The Bison – May 5, 1995

At this time of year prom is a popular topic of conversation. This year a bit more than the usual is being discussed.

After a poll of the junior class revealed a two to one vote in favor of a change for this year's prom, it was decided that there would be a dinner buffet at the hotel before the dance.

"The junior class wanted to try something different...to be together with people at more than just the dance," said junior class advisor Tracy Hulley.

Planning for this year's prom, with a theme of "Stand by Me" and the colors royal purple, silver, and royal blue, began in September when junior class officers booked the Radisson South in Bloomington.

Since then the prom committee and junior class volunteers have made many decisions and plans.

On May 13, the prom festivities will get underway with pictures from 3-5pm in the gym. Grand March begins at 4:30 pm and is followed by the dinner and dance.

"It's all or nothing; you can't just come walking into the dance at 9:00," said Hulley.

Some students are skeptical of the change to a combined dinner-dance.

"I'm going, but I think eating buffet style is going to be like eating in a cafeteria," said senior Dave Zimney.

Other students see this new arrangement as quite agreeable.

"Give it a chance, it could be fun," said junior Erika Henry.

The set dinner-dance ticket price of $30 per person and $20 per senior has also been a concern to students.

"The officers went into this knowing that there would be opposition, just because it was something different," said Hulley.

Some things never change however, and many students are anticipating prom.

"At the beginning of the year there were a lot of hours put in, but now it's all downhill (waiting for prom)," said junior class officer Kelly Dunn.

Prom-goers who are still without tickets can purchase them May 1-5 during lunches.

Superior students are now being recognized by BHS with academic letters.

Last year, a group called the Academic Excellence Task Force, made up of math teachers Kevin Schmeling and Peggy Pasche, began awarding letters and certificates to all students who had a cumulative GPA of 10.0 or higher after the first semester of the year. This year the required GPA will be increased to 10.5.

"It's pretty strict. You have to be a good student," said Schmeling.

The program was started last year by the former assistant principal Tom Hoffman, Pasche and Schmeling.

"The reason that we started [academic lettering] was to give recognition to academic accomplishments in the same way that athletic accomplishments are recognized," said Pasche.

The reason it was decided to present jacket letters to the students was that they wanted to reward superior academic work in the same way as sports and extracurricular activities. Over 100 students received an academic letter last year.

"It's a good thing that they finally started [awarding academic letters] last year; it shows that academics are important too," said senior Marie Zimmerman.

The letters and certificates this year will be presented on May 16th. Students will also be mentioned in the Academic Excellence Program, a special recognition program for students in each subject area.

"There's always recognition given to students in athletics and activities, but we're here for academics," said Schmeling.

Many people think that school work is now given enough attention with these awards and ceremonies, but many of those who letter in academics don't agree.

"[BHS] gives quite a bit of recognition [to academics] but I think they could still give more," said junior Ali Gartner. "I think it makes people feel better about themselves -- those who aren't in athletics get recognized for academics."

Tri-M is an organization for people who show a true appreciation for music outside of school. Tri-M stands for Modern Music Masters. It is sponsored by the Music Educators National Conference and is a Music Honor Society. Yet, unlike NHS, the BHS chapter has chosen not to perform any community service.

"[Tri-M] is a good way for all the people who enjoy music to get together," said senior Erin Buselmeier. Activities are planned throughout the year for the group to do together.

"It draws the music department together," said Tri-M advisor Mike Walsh.

Some activities include going to concerts, ushering at music events and attending meetings.

"I like going to concerts through Tri-M because they're cheaper that way," said junior Jenni Felger.

To become selected to try out for Tri-M, students must hold a B average in music, a C average in the rest of their classes, be selected by a music teacher and be active in music outside of school.

"Playing the violin and being in Treble Singers last year helped get me in to Tri-M," said junior Therese Welter.

This year's officers are: president, senior Ben Thompson, vice president, senior Jason Poirier, secretary, senior Erin Buselmeier, treasurer, senior Lindsay Mattson and historian, senior Amy Bokusky.

"[The induction ceremony] is a chance for each person to make a statement to say they're involved in music and that music is important to them," said senior Lindsay Mattson.

In the past the induction ceremony has been held along with the Solo and Ensemble banquet. Due to lack of planning time this year's ceremony is May 19.

"[The Solo and Ensemble banquet and induction ceremony have been held together in the past] because it gives us a chance to showcase the work these students do at Solo and Ensemble, which they need to participate in to get into Tri-M," said Walsh.

Editorials
World War II homecoming remembered page 2

Features
Money: Spending vs. saving, prom expenses, jobs pages 4&5

Sports
Track and Field prospects named for each event page 6

In life there are certain things that can be counted on. For instance the day of prom it will rain, be 112 degrees in the gym and your feet will be killing you by 5 pm. On the more serious side Prom and everything associated with it is based on tradition.

This year however, many of the BHS Prom traditions have been thrown out the window.

Among the changes this year is the fact that students no longer have the choice of where to go for dinner. Going out to eat was a chance for a person and their date or perhaps a small group of friends to pick a restaurant, type of food, and price range that fit them personally.

Now that choice has been made for everyone by the Prom Committee when they decided to require that everyone eat at the hotel where a buffet will be served at a set cost of $21 per person.

There is also the fact that many seniors were counting on a free ticket to help cut costs and are now being informed that it will cost them $20 to attend. This comes as a shock to many, because in past years prom was always free to any senior who had paid their class dues.

One other thing that has concerned The Bison is the time constrictions this new plan creates. Anyone who plans to take pictures will have to do it before Grand March because dinner will be served at 7:30 pm. Anyone who shows up later than this will not be allowed to enter either the dinner or the dance.

The Prom Committee did make an effort to collect student opinions about these changes by polling the junior class, but how come the seniors were not given this same opportunity to voice their thoughts on the subject? The Bison does realize that the Prom Committee has put in many hours of hard work and effort to organize this event for everyone, and for this they must be recognized. However, The Bison feels that financial factors, class opinions and tradition should have been more closely considered before any final decisions were made.

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Prom Tickets
Juniors $30
Seniors $20

It does not seem all that long ago. The passage of time has not yet faded all the memories. It was July, 1945. The war in Europe was over. The 44th Infantry Division had fought for over 2090 days on the battlefields of France, Germany and Austria, and we were headed home on the (original) Queen Elizabeth - 86,000 tons of seagoing splendor. Although the ship had been modified to carry troops, it was easy to tell it was a Cunard luxury liner.

We knew we were headed for New York City, but we also knew that military orders could be changed quickly so there was quite a bit of reservation in the minds of most soldiers. We did not know the welcoming reception that awaited us. The 44th was the first division to return from The European Theater.

Apparently, the New York arrival of the Queen Elizabeth and the 44th had received advance publicity--something none of us on board suspected. We had not sighted land when a blimp appeared, swung around directly overhead, and began playing popular songs of the day on their P.A. system. I remember Judy Garland singing Clang! Clang! Goes the Trolley. Entertainment at sea from a blimp.

A short time after the blimp left, land was sighted, and many hearts beat a little faster. The oohs and aahs were barely audible as the Statue of Liberty came into sight. Somewhere near the Verazano Narrows, a green slope was visible with a simple greeting in huge white letters: "Welcome home - well done."

Manhattan came into sight and smaller boats came to meet the ship tooting horns, waving and trying to speak to us over the P.A. Ticker tape fluttered down from tall buildings just like we used to see in motion pictures or news reels. Fighter planes appeared, making diving passes along the ship. P.T. boats swept back and forth, adding to the din. As the ship entered NY harbor, the whistle sounded the lowest, loudest, gut fluttering blast I have ever heard. Every ship in the harbor answered long and loud.

It took a while for this magnificent spectacle to penetrate our minds, but it finally did. Yes, it was for us. New York City was giving us a hero's welcome as only New York City can do. We may have thought ourselves pretty tough, but there were not many dry eyes on the decks of the Queen Elizabeth on that day. Did we think ourselves heroes? No, not at all. We were fighting for the country we love and all the good it stood for. I have a fond hope that all soldiers returning from foreign battles could receive a welcome as we did. Something that one could never forget. I know I never have.

Dear Editor:

The Bison stated in the December 22, 1994 issue in the editorial entitled Reverse sexism in Bison girls' sports. "The Bison doesn't understand how a female athlete can join the team of predominantly male sport...when a male cannot participate in a sport that is predominately female," Minnesota High School league rule 126.21 states "when...opportunities for one sex have...been limited, members of that sex shall be permitted to try-out and...compete ... when an educational institution has established a team exclusively for members of the sex whose...opportunities have previously been limited, members of the other sex may not try out for or participate on that team."

The manual also states "When a school offers a team in a contact sport for members of one sex, it must offer a team for ...the other sex, if: 1) opportunities for... the excluded sex have historically been limited, and 2) there has been sufficient interest and ability to sustain a viable team and reasonable expectation of interscholastic competition."

Girls can try out for a boys team, because of...the gender Equity manual It says when a school offers a sport such as hockey for one sex, it must also offer a team for the other sex, or provide the other sex with the opportunity to try out for the existing team. Which means that because BHS has a boys' hockey team they must offer a team for the girls of this school. Relatively few girls are currently participating on boys sports teams at Buffalo High School. However, those who are have worked their efforts very hard to achieve their position on the team. Maybe a future issue could include interviews with those girls and their coaches who have broken the barriers that kept them from participating before. Such interviews would help to show the courage and determination that has gone into their efforts. Further questions about these interpretations should be addressed to the district Title IX officer or the Athletic Director.

Sarah King

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Editor's note: The Bison believes that the editorial in question accurately reflects the fact that a male cannot compete in a predominantly female sport. It was never stated that females should not be in contact sports, or on male teams. It states that a male is not given the same chance as is given to a female.

A person always hears of the cute and funny things that children say. Most of the time they are mispronounced words which, to us, mean something totally different. Their innocence is sweet and lovable and we all, at one point or another, feel a little jealous of them.

Children can say almost anything, and it is generally said to be cute, whether it is or not. I was in a movie theater recently, and the children across the aisle clapped in time to the music during the whole movie. This wasn't particularly annoying; it was cute -- even I said so. However, when one of the people I was with clapped along with the soundtrack, people turned around and glared at him. This obviously was not cute.

When I was little, I remember climbing on the jungle gym in the park, doing penny drops from the bars on the playground, riding bikes with friends for hours on end, going roller skating every Saturday, jumping rope, playing t-ball and going to Baskin Robbins for an ice cream as a special treat. Life was simple and carefree. My friends and I had wonderful adventures in the backyard, stalking monsters in the rhubarb, chasing bunnies out of the beans, riding pedal cars in the driveway and pretending we were Superman on the swingset. We didn't care if our hair was getting messed up or if we chipped a nail. We didn't mind getting mud on our new shoes or tearing a huge hole in our pants. We were innocent and the world's problems seemed far away. Every day, Jenny and I would get off the bus after school and run back to my house where mom would have a cup of tea waiting for each of us. We turned on the TV at 3:03 pm exactly, so we would miss the commercials before Thundercats started. When they took Thundercats off the air, we watched Voltron. It was a daily routine we hardly ever missed -- a simple pleasure which, to a child of six, made or broke the day.

We lived day by day, solving small problems which appeared monumental and earth shattering when they occurred. If our worlds fell apart we had each other to fall back on in our honest, childish way, we brightened each other's worlds. The petty things of life didn't matter, we had never heard of racial prejudice, never comprehended the degree of hatred which lives in the world and the most threatening disease we had to worry about was cooties. We judged people on whether they were nice to us, not whether they had almond shaped eyes or brown skin. My group of friends in school consisted of boys and girls, Asians, Jews, blacks, Pakistanis, Iranians, whites, Catholics, Lutherans and other kids of mixed backgrounds.

What happened? Where did we lose our innocent acceptance? When did we begin judging people on whether they wore a black leather jacket or a business suit? How did we find out about drugs and sex? Why did we suddenly look at our old friends and wonder when they became such a geek? When did we develop our attitudes and when will they disappear?

While struggling to grow up, we forgot how to laugh without worrying, how to give without expectations, how to love without regrets and how to dream the impossible dream yet not give up just in case it worked. Everyone has to grow up, yet there has to be a better way of doing it -- a way of doing it that doesn't kill the ability to look into a person's heart, rather than seeing their clothes and hairstyles. A way of doing it that will maintain a certain blindness to stereotypes and fads. A way that would allow us to be our own people, have our own ideas and not be expected to conform to the social norms. A way that would prevent a generation or two of people who don't understand that there is nothing wrong with teenagers loving Disney and being silly once in a while.

As I walk down the halls between classes, I often find myself observing people. I watch how they dress and act, who they talk to and who they brush off. Sometimes I just can't help but laugh at the strange things students do to be accepted or not accepted, to be admired or different or trendy...all for basically the same reason.

I see high school as a time to find yourself, explore your talents, identify your likes and dislikes and meet the type of person you want to share the rest of your life with. It's all about identity and developing your individualism. But in the midst of this process, we are constantly labeling, classifying and grouping each other. There's the "Dirties", the "Jocks", the "Preps", the "Brains" and countless others. Nearly everybody seems to be generalized into one clique or another. It's either the clothes you wear, the type of people you hang out with, the activities you're involved with or the reputation you've received. During this crucial time of finding ourselves, we're always being mashed together instead of looked at individually.

Hardly anybody, definitely including myself, is exempt from the grouping syndrome. Have you ever noticed who gets stopped for a quick pass check? Ever looked at the division between people in the senior lockers?

Of course, not everybody is going to get along, not everybody likes the same things and not everybody can be trusted. But we all have our own unique talents, our special gifts and proclivities. I enjoyed speaking with the many wonderful people that I've gotten to know so well throughout not just this year, but years in the past also.

When I moved to Buffalo in the middle of my seventh grade year, all the kids were so nice to me at first and seemed interested in being my friend. But about the third or fourth day of school, one girl found out that this boy she liked apparently had a crush on the "new girl." Furious, she started to spread a rumor that I was a slut. In the seventh grade! After time, I was able to prove myself differently, but some people actually labeled me as such because of one jealous girl. I have been classified as many different things, but I remember that as one of the worst because it hurt so badly.

As we mature, we begin to think less of what people perceive and more about what we personally like. But that doesn't mean that we don't care or listen to how people judge us. What others say still has a major impact on many students.

I read a magazine article a couple of weeks ago about a girl who was labeled a "band nerd" during her first two years of high school. When she was a junior, she got fed up and quit band. Being a band student, I can't even imagine eliminating music from my life because I couldn't handle the reputation music was giving me. But high school students want to be accepted, so they compromise part of their "self" to be liked. It's sad, really, especially because she regretted it afterwards.

People can be cruel, and you sometimes have to develop a thick skin towards criticism in order to develop as an individual. I know it will never change and we'll continue to group people together. Next time you find yourself labeling, stop and think about what you are doing. Everyone has special qualities, and you might be pleasantly surprised if you go beyond the stereotypes and find out exactly what makes a person unique.

If sports, or in my case academic activities, become an important part of your high school life. Monday, April 17 was my last ever high school speech banquet. For those of you who don't know me very well, I've been a speech jock for five years, four of those during high school. I'm very proud of this accomplishment.

It has been my honored privilege to have been able to meet and socialize with people I would not have had the opportunity to meet without any speech experience. At the banquet, Mr. Alto discussed the fact that in an activity like speech you can coach the same student for four years. He spoke of how in these four years of coaching a student, you see them grow and mature. In turn, the students get to know the coaches better.

As a freshman, Mr. Alto seemed very intimidating to me. The more I got to know him, the closer to him I felt and I looked forward to the speech season each year when I got to tease him or, in many cases, he was able to tease me. This year was a lot of fun for me because after four years of knowing Alto and his actions, I could tell how people did. If someone did well, his face would be bright red. He wouldn't smile or look you in the eye for very long, but his face would be bright red.

On the day of our last speech meet, Mr. Alto told the team that he is resigning. It was the only time in the history of speech that the entire bus has been completely silent. It doesn't affect me personally, as it is my last year in speech, but it is still a sad occasion. Alto is such a neat guy and a great motivator, saying, "I'll see you...at the top." He will be missed.

Huncha and Quady were just as special as Mr. Alto, but I wasn't able to spend as much time with them. However, just like everyone else, I have faith in them to carry on the speech team that I know.

Senior year is a year of reflection and a year to say goodbye. Until speech season the goodbyes were all happy and the reflections were sweet. When it came to speech, it wasn't just a memory to which we said goodbye, but a way of life and a group of people to whom we all grew very close. That makes this goodbye the most difficult. Goodbye, my speech jocks.

Saving money or spending it. Leaving money in the bank, or keeping it somewhere else. How long to save money before it is spent. These are all questions people ask of themselves.

"You save it, so that later when you have a lot of money, you can buy better things," said sophomore Lisa Barlage.

For many students, saving is a difficult thing to do.

"Of course it's better to save your money, but I usually end up spending it right away because I like to shop," said sophomore Shawnna King.

The majority of students have said that saving money is better than spending, but usually end up spending much like King did.

"I like to save the money because then I can buy something that I really want," said freshman Nathan Schindele.

Interest causes many people to choose banks to store money.

"I would leave probably half of it in the bank, and keep the rest at home," said sophomore Michelle Anderson.

One person said they've found another place to keep their cash.

"I would definitely keep it somewhere else," replied Schindele.

There is also the possibility of keeping one's cash safe at home.

"I try to keep it all at home, and then I pocket it when I need it, and sometimes I either borrow it to my friends, or spend it," says Barlage.

Some students have an ultra secret spot to keep their money. Others just keep it in a really weird place that others would never think to look.

"[I keep money] in my track or volleyball shoes, then I take it out for good luck before meets," said Barlage.

Two students put money in a place that is perhaps as popular as a piggy bank.

"I hid mine in between my bed mattresses," said King.

Apparently mattresses are a popular hiding place.

"The weirdest place I've ever hidden my money at home was underneath my mattress," said some senior.

One senior had a very interesting place to hide his money.

"I think that the strangest place I've hidden my money was when I buried it in my front yard," said senior Luke Husom.

Teachers have a different viewpoint on what people should do with their money.

"It is important to save your money and to spend it. You need to spend it in order to get the things you need, yet you also need to save as much as you can so that you can get those necessary things," said English teacher Judy Jacobson.

"I save my money for a rainy day," said sophomore Kyle Wald.

People all over the country dream of winning money that they may spend on whatever they would like. However, that object often differs depending on whom that winner happens to be.

"If [received $100, I would put it towards the car I might someday buy," said junior Dawn Averbeck.

Regardless of what people do with the money that they earn, one aspect is for certain: everybody wants to make a little money and they all have something that they would like to buy with it.

Although it's sometimes quite difficult, to save their hard-earned money. Some can save it for their future while others blow all of it right away on things that they want. Others, on the other hand, spend money on things that they don't need. They just keep enough money to buy the necessities. The rest is saved for later.

"I spend the money I earn from my job as a receptionist on books and music, and save what's left over for college," said senior Sira Anderson.

Many people aren't exactly sure what they are going to buy with the money they put away.

"No matter how hard you hug your money, it is a difficult decision."

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"No matter how hard you hug your money, it is a difficult decision."
— H. JACKSON BROWN, JR.

Many students find time for jobs, in addition to their schoolwork. The common reason for this is simple.

Students have jobs so they can earn money. This money is spent on a variety of things.

"I have a job because I need money to spend on my car, food and basic necessities," said junior DJ Lewis.

Though some students spend their money on the basics, one student gave a different reason to keep a job.

"Once I helped pay for spray-on hair for my dad," said freshman Sarah Kolbinger.

It seems that the sixteenth birthday is often the turning point, when the need for money increases drastically. In many cases, acquiring a driver's licence can be pretty expensive in the long run.

A major expenditure is transportation. Automobile payments, maintenance and insurance absorb vast amounts of student income. Repairs and gasoline can also add to the expense.

"Well, if you just have to pay gas, then it doesn't really affect [your budget] unless you have a gas-guzzling car, but if you have to pay insurance, it can be a problem," said junior Tim Jordan.

Allowances are the way many students receive money before they get a job. What they do with their money is a difficult decision. Some can save it for their future while others blow all of it right away on things that they want.

Some people that save their money are looking ahead to spend it on things like college or a car. They don’t want to spend all of their money on things that they don’t need. They just keep enough money to buy the necessities. The rest is saved for later.

“I try to save as much as I can, but sometimes that isn’t much,” said junior Aaron Eby.

Others, on the other hand, spend their money as fast as they get it. They either spend it all at once on one thing or they spend it over a period of time on many things. They may have a sport that takes some of their money or they spend it on a car.

“I usually end up spending my allowance by going to the golf course,” said sophomore Nick Mahlberg.

Some students that get allowances have to do chores around the house while others don’t do anything. Those that have to do work usually do household chores or yard chores such as mowing the lawn. Others get their allowance whether they do anything or not.

“I don’t have to do much, some chores but not that much [to get my allowance],” said Mahlberg.

For some students, their allowance is just so that they have some money to spend before they get a job to make it themselves.

“I have a job now so I don’t really need to get an allowance anymore,” said junior Jessica Kartak.

Whether students get an allowance or not, most people have no trouble using it. It is just a matter of how they would like to use it. That is the question that many students have to face every time they are handed their allowance.

Prom is nearing, and students here at Buffalo Senior High are rushing to buy dresses, rent limousines and order flowers. By performing these prom duties, they are emptying their pocketbooks.

“I’ve already [spent] $250, and I haven’t bought tickets yet,” said junior Amanda Hayes.

One expense that has many seniors up in arms is paying for their tickets this year.

“I’m just outraged that seniors have to pay this year,” said senior Dan Flatla.

Another change in the traditions of past proms also upsets students.

“We’re going to pay for a dinner and I can get it cheaper anywhere else,” said senior Bob Dongoski.

Though most everyone attending prom has to spend some money, many people believe that some must spend more, depending on their gender.

“For the guys [prom is more expensive]; [the girls] don’t have to buy tickets or drive or anything like that,” said junior Matt Boelke.

Other students aren’t really concerned about the amount they are spending on prom.

“[It’s] my parents’ money, so it’s not a big deal to me,” said sophomore Angie Poirier.

However, several students think that the cost of prom can be worth it if a person has the right frame of mind.

“Prom is what you make of it,” said senior Brooke Theisen. “If you go in with an open mind and don’t get too caught up in looking cool, everyone will have a good time. But you can’t go in thinking ‘Oh, this is prom, it’s going to be the best night of my life!’ If you do, you will be very disappointed.”

Another part of prom that brings out strong feelings in many people is the issue of dates.

“It’s fun to get dressed up and be with your friends, but it is made into too big of a deal. There is too much pressure to find dates,” said senior Amy Stadtlander.

Many students agree that too much emphasis is put on getting a date.

“I don’t think people should worry so much about getting a date,” said Theisen. “Once you get there, you’re with all your friends anyway. Prom doesn’t have to be a romantic rendez-vous.”

One student had a solution to this problem.

“I think there shouldn’t be any pressure for finding a date. If someone doesn’t find a date, they should go anyway,” said senior Paul Minkler.

Students came up with solutions to cut the cost of prom as well.

“[We could] not dress up; I don’t see the point of it. I, myself would just show up in a tee-shirt and jeans, but I don’t think they’d let me in,” said Boelke.

There were also some suggestions for next year’s prom.

“They [the prom committee] could have prom at a cheaper place next year, because it’s really expensive,” said Poirier.

Teachers also have their own opinions on the expenses of prom.

“I think the emphasis on money is taking [precedence] over having a good time,” said English teacher Karen Swenson.

Some teachers also have a logical reason for the amount of money spent on prom.

“It’s the age of kids trying to out-do everyone else,” said Swenson.

In this day and age, prom is run differently than how it used to be.

“We didn’t go out to eat; we just went to a dance,” said Swenson.

After all the complaining that people do about the expense of prom, many still plan on attending.

Some students that have to do chores around the house don't do any such as mowing the lawn. Others get their allowance whether they do anything or not. Some chores but not that much [to get my allowance], said Mahlberg. For some students, their allowance is just so that they have some money to spend before they get a job to make it themselves.

"I have a job now so I don't really need to get an allowance anymore," said junior Jessica Kartak.

Whether students get an allowance or not, most people have no trouble using it. It is just a matter of how they would like to use it. That is the question that many students have to face every time they are handed their money. They usually end up spending it all at once or they spend it over a period of time on things. They may spend some of their money on the golf course or not.

Another part of prom that brings out strong feelings in many people is the issue of dates.

"It's fun to get dressed up and be with your friends, but it is made into too big of a deal. There is too much pressure to find dates," said senior Amy Stadtlander.

Many students agree that too much emphasis is put on getting a date.

"I don't think people should worry so much about getting a date," said Theisen. "Once you get there, you're with all your friends anyway. Prom doesn't have to be a romantic rendezvous."

One student had a solution to this problem.

"I think there shouldn't be any pressure for finding a date. If someone doesn't find a date, they should go anyway," said senior Paul Minkler.

Students came up with solutions to cut the cost of prom as well.

"[We could] not dress up; I don't see the point of it. I, myself would just show up in a tee-shirt and jeans, but I don't think they'd let me in," said Poirier.

"They [the prom committee] could have prom at a cheaper place next year, because it's really expensive," said Poirier.

Teachers also have their own opinions on the expenses of prom.

"I think the emphasis on money is taking [precedence] over having a good time," said English teacher Karen Swenson.

Some teachers also have a logical reason for the amount of money spent on prom.

"It's the age of kids trying to out-do everyone else," said Swenson.

In this day and age, prom is run differently than how it used to be.

"We didn't go out to eat; we just went to a dance," said Swenson.

After all the complaining that people do about the expense of prom, many still plan on attending.

In the teenager's mission for more income, it is common to accept jobs that are less than ideal. Jobs that include tolerating the intolerable, and straining until every ounce of energy is gone.

Such a daily schedule could affect someone's school performance, as if it wasn't bad enough already.

"My job doesn't affect my school work, most of my classes don't require homework except Spanish but I'm getting a B in that," said Chris Minnick. "If I did have homework, I could finish it because I get off [work] at eight-thirty."

However a job may conflict with study time before a final exam when the situation is critical.

"I don't have time to do anything unless I'm in school," said senior Brandon Young.

A job may also take away from other activities, such as cruising around with some best buds or just vegetating at home.

"I don't have enough time by myself or to do things with my friends," said junior Caly Mackey. "I work three times a week and go to North Hennepin Community College on Wednesdays."

Some jobs have both pros and cons, from tiring labor to complex duels of the minds or just the little things that irk a person.

"I don't like pushing carts in the snow because it's only possible to push three at a time," said Minnick.

The ranks of seniority bother some, especially if they deserve a position and some bonehead who has been there a while gets the position.

"The people I have to work with [bother me] because their position is above me and I'm inferior and stupid," said Young.

Some people hold two jobs, working the night shift during school days and the day shift on weekends. However there may be a price attached to working two shifts.

"I work Thursdays through Saturdays, eight-thirty to one at the Country Kitchen," said junior Chris Lingren.

"When I'm not working at the Country Kitchen, I work for my parents at the clinic, Mondays through Saturdays, eight-thirty to one in the morning. It really hasn't affected me yet, I'm still on the B honor roll, but studying for tests and whatnot is kind of hard, plus I have to watch my six-year-old brother. I'm always competing for time because my schedule is so compressed."

If someone is depressed because of work overloads, they should remember the motto of art teacher/soccer coach/track coach/professional artist Reid Galey. "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it."

1. Save all your teeth for at least ten years and cash them in with the Tooth Fairy.
2. Set up a lemonade stand on a long stretch of highway, far away from any rest stops and charge $5 a glass.
3. Pick up every coin you see.
4. 'Baby-sit' DaVinci's Mona Lisa for a small fee.
5. Make a video of someone getting hit below the belt and send it in to "America's Funniest Home Videos"; you'll win first prize.
6. Figure out how in the world one can program a VCR, write a book on it and make a million.
7. Make some sales to the Rockhill Cafe.
8. Bottle water from your kitchen tap and sell it for $3.50 a bottle.
9. Pick grass and other weeds from your yard, let them dry and sell them as potpourri with a "Country Fields" scent.
10. Sell your younger sibling's drawings as art by an "up-and-coming artist."

The Bison track & field season is once again underway, and most of the athletes have high hopes for the season.

"We have over 120 people on the team, and all of the coaches are excited to help this group of athletes improve," said coach Ed Saxton.

The throwers have a core of returning letter winners, with hopes of placing high at many of the meets and achieving some school records.

"It looks like we've got a bright future in the shot put and discus. We've got a lot of kids with high potential," said coach Doug LaPlant.

The long jumpers and the triple jumpers are also a promising group.

The girls' team will be lead by sophomores Renee Peter and Tammy Wermager and freshman Betsy Bremmer. The boys' team is lead by junior Kanaya Charlton and sophomore Jed Bergstrom. The jumpers are coached by former student and first year coach Cole Mattson.

While Mattson has not been away from track long, the '95 season is a return of sorts for coach Boyd Emmel.

"I haven't coached track since 1989, and it is great to be back, even at a part-time position. I really enjoy helping these athletes develop," said Emmel.

The high jumpers are already performing at a high level. Leading the team are juniors Steve Baker and Heather Douglas pushing the state standard (the mark an athlete must achieve to automatically qualify for the state meet).

"We have a fine group of jumpers. I'm really impressed with the way they have performed," said coach Tim Schneeweis.

Another group of people who have to clear a bar, the pole vaulters, have a returning state vaulter, senior Blake Jacobson, who has vaulted 13 feet and may break the school record. He may, however, be challenged by 12 foot vaulter sophomore Jed Bergstrom.

The group who has to jump on the run, the hurdlers, are also out to impress the crowd.

The girls' hurdlers are lead by senior captain Hanni Megaw, who runs the 300 meter hurdles, and sophomore Michelle Hausladen, who runs both the 110 and 300 meter hurdles. The boys' hurdlers are lead by Baker and senior Andy Sieffert. The team also includes sophomore Mike Hochstatter, a newcomer to the team.

The fastest members of the track team are the sprinters. They too are a young team. The boys' 4x100 relay team is made up of four sophomores, Pete Hayes, Luke Jarvis, Matt Moselle and Nick Kolasa. Other notable sprinters include senior Paul Minkler and junior Chris Willette.

The middle distance team also features a state quality athlete, junior Ali Gartner, who placed 3rd in last year's state meet. Behind her are Megaw, sophomores Peter, Adrienne Higley, Lara Tessmer, and freshman Tammy Dunn, who have all placed in at least one of this year's meets.

The young, rapidly improving boys team is headed by sophomore Erik Hanson. Newcomers Hochstatter and junior Josh Krueger have performed well along with converted thrower, Hayes.

The distance runners, often thought of as some of the hardest workers on the team, usually show off there work ethics at the meets.

"The distance runners are very self-disciplined. This motivation pays off at meets, where we consistantly have at least one person in the top three spots," said coach Pam Ramstad.

The team is relatively young, without any seniors, and seems to be full of potential.

"The girls have maintained a high level of performance the last few years, and the boys should really shine in the next few years," said Ramstad.

Battling tough teams and horrid weather, the Bison baseball team puts obstacles out of their minds and move on to bigger and better things.

The weather is one of the factors that has affected the Bison. Before their first three games, they were only able to squeeze in one practice outside.

"The weather is affecting us very much," said junior Joel Magandy.

The weather does not seem to affect individual improvements, especially for players moving from a developmental team one year to varsity the next.

"[Stepping up to another level] leaves less of a margin of error for me. That forces me to improve," said Magandy.

There are many juniors playing varsity this year due to the lack of seniors.

"Since there are only five seniors, the juniors have to take up the slack. They've been doing a pretty good job of it, too," said senior Nathan Lee.

They're confident that they can pull ahead to win some in the future.

"We had a close game against Fridley all the way until the end when we lost 5-4. That shows we can win if we try," said Lee.

The team as a whole does not seem to take the losses too hard, though.

"Lots of guys joke around. Some are serious, and take it pretty hard, but most guys are just having fun," said Lee.

Warming up properly, not just physically, but mentally, might be the key to performing well for players.

"I take some quiet time and listen to music. It's during pregame warm-ups that I lose my focus. I always seem to find it again, though, when I get on the field for the game," said Lee.

The baseball team doesn't have captains. The juniors and under classmen look up to and follow the lead of the seniors. This is a different type of leadership than in most sports and may be a breakthrough in the years to come.

Anyone who has recently looked at a calender would probably get the impression that it's time to tee up at the local course: but with all of the rain, wind, and snow, the golf season has gotten off to a slow start.

"With all of the changes in the weather, we have golfed in both T-shirts and over-coats, and when the course gets wet or windy it is very hard to adjust," said freshman Jeremy Loestetter.

Practices have been tough, but the team seems to be doing well.

"The season has gone pretty good this far, but it's hard to tell until you play in a tournament, then we'll see how we match up to the other schools," said Loestetter.

The team's first tournament was April 25 for girls and April 26 for boys.

This year, the golf teams wish to follow in the footsteps of former Bison golf teams.

"We have a realistic opportunity to win the conference, and qualify an individual for the state meet," said coach Pete Specht.

The team practices are held at Buffalo Heights Golf Course two hours each day when the weather permits.

The Heights isn't known to be a very difficult course, but the teams get many chances to play at some of the better courses around the metro area.

"I have only played at Buffalo Heights, but I'm sure if I play at a few other [courses] I will find one that I like better than Buffalo Heights," said Loestetter.

Compared to other sports, players feel that golf is pretty laid back and relaxed. There is plenty of time to calm nerves when on the course. It is also an activity that can be practiced and played for a lifetime. Golf is one of the most popular sports in the country and is played all over the world.

"I played golf in Germany, but it's not as big of a sport as it is here," said senior Nara Lee.

The Bison play against numerous teams including Monticello, Elk River, Columbia Heights, Fridley, Spring Lake Park and Centennial. They also get the chance to play some of the tougher teams in the state, especially when they compete at courses like Bunker Hills.

When playing tough teams, the Bison keep their cool, matching individuals stroke for stroke, putt for putt. They think with their heads and do what comes naturally.

"You can't get angry with yourself, when you first start out you can't expect to hit 200 yard drives. Just hit the ball straight and then go for distance," said Loestetter.

It was with great excitement that I kicked off my senior year in tennis. Practices were going well and as far as I could tell I was playing the best tennis of my life. Few times have I been as confident as I was heading into our first match against Prior Lake. A wake-up call was in order and I received it. Every shot seemed to miss; the focus and competitive drive needed to win had abandoned me. This match taught me how important desire is.

April 10, 1995 was one of the best displays of competitive tennis: friends in making I've ever seen. This was the day our knowledge bowl team placed second in the region, good enough to send us to the state tournament.

It's true that this was not an athletic event but the mental aspects of sports are involved. Desire is what truly pushed our team to such great heights this year. We wanted to succeed so we brought the focus, dedication and desire that it took to win. It truly was an extraordinary day, one I will never forget.

Our performance was exceptional and easily our most consistent of the year. This consistency must be attributed to that great focus.

Just as I remember some of the tennis team's triumphs, certain moments of our victory will always be etched in my head. Watching senior Brian Kass get us a point when we most needed it. Or senior Brandon Backlund writing down some scientific term we've never heard of and then cracking the slightest smile when it earns us a point.

Also senior Katie McDonald constantly contributing with her broad range of knowledge and occasionally a lucky guess.

These all lead to memories of senior Royce Johanson and me, arms in the air, laughing and howling because we know we're going to state. And of course the huge beaming smile of Pasche when we told her we had done our job.

Now we go to the state tournament where hopefully we can bring back more fond memories. I know Kass will have us ready because state is a day he has been waiting for over the last four years.

Also our coach Peggy Pasche must be saluted for making our sport so much fun and taking us from a good team to a great one.

That journey was not an easy one but making the trip will forever help me in tennis and everything that I do.

Exploring the different player combinations, the Bison tennis team prepares for another season. Leading the team are coaches Charlie Keifenheim and Chad Mead.

"The players this year have a lot of talent," said Keifenheim. The coaches are shuffling the players around to see who plays best in different places.

"This way they get a chance to play in different situations also," said Keifenheim.

Following a ten minute warm up run, the group of 28 boys on the tennis team practice out on the courts or in the mall. Practices started early, beginning on March 97, the first day of spring break. After running, the players warm up with baseline shots, net-shots, over-heads, serves and other exercises to improve techniques and skills, their goal being to gain the ability to win matches.

"These routines are done each day to help develop the basic skills and to stretch out," said Mead. Due to the weather, it has been really difficult for the tennis team to get in some good practices. However, big improvements on the team have already started to show.

The captains this year are seniors Mike Marty and Shawn Bakke. They have earned the team's respect by demonstrating superior tennis skills, partially because of their years of experience. They continue to teach the rookies the ongoing traditions involved in the sport. Through their examples and constructive criticism, they intend to help in steering the team through the season.

On April 17 the team had a record of one win and one loss. They won their first match over Prior Lake with a score of 5-2 on April 5. The varsity team then lost when Buffalo hosted Chaska on April 13 with a score of 7-0.

"That was a tough match, but we could have done better than we did," said junior Erik Manthey.

Naturally, the boys' tennis team hopes to do well this year, but they also hope to bond as a team during the practices, long bus rides to matches and matches themselves. They want the 1995 season to provide a bit of fun as well as challenging competition.

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Stretching to prepare for practice, Eric Manthey is out for a good game on a nice day.

The rain so far this softball season strikes a strong contrast with last year's nice weather. Last year's nice weather didn't insure a winning season, however, and a team goal this year is to improve over last year's mark.

"The B-squad's big advantage is that we have depth," said sophomore Brittany Meyer. In all three of their games so far, all 22 team members have played. Most of them had hits or walked in their 27-7 win over the Totino Grace Eagles, showing off another of their talents.

"We're a balanced team. But if this team is going to win, it's going to be by pitching and defense," said B-squad coach Donny Thompson. During the Totino Grace game, the B-squad batting took care of itself, scoring 97 runs in five innings. The defense was there, too, as they held the perennially offensive Eagles to just five runs.

"This year [the varsity team's] goal is to both improve as a team and on an individual basis," said varsity coach Dave Alto. The line between winning and losing is just that, a fine line.

"We've been at the doorstep several times, we just cannot put it away," said coach Alto. That statement sums up the season so far for the varsity team, whose luck seems to be in the off-season. Two of the Bison's losses have come in the final inning. One of the last inning heart breakers was during a game at the home park of the Totino Grace Eagles. The Eagles won 11-7, in the seventh and final inning. The Spring Lake Park Panthers squeezed out a 3-2 win in the ninth inning against the Bison.

"This year hitting is a real strength (of the varsity team)," said senior co-captain Stacy Schmitz. The Bison have had plenty of big hits in their games, but they feel that the highlights just haven't happened at the right times, like when someone is in scoring position.

"One thing I like about softball is the friendship," said sophomore Christine Hyerdahl. The team has maintained a sense of humor throughout the young season.

"As an inside joke goes, 'Let's win it, then go home for dinner,'" said senior co-captain Dani Vogt.

Every year the band and choir students participate in the Region 2AA High School League Solo and Ensemble Contest.

This year's April 21 competition was held at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN.

There were about 70 solos and ensembles who competed the contest.

"Solo and ensemble was a way to give students a way to challenge themselves," said band director Lee Kjesbo.

Solos and ensembles provide an experience for students that is different from performing in large groups such as jazz bands or chamber choirs, which also competed.

"It gives students the option to get solo and ensemble experience as opposed to the large group experience students receive everyday," said band director Billy Soden.

This year's contest got off to a rocky start. It is the responsibility of the host school to bring judges and equipment. The high school that was scheduled to host the event didn't realize that this was a requirement. Kjesbo found out two weeks before the contest that he had to organize it. Together Kjesbo, Soden and choir director Mike Walsh have spent many hours planning the contest.

Many students chose to participate in the solo and ensemble contest to improve their performance.

"You can compete alone for your own personal gain, or as a group to improve your group performance skills," said sophomore Peter Walz.

Judges critique students' performances in eight categories. Each category is worth up to five points, for a total of 40. Superior ratings, which include awards and certificates, are given to students who score a total of 35 or above.

Excellent ratings, which include certificates, are given to students who have a total score of 28 to 34.

"I just go for fun. The score doesn't matter, but I will take the judges comments into consideration," said freshman Jamie Jensen.

Many students appreciate the judges suggestions.

"I enjoy playing the French horn! I don't get nervous about judges. I'll use their comments to help me improve," said freshman Kyleen Gregerson.

For others, the contest means something a little different.

"I had a lot of fun last year. I enjoy playing my flute and getting involved in music. It's a good experience," said senior Jennifer Gregerson.

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Senior Jenny Griffith and sophomore Stephanie Enter are playing at the Solo and Ensemble banquet on May 1. They received a superior rating on their duet, and they also received the Outstanding Event award from the judge in their room.

BHS Knowledge Bowl team one competed at the state tournament in Brainerd on May 2-3. On May 2, they competed in the written round, and May 3 was the oral round competition. Team one members who competed were seniors Royce Johanson, Katie MacDonald, Brian Kass, Shawn Bakke and Brandon Backlund.

Plans are again underway for the Senior All-Night Graduation Party which will be held on Friday, June 9, 1995, after graduation from 9:30pm to Sam. It will be held at Buffalo High School. There will be games, activities, food, music and gifts for each graduate, with prize and cash drawings held throughout the evening. The cost is $30 for the entire evening.

Seniors Marty Thompson and Jason Shackelton recently qualified for the Minneapolis AAU Junior Olympic Basketball Team. Twenty-five to 30 people tried out for the team and only 12 made it. The four hour try-out involved a great deal of running. The team is sponsored by the Minneapolis Supreme Court, which will pay for travel expenses as well as their uniforms. This year the team will play in tournaments in Florida and Philadelphia, and if they win enough games, they could travel to the biggest AAU tournament in the country in Las Vegas, Nevada.

BHS will be holding a health fair for students on Thursday, May 11. Motivational speaker Mark Scharenbroich will be giving a speech entitled "The Greatest Days of Your Life... (So Far)" for the entire student body during first hour. Various booths and speakers will be available in the gym for ninth and tenth graders to visit during the day. Booths will remain open after school for juniors and seniors who wish to attend.

15 years ago by English teachers Joel Squadroni and Dave Robinson; Robinson is the current rent advisor.

"Most of the time teachers have a certain way of not showing who they really are. [Pegasus] gives them a chance to show a part of their identity that students usually don't see," said junior Melissa Wenzel.

This year's Pegasus will include a section of teachers' writing.

It is said that a blow of Pegasus' foot caused Hippocrene, the inspiring fountain of the Muses, to spring forth from Mount Helicon. Hence, the mythical steed Pegasus has become the symbol of truth, beauty, imagination and inspiration for artists, writers and poets.

Pegasus is the name of the BHS literary magazine which provides a place for students to get their creative works published. Pegasus was started about 15 years ago by English teachers Joel Squadroni and Dave Robinson.

"Publishing students' work] is an important step in the writing process, and teaches the writing process," said Robinson.

To help pay for Pegasus, students held a Read-a-thon at Buffalo Books. In groups of three and four they read the book Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott.

Pegasus has a staff of approximately eight students. Those eight are mostly students who have been a part of Pegasus before.

The 1995 Pegasus will be distributed around the end of May.

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Opportunity to apologize for mistakes in the photo captions in the sixth issue. We also regret that we failed to mention Ralph Grant in last issue's building security story. He has been a P.M. Supervisor at BHS since 1987.