock Trial, the BHS Mock Trial team looks ahead to next year.

One hope for next year is that alumni members return. Another hope is that the case they try is a criminal case, rather than a civil case. The case that they were arguing this season dealt with a very difficult constitutional issue, Random Drug Testing.

The cases were held in actual courtrooms and a real judge sets the scene.

A highlight of the season was “the ability of the students to adopt to a new attorney coach and their own determination to do well,” said Advisor Laurie Raymond.

This season, the team received the help of two local attorneys: Alan Albrecht and Tom Richards. Dealing with a new attorney was often trying, since the coach has both a mental and a physical effect on the team.

Some of the expectations for next year is, while to continue to improve, to go to region and state.

This season the team competed against schools such as: Wayzata, Kennedy and Bloomington.

All night graduation party preparations

The annual all-night graduation party will be held on commencing event, May 7, 1991.
The cost is $3.00 per person, and those attending are expected to pay the fee in advance. It may be paid to the school office or to any graduate.
Notices were sent out in the mail, and if a person did not receive one, but has, a copy can be received from Ms. Zarg, at the school's office.

Third Quarter classes, conferences planned

Third Quarter will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 1991. Teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 - 8:30 P.M.

The next District School Board meeting will be on Monday, April 1. The meeting will be held at Hanover Elementary School at 7:00 P.M., and is open to the public.

All District 8877 schools will be dismissed for Spring Break: March 25 - 29, and school will resume on Monday, April 1.

Time management. BHS stresses attendance and punctuality--both admirable qualities--on the part of the student, and encourages students to use class time to its fullest potential (another helpful tip).

Even the hallways are now blessed with time pieces.

Even the student handbook contains various time management hints, and “easy to use” calendars.

Good intentions, but...

Let’s remove the log before pointing at specks.

The Bison, as the voice of the student body, believes that it is its duty to reveal a few inconsistencies within the system.

Once upon a time, in a school very nearby, a little white pass is sent through school “mail”. The receiver, leaving his quiz sheet on the desk, heads towards the office to speak with a principal. Twenty-minutes later, the student is still sitting quietly in a little room waiting for the “Next!” His offense: “inadvertently” marked absent in class.

Due to the ten second error in attendance, twenty minutes were lost on a Chemistry quiz.

Inefficiency.

It was not “immediate”. It was not punctual. It was not using class time to its fullest potential.

Following the law, and in order to function, the BHS administration must check attendance. The Bison believes this is a good practice.

But The Bison also believes that minutes should be put where the mouth is.

Not everything runs on schedule. This is a fact of life. But making a more logical, flexible schedule could be a solution. This is planning ahead, using good time management skills.

And that, after all, is one quality high school tries to teach, right?

Two years ago, a bill was introduced to the Minnesota Senate stating that students under 18 would not be allowed to work past 11 pm. Recently, that bill has passed through the first house, but was defeated.

Jobs are a good thing. They teach responsibility, time management, the value of money, and give you hands on skills you can use for a lifetime. But, along with these good things come bad things.

Here’s a scenario: Before entering the workforce, a student had a B plus average, was on the hockey and football teams, a member of NHS, and had good relationships with his friends and parents. Then, during the summer he got a job, to keep himself busy.

This student keeps his job during the school year. Rather early in the school year, he decides not to join football because he would have to quit his job. Management is scheduling him for more hours, until sometimes he works till two am.

His grades begin to drop, and he hardly spends time with his friends because he is working so much. Since he falls asleep in school all of the time, he doesn’t learn anything, so he fails his college entrance exams, and then he decides to become a manager at the place he works.

The fact is that maybe, for students, going to school for eight hours, and then having to go to work for four to eight more hours is too much.

One should also look into why the student actually has the job. One reason is the old car trick. They need a job so they can buy a car, then they need the job to keep gas and insurance on the car. Or, it’s the thrill of having money too spend. Sure, you may have about 50 CD’s and have a cool stereo, but, what will you have after you get out of high school? --A cool stereo and 60 CD’s, that’s what.

The Bison isn’t saying that having jobs is bad, but when it comes to balancing the hours, responsibility is the key to success in school and on the job. In other words, if you can manage them both, all the better, otherwise, set your priorities straight.

Everyone was on-edge, fearing the future and recalling the past. Old Glory was flashed on television screens across America. People, with chins held high, displayed “Proud to be American” bumper stickers, Desert Storm t shirts, and told anti-Saddam jokes. But that was a month ago. The war is over, and our servicepeople are coming home to a self-satisfied America. But even as the military airplanes arrive with great welcome, something is again being shoved back on the shelves of life, only to be dusted--once in a great while--until called upon again. Pride. American pride. American patriotism. Day by day, house by house, block by block, the once proudly tied yellow ribbons are being cut down, the once solemnly raised flags are being gulped down, and the once sought-after maps of the Middle East are being thrown away. How soon we forget. How easily we slide back into the comfortable bliss of ignorance. American patriotism. Is it just like a sports team? Are we all “fair-weather fans”? When the “season” is over, do we look on to the next season’s Great American Past-time? We shelve football when the Super Bowl is over, and we start discussing hockey and spring training. Are we doing this to patriotism? Only during the war have I heard so many people claim that the United States is the greatest country of the world. Only during the war have so many aired their political admiration for the military. Only during the war have so many stood behind the President. Only during the war. But now the war is over. Don’t let patriotism die. It has carried us through the tough times, it deserves the honor of a place in every American’s heart. Patriotism belongs in our hearts. Canned peaches and green beans belong on the shelf. Think about it.

If you want to go to prom with me you’ll have to earn it. In the past I have begged for a prom date in this column. I tried everything: flyers, extra credit in my fathers Modern Problems or Minorities classes, the electronic billboard in the mall, painted it on the rock, KRWC community billboard, a guest spot on Oprah, even skywriting. No more. Here is the criteria you need to live up to, to be my prom date. Do you breathe? Kan you spell? Are taller than 4'5"? (I can’t be shallow about this so here are some harder ones.) Did you vote for Wellstone? Do you believe in Herbert Hoover? Do watch David Letterman? Do you drink diet Mountain Dew? If you answered yes to all these questions, good for you, you can go to prom with me. Of course you’ll have to pass the Gerry Bakke date test -- it’s not that hard since he’s never had to give it. I hope the shock of me getting a date doesn’t give him a heart attack but of course the thought of him gaining a son would be enough to bring him back to life. I know I’m not the only one out there who needs a date there must be two or three people out there who don’t have a mile of prospects lined up behind them. People like us have to stick together. When May 11 arrives you’ll have that special someone to swing around the dance floor with. No Kidding. I wish I had options like last year, I mean after being turned down by the whole school--personally by twenty, looked to my older, smarter, kinder, sweeter brother Eric. But not this year, “No dice, sis I already got a date.” Just wait until Christmas bro I’ll get you back. So if you meet my standards and are free May 11 give me a call. You’ll get me, a younger, not as smart, friendly, funnier version of Eric. Hey, I pierced my ears maybe I’ll even shave my head. Then you could say you went to prom with half the Bakke family. Of course if I don’t get a date who knows what I’ll do. Probably join a convent. A Lutheran convent. But that’s another story. No kidding.

As I look forward to the up and coming Spring vacation, I am quite worried on how my fellow classmates will spend their time. I should hope that you won’t veg on the couch in front of the TV and catch up on Days of Our Lives and stuff your face with bon bons. Okay, back on that horse. Anybody ever read over vacation? For the benefit of literacy in America, I have compiled a reading list for spring reading. The following is a list of books which have effected my life so much that I have changed some things about myself because of questions posed in them. 1. A Prayer for Owen Meany By John Irving This book is excellent. Anyone who is fortunate enough to take Mr. Robinson’s Contemporary Lit class will welcome this book with open arms. Owen Meany is a really small guy with a high scratchy voice. John is his best friend who is also the narrator of the story. Owen kills John’s mother in a funny way, and these two are always pulling crap in their small New England town of Gravesend. (Come to think of it, any novel by John Irving is an excellent way to spend time. Irving has written three novels besides Owen; The Hotel New Hampshire, The World According to Garp, and The Cider House Rules. If the first to listed sound familiar, they should, because they were also made into movies, staring people such as: Rob Lowe, Jodie Foster, Glenn Close, and Robin Williams. I even recommend the movies. So if you insist on being a couch potato, I suggest you check these out.) 2. The Catcher in the Rye By J.D. Salinger This is another from the archives of Contemporary Lit. Holden Caulfield is a guy, about 17 years old, who is kicked out of Prep School and spends a day or two on his own in New York City, smoking cigarettes and meeting interesting people. Holden is the type of person you can sit down and talk to, and the best way you can do this is reading this book. 3. The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald If you are into materialism and have the party till you puke attitude, I think you will like this one. Written by St. Paul’s own Fitzgerald, narrator Nick Carraway reflects on a summer spent with his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, his ex-flame, Daisy, her husband, Tom, and his mistress, Myrtle. Fitzgerald writes how a generation of people lived high and self destructed in the end. Even though Fitzgerald was a womanizer and an alcoholic, his novels are wonderfully written, and you can almost see the difficulties it took to put his own words down. 4. Any book about the New Kids on the Block. (Just kidding, but, these will show you what bad literature and bad subject material is!) 5. Anything written by ME! There goes my arrogance again, eh? People say I’m modest, but don’t listen to them! Now, I am sure everyone will mob the library to find these great works, but, beware, too much reading on an empty brain can cause serious side effects. Like the desire to watch The Love Boat. Enjoy in moderation. Trust me.

Student teachers threaten school, and school teachers threaten students. Teachers are being attacked in class. When students have threatened to attack teachers, one example of phone calls, threats, and harassment is being reported. "Students get mid at teachers because they are the second person to get angry at besides their parents," said English teacher, Karen Swenson.

A student attacked a teacher in a classroom with a hammer, and another was hit with a heavy object. The punishment would be severe if the attack involved a weapon. "The teacher/student relationship is being destroyed, and the student cannot get along, then that isn't always good," said Scott.

Nationally, 59% of those arrested for major crimes are younger. (29% of national crimes are minors.) The FBI has determined that two of every five arrests for burglary and argon were persons under the age of 18. (See listing at right for locales.)

Assaults 19 (suspected and arrested)
Burglary 12 (house/dwelling)
Drugs 3
Alcohol 40 (consumption and possession)
DUl 4
Vandalism 6
Criminal Sexual Contact 5
Robbery 2
Theft 51 (shoplifting)

On Tomorrow, 2, Wright County School District began a new, innovative program to help reduce drug usage among students. The DARE program, drug abuse prevention, started in La Crosse as an effort between the La Crosse Police Department and Wright County Unified School District in 1993.

Developed in education, it was intended to take a look at the drug problem, drug prevention "need" for drugs. By teaching students, the program aims to reduce the amount of drugs used by students in the area. The program is being implemented in schools throughout the county, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the community. The program is being funded by a combination of state and local funds, and it is being supported by various community organizations. The program is expected to be a success, and it is hoped that it will lead to a reduction in drug use among students in the area.

Last year over 1,000 kids committed crimes in Wright County. Anything from running away to driving while intoxicated. Misconduct fit into specific categories: they not yet adults, their offenses are not held as serious as adult crimes, including crimes that are repeated. A juvenile who has had repetitive, dangerous misconduct such as theft, drugs, or being caught with alcohol, being caught with drugs, or being caught with weapons, is often judged as ill. They are often more likely to be sent to juvenile detention centers, in juvenile centers. A minor is treated as an adult, and is often held by a court by a hearing with a judge. A minor is only certified for individual

And 6th grade teachers and students as part of a program that focuses on making processes with students and the ability to teach lessons. The man and women that teach these lessons are all uniformed police officers. As part of two programs, said Robbie, Buffalo Police Officer and Department DAR of. The program begins in fall as a community effort. The Chief of Police announced school district and school working found the Lions and the Rotary Club. There was a definite interest in the program. The program discussed Buffalo Intermediate and St. Francis Xavier School. As the weeks students taught as many as 1,500 students. The local organization, Rotary, is dedicated to community. (This support) is better than I thought. The importance of parents, students and school staff is great. The most important thing is that we have been cooperating, said Harris.

A home away from home. They hold assignments, textbooks, and personal items. They are a part of student life.

Lockers are a necessity for students. They hold everything from books to clothes.

"Lockers are probably the same condition at your school," said Stacey Monroe. "Lockers may be just a storage space to some, but to others, they may mean more than that."

"It's a reflection of personal self," said Junior Ned Akin. Lockers are ornamented in all sorts of ways. This is especially true when you express yourself, said sophomore [unclear].

"The most popular way of decorating lockers is in pictures of musicians, movies, and celebrities," said [unclear].

"Many students use their locker to decorate, and having it decorated is important to them," said sophomore Katie Pavicich. "It's a way to show your personality."

"The school does have rules to follow," said Akin. "The administration judges the safety and welfare of students."

Most students agreed that they had disorganized lockers. "It stays out clean due to the end of the day it is messy," said [unclear].

Some students have had the misfortune of having their lockers stolen in the past. "It's a shame that lockers are stolen," said [unclear].

Students are also used to keeping their lockers clean. "I mainly keep my books organized in my locker," said Akin.

"It's a place to hang out. Everyone meets and talks," said senior Nicole Schlemmer.

"It was a season ill with the guys got more heavily, but the two matches that were most fine. They were Grace and Saint Francis. They were close matches, and we all came together and won," said senior Jason Schober.

After a successful season, the team home from the state tournament. The Bison, with the help of senior Jason Bier with his standout performance, and senior Gerry Beck with his coaching, fought hard. "It was a thrill for me, and I think it's more of a growth thing for us," said senior Beck.

The Bison wrestlers were much more than just a team. They were a family. "We were so close," said senior Bier. "We had each other's backs. We were always there for each other."

Senior Jason Bier was one of the stars of the team. He was a standout wrestler, and he led the team to the state tournament. "It was a great season," Bier said. "We learned a lot, and we grew a lot as a team."

Despite the disappointment of not winning the state championship, the Bison wrestling team has much to be proud of. They had a successful season, and they showed that they can compete with the best in the state. "We'll be back," said senior Beck. "We'll work harder, and we'll come back even stronger next year."

A home away from home. They had been working hard for weeks, and the team was ready to compete. The Bison wrestling team had been preparing for the state tournament for months. They had been practicing every day, and they were ready to give it their all.

"It was a great season," said senior Beck. "We learned a lot, and we grew a lot as a team."

Despite the setbacks, the team was proud of what they had accomplished. They had worked hard, and they had achieved a lot. "We'll be back," said senior Beck. "We'll work harder, and we'll come back even stronger next year."

Individual meets goal: Senior Tracy Oracle had a great meet. She won her match, and she was proud of what she had accomplished. "It was a great meet," Oracle said. "I worked hard, and I'm glad it paid off."

Senior Kate Pavovich also had a great meet. She won her match, and she was proud of what she had accomplished. "It was a great meet," Pavovich said. "I worked hard, and I'm glad it paid off."

The Bison Boys basketball team has enjoyed a successful regular season. They have been playing high-scoring games, and they have been winning a lot of them. "We've had a great season," said senior Beck. "We've played some good games, and we've won some good games."

Senior Jason Bier was one of the stars of the team. He was a standout player, and he led the team to many victories. "It's been a great season," Bier said. "We've played some good games, and we've won some good games."

The team has been playing with a lot of energy, and they have been working hard on both ends of the court. "We've been playing hard, and we've been playing smart," said senior Beck. "We've been working hard on defense, and we've been working hard on offense."

As the season comes to an end, the Bison Boys basketball team is looking forward to the playoffs. "We're ready for the playoffs," said senior Beck. "We've worked hard, and we're ready to compete."

The Bison Hockey team's 5-4 loss to Rushmore in the final seconds of the sectional game, symbolized the Bison's 13-1 overall season. To many of the players, the season was bitter disappointment, although they were happy with how it ended.

The season was however, a loss for the Bison. The North Suburban Conference to be deserved by years SBW, by the 5-1 record in conference play.

"This conference was much harder than we expected," said one player. "We were hoping to win more games, but we did our best."

Through the season the team had several wins. The team agreed this one was a tough loss, but they were proud of how they played.

Through the season the team had several wins. The team agreed this one was a tough loss, but they were proud of how they played.

Checkmate: players fight it out for the championship season the team finished with a season of 13-1. A tougher, more competitive conference would have been a challenge for the Bison. (Photo by Rob Krauck)

“We have learned to work together and function as a team. No matter who is in the game,” senior Chris Johnston said. With the Bison as a new contender to compete against this year, athletics must continue to share about increasing talent. “This new conference, we are in something larger to play in with a lot of competition,” junior Amy Rogers said. With this junior varsity team, the ladies are very much looking to succeed. Both Wesleyan and Koop are looking to work against the Bison. The junior varsity team will be a lot of good talent for the team in the conference next year.

GUARDIING THE WITH THE BALL, junior Becca Worse and junior Jackie Worse guard their opponent in tight fight for the ball. The girls basketball finished the season with a 13-3 record. (Photo by Rob Krauck)

Ian Kramer.

Cheerleading now it's more than just spirit, it's becoming a sport. Various changes have taken place in cheerleading that year. For example, while this year the team was able to do more sections, the squads are having learned one more routine. “The cheers are looking more professional and the stunts are harder than before,” said junior Taylor Tovar. Most cheerleaders can participate as the team grows, they can have the chance to be part of the team. “Trying to keep the energy up between the teams can be a real challenge,” said junior Erika Erickson.

“We want to have fun and just enjoy being part of the team,” said junior Kristen Erickson. “We want to be able to perform a routine that you can make people feel good about.”

With the spring season starting up, many athletes are already working hard to get ready. Before practices begin, athletes are working on strength and stamina that they think would help them.

“It helps the lifting and running a little,” said senior Mike Saxton. “Also, although many athletes may be part of the team, we work together and practice together. It's not just for us, it's for the team.”

“As we get more in shape, it's going to be easier,” said junior Mike Saxton. “It's good to be prepared for the season.”

“Everything we do helps us get ready for the season,” said junior Mike Saxton. “It's important to be in shape and ready to go when the season starts.”

“We have to work hard to be ready for the season,” said junior Mike Saxton. “It's going to be a long season, but we're ready for it.”

“It's going to be a great season,” said junior Mike Saxton. “We're all working hard and we're ready to go.”

One question many seniors face is how to pay for college. Some turn to parents, some pay for it themselves, and others rely on scholarships.

“Some of the best scholarship opportunities are local scholarships, they are the easiest to get and the least competitive,” said counselor Mary Lynn Leff.

There are 42 scholarships available from local business establishments, with a total worth of approximately $27,000, offered through the school. The American Legion, VFW, MN Counselors Association, and Mayflower Bus Company are just a few which provide scholarship monies.

Although National Scholarships are usually the first considered, they aren’t necessarily the best, according to Leff.

National scholarships are too competitive, and create a big let down, so I try to discourage kids from applying for them,” said Leff.

Some popular scholarships that aren’t as competitive are Presidential and individual school scholarships.

Introductory information can be obtained from a school counselor.

Principal Nick Miller contends that being prepared, planning early, and making forms look professional are keys to qualifying for a scholarship. According to him, students should not be afraid to brag on applications.

“When students ask me for help, I can’t stress enough to take the time to prepare,” said Miller.

Underclassmen can do things to prepare themselves for seeking future scholarships.

“Keep a high GPA, take on leadership roles in the school and community, and get to know staff for letters of recommendation,” said Leff.

When awarding scholarships, leadership ability is considered as a quality in deserving a scholarship, according to Miller.

“Most people say that money is out there if you look for it,” said Gloria Rose. “This isn’t always true. Sometimes I think you need to have lost an arm, a leg, and have orange eyes to get a scholarship or financial aid.”