The Bison – March 17, 1995

Following assault cases in two Minnesota high schools, BHS has taken measures to increase building security.

"There's a greater awareness for the need of security," said assistant principal Julie Swaggert.

In the first case in Spring Lake Park, a girl was raped in her school's swimming pool locker room during school hours. In the second case in Apple Valley, a man exposed himself to three female athletes on a path outside of their school, and then molested another girl in the locker room following evening activities.

"If we aren't doing anything, and someone is assaulted in the building, parents might say 'Nick, haven't you seen what's been going on?'" said principal Nick Miller.

All BHS doors, except for the front door, are locked between the hours of 8:20 and 5:30 on school days as of February 13, 1995. "We decided on one unlocked entrance to channel people into the front door," said Miller. Teachers/assistants were chosen to act as student greeters.

"Originally we were only going to have student greeters for a while until we could find the money to hire [an adult], but [the students] worked so well, and did such a good job, I'd just as soon keep them," said Miller. Student greeters are responsible for assisting visitors.

"We sit at a table in the front foyer, and if anyone comes in we have to find out their name, the time and where they're going," said junior Anna Tessmer. After visitors sign in, they are given name tags that they are expected to wear so that students and staff know who they are and why they are here.

"Our thought is that we're going to discourage anyone we don't want here," said Miller. If students see anyone suspicious they're encouraged to tell a teacher or other faculty member.

"[Students] have to be responsible enough to help with this safety too," said Miller.

Many students like the new policy. "[Locking the doors] creates a safer environment for people to work in," said freshman Mark Mavencamp. "You can feel more safe without worrying about people coming in."

Others feel that improved security isn't needed. "I don't feel we need [improved security]. Buffalo's safe -- not like Minneapolis," said sophomore Michelle Anderson.

Many people feel that locking the doors isn't going to solve any problems. "People still get in, [locking the doors] is not effective," said sophomore Kaje Dubbledee.

One complaint many people have is having to come in through the front doors during the day.

"I think [locking the doors] is an inconvenience because we have to walk to the front of the building when we come back from lunch, even if we park [in the teachers' parking lot]," said senior Tim Jacobson.

To help with building security after school, math teacher Pete Johnson has been hired to act as a supervisor from 3:00 to 5:30.

"I walk around and look for people who don't belong here," said Johnson. Administrators want to stress that there haven't been any security problems in Buffalo, but that these are attempts to avoid problems before they start.

"I haven't seen any problems, but you can have no problems for a long time and then run into a big problem," said Johnson. At the end of this year the security issue will be reevaluated, and administrators will discuss any improvements that are to be made.

On March 7, 1995, between 8:19 and 8:28 am, over 20 people walked into the front office late for school. The weather was bad and the roads were treacherous, so these students were excused, but on a beautiful day in May, they might not get off as easily.

Webster's New World Dictionary defines tardy as "slow in moving, acting, etc. or late; delayed; dilatory".

Part of the school community thinks that being tardy isn't taboo and is something that happens on a much too regular basis for some students. This may hinder the student's learning habits. For example, they may miss part of a lecture or assignment; it may also disrupt a teacher and other students from concentrating on what they're doing.

Many people think that part of being on time to a class has to do with respecting the rules. Being on time is a rule at Buffalo, and a part of life that students have to accept. In the future there isn't going to be someone telling students to be on time.

"Students have to learn to be on time, it's always going to be something they have to do," said English teacher Vicki Cary.

Each teacher has the choice of adopting the school's tardy policy or creating their own. Most teachers opt for a passport system. This is the school policy taken from a teacher handbook.

1: If a student is late to class and unexcused, the student is tardy.
2: The teacher must document all students who are tardy each day.
3: If a student is late for a class two or more days, they are required to make up 20 minutes with their teacher either before, or after school.
4: If a student fails to do this the teacher will call the parent of the student.
5: If the student still fails to attend a 20 minute makeup session, the teacher and the principal will have a conference, which may end in suspension from school.

"If every teacher had the same policy, it would be much easier to deal with tardies, but it would be very hard to be that consistent," said assistant principal Julie Swaggert.

Many students feel tardies aren't a problem with tardies; most students follow the rules and get to class on time, and if there are any big problems, they are few and far between.

"Tardies aren't a problem unless the student makes a big deal when they walk in the room and disrupt other students," said senior Jennifer Gregerson.

Some students may feel that there isn't a problem, but some of the administration feels differently.

"Tardies are a problem in our school," said Swaggert.

Again this year, seniors have been given the opportunity to eat lunch off campus. Many seniors have been taking advantage of this opportunity.

Editorials: Homework: To do or not to do, that is the question | page 4
Features: St. Patrick's Day: Just who is St. Patrick anyway? | pages 6 & 7
Spotlight: Winter activities remembered, Snowmobiling, etc. | page 10

The school program called EAGLE is being changed in an attempt to provide better service to BHS students.

EAGLE stands for Extending and Adapting the Gifted Learner's Environment. The program used to be a group that students joined to work on projects and activities. Recently, the focus of EAGLE has changed.

"We're trying to get away from a program where you're in or not in and get more toward service," said advisor Gini MacDonald. Some non-members also disapprove of the program.

"From what I have seen and heard, most people do not get anything accomplished in there," said sophomore Bob Schlick.

Others enjoy the more relaxed approach that EAGLE is taking.

"What I get most out of EAGLE is the trusting feeling of acceptance and knowing I have a place of belonging. Also, no challenge is too hard -- people are always willing to give their points of view," said junior Melissa Wenzel.

MacDonald helps students choose their courses, and she gives suggestions to teachers about how to work with these students.

"Part of the purpose of EAGLE is to give [the students] a place to hang out and be themselves, and part of it is helping teachers modify instruction to meet these students' special learning needs," said MacDonald.

Many people think of the members of EAGLE as students who always get perfect grades.

"There are a lot of recruits about EAGLE," said MacDonald. "Some of the students have good grades and some are failing."

People who want information about or help from the program should talk to MacDonald in room A-1, the EAGLE room.

There are few strict requirements for membership.

Not all members are happy with the changes. Sophomore Nick Mahlberg said that he liked the program better when it was less structured.

"Serendipity, an assumed gift for finding valuable things not sought for. The word wondervogel means wondering bird," said the late Joe Zeigewied, otherwise known as "Ziggy."

Zeigewied passed away on Monday, February 27, 1995.

Every Thursday during mods, Zeigewied would meet with students to talk about various topics including different cultures, literature, languages and more.

"He had a real sense of how everything is intertwined, how all we see is supported by infinitude, if one is willing to dig," said senior Bob Pavienko.

People have observed that when Zeigewied met a student for the first time during the regular mod meetings, he made sure the person was equipped with a clipboard, including a top-bound legal-sized notepad -- A butterfly net for catching ideas, as he called it.

"Ziggy connected language, literature and history better than anyone I have ever met," said gifted education teacher Gini MacDonald. "He had a rare sense of blunt honesty and genuine caring. He gave a lot to our students."

Along with mentoring at the high school, he also worked at Target giving demonstrations about various food products.

"I met Ziggy at Target one day when he was doing a demo for a brand of German pretzels," said senior Shane Snyder. "Strangely enough they were Snyder brand pretzels. I told him my last name was Snyder and he began to give me brief German lessons."

Most people said that many times Zeigewied would talk about the origin of words, role playing characters of that particular country.

He loved people and who they were. He could see their humor and how everyone is connected.

"It's amazing how many words, English words, are connected with other languages and beliefs. Ziggy taught me a lot about the English language in relation to other words and stories," said Snyder. "After talking to him, I could always walk away saying to myself, 'You learn something new every day.'"

A tree will be planted in front of the school this spring in memory of Zeigewied.

Many people said that Zeigewied knew life and how to love it. He stressed that young people must stand up and make themselves be heard.

A part of him can be found in every person's life that he has touched; something that no one can ever take away.

On March 5, 15 sales and marketing students departed Wright Technical Center for the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Minnesota State Conference.

Among those 15, were BHS seniors Corrie Collins, Jackie Gustafson, Michelle Johnston and Aubrey Severson.

While attending this conference, students participated in various Competitions.

"Competition is fierce because of the quality of advisors and students preparing for each event," said DECA advisor Brad Hayes.

In order to make it as far as state competition, DECA members have to invest much hard work and effort into their individual events.

"It was a lot of work, but it was well worth it because it paid off in the end," said Johnston.

The Distributive Education Clubs of America were created as a way to give marketing students across America an opportunity to enhance their skills before entering the job market.

Members see many benefits associated with being involved in an organization such as DECA.

"There was a lot of excitement, and you get to meet a lot of very interesting people, both other members as well as advisors and business people," said Severson.

By the end of the grand awards session, seven students from Wright Technical Center had placed in the finals for their respective events.

BHS has seen Target Team revitalized. Their goal is still to influence students to believe that drinking and drugs aren't necessary to have a good time.

"The Target Team is made up of mainly captains of sports teams, but others can join," said junior Robbie Holmquist.

Target members are expected to practice their message.

"As members of the Target Team, we are drug free and chemical free," said junior Megan Harms.

Target is associated with D.A.R.E, Drug Abuse Resistance Education an organization which works with fifth graders in District 877. The two groups work together to keep youth free from alcohol and drugs.

"Younger kids usually look up to the older ones, so when they see us not involved with drugs and alcohol, then hopefully they won't be either," said senior Torri Meyer.

In addition to speaking, Target listens to speakers on presenting to others, so they can publicize their message and not seem to be nagging.

The media, which includes television, radio, magazines, music, movies, and newspapers, is a common part of the American culture.

Some say it wields a large amount of power over the messages the society receives. Students come into contact with the media everyday in one form or another, and the ideas received may affect their actions in their lives.

Most students watch the largest amount of television during prime time, from 7pm to 10pm. During this time, they view programs which deal with the police, the medical system, documentaries, the news, various comedies and made for TV movies.

"Some TV shows aren't true to life and give people the idea that cops are bad people," said sophomore Jenny Jobes.

Commercials are also abundant during this time, focusing on a wide variety of products from trucks and diapers, to food. Viewers sometimes feel they are assaulted with numerous attempts to earn their money and support.

"I compare myself to what I see [in the models] and that sets an unattainable standard for what you should look like -- perfect," said junior Stacie Seuker.

Some students feel that companies play off of the emotions with ideas linked with such objects as babies and puppies, cats and teddy bears and play with the different possibilities of presenting the information.

"[Because of advertisements] I believe things maybe I shouldn't, about music, food and cosmetics," said junior Gail Pemberton.

Commercials that typically catch the viewer's eye promote restaurants, clothes and brand names, sales, and diet plans.

Children's television has become a controversial topic that has many people upset. Some believe that children's programs such as "Power Rangers" provide poor plot structure and a high level of violence which is causing children to become more aggressive.

"There is too much murder, crime and TV violence -- kids should go back to watching Bugs Bunny," said senior Josh Lange.

However, there are others who believe that no amount of television violence will change the children who view the programs.

"The first amendment needs to be upheld, and although there is a lot of violence on TV, parents are the ones who should be responsible for what their children do. If you don't like it, kill your TV - don't use it as a baby-sitter. The government isn't responsible for raising your children," said senior Sira Anderson.

Generally, students manage to pick up and scan a newspaper sometime during the week.

The availability of the papers throughout the school provides numerous opportunities to do this.

"When you look at the front page and see a lot of murders, you know there is a lot of crime and that people get away with things," said freshman Amy Peterson.

Most students feel that violence is an issue that needs to be dealt with in the near future, although they also feel that it is all the media covers.

"It's better to be warned than to be naive," said Seuker.

Many students feel that the attention the media is giving O.J. Simpson is over-done and reaching a point where it has become unrealistic.

"At first it was fine to find out what was going on, but I'm tired of it now," said Jobes.

Newspapers may gain readership through the coverage of controversial issues or well-known people.

"He's popular so people listen to what's going on, although there is too much hype. The papers know it will get your attention," said Peterson.

Some think that the main job of a newspaper is to inform people of what is happening in society, but feel they sometimes go too far.

"It's overrated and people get hooked on it even though it's not that big of a deal," said freshman Jake Henry.

The BHS Odyssey of the Mind teams competed on Saturday, March 11 at regions to determine state competitors.

Two teams consisting of four or five people each which competed in two different categories.

The teams solve short term problems at practices to stimulate creative thinking. They also work to come up with solutions to long term problems.

The Odyssey of the Mind teams are judged on their solutions to long term problems.

"[Odyssey of the Mind is] a competition to see which team can solve their prospective problem in the most creative manner," said junior Matt Boehlke.

Creativity is what the teams are judged on in competitions.

"The members are to be as creative in their answers as possible, the more creative, the higher the points," said coach John Thyren.

One of the teams performed a vaudeville play featuring the dance of the fern.

"I'm in vaudeville. We do three acts and one has to have a positive aspect of society," said freshman Jennifer Stachowski. "We have to have a commercial and an emcee."

The other team is building a vehicle called "Scientific Safari" to meet certain requirements.

"The vehicle must cost less than 100 dollars, have at least two power sources and be four by six feet or less," said sophomore Peter Waltz.

Most students are in Odyssey of the Mind because it challenges them.

"I like the challenge and it's fun to work with other people to build a car that meets the requirements," said Waltz.

The team members not only need to be creative, but also develop creativity as they problem solve.

"I can't tell them the way to solve their problems. The students have to use genuine creativity and sheer brain power," said Thyren.

The students enjoy the challenge presented to them in Odyssey of the Mind.

"I'm in Odyssey of the Mind because I enjoy a chance to be creative and do problem solving in a non-traditional way," said senior Katie MacDonald.

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Junior Nathan Graybill works on his Odyssey of the Mind project "Scientific Safari".

One district meeting remains for students, staff, parents and community members to contribute to a blueprint of long range goals for District students. Scheduled for 7-9 pm March 20 in the BJH library, it is the third meeting designed to gain community input about priorities for the next four to five years.

The annual Night Out For Music is tomorrow, March 18. Night Out For Music is a fundraiser to make money for the 1995-96 Concert Band and Concert Choir trip. Social hour will begin at 6:30pm with dinner being served at 7:30. The Jazz Band and BHS Singers will perform.

Homework is a necessary evil. Although many of us have other things to do such as sports, jobs, and other activities, we must endure the daily assignments. Even though heavy books are a good substitute for those who are unable to make it to the gym, they're still inconvenient. The assignments are often useless busywork. They frequently do not help students to learn, and can produce a good grade with little or no effort. Assignments are often time consuming. They can use up several hours that could be used for other purposes. They are longer than needed, going on after the subject has been understood. In addition to being time consuming, assignments -- especially major ones -- often have unrealistic deadlines. Research alone requires half of the time given to work on it. This leaves very little time to efficiently finish the assignment itself.

On the other hand, however, homework can be essential to pass a class and comprehend subject material. It help to review what has been covered in class and provides skill practice. The Bison also understands that even though the books are heavy and tedious to carry around, they are also good to have to look back on in case one gets stuck somewhere on the assignment.

Homework also teaches real-life skills such as responsibility and discipline. By learning to get homework in on time, students learn to incorporate obligations into their lives. Whether learning to deal with life's difficulties or simply struggling to pass a class, homework is something everyone loves to hate.

So before it becomes eaten by a pooch or stolen by aliens, try it; you just might learn something.

I recently had the chance to talk to the senior class about some of the feelings that many seniors have as they finish their last year of high school. I have wanted to give this talk for many years and I really enjoyed this opportunity. The following is a summary of that speech:

You, as seniors, may very likely experience some of the following emotions and feelings:

1. Irritability: It is not uncommon that you may feel your friends, teachers, parents and others bug you a lot.

2. Fear; Many seniors experience the fear of losing lifelong friends. There is a fear of the future and leaving the security of home.

3. Relief; You are finally finishing your 13 year journey and there is a real sense of relief and contentment. In only three of these cases, you will feel periodically throughout your life.

4. Regret: You may regret that you didn't do more with your opportunities. This is a common emotion that

5. Excitement and Anticipation: there are many good times ahead. Many people may tell you that high school is the best time of your life. In reality, that is not true for most of us.

6. Sadness: Endings and good-byes can be very difficult. Don't fight you sadness and be prepared for the feelings.

As you work through these emotions remember that they are very common. You are not going crazy and the people around you care about you. As you finish your last semester remember these things:

1. Your parents love you very much, and they are struggling with these emotions. We are getting older and that can be frightening. You have been our whole life for a very long time. We are scared to lose you, and we worry when you are not happy. We also have regrets for the times we didn't make the best decisions. We often worry that we love you too much.

2. All of us at school want you to be happy. We are experienced at working with seniors. We are trying to give you more freedom as you become seniors. Remember this as you become more frustrated with bells, passes and required notes from your parents.

3. Cut others some slack. Your friends are experiencing some of the same feelings. Your parents need for you to understand them. Give others the unexpected gift of love. It is easy to love others when they are doing the right thing and not bothering you. It is much more difficult to love others when they are getting on your nerves.

In closing I want to leave you with a few thought. Cherish your friends and family. Plan your future with optimism and excitement. Thank those who have helped you through your high school career. Enjoy the remainder of the year. Break down the barriers of cliques and reignite a friendship with a classmate. Tell your parents you love them.

Dear Editor:

Each year in the United States close to one million teenage girls are victims of an unplanned pregnancy and one out of five sexually active teenagers in America has contracted a STD in the past year.

This is occurring because sexual activity among teenagers has increased 63 percent in the past 20 years which has also highly elevated the use of abortion and the neglect of the born children, and the spread of STDs is rising rapidly among teens between the ages of 13 - 17.

In my personal opinion, which has been based on my own experiences and things I have witnessed in the past few years, I feel very strongly on the issue of placing contraceptive machines in high school locker rooms and bathrooms of both genders. I have started feeling strongly about this issue due to three terrible, and very life-ruining, threatening instances.

The first of the three is that in the past year I have had 15 friends under the age of 17 give birth to babies that were unplanned. In only three of these cases, the father of the baby has stayed around to face the unplanned pregnancy that will require these teenagers to become adults/parents before they are ready.

Another horrible outcome of the sexually active teens that I know has been three cases of genital herpes, one case of syphilis, five cases of genital warts, one case of gonorrhea, and six cases of AIDS. Due to these STD's, four people have died and two people have been sterilized. These diseases could have been prevented in every case except one if only they had used a condom. In a recent study, 75 percent of teenagers do not buy contraceptive devices because they feel uncomfortable purchasing it in a store where someone related or friends of the family might see them.

And the last or most deadly of all is that I know six people that have been infected with the AIDS virus that are under the age of 24. In two cases, two beautiful human beings have been laid to rest, and one, my cousin, is suffering through his last few weeks with his disease which he says could have been prevented by using a condom.

Since the late 1980s the condom has been advocated by the US government as an effective way to prevent the spread of STD's and a cheap, easy to use device to help prevent unplanned pregnancy. Out of 100 couples who have sex on a regular basis, only ten conceive which makes condoms 90 percent effective and protect both partners from one or more of the 50 STDs facing the teenage population of the US.

The US has the highest pregnancy rate in the world and maybe making condoms available won't solve the problem, but it helps to provide kids with the tools that may save their life. Let's face it, kids are going to experiment with sex, it's a natural part of growing up and having condoms available in a society where a growing teen is constantly struggling with their sexual identity may instill a healthful habit during a time and society where their exploration of love may take their life.

There is a battle in progress right now, at this very second, and we don't even realize it. We are so busy trying to face our own problems, and make sense of our own lives that we can't notice what is happening. We don't see the destruction, the cost of lives, the broken spirits. We are unconcerned because we believe it will never reach us.

The children are being dragged through it, teenagers are committing suicide because they are being engulfed by it and the rest of America is miserable because of it.

The seeds were planted a long time ago, and now we are reaping a crop which will poison us in the end.

People are constantly on the defensive about harassment, discrimination, PC, and government officials who have no common sense. We witness people giving up hope every day, and feel helpless, so we ignore it and hope desperately that it will go away.

We ignore the feeling of being led astray, of having no ground to stand on, of teetering precariously on the edge of a ravine and not having anyone hear our plea for help.

It has occurred gradually, approaching silently on cat feet. Restrictions, expectations, regulations, ways of thinking, acting, and living being slowly placed upon our weakening shoulders.

Society has put so much emphasis on being good little boys and girls, on being best friends with every opinion... about being blind to color, about not discriminating against those who are less fortunate, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, Japanese-Americans, men, women, the guy next door who stabbed his wife and claimed it was because he had a hard childhood and didn't get what he wanted for Christmas, that we have become blind to the big picture.

Trying to please everybody and be outstanding in everything has taken over our thoughts, speech and actions. The result of this is the fact that we are pleasing nobody and achieving very little.

We have lost our personalities and the elements which make us unique and special -- and human. We have lost endearing characteristics and the ability to express ourselves truthfully.

In attempting to make America the perfect, non-offensive culture, we have succeeded in creating a society of zombies -- of many followers and very few leaders -- a society that values material possessions, like swimming pools and Nintendo.

The opinions we voice are based on what we hear through the media, government and schools. We don't question this information and blindly believe it is right. The ever-changing fads rule our daily lives and dictate everything from clothes and music, to food and which movies we watch. It's cool to believe we're fat and worthless. It's also cool to feel we have no control over our lives and to not be happy with our little corner of the world.

Our society is that of closed minds. We refuse to consider, let alone accept, the other side of any given issue. Abortion, gun control and capital punishment are prime examples -- they are issues which invoke brutal arguments. These issues will never have a solution because there are too many of us who are too bull headed to look at how the other side is thinking. Maybe if we climbed down off of our soapbox for a few minutes and gave a little respect to those with whom we are at opposite ends, we could reach a compromise which we are willing to accept.

I feel we have forgotten the possibility that we are not always correct. Opinions are good things to believe in, however, these thoughts should be tempered with the idea that this is America and, in theory, we are all free to make our own decisions, think our own thoughts and lead our own lives in everyday life.

The roar of the crowd as a hockey player is bashed against the boards, the ice cold glare of a person that has been sentenced to the box, the echoing snap of a goalie stick hitting the post after the puck burns through the net...

From the barbaric throwing of punches to the obnoxious antics of overzealous fans, postseason play sends emotions running on overtime. Whether it's hockey, gymnastics, or Mock Trial, the strain of competition gnaws at each and every nerve in a person's body.

Athletics and activities help us to reach our fullest potential. Teach us how to work as a team to achieve a common goal. Challenge our minds and hearts. Make us more dedicated, communicate, and enhance leadership skills. However, extracurricular activities also create a passion for winning and an intolerance towards losing in those who are involved in them.

Have you ever heard the saying, "Second place is the first loser"? This philosophy seems to summarize the mentality of many student athletes.

This type of thinking isn't necessarily bad, especially if you're serious about what you're involved in. But it adds to society's ideals of always looking out for number one, always striving to be the best no matter what the cost, and always in constant competition for everything.

During a recent Mock Trial meet, I realized how intense it can be to come out as the winner. The team we competed against had gone against the rules in order to win and go on to the state level. Their lawyers scripted our trial when we competed against their school's other team, knowing that when we met in region finals we would have to go the side that they have scripted us. They ended up knowing every single thing about our trial, when to object, and how to get around all of our up time did rather than taking "sluff classes."

This may sound confusing. I would prefer to be bored and antsy in a class that I find interesting than in one I find dull or boring. Because of my choice of classes, lately I found that I don't have time to feel Senioritis. I really don't have time to do anything, other than worry about things that I don't have time to do. These classes give homework and it's my responsibility to do the work and get the job done. This in a way has saved me from being hit hard by Senioritis. This homework gives me something to do, something to think about. It fills what time I have, and creates the stress level that I need to strive and work as a functioning being.

There is no real rhyme or reason to this article. The main thought that I want to get across is when you have the chance, challenge yourself. Time goes faster when you're truly interested in something rather than if you're there just because it's something easy.

They won the meet by only one point, but they did it against the Mock Trial regulations. It was tough to accept the fact that we probably would have won if they had not cheated. But sometimes the pressure to be victorious overrides all of people's other emotions, including fair play and a clear conscience.

I see this type of behavior in school. Comparing grades, test scores and abilities are not uncommon in the classroom among students. While we should really be helping one another understand the material, many students are much too caught up in their own egos to assist those who are having problems.

Survival of the fittest is one of the most basic principles in nature. But was this meant to include sporting events, activities, and grades? I guess my point is that while we live in a world that emphasizes personal gain, try not to get so involved in yourself that you can't stop to help others catch up with you.

Winning will always be a wonderful experience, and competition will always exist. But the key is to maintain a healthy level of the two while remembering the people who helped get you there.

Last issue, Ami Miller wrote on the abundant problem of Senioritis. To this, I can relate, and can honestly say I suffer from the downside to this responsibility.

When registering for my classes last year a teacher told my class that although most kids think of senior year as a sluff year, you'd be better off having challenging classes rather than completely easy or boring classes. I took the challenging road. I chose classes that interest me and classes that would make me work. I chose this, and I have to pay for my choice.

Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with challenging classes. In fact I really am glad that I chose the classes that I meet, I realized how intense it can be to come out as the winner.

This may sound confusing. I would prefer to be bored and antsy in a class that I find interesting than in one I find dull or boring. Because of my choice of classes, lately I found that I don't have time to feel Senioritis. I really don't have time to do anything, other than worry about things that I don't have time to do. These classes give homework and it's my responsibility to do the work and get the job done. This in a way has saved me from being hit hard by Senioritis. This homework gives me something to do, something to think about. It fills what time I have, and creates the stress level that I need to strive and work as a functioning being.

Recently, one of the buzz words in school and society has been self-esteem. It's widely accepted that high self-esteem is a good thing to have and low self-esteem is the source of many problems including school failure, delinquency, teen pregnancy, suicide and chemical dependency. Some educators and human behaviorists question a blind devotion to high self-esteem as a cure-all for human problems. These people suggest it is more helpful to avoid rating oneself. They suggest instead that behavior be considered in terms of helpfulness in getting us what we want.

Self-esteem can be better off regarding yourself as a good rather than bad person, people believe that to be "good" one must perform well at something (even if it's a small thing). This thinking increases anxiety because you'll tend to judge worth based on performance. Consider rating behavior as useful or less than advantageous, considering your goals. You aren't your behavior. You're much too complicated to be reduced to a one word description - good or bad. So are your friends, parents, teachers and employers.

Freeing yourself from self-evaluation can make it easier to try things without risking self-worth. It can allow you to evaluate behavior and choices.

In a world of frustration and chaos, people just need that extra support and security to get through the day sanely. They need that extra edge that will put them above everyone else, something unique and mystical. Something that will assure them that everything will turn out okay. Thus, people turn to the inanimate for answers.

"I believe in luck, but I don't believe in talismans," said senior Chris Wessman. "I believe in that guy who is always hit in the head by a meteor while he is wearing a lucky rabbit's foot or his lucky dirty boxers."

Some prefer a routine, something that they are familiar with and used to, so they have something to focus on should life throw them for a wild loop.

"I have this necklace I always wear on the day of my meets. I guess it really doesn't give me luck; it's just a routine thing I do," said junior Jenny Fiedler. "I also have a ring that my sister gave me with my birthstone, [and] it gives me security."

Others like little attention-getting devices that earn them the gratifying feeling of being a unique and well liked individual.

"I generally like to get attention and I have become obsessed with these tree frogs because they draw people's attention. It helps me get to know other people, which makes me feel good. Anything that makes me feel good, I associate with good luck," said junior Melissa Wenzel.

For some people, the value of an item-- whether it is monetary or sentimental -- determines how lucky it can be.

"I have these rings that my sister has given me. Usually if they [the charms] have some sentimental value, then they bring me good luck," said senior Christine Knoll. "They give [me] a feeling of security; just that they're there makes me feel lucky."

Some prefer simple and cheap good luck charms; they can see past their clever guise of apparent worthlessness. Instead, they focus on just how much luck the charm really has.

"I have a lucky penny that I kiss before every hockey game," said freshman Josh Behling.

Some types of lucky charms were originally brought into existence as imitations of animals considered to bring good luck. Therefore, many countries associate animals with good luck.

"I grew up thinking toads were good luck because in Latvian folklore, toads are said to bring blessings," said German teacher Maija Zaeska.

Then there are the few athletic extremists who perform bizarre and mysterious exercises before the holy altars within their gym lockers.

"I had a lucky turtleneck I wore all year for hockey. I also had an arrowhead necklace that two guys kissed before every game," said junior Chad Gough.

There are numerous athletes who hang lucky but highly pungent body wear up to dry in their lockers, only to have the article maintain the shape of its wearer.

"I had some lucky underwear that was totally slashed; it only had one leg and a waistband," said senior Mike Murphy. "It was lucky because when I forgot to wear it the day before a game, we would lose."

There are athletes who will eat or drink anything, just as long as it helps their performance.

"When I was in high school, I'd drink a chocolate malt before a race because I thought that was good luck," said Spanish teacher Nancy Erynk.

Yet still some believe that natural ability is not sufficient. They need more, and must collect enough lucky energy to be ready for anything.

"I am good luck--I'm Irish," said junior John Ireland. "I did however, have a good luck fifty-cent-piece that I had the same four people touch before every football game."

In the fabulous world of placebos and magic gimmicks, the one true question still remains, whether or not they work.

---
"I had some lucky underwear that it only had one leg and a waistband. Because when I forgot to wear it the day before a game, we would lose."

"An omen is a blessing. It's something fulfilled that I never knew."

It sometimes seems that destiny is a difficult word to define. Some argue that a concept in which some people do not even believe cannot have a definition.

A dictionary defines destiny as a sequence of events that are predetermined or preordained. However, many people have their own definition.

“Destiny is the end result, regardless of one’s actions,” said junior Nicole Demott.

Approximately one out of every five Buffalo Senior High students consider destiny to be a myth.

“We have choices in this life. Our lives are in no way predestined,” said senior Tammy Schmidt.

The remaining students believe that destiny is a major component in their lives.

“I believe that your lifestyle is your destiny. You live to fulfill it. So what you do definitely affects your lifestyle,” said sophomore Andy Gruber.

The majority of people, whether they believe in destiny or not, have a definition for it. These definitions often differ from each other.

“[Destiny] is what happens, and what is meant to be. Some people can see it coming, and some are too blind to, and see it as something else [instead],” said senior Michelle McClellan.

Many people believe that destiny is extremely important to who a person is.

“Destiny is something you do; it defines your place in this world,” said sophomore Andy Gruber.

There are various beliefs about where the idea of destiny actually comes from. Some people think that it has to do with religion or philosophy. Others believe it is a Greek myth. One belief probably cannot be considered more accurate than the others.

Because destiny does not have a clear-cut definition that applies to everyone, some students find it easier to paint a picture of destiny.

“I would use the colors black, gray, white and yellow... I would make no distinct changes in between the colors and no definite shapes,” said sophomore Beth Galatis.

Some people picture a more concrete image of destiny.

“I would use magical blues and whites and some yellow. There would be stars and clouds and a tunnel or path,” said senior Melissa Helgason.

Others picture a painting that is quite abstract, resembling something like the works of M.C. Escher.

“It would be a mirage of colors: bright purples, blues, yellows, oranges, reds and greens. It would look like a hologram,” said senior Michelle McClellan.

When it comes down to it, there is no complete explanation for destiny. It may never be defined until it’s existence is proven.

Saint Patrick was born in 389 and died in 461. He was a native of Britain, the grandson of a priest, and the son of a deacon. His family was fairly wealthy. However, they were most likely Catholic by choice, rather than convenience.

Though Saint Patrick was not very well educated, he wrote two short works, Confession and Letter to Coroticus. In Confession, Saint Patrick told of his life's ordeals. In Letter To Coroticus, he expressed to an English warlord his misgivings about the deaths of several of his newly baptized converts.

At the age of 15, he was seized by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. While enslaved, Saint Patrick turned to his Roman Catholic religion as a source of strength and guidance. Saint Patrick experienced spiritual ecstasies and visions. It is also thought that he had contact with a few members of Christian communities in Ireland. After enduring six years of slavery, Saint Patrick escaped and made his way to Gaul.

Sometime after gaining his freedom, he came up with a simple but powerful analogy. He compared a shamrock to the Holy Trinity of father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This analogy became widely known, spreading Saint Patrick's fame throughout the Catholic community.

Later in his life, Saint Patrick became the Bishop of Ireland. At the time he was ordained as a Bishop, most of Ireland was a Celtic society. Through his position, he succeeded in converting thousands of Irish people to Christianity.

Saint Patrick was canonized for his accomplishments in Ireland and his great devotion to the Roman Catholic faith. He is the patron saint of Ireland. His feast day is celebrated annually on March 17.

Some people are guided by what they believe to be good or bad signs of the future. A sign which some people use as guidance is called an omen.

Omens are signs that are believed to be able to change or signify a change in the future. These signs could mean anything from winning or loosing a sports game to something that is quite important to the outcome of that person's life.

"An omen is a blessing. It's something I need that is fulfilled that I never knew could be fulfilled," said junior Melissa Wenzel.

Some people believe that they are in charge of everything that they do and others believe that they lack some control. Some believe that omens exist, but don't really effect anyone.

"I believe in them [omens], but I don't live by them," said sophomore Eric Hanson.

People that do not believe in omens believe that it is their own actions that affect them, not the things that happen to them. These people believe that they are the ones in control of their future and that there is no mysterious force from the outside that leads them down a certain path.

"You have control over your own destiny and nothing else controls that," said sophomore Grant McFadden.

Omens sometimes can come as something that you see in a dream or something that someone else does. If something good happens in the dream, then the person who had the dream can hope for something good in the future.

"I sometimes have a dream or see something happen, and it usually does," said Ahigren.

There are also a few people who have experienced an omen first hand.

"There's been many times in my life when I've needed a friend and I don't show how I feel, but someone will come up to me and be so sympathetic to me it surprises me," said Wenzel.

There are many different sources one can look to in order to better understand omens.

"If you want to read a good book on omens, A Prayer for Owen Meany, which is taught in the American Lit classes, is really good," said Wenzel.

Even if a person does not believe in omens, there still is no proof about whether or not they really exist, and there probably never will be. After all, it is almost impossible to prove.

Many people in Buffalo Senior High School are superstitious about a variety of things. These superstitions range from the common, such as walking under a ladder, to the uncommon, for instance if a person's nose itches, then someone is thinking about them.

"I'm superstitious. If you're driving along at night and your headlights flash into a black cat's eyes and they flash back at you, then I think that I am going to have bad luck or [that] something bad is going to happen," said sophomore Sam Habeck.

Superstitions may not always have to do with bad luck. Some people may have some type of phobia, or fear, that has to do with a superstition that they may not have heard of or really understand. For example, some people believe that people lived in another life and an experience in that life has caused them to be afraid of a certain thing in their present life.

"I have this thing that if someone touches my wrists it makes me nauseous. I've been this way ever since I can remember, and it doesn't run in the family," said freshman Ellie Breyer.

Although most superstitions may be somewhat scary, there are also others that may seem silly to some people, but can be taken seriously by those who truly believe in them.

"I believe when your ears are ringing, then someone's thinking about you," said freshman Sara Rebischke.

Voodooism is also a practiced superstition. Voodooism is when someone makes a doll out of something natural (like an acorn cob, or a stick), and then pretends it's a specific person or thing. The person then uses a needle to prick it. According to voodooism, this is supposed to produce pain in the pricked area to that person.

"I also am a believer in voodoo. I once made a corn cob doll, and pretended that it was my cousin and I stuck a needle in its head. The next day she had woke up with a massive headache," said Habeck.

Those that are not superstitious may think that superstitions are mainly believed in by certain types of people.

"I'm not really superstitious about anything, but I think that religious type people are the ones that are," said French teacher Jennifer Johnson.

There are other types of superstitions. For instance, one student involved himself in doing the same thing in an orderly fashion in order for the event to go well.

"[Before] I do anything or go anywhere important, I do a ritualistic type thing. Before a Knowledge Bowl meet I would drive on the same road repeatedly or go to certain places in an order and then just go home," said senior Brian Kass.

Other students don't really believe in superstitions. However, they may do other things to make their lives more pleasant.

"I kind of wear the same clothes during the year because it seems to keep me friends with certain people," said junior Bob Fix.

Though these are only a few of the many types of superstitions in Buffalo Senior High School, there are many more hidden in our world.

Winter sports have ended, and it's time to look back on the hits and misses of the past season.

The team most improved was varsity hockey. The Bison pucksters skated their way to an 11-11-1 record.

"We are pretty happy; we've played hard and stayed together," said senior Matt Gorrill.

The wrestling team followed a goal set by last year's trip to state. The wrestlers went 13 and 5 and won the North Suburban Conference title.

"Overall they did pretty good," said coach Gerry Bakke. The team lost matches against Anoka and Osseo at the state tournament.

The boys' basketball team played hard, but didn't experience the success that they had hoped.

"We had a tough first half, but we really improved throughout the year," said junior Phil Miller. The 6 and 11 season was not without highlights. The Bison defeated a tough Little Falls team and wound up second in the Princeton tournament.

The girls' basketball team went 3 and 13, but they were close in most losses.

"We feel that we should have won many of the close games, but we never gave up," said junior Trista Quast.

The gymnastics team also fared well during the season, and at the regional meet juniors Gerice Olson and Jaime Kettanacker advanced to finals.

"We understood each other. We knew when our teammates could improve, and we pushed them to do it," said junior co-captain Megan Harms.

The Bison slalom ski team enjoyed another fun and productive season.

"The team did even better this year, probably due to our new coach Scott Greenwood," said junior Jessica Heisel.

The newest Bison team, the girls' cross country ski team, battled adverse conditions and experienced opponents, and came out better than expected, including several victories over Columbia Heights.

"I love my sport and my teammates, it was a lot of fun," said junior Jennifer Felger. Junior Jenny Fiedler became the first All-Conference Bison cross country skier. Fiedler also placed sixth at the Spring Lake Park conference meet.

---
Sophomore Pete Jacobson attempts to shoot for a goal against Anoka. This took place at the Civic Center in Buffalo. The game was played at home for the Bison. One of the new advantages of building the new school will be that the Buffalo Civic Center, or the ice skating rink, will not be very far away from the new school. Thus the hockey team will save practice time getting to their practice spot.

A person has to be in good physical shape before their athletic season begins. Working in the weight room is one way to begin preparation for getting in shape.

"I like to get an early start to improve on everything I do, such as jumps and cheers," said junior Allison Lindahl. Starting early may also keep injuries from being prominent during the season.

"A reason to prepare for a sport is to get in better condition, so fewer injuries occur when the sport starts," said activities director Nancy Bergert.

Other people stay in shape so that they can keep their competitive edge throughout the entire year.

"I swim for the high school swim team in the fall and the swim club in the winter. I stay in shape to improve my times. I do this by lifting weights," said junior Anna Tessmer.

Working out ahead of time also helps people to prepare for their own personal goals, whatever they may be.

"My personal goal for this season is to get better and then to make varsity football cheerleading for the 1995 fall season," said Lindahl.

There are various ways of getting in shape, but the weight room offers students almost every type of weightlifting device they might want. These devices will work almost every muscle in the body.

Wasting time in the weight room is not tolerated; there's serious training going on and anything else is disruptive.

"If athletes decide to go down to the weight room, they need to work, not waste time," said coach Gerard Rohl. Rohl is in charge of the weight room along with coaches Ed Saxton and Scott Palmer. The best thing to do is to go down to the weight room to work out, not visit.

"There are other places to go to visit," said Rohl. But students can work together on conditioning to encourage and help each other.

"There are friendly competitions going on between friends," said Rohl, "as well as a new computer program that athletes can use to compete against themselves." There are about thirty people already enrolled in this program with about ten more ready to join this month.

The weight room is open from 3 pm to 5 pm on school days. It is also open during mods, for those who can't make it after school.

The coaches are hoping to see sport athletes working out in the weight room.

Trap and skeet are terms that are probably foreign to many. To others, however, they represent a great sport.
Both of the previously mentioned terms refer to a game of shooting. Trap is a game of shooting in which 25 clay birds are shot at by participants. These are broken down into five stations, with five pigeons at each one. These targets are shot at from a distance ranging 16 to 27 feet, when the call "Pull!" is yelled.
Skeet is closely related to trap, but requires more advanced skills. One shoots at seven different stations, from high height and low height houses. The participant shoots doubles at five of these seven stations. Doubles occur when two targets are delivered at once, adding a challenging twist to the sport. The birds are delivered from various locations.
The sport can be a lot of fun for those involved and is relatively inexpensive. It costs only five to ten dollars for each session. However, many choose to invest larger sums of money into the sport. The guns range from standard field guns to more specific guns used for trap shooting. These 12 gauge shotguns can run anywhere from 200 to 20,000 dollars.
Competition in both sports is continued year round. Much like golf, they score by handicapping. Wright County shooters participate in an annual competition. The players are divided into 16 teams, each team consisting of five members. The teams then compete against each other, ending with a trophy for the winning team.
Some of the people who compete in the sports are also students at Buffalo, such as senior Sarah Norman, and sophomores Mandy Norman, Troy Overson and Nathan Schleif. Sarah Norman has competed in a league for 4-H and various other league competitions.
"I participate in shooting because it's something to do and I think it's fun," said Schleif.
Many participants find the sport of shooting to be enjoyable, but it also involves a lot of time, practice and work for those who choose to take it seriously.
"It's not very easy, and you need to remember to swing with the target so you won't shoot behind it," said Sarah Norman.

As the spring season is upon us, Buffalo's fair-weather athletes are preparing for the practice season.
The baseball team got a head start on their season.
"This is the first year that the batting cage has been put up before the season started, which lets those of us not in winter sports to get some swings in," said senior Pete Oistad.
Unlike past years, the '95 team will not be mainly seniors.
"Last year, our team was predominantly seniors, and this year, there are only five seniors [Chad Poitra, Kevin Bormes, Pete Oistad, Andy Dickhausen and Nate Lee]. The juniors will make up a large part of this year's team," said Oistad.
In addition, the team will be receiving instruction from two former professional baseball players, Dan Vandehey and Al Kreb, who currently operate Play It Again Sports in Buffalo.
According to coach Pete Specht, the golf team will begin practice on March 22, practicing indoors for about three weeks. Both boys' and girls' golf teams will practice at the Buffalo Heights golf course. One home meet may be played at the new Buffalo Run course towards the end of the season.
BHS track and field began on the eighth. For the past few years track has had an increasing enrollment from year to year. Ed Saxton will be coaching with assistance from Pam Ramstad, Scott Palmer, Tim Schneewies and Doug LaPlant.
"Every year there's more people out for track, so we hope that this year [it will continue to grow]," said senior Kara Wickman.
Two new players to the softball team this year will be senior Robyn Schauer and eighth grader Sarah Thompson.
"Robyn hasn't played softball since eighth grade, but she is still very good!" said senior Stacy Schmitz.
They also have new white and purple pin striped uniforms. Dave Alto will be coaching again this year with the help of returning assistant coach Donnie Thompson.
Boys' tennis is on their way to a successful season with a strong core.
"We have many talented rookies this year that will be led by a lot of strong experienced players," said junior Jeff Zimmerman.
The tennis team will start practice on Monday, March 27 during spring break. The season is under way. Players hope to do well and make a smooth transition from training to competition.

At a time when our national pastime is baseball, I have learned during this heavy weight.
Soccer, an all time favorite, will go with what sports are.
Many fans compete with high stakes. Many fish the water while the winning team is making a real statement to the world. In the individual sports, the individual in the bubble only had the track. Much of the action is on the field, along the line where the difference between winning and losing is made.
When the ball is in play, the crowd is on their feet. The crowd is the heartbeat of the game. The crowd is the soul of the game. The crowd is the lifeblood of the game. The crowd is the energy that drives the game forward.
In the end, sports are more than just games. They are a way for people to connect, to compete, and to experience the thrill of victory and the sting of defeat. They are a part of our lives, and they will always be a part of our lives.

CC Skiing
Season
42-27 Mound
124.1 to 102.3
32-50 Park Center
1-5 St. Cloud Apollo

Wrestling
Season
33-22 Blaine
1-2 Mound
-65

Gymnastics
Season
32-50 Park Center
34-45 SLP

Girls: B-Ball
Season
12-43 Blaine
50-51 Hutchinson
44-70 St. Francis
16-39 Eden Prairie
37-22 St. Francis
78-37 Columbia Heights
4-0 Holy Angels
50-77 Mpls. SW
15-40 Hopkins
54-12 Monticello
6-0 Monticello
80-81 Holy Angels
23-32 Orono
25 Buffalo
11-36 Foley
49-61 Holy Angels
4-4 Willmar
78-72 Little Falls

Hockey
Season
9.46 Minnetonka
58 Champlain Park
52-7 Rosemount
118.55 to 104.05
34-45 SLP

Boys: B-Ball
Season
1-3 Minnetonka
54-49 St. Paul Cooper
19 Columbia Heights
11-44 Wayzata
37-41 Fairmont
53-55 Swanville
31-24 Armstrong
75-47 Southland
4-4 Cooper
2-2 Centennial
50-72 Monticello
207 Monticello
39-57 Fridley
65-71 Columbia Heights
31-55 Centennial
165 Spring Lake
51-54 SLP
3-4 Totino Grace
56-63 Totino Grace
23-36 St. Michael
63-26 Mpls SW
3-2 St. Francis
7-8 St. Cloud Apollo
142 Buffalo
43-20 Totino Grace
121.9 to 130.4
60-78
10-1 Fridley
71-57 Centennial
56-70 St. Francis
5-0 Monticello
52-83 St. Francis
22-33 Bl Jefferson
100 Columbia
30-28 Paynsville
47-56 SLP
46-45 SLP
52-23 Bl Kennedy
8-2 Columbia
16-39 Minnetonka Heights
48-18 Alexandria
115.25 to 110.65
49-63 Willmar Heights
49-53 Columbia
31-24 Eden Prairie
65-9 Columbia Heights
39-65 Centennial
1-2 SLP Heights
23-32 Hopkins
129.2 to 133.1
42-60 Fridley
1-4 Totino Grace
46-65 Monticello
12-43 Orono
133 Spring Lake
13-37 Elk River
52-35 Columbia
51-65 Willmar
44-11 Robbinsdale
3-2 St. Francis
55-12 Centennial
122.2 to 141.1 St. Cloud Apollo
55-52 Centennial
15-40 Wayzata
50-53 St. Francis
3-2 Fridley
66-66 Fridley
28-27 Armstrong
128 Buffalo
25-26 Anoka
89 Columbia Heights
22-37 Osseo
1-8 Elk River
46-57 Marshall

Girls: DH Skiing
Season
118.6 to 137 St. Francis
126.25 to 120.05 St. Francis
34.19 Fridley
63-77 Totino Grace
56-63 Totino Grace
63-26 Mpls SW
3-2 St. Francis

Boys DH Skiing
Season
1-2 Mound
33-22 Blaine
4th Osseo Tourney
Rockford
58 Champlain Park
52-7 Rosemount
34-45 SLP

1st Totino Invite
Centennial
6th Buffalo Invite

Boys DH Skiing
Season
1-3 Minnetonka
54-49 St. Paul Cooper
19 Columbia Heights
11-44 Wayzata
37-41 Fairmont
53-55 Swanville
31-24 Armstrong
75-47 Southland
4-4 Cooper
2-2 Centennial
50-72 Monticello
207 Monticello
39-57 Fridley
65-71 Columbia Heights
31-55 Centennial
165 Spring Lake
51-54 SLP
3-4 Totino Grace
56-63 Totino Grace
23-36 St. Michael
63-26 Mpls SW
3-2 St. Francis

Boys DH Skiing
Season
142 Buffalo
43-20 Totino Grace
121.9 to 130.4
60-78
10-1 Fridley
71-57 Centennial
56-70 St. Francis
5-0 Monticello
52-83 St. Francis
22-33 Bl Jefferson
100 Columbia
30-28 Paynsville
47-56 SLP
46-45 SLP
52-23 Bl Kennedy
8-2 Columbia
16-39 Minnetonka Heights
48-18 Alexandria
115.25 to 110.65
49-63 Willmar Heights
49-53 Columbia
31-24 Eden Prairie
65-9 Columbia Heights
39-65 Centennial
1-2 SLP Heights
23-32 Hopkins
129.2 to 133.1
42-60 Fridley
1-4 Totino Grace
46-65 Monticello
12-43 Orono
133 Spring Lake
13-37 Elk River
52-35 Columbia
51-65 Willmar
44-11 Robbinsdale
3-2 St. Francis
55-12 Centennial
122.2 to 141.1 St. Cloud Apollo
55-52 Centennial
15-40 Wayzata
50-53 St. Francis
3-2 Fridley
66-66 Fridley
28-27 Armstrong
128 Buffalo
25-26 Anoka
89 Columbia Heights
22-37 Osseo
1-8 Elk River
46-57 Marshall

Girls DH Skiing
Season
118.55 to 104.05
34-45 SLP

Boys DH Skiing
Season
120.1 to 108 SLP Heights
6-0 Monticello
80-81 Holy Angels
23-32 Orono
25 Buffalo
11-36 Foley
128 to 139.45
49-61 Holy Angels
4-4 Willmar
78-72 Little Falls

Girls DH Skiing
Season
59.15 SLP
75-47 Southland
4-4 Cooper
2-2 Centennial
50-72 Monticello
207 Monticello
39-57 Fridley
65-71 Columbia Heights
31-55 Centennial
165 Spring Lake
51-54 SLP
3-4 Totino Grace
56-63 Totino Grace
23-36 St. Michael
63-26 Mpls SW
3-2 St. Francis

Boys DH Skiing
Season
142 Buffalo
43-20 Totino Grace
121.9 to 130.4
60-78
10-1 Fridley
71-57 Centennial
56-70 St. Francis
5-0 Monticello
52-83 St. Francis
22-33 Bl Jefferson
100 Columbia
30-28 Paynsville
47-56 SLP
46-45 SLP
52-23 Bl Kennedy
8-2 Columbia
16-39 Minnetonka Heights
48-18 Alexandria
115.25 to 110.65
49-63 Willmar Heights
49-53 Columbia
31-24 Eden Prairie
65-9 Columbia Heights
39-65 Centennial
1-2 SLP Heights
23-32 Hopkins
129.2 to 133.1
42-60 Fridley
1-4 Totino Grace
46-65 Monticello
12-43 Orono
133 Spring Lake
13-37 Elk River
52-35 Columbia
51-65 Willmar
44-11 Robbinsdale
3-2 St. Francis
55-12 Centennial
122.2 to 141.1 St. Cloud Apollo
55-52 Centennial
15-40 Wayzata
50-53 St. Francis
3-2 Fridley
66-66 Fridley
28-27 Armstrong
128 Buffalo
25-26 Anoka
89 Columbia Heights
22-37 Osseo
1-8 Elk River
46-57 Marshall

A god-like figure has its place, but some community members think that this place may be in the school and some think it should not.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a group of high school athletes who gather together to worship and share their faith in God.

"Our mission statement is to promote Jesus Christ," said basketball coach Neil Fletcher. This is a national organization that is completely independent from the school. It is run during the school year and is for athletes that are Christian. There are 85 high schools that have huddles (groups).

There's no membership fee or requirements, except for the belief in God and going to an occasional breakfast with other people in the FCA from Buffalo.

"It's not meant to be an intense organization," said Fletcher. There are approximately 60 young adults who are involved in this organization.

"It doesn't matter whether or not you're on an athletic team, or even what denomination of Christian church," said Fletcher. This year is the 40 year anniversary of the organization. They are special programs that they organize and carry out around five times each year. This year they had a Halloween carnival for over 400 children, and on Christmas they anonymously adopted needy families and bought presents for them.

"Our organization is here to serve others and to serve our teams well," said Fletcher.

Every Friday between 7 am and 8:15 am they go to either Fletcher's house or Break Time (adjacent to Wal-Mart), alternating between the two.

"It's a good way to start the day, to be with a group of people that understand your problems and will pray for you," said junior Noelle Nadeau. "Everyone is welcome, and after we get there we eat breakfast and have a group prayer."

Not everyone completely agrees with or approves of the goals and activities associated with the FCA, and thinks that censorship should be censorship for everyone, including school, media, television, radio, movies, books, magazines, newspapers and God.

"We aren't allowed to wear 'Co-Ed Naked' shirts so they shouldn't be able to promote the FCA by wearing shirts about God," said an anonymous source.

On Thursday, March 9, after sixth hour, Nadeau put a sign on her locker with the words "I am a Christian" on it. By mods the following day the symbol 666 and a Nazi Swastika had been written on it and by fourth hour of the same day, the sign had been stolen.

"I have my own opinion and others have theirs. Instead of defacing my stuff to show their beliefs, why don't they show [their beliefs] unless, of course, they are embarrassed by them," said Nadeau.

The opposition to the FCA does not come from the administration as often it does from other people.

"Schools support the student's right to express him or herself," said Fletcher. Most opposition comes from the students themselves.

This, however, does not stop FCA members from continuing to according to their beliefs.

"[FCA] has a great effect on the team. I know where I stand, which can be hard on me at times, but is also a positive example to the rest of the team," said senior Kara Wickman.

The organization is not a group out for a fight, as some people seem to perceive. They strive to get their point across to those that are willing to listen. They try to do this in as peaceful and non-aggressive a manner as possible.

"There are a lot of ways to get the word across though; for [the kids in FCA,] their faith is special," said Fletcher.

Please tell us what you think of this new, seasons end statistical summary. Please put any of your questions, comments, or possible changes into Ms. Keilke's P.O. box, or you can bring it to my box in room A-2.

Thank you,
Sports Editor
Steve Runyon

Baseball - 4/6 vs. Totino Grace Home 4:00
4/11 vs. Spring Lake Park Away 4:00
4/13 vs. Fridley Away 4:00

Softball - 4/4 vs. Monticello Home 4:15
4/6 vs. Totino-Grace Home 4:15
4/11 vs. Spring Lake Park Away 4:15

Track & Field - 3/18 vs. St. Cloud Huskie @ NSC; 3/28 Boys' @ NSC
3/24 vs. Bethel
3/27 Girls'

Boys' Tennis - 4/25 vs. Centennial Away 4:00
4/27 vs. Totino-Grace Home 4:00
5/2 vs. Columbia Heights Away 4:00

Golf - 4/13 Monticello Tournament
4/18 Columbia Heights
4/21-4/22 Litchfield / Willmar

A snowball fight between friends turns up BHS sophomore Michelle Anderson covers her face and surrenders.

BHS students of the future careen down a local hill as they make the most of winter's chilly temps and slick snows.

With all the snow that fell during the winter this year, students at BHS found plenty of time to get outside and enjoy the mild weather. They could be found ice fishing and snowmobiling, playing hockey, skating, sledding, cross-country and downhill skiing.

Weekends were busy times for the students, as they found activities to participate in outside of school. Students often organized tournaments with friends during these times.

Bundled up against the midwinter chill, an unidentified Bison barrels across the frozen Central Minnesota tundra. The snowmobile, a Minnesota invention, provides hours of recreational hot times for BHS students during the winter months.

Buffalo High School freshman Mike Hanson slaps a puck as some Bison get together to make the most of a sunny winter's afternoon.

Spring has sprung...
Now that spring is finally here, thoughts of summer are just around the corner, and other activities are taking over the thoughts of students.

Hollywood made off like a bandit this year and film goers enjoyed it.

Forrest Gump was the big money maker taking home nine figures. It seemed like everybody loved this one and no one had anything bad to say about it. Box office figures, excellent reviews and thirteen Oscar nominations prove it.

The general public loved it when books were brought to the big screen. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Anne Rice's Interview With The Vampire are just two examples. They both came out at about the same time. Interview was a little more successful than Frankenstein, but I liked Frankenstein far better. It followed the book fairly well except for the last ten minutes when it started to get crazy.

Of course, the year couldn't escape without having at least a little bit of controversy. The controversy either dealt with current topics, like Disclosure, or was created with films, like Pulp Fiction and Color of Night. Disclosure dealt with the issue of sexual harassment. Only this time, the female committed the act. Pulp Fiction was controversial because of its violent content. Color of Night caused a stir because of the all too graphic sex scenes. Now that the video is out, much of what was cut in order to get an "R" rating is now back in the director's cut which was recently released.

There didn't seem to be too many sequels this year. Highlander 3 and Sister Act 2 are some of the few. I have heard that Highlander 3 isn't a great film to see if you haven't seen the other two because it gets very confusing. Sister Act 2 is a fairly decent sequel. It focuses less on the "singing nuns" story and more on the kids that the nuns are teaching. The music that the kids sing is powerful. Sequels usually aren't very successful. This one isn't bad, but the only sequels that I have seen that keep getting better are the Lethal Weapon films.

Another thing that keeps getting better is Disney animated films. Disney had a big hit on their hands this year with The Lion King. It originally came out in the summer of 1994. It did so well that they decided to re-release it for the Thanksgiving season and it left theaters after the Christmas season. The animation was typical Disney quality, but the colors (the pinks, purples, and odd blues) they used for some of the musical numbers were terrible.

The Christmas season brought some interesting films along with it. One that I particularly liked was Mixed Nuts with Steve Martin. I was surprised that it didn't stay in theaters very long. I never laughed so hard at a movie before in my life, much less at a theater. I'm sure that the other people in the theater were pleased with my constant laughter, especially since I was the only one laughing.

One thing that really seemed to catch on this year was popular television shows becoming movies. There was The Little Rascals, The Flintstones and, the most recent success, The Brady Bunch. There were even movies about people's lives. There was Wyatt Earp, Tom and Viv (about T.S. Elliot) and JQ. JQ wasn't about Albert Einstein's life. He played a character, more like an instigator in the film about the chemistry between two people. When you add all this up with the terrific screenplay you get a delightful, fun movie.

Some of the more fun movies this year were Junior and It Could Happen to You. The pregnant-Schwarzenegger storyline in Junior is great.

This is just a small overview of the hundreds of movies that came out from March 1994 to March 1995. It has been a very productive year for Hollywood and most movie goers can't complain. Hopefully next year won't be too disappointing, but I suppose there will always be disappointments and there will always be great successes.

I have sometimes wondered if there are any good movies about people's everyday lives. I finally found one. Nobody's Fool. It was about everyday life in a small town and it was the greatest movie I've seen all year.

Nobody's Fool has a stellar cast -- Paul Newman, Jessica Tandy, Bruce Willis and Melanie Griffith.

Newman portrays Sully, a man in his fifties, who is just trying to survive in North Bath, New York. He lives upstairs in Tandy's house with his ex-wife living five blocks away. He has a bum knee and is trying to sue Willis, who runs the Tip-Top Construction Company, because he fell on the job. Newman is in love with Willis' wife, who is played by Griffith. Then his son, whom he left when he was about one, soon enters the story. The son is now a father and he has a son whom Sully becomes close to.

The screenplay, even though it may not make a lot of sense to you now, is pure brilliance. What makes it so great is the fact that it's so simplistic. It's just about life and living. The Academy would probably agree considering it is up for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Another aspect that I like about the film is the cinematography. It made me feel like I was in the town experiencing these events. I really appreciated how they didn't shoot the outside shots on a stage. The whole time they were outside I could see their breath. I think that the whole effect is ruined when I know that I should be seeing their breath.

Nobody's Fool is a feel-good movie. It made me cry at times, but it has an ending that made me hopeful and left a smile on my face. This is by far the best movie I have seen all year. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to leave the theater feeling great.

It's Oscar time once again this year and what an interesting year it has been. The nominations for the Academy Awards prove it. The biggest controversy pertaining to the nominations has been Pulp Fiction. It received seven nominations. I don't know if this was such a smart move by the Academy because it is sending out the message that violence is okay. It's saying to film makers "Make violent movies and get Oscar nominations." It sounds as though the Academy is condoning violence.

There were other movies this year that had a much lighter side -- The Lion King, Junior, It Could Happen to You and Forrest Gump. The latter walked away with thirteen nominations. I don't know how. Probably because it was such a box office success and everyone it seemed, except me, thought it was the best movie they had seen in ages.

I will be disappointed if Forrest Gump gets the Best Picture Oscar and if Tom Hanks walks away for the second year in a row with the Best Actor award.

Some of the nominations in the big categories surprised me. For instance, Four Weddings and a Funeral received a nomination for Best Picture. I ask myself "Why? Why did this have to happen? Why couldn't a decent film have received this nomination?" The film Nobody's Fool deserved it more. I think Four Weddings and a Funeral failed to reach Academy standards.

Some of the nominations didn't surprise me at all though. I knew that Tom Hanks was a sure bet for Forrest Gump. I also knew the same for Jodie Foster's role in Nell. Usually roles like theirs are a definite when it comes to nominations. But there is a big difference between Foster's and Hanks' portrayals of their characters. Foster was actually challenged and did a great job, which I can't say for Hanks. I don't hate Hanks, even though it may sound like it. He definitely deserved the Best Actor award last year. If Foster wins the coveted award this year, it will be her third in the Best Actress category, including her awards from The Accused and Silence of the Lambs.

I was extremely pleased by two nominations. The first was Quiz Show's nomination for Best Picture. Quiz Show is a true story about the quiz show scandal in the 1950's starring Ralph Fiennes and John Turturro. Too bad it doesn't have much chance of winning, because it was a quality film. I was also pleased with Paul Newman's Best Actor nomination. I had just seen Nobody's Fool the day before Oscar nominations were announced. I loved this movie and Newman's acting. I think it is the best movie I have seen all year. I was surprised by his nomination, but I think it was well-deserved. I am going to be rooting for him to win on Oscar night. He has a good chance of winning too because he hasn't won an Academy Award in the Actor category yet.

One positive note before closing. If you didn't have a chance to view many of this year's big nominations, you still have a chance to see them in the theater because they have been re-released. An Oscar nomination becomes a blessing for a film which brought in small profits.

The Academy Awards can be seen on March 27 at pm on ABC and will be hosted by David Letterman.