The Bison – November 13, 1991

Deciding on which college to attend is a trying decision for many seniors. The only decision which may be more difficult is how to pay for it. A sometimes intimidating price tag, may be attached to a four year college education at a state university or private college. Any or all of this amount can be found in the form of college scholarships. Many seniors are unaware of the possible scholarships offered. To aid in the search of a scholarship, information is available through the BHS counselors. There are roughly 40 local scholarships offered from the Buffalo, Hanover, and Montrose areas. These range in value from $250 to $2500 dollars. Roughly half of the applicants applying for these receive one. “If students open their ears, [information] is spoon fed to them,” said counselor Mary Lynn Leff. An essay is required when applying for a scholarship. It is advised to get help from teachers to make it stand out from the rest. There is also stiff competition for the scholarships. Counting on one specific scholarship is futile, applying for many would make the chances of getting one better. Another place to look for financial aid is the counseling office or financial aid department of the college to be attended. There are five informative meetings held by the school. Seniors planning to apply for scholarships, should attend. There are also posters, bulletins, and hand-outs that aid in the filling out of applications. However, since this has not yet started for this year, many seniors are uninformed. Senior Travis Willie expressed his interest in scholarship programs. He has not begun to research his options, but plans to in the very near future. On the other hand, senior Christie Sueker expressed much interest in the scholarship program and has recently applied for the Evan’s Scholarship for golf caddies.

16th Century Christmas is a program that features the BHS singers in a Renaissance madrigal style dinner. The BHS singers will be the Royalty, featuring Rob Kruck and Sheri Moon as the King and Queen of the dinner. There will be other characters playing the roles of the court jester, the prince, the witch, the beautiful maiden, beggars, and servants. Many other characters are to be portrayed by the group. “It has all the pageantry that goes with the renaissance,” said Choir Director Mike Walsh. The theater style skit, “Repunzel, Repunzel, Let Down Your Heir,” will be performed with time period costumes, British-English dialect, slapstick comedy, and “bad puns.” Tickets are only being sold in advance through mail order, the BHS office, and Walsh. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for students. The price of the tickets pay for apple cider, coffee, milk, their own version of plum pudding, and entertainment. In the past, the program hasn’t sold out, but hopes are high for this year because there are more people involved. The play is set for the days of December 6 and 7. The doors open at 7:00 but the event will begin at 7:30. Music will be performed for early arrivals. “It’s a different kind of a program, compared to concerts,” said Walsh. “Here, we focus on one thing and do it more in depth.” The 16th Century dances that are being performed were choreographed by Erin Walsh. Erin has helped choreograph other musicals at BHS. She also helped with the directing of the drama. Each performance lasts about an hour and a half and can seat about 210 people. It takes place in the BHS mall. “It’s a nice cross section of things you would’ve found at the Renaissance Festival around Christmas time,” said Walsh.

Thanksgiving is a time for being thankful for what we have and for giving.

Think about that. Do we actually think people only starve to death around the holiday season? Don’t people starve in the other months of the year? The holiday season is the only time most people give food to the food shelf.

On Christmas most of us usually find ourselves sitting around a table in a warm cozy house, surrounded by loving family members. A large feast is spread before our wide, caring eyes.

On the other side of town a family waits in a long line at the local soup kitchen. Even though this meal is one of their largest of the year, they still don’t feel fully satisfied. You see this scene on television shows and on the news, but most don’t picture people starving in the summer.

Do we only give food to the food shelf during holidays because we feel guilty about all the food we wasted the other ten months of the year? Or is it because everyone else is giving to the food shelf and we don’t want to look like we don’t care? Maybe you people feel more gracious and caring, but if you were really concerned you’d help all year long.

The Bison has a solution.

Rather than teachers giving extra credit for bringing in food for the one week food drive, they could make it a weekly assignment to bring in an item of food, or if students were tardy for unexcused reasons, they could bring in food instead of having passports. NHS's food drive could be all year. They could give the doughnuts to the class that brings in the most food per quarter.

Why do we bring in foods we hate to eat? If we can’t stand them, what makes us think others will? Needy people can only eat so many lima beans. Although the people who are starving can’t afford to be picky, they do have personal tastes. When you’re hungry, you don’t want to eat foods you can’t stand, so why do you force others to by giving “gross” foods to the food shelf? If you give your favorite foods away, you can go to the store and buy more. The people you’d be giving it to don’t have that option.

This year let’s give for the sake of giving so others can enjoy the holidays.

The article that should have appeared in this space was removed due to censorship.

In the U.S. this should not occur. It’s a basic right to have freedom of the press.

So how come so many schools censor books such as “Huckleberry Fin” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Is that freedom of the press?

We are told those books are prejudiced. Are they trying to protect us from mistakes of the past? Maybe they should stop teaching about the Civil War. After all, the Civil War occurred because of prejudice in the southern states.

The schools aren’t going to stop teaching about the Civil War. So, why are books about two things were before the Civil War banned from literature classes?

There is a famous quote “history repeats itself.” If children aren’t allowed to read about mistakes from the past, how are they supposed to prevent history from repeating? Guessing what’s happened?

Decisions are made based on knowledge. Some knowledge comes from what we’ve seen, some from what we hear, some from what we’ve been taught, and some comes from what we read. Reading books about human nature and the evil side of life teaches what to do in certain situations, some which could be life and death situations.

The Bison is pleased that BHS has not joined the book-banning bandwagon. And still teaches about the Civil War.

Let us protect our freedom of the press, and keep our school free of the banning plague.

TO THE EDITOR:

The Bison swim team would like to thank Dan Flatla for representing BHS in its support of the swim team. The swimmers & divers feel that Dan Flatla’s article should have been in the Editorial section, not the sports section. The article is filled with opinions, and not factual information. The swim team hopes that this story does not affect BHS’s future support of not only the swim team, but other teams such as the cross-country team. People should also take out from slamming the football team, soccer team, cross-country team, volley-ball team, and swimming team and look at the difficulty our teams face against the other teams in the North Suburban Conference. People at BHS should notice that its not that the Bison teams are bad, but look at how good the competition. That is not an excuse, but with all that taken into account, the swim team would like BHS to support the Bison teams. We would also like to recommend Dan Flatla and others like him to check their facts before they write articles and express opinions.

The Swim Team

Ever got the feeling that we are old? Not old exactly, just out of date. Loony Tunes have been replaced with the Toxic Crusaders, cap-guns were replaced by high-tech war toys, even teddy bears are not immune to the effects of the 90's. Ever wonder whatever happened to our old nursery rhymes and playing around the rosie? The 90's children are environmentally aware! Call me old fashioned, but shouldn't cartoons be senseless and violent! OK, this is the way I see it. Maybe the early in the 90's we are safe from Nursery Rhyme Syndrome, but I don't think so. What would the Mother Goose of the 90's be like? She'd be wearing spandex and rayon, bopping around to Depeche Mode on rollerblades. Not a pretty sight. Her rhymes would be reminiscent of Greenpeace logos. (That was written especially for Joseph Hazelwood and Exxon, I believe.) Here's one that we Minnesotans can appreciate . . . Five Great Lakes, Five Great Lakes. This is what they might be something like: Sing a song of spillage, a tanker's fouled the shore Four and Twenty blackbirds, that were white before scum with a carving knife Have you ever seen such a blight in your life As Five Great Lakes? Did Miss Muffet and Jack Horner escape the Nursery Rhyme Syndrome? No way! No one escapes the Wrath of Shivaun! Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet Eating swordfish and died in a minute Along came a spider who sat down beside her And said “T'was all the mercury in it.” Little Jack Horner sat in the corner Eating tuna and thereupon fainted Along came a spider who sat down beside him. And said, “Seems like everything’s tainted!” If you're not into the environment, how about animal rights? Four little tigers, sitting in a tree One became a rich man's rug, now there’s only three Three little tiger's, 'Neath a sky of blue One became a long fur coat now there's only two Two little tigers, sitting in the sun One a hunter's trophy made, now there's only one One little tiger, waiting to be had OOPS! He got the hunter first! (Aren't you kinda glad?) Well, kiddies, it’s been real, but I gotta go. Th-th-th-th-th- that’s all folks!

In today’s society it is becoming more obvious that people need to stop and verbally communicate with each other. People need to realize that the only things that result from not communicating are misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and confusion. It seems like we are always on the move. In fact, we rarely stop and listen to what someone else is saying. Instead, we send memos, talk to answering machines and often assume we know what others are thinking and feeling. How could anyone possibly know what someone else is thinking? Have they invented some new sort of technological memory scanner, that allows us to read each others minds? We’re living through a time in which communication is of vital importance to the process of peace. The Peace talks that took place in Madrid, Spain, between Israel and the Arab delegations of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine are a good example. U.S. Officials considered the face-to-face encounters between these parties an essential key to changing how they deal with each other. Face-to-face... what a concept! No answering machines, no secretaries, no memo pads... just people sitting down together to discuss their differences, and come to an agreement. Talking face to face can help people figure out the real source of the problem. We need to talk with each other, otherwise there is no point in trying to settle our differences. Much like Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s play, The Death of the Salesman, we need to face the realities of what our disagreements are. At the same time, we need to face the reality of who we are. Willy, a traveling salesman, and father of two sons, proves throughout this play to be someone who is unable to face the reality of who he really is. It is because of his behavior that his sons turn to fantasizing about who they really are, and who they believe they once were. Willy lived in a fantasy world and this is the world he communicated to his sons. He talked to them about the excessive amounts of money that he made, when actually he didn't make a dime. He filled them full of false promises and dreams of success. When reality finally forces him to make realistic plans his inability to see the truth robs him of even his final dream. Because of this failure to accept or realize the truth the boys never really amount to anything. They continue to live on false ideas that get them nowhere. It’s clear that without open communication, and a willingness to face reality, nothing but misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and confusion will come about. So next time you have a disagreement with someone, don't just walk away... instead, sit down and honestly try to solve your differences by... communicating with one another. Note: Letters to the Editor are welcome to express opinions.

Good Morning! Today you are fortunate going to get the Beth Miller two minute U.S. history lesson. Columbus ran into a new continent in 1492. When map makers were making the new world maps they appropriately named it “America.” The first permanent English in America colony was called Jamestown because six of the future presidents of this new country would be named James. (Trivia quiz -- can you name all of them?) The main way the colonists made money was by growing a wonderful new product. Consumers could light it on fire and inhale its smoke, and eventually their lungs would turn into lumps of carbon. It was, of course, tobacco. Another group of people, who called themselves “Pilgrims,” came to America. Their first winter here was long and cold. Their main activity that winter was starving. The next summer some Indians helped the pilgrims grow food. After the harvest they all got together and ate dinner and expressed how thankful they were that they didn’t kill each other. Through the next decades the colonies got bigger because they didn’t want to pay taxes that the king of England had imposed upon the residents of his country. The king of England decided that there were lots of people in the colonies who could make him richer than he already was, so he decided to tax the colonists. The colonists got mad at the taxes imposed on them, but what really made them mad was when the king decided to put tacks in the tea. The Americans were mad, so they went to war with Britain. To go to war, the Americans needed a strong leader to be their general. They knew who they wanted -- a guy named Collin Powell, but he hadn’t been born yet, so they went with George Washington. After ten years of fighting, the Americans won the war. For the next ten years they had a government that wasn’t allowed to do anything, and then they wrote the Constitution that formed a government that doesn’t do anything. George Washington was elected the first president of the U.S. because they needed some reason to name the capital Washington, D.C. In 1812, the U.S. went to war with England, again. The last battle was fought two weeks after peace was declared because someone forgot to tell the troops the war was over. When Abraham Lincoln was elected president a bunch of southern states decided to leave the union just to make more history for students to study. The north went to war with the south to keep them in the union. Obviously, I hope, the northern states won. The turn of the century was quite exciting because Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. The U.S. got caught up in two more wars. Both took place in Europe and involved a lot of countries. They were creatively named World War I and World War II. And on October 27, 1991, the Minnesota Twins won the World Series. I think that is important enough to put in as history! Your history lesson is now over, so feel enlightened on a subject you don't normally read about. If it took more than two minutes, you should learn to read faster. Until all the left-over turkey from Thanksgiving is gone - Good-bye!

35 and getting better looking every issue. The Bison has been in production in BHS since 1956. It’s been helping faculty, students and parents in more ways than one. One way is by getting the latest information distributed, about new happenings and meetings. Such new happenings as: the performance of the play “Harvey”; the journalism convention; and, food, blood, and clothing drives. The Bison let students when quarters ended and let parents know when school board meetings were held. It also informed the student body about open campus, post-secondary options and OBE. The Bison covered the levy referendum, which promised a brighter future for all of the BHS students. The Bison even covered a story on the Soviet Republics and the Persian Gulf War. Every year the Features section covers a story on the Foreign Exchange students. So that BHS students can learn more about the new students attending their school. Other feature stories include the marching band,

Over the years, mass media has undergone many drastic changes. When our country was first forming, the way to be informed about current events was to write letters to organizations such as the Committees of Correspondence. Now, you can sit in your own living room and watch a war take place on the other side of the world. Through communication network, the world is linked by an intricate media system. Aided by computers, fax machines, satellites, and telephones, the public can learn of happenings all over the world almost as they take occur. The newspaper is the oldest form of mass media. Although some believe newspapers are out-of-date, they have some benefits over other mass media. “A newspaper is really portable. You can read while sitting in your car or while standing in a line. The paper gives you more thorough news. You can really dig into the story,” said English teacher, Jean Pehl. Magazines provide information on topics, opinions, and entertainment. Early magazines called pamphlets were an important device in American history. “Thomas Paine’s Common Sense did more to influence the thirteen colonies, in reference to the king, than anything else at that time,” said American History teacher, Gerard Rohl. The invention of the radio and its portability sent news out more quickly and to a larger audience. It was a primary source of information, but, after the invention of television, it became less popular. “I think that radio can be more in depth [than television] but people aren’t very willing to listen to two hours of public radio,” said English teacher, Denise Whalin-Fiskum. Public speaking is also a technique used to get news out to a large group of people. The impact of the spoken word has changed over the years. “When I look back at history, men like Socrates and Lincoln were not good-looking people but, they spoke powerful words. People listened to what they had to say. Nowadays, people pay attention to what the speaker is wearing and how they look then, they decide whether or not, they want to listen to what they have to say,” said English teacher, Karen Swenson. Television networks were able to broadcast coast-to-coast by 1951. People all across the country watched President Truman opening the Japanese Peace Treaty Conference in San Diego. Since then, television viewers have watched: presidential debates, the first astronauts landing on the moon, the Watergate hearings, and the resignation of President Richard Nixon. With technology constantly advancing and improving, the field of mass media will continue to both grow and provide sources of information and communication to the public.

Since the beginning of the Bison, BHS has seen many changes that have affected the staff and students at various levels of importance. Along with these changes, we have come differences of opinion in what is and is not newsworthy material. In the 50’s, the F.H.A. (Future Homemakers of America) and the G.A.A. (Girl’s Athletic Association) played a major role in the lives of high school females. Sports, the F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America), and the FHA activities were important. In the late 60’s, student freedom and the Civil Rights movement were prevalent issues in society. “The boys couldn’t have long hair and girls could only wear slacks on game days and when the weather was cold. No pop, chewing gum, or candy was allowed in the building,” said English teacher, Jim Wilcox, who has been working in the school district since 1964. High school students also became more aware of global issues. “Preserving and taking care of the environment was a major factor in the 60’s. The Vietnam War was also an issue because some friends of high school students were directly involved in the war,” said teacher Richard Miller, who started teaching American History at Buffalo in 1962. Technology also progressed and changed. Computers were becoming more common. In the early 70’s, the data processing class became more high tech by purchasing a new computer. The first Earth Day was held in 1972 and S.E.D. (Students for Environmental Defense) was formed. “S.E.D was formed in 1969. It was formed because some students were interested in the environment and wanted me to be the advisor. S.E.D had two main goals; to raise awareness, and plan activities that helped the environment,” said Biology teacher David Fiedler. One of the most memorable events of the 70’s, was the Watergate Scandal and the resignations of President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. The energy crisis raised the price of gasoline up to $1.05 per gallon. The school board agreed to request that all students use bus transportation to get to school instead of driving, in order to preserve fuel. A poll taken in 1974 reported that 25% of the students at BHS buckled their safety belts while, 60% didn’t. Now, everyone must buckle up. On July 31, 1982, 4.5 inches of rain fell in one hour. The parking lot at BHS flooded and there was $15,000 worth of damages done to the school. Over the past 35 years activities have come and gone. A few of the now obsolete include: KBHS (the live radio program at BHS), sno-daze, the debate team, the chess team, the pep club, the Bisonettes (pom-pom girls), and milk mods. People have also changed at BHS. “I see more true scholars now and more academically talented students. They seem more cosmopolitan and sophisticated,” said Wilcox.

The Bill of Rights means something different to everyone. “The Bill of Rights means to me, that no matter who you are in America, everyone is equal. Our country is very unique in this way,” said senior Heather Mattson. With these rights and freedoms, people must keep in mind that there are responsibilities to be met. Should a school newspaper be able to print anything that they want? “Sure” said senior Brian McNulty. “I’m very open minded, and I think the school should also be.” In 1988, a high school principal censored two school newspaper stories, that were written in a journalism class. The stories were of delicate nature, that being teenage pregnancy, and the effects of divorce on students. There have been times, when the government and schools have tried to control the rights and freedoms. These occurrences have set standards for student rights. “I think that this schools is one of the better schools for student rights, but I think we should be able to choose more things,” said freshman Chris Wessman. This case is referred to as Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent School District #393. This verdict determined that students still have their constitutional rights, even in school. The particular right focused on was freedom of speech. That verdict was questioned in 1986 with the Bethel School District #403 vs. Fraser. This regarded a nominating speech, which was explained as an “explicit sexual metaphor”. This then narrowed the Tinker verdict. “If you don’t like what you see, don’t look at it. If you don’t like what you hear, don’t listen to it. You do have a choice,” said Sophomore Danielle Nadeau. To fight censorship, speak out, register and vote, send letters to your congressmen and senators, read some federal cases of the First Amendment, read books that have been banned. See both sides of the story, and voice your opinion.

[unclear] and sexual discrimination, and Valentine's Day.
It covered the BHS wrestlers when they went to the state tournaments, the approval of the new tennis courts, and having a BHS representative at the Special Olympics.
The Bison also covered the Editorial section. Some columnist unique titles were; Heather Knows Best, From the Bottom of the Pit, and the Final Word. This signifies the talents in writing and their opinion.
All in all, the Bison feels it covers as much as it can to help inform the communities.

Staff Writer
The Bill of Rights means something different to everyone.
“The Bill of Rights means to me, that no matter who you are in America, everyone is equal. Our country is very unique in this way,” said senior Heather Mattson.
With these rights and freedoms, people must keep in mind that there are responsibilities to be met.
Should a school newspaper be able to print anything that they want? “Sure” said senior Brian McNulty. “I’m very open minded, and I think the school should also be.”
In 1988, a high school principal censored two school newspaper stories, that were written in a journalism class.
The stories were of delicate nature, that being teenage pregnancy, and the effects of divorce on students.
“There have been times, when the government and schools have tried to control these rights and freedoms. These occurrences have set standards for student rights.
“I think that this schools is one of the better schools for student rights, but I think we should be able to choose more things,” said freshman Chris Wessman.
This case is referred to as Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent School District #393. This verdict determined that students still have their constitutional rights, even in school. The particular right focused on was freedom of speech.
That verdict was questioned in 1986 with the Bethel School District #403 vs. Fraser. This regarded a nominating speech, which was explained as an “explicit sexual metaphor”. This then narrowed the Tinker verdict.
Recently a list of children's books were a focus of censorship. Among those were; A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L'Engle, and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. They were censored, because of racial slurs.
“I feel censorship is not necessary. If you don’t like what you see, don’t look at it. If you don’t like what you hear, don’t listen to it. You do have a choice,” said Sophomore Danielle Nadeau.
To fight censorship, speak out, register and vote, send letters to your congressmen and senators, read some federal cases of the First Amendment, read books that have been banned. See both sides of the story, and voice your opinion.

Proof Editor
Over the years, mass media has undergone many drastic changes. When our country was first forming, the way to be informed about current events was to write letters to organizations such as the Committees of Correspondence. Now, you can sit in your own living room and watch a war take place on the other side of the world.
Through communication network, the world is linked by an intricate media system. Aided by computers, fax machines, satellites, and telephones, the public can learn of happenings all over the world almost as they take occur.
The newspaper is the oldest form of mass media. Although some believe newspapers are out-of-date, they have some benefits over other mass media.
“A newspaper is really portable. You can read while sitting in your car or while standing in a line. The paper gives you more thorough news. You can really dig into the story,” said English teacher, Jean Pehl.
Magazines provide information on topics, opinions, and entertainment. Early magazines called pamphlets were an important device in American history.
“Thomas Paine's Common Sense did more to influence the thirteen colonies, in reference to the king, than anything else at that time,” said American History teacher, Gerard Rohl.
The invention of the radio and its portability sent news out more quickly and to a larger audience. It was a primary source of information, but, after the invention of television, it became less popular.
“I think that radio can be more in depth [than television] but people aren’t very willing to listen to two hours of public radio,” said English teacher, Denise Whalin-Fiskum.
Public speaking is also a technique used to get news out to a large group of people. The impact of the spoken word has changed over the years.
“When I look back at history, men like Socrates and Lincoln were not good-looking people but, they spoke wonderful words. People listened to what they had to say. Nowadays, people pay attention to what the speaker is wearing and how they look then, they decide whether or not, they want to listen to what they have to say,” said English teacher, Karen Swenson.
Television networks were able to broadcast coast-to-coast by 1951. People all across the country watched President Truman opening the Japanese Peace Treaty Conference in San Diego. Since then, television viewers have watched: presidential debates, the first astronauts landing on the moon, the Watergate hearings, and the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
With technology constantly advancing and improving, the field of mass media will continue to both grow and provide sources of information and communication to the public.

Proof Editor
Since the beginning of the Bison, BHS has seen many changes that have affected the staff and students at various levels of importance. Along with these changes, there have come differences of opinion in what is and is not newsworthy material.
In the 50's, the F.H.A. (Future Homemakers of America) and the G.A.A. (Girl's Athletic Association) played a major role in the lives of high school females. Sports, the F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America), and the FHA activities were very important.
In the late 60's, student freedom and the Civil Rights movement were prevalent issues in society.
“The boys couldn't have long hair and girls could only wear slacks on game days and when the weather was cold. No pop, chewing gum, or candy was allowed in the building,” said English teacher, Jim Wilcox, who has been working in the school district since 1964.
High school students also became more aware of global issues.
“Preserving and taking care of the environment was a major factor in the 60's. The Vietnam War was also an issue because some friends of high school students were directly involved in the war,” said teacher Richard Miller, who started teaching American History at Buffalo in 1962.
Technology also progressed and changed. Computers were becoming more common. In the early 70's, the data processing class became more high tech by purchasing a new computer.
The first Earth Day was held in 1972 and S.E.D. (Students for Environmental Defense) was formed.
“S.E.D was formed in 1969. It was formed because some students were interested in the environment and wanted me to be the advisor. S.E.D had two main goals; to raise awareness, and plan activities that helped the environment,” said Biology teacher David Fiedler.
One of the most memorable events of the 70's, was the Watergate Scandal and the resignations of President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro T. Agnew.
The energy crisis raised the price of gasoline up to $1.05 per gallon. The school board agreed to request that all students use bus transportation to get school instead of driving, in order to preserve fuel.
A poll taken in 1974 reported that 25% of the students at BHS buckled their safety belts while, 60% didn't. Now, everyone must buckle up.
On July 31, 1982, 4.5 inches of rain fell in one hour. The parking lot at BHS flooded and there was $15,000 worth of damages done to the school.
Over the past 35 years activities have come and gone. A few of the now obsolete include: KBHS (the live radio program at BHS), sno-daze, the debate team, the chess team, the pep club, the Bisonettes (pom-pom girls), and milk mods. People have also changed at BHS.
“I see more true scholars now and more academically talented students. They seem more cosmopolitan and sophisticated,” said Wilcox.

The Bison hockey team, under the guidance of head coach Carl Davis, is looking to improve from last year’s performance in the North Suburban Conference.

Last year, the BHS hockey team won six games and lost ten in their first year in the North Suburban. According to the players, however, the first year performance in the conference was only a beginning and not the end of the world.

“We will have a chance at playing better because we know what to expect,” said senior Andy Gorrill.

According to Davis, when practice starts next Monday, November 18, the attitudes and feelings that the players put into the new season will determine how the team does during the winter.

“Players will get out of [the season] whatever they put into it,” said senior Scott Legro.

Goals and improvements have not only been made by the team but by the coaches as well. According to Davis, the team must take one goal at a time in order to have a shot at the state tournament.

“We are looking for a big improvement in our scoring ability by being physically strong with eleven players returning from last year’s teams,” said Davis.

The hockey team not only has new faces in terms of players, but in coaching positions as well. Ed Saxton, head coach of the track team and former assistant football, and Blain DeCambaliza, a 1987 BHS graduate and former team member, will join Coach Davis behind the bench. Many players are exited about the new coaches but stated that they will miss their former coach Chris Bonnell, known to the team as “Norm”.

All the members of the hockey team, coaches, captains, and players alike, feel that playing in the North Suburban Conference will not change the style of play as they go against stronger teams.

“We just have to prove that we’re not like the rest,” said senior Grant Ingersoll.

WELCOME TO UPDATE, a new column designed by the sports department to bring you the results of most of the recent meets, matches, and games, including coverage of non-varsity teams and last-minute details and highlights of games that we haven’t been able to cover before due to time restrictions. So sit back, relax, and read on!

VOLLEYBALL - The Bison volleyball team lost in the first round of sections to Shakopee on Thursday, November 7 in a five game match, finishing their season. The Bison won the first two games, including a first game comeback from a 14-8 deficit to win 16-14, but lost the last three games of the match to the Indians.

SWIMMING - Sections took place on Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9 at Saint Cloud Tech. Results were not available in time for this issue.

GIRLS BASKETBALL - Practices start next Monday, November 18 with the first game scheduled for Friday, December 6 at home against Minneapolis South, starting at 7:30 p.m.

SLOLOM SKI TEAM - Both boys and girls ski teams started practices on Monday, November 11 at Powder Ridge. The first meet is set for December 17 against Hopkins and Orono at Buck Hill with a 4 p.m. start.

Upcoming Home Events
Thursday, December 5 .......... Hockey vs. Mound, 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, December 6 .......... Girls B-ball vs. Mpls. South, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 12 .......... Hockey vs. Columbia Hts., 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, December 13 .......... Wrestling vs. Totino Grace, 7:30 p.m.
Gymnastics vs. St. Michael/Albertville, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 17 .......... Girls B-ball vs. Centennial, 7:30 p.m.
Skiing vs. Hopkins and Orono at Buck Hill, 4 p.m.
* JV starts at 5:30 p.m.

JV times will be printed in the Update if we are given a team schedule. Thanks.

The BHS girls’ gymnastics team has high hopes for yet another season of vast improvements.

The gymnasts will start practice on November 18 in preparation for their first meet of the season in Rockford on December 10.

Fan support for the team has been a major issue. According to team members, fans play a big roll in the performance of the gymnasts and they want more people to come to matches.

“We need more ways to get fans to come,” said sophomore Amy Miller. “We preform better under pressure.”

Setting individual and group goals are an important part of success in gymnastics, as it is in most activities.

“My goal is to do good and compete not just for me but for our school,” said freshman Aimee Goodale.

The Bison gymnastics team has done well in the past, placing in the middle of the conference of underclassmen. last year with many close meets, including last year’s home loss to Centennial by less than half of a point.

However, many of last year’s team members are out due to injuries and loss of interest, sending head coach Martha Driscoll looking toward younger talent.

“I think we’ll do pretty well,” said junior captain Tara Zahler. “It depends on the turnout of the opponents that face Schwnake will not be intimidated by the fact that she is a girl, and they will probably wrestle against her. The only forfeits by teams that don’t want to wrestle against Schwnake will probably come from inexperienced wrestlers.

Bakke says that he doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the wrestlers, he’s realistic with the kids when he tells them that they can do it, he believes it and expects them to believe it.

“Funny things happen and I haven’t given up. We might end up at state by chance,” said Bakke.

After crossing the finish line at the section meet, the girls’ cross country team turned their sights toward the state meet. They took on their new role as Section 2AA champions.

The girls won the Section 2AA cross country title on October 24 at Marion Park in Hutchinson with a score of 47 over Mankato West, who had 92. This victory marked the first time the girls have been in the state meet since 1986.

“My dream would be to place third in state,” said head coach Gerry Bakke.

The older team members agreed that it was better for the younger runners, who have helped place the team in the top three of all their races.

“I’m glad we all get to go (to state),” said senior Carey Pederson, who also qualified for the individual portion of the state meet.

The boys finished third in their section race with a score of 83 behind Mankato West, who had 37, and Willmar, who had 73. All of the boys set personal records, even though they failed to go to state for the third year in a row.

“We really laid it on the line. Willmar just had a better day than we did,” said Bakke.

Despite their performances, team member were disappointed with the results.

“Every one was expecting us to (go to state) again,” said senior Joe Tscoll.

Three other runners qualified for the individual section. Junior Becky Loberg finished fourth, just ahead of Pederson, in the girls’ section race. Seniors Brian Schmidt and Tscholl finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the boys’ sectional.

“It was a real good job individually,” said Bakke.

All the runners got an extra week to prepare for the state meet. The snowstorm that dumped 28 inches of snow on October 31 pushed the meet back from November 2 to November 9. Even with the extra week to practice, some of the runners were not prepared for the change in their schedule.

“We were centered too much on last week and didn’t think we would be running this week. It really screwed us up,” said Schmidt during the extra week of practice.

The Minnesota State High School League also moved the site of the meet from the University of Minnesota to Alexandria, which received less snow. Some of the runners think that the change in location of the meet will put less pressure on them.

“We ran there earlier in the year) and it was a big meet but it wasn’t that big of a meet so we were relaxed for it,” said Tscholl. “It’s the same course (for the state meet) as it was before so it doesn’t put as much pressure on you as at the U. of M.”

The storm marked the third year in a row that snow has fallen on or before the state cross country meet. Last year, three inches of snow fell the night before the meet. The runners do not feel that the snow will hamper their running.

“(The snow) will give us more of an advantage because Carey (Pederson) has run in it two years and I’ve ran in it three, including this one,” said Tscholl.

Due to the rescheduling of the state cross country meet, results of the meet were not available for this issue, but may appear in the December issue of The Bison.

The Bison wrestling team is heading into a rebuilding season. After going to state five times since 1981, the team has to look to younger talent in order to go again.

Last year, seniors made up three-quarters of the team. All of them, including four state individual medal winners, have graduated, leaving the team with only a few members who have varsity experience.

“Now is a chance [for the younger wrestlers] to make varsity,” said coach Gerry Bakke.

Members of last year’s team agree that it is going to take a lot of effort in order to win regions again.

“We’ll have a chance to go to state, but not as much of a chance than in the past,” said junior Kevin Kottke.

This year Bakke has high expectations for the new wrestlers. They have to be ready to commit themselves and the new wrestlers must concentrate on learning the technique and not as much on winning and losing the match.

While all the wrestlers get into the routine, they will also have to adjust to yet another new face.

Sophomore Heather Schwanke is joining the wrestling team as the first girl ever in history of BHS to join the team and the only girl in Wright County to wrestle.

“My mom and dad are really for it,” said Schwanke.

Bakke applauds Heather for giving wrestling a try. He feels that having a girl on the team will make the season interesting and that it’s her right to join the team. He wants to encourage people to do what they want to do.

“Wrestling’s a hard sport, most people wouldn’t be able to do it,” said Bakke.

According to Bakke, most of the opponents that face Schwanke will not be intimidated by the fact that she is a girl, and they will probably wrestle against her.

The only forfeits by teams that don’t want to wrestle against Schwanke will probably come from inexperienced wrestlers.

Bakke says that he doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the wrestlers, he’s realistic with the kids when he tells them that they can do it, he believes it and expects them to believe it.

“Funny things happen and I haven’t given up. We might end up at state by chance,” said Bakke.

“Two feet on the court and we’re all ready to win!”

In getting ready for winter, the BHS team has been working hard and set this motto for the upcoming season. To prepare, they attended summer camps, conditioning sessions, fall leagues, and open gym. Some of the players also served as coaches and referees to the primary and elementary level basketball teams.

Head coach Neil Fletcher has goals for himself and the team as they head into their second season in the North Suburban Conference.

“I want everyone to be better than they ever thought they could be,” said Fletcher.

Seniors Ted Zrust and Bob Wermager were chosen by their teammates to be captains. Helping to lead the team last year, both Zrust and Wermager received playing time as varsity members.

“They’ve worked hard for this. I think their efforts have finally payoff,” said senior Tom Jancik.

According to Zrust, the idea of being a leader has its privileges. However, they keep in mind that all the players have a responsibility to be leaders.

“I feel that by being a captain, an accomplishment has been made,” said Zrust.

In past years, fan turnout has been high and they hope for continued positive backing this year.

“If we get good support, we play with an unselfish attitude,” said Fletcher.

With approximately 1000 fans each game, the support is greatly appreciated. Many activities have been planned for halftime shows as a gift back to the fans.

With all the positive attitudes of both the team and the fans, team members agree that getting psyched up for a game is pretty easy.

“The fans are great and if there’s any negative feelings about the game, it gets me pumped up even more to prove them wrong!” said Zrust.

Concentration seems to be a key factor in addition to being “pumped”.

“You have to go into the game with a clear head,” said Jancik.

Along with positive attitudes come opportunities in the game that may affect the rest of a player’s life.

“I’m a firm believer in realizing you only have so many opportunities in life,” said Fletcher. “As an athlete, you have the opportunity to make a performance that no one else has.”

After crossing the finish line at the section meet, the girls’ cross country team turned their sights toward the state meet. They took on their new role as Section 2AA champions. The girls won the Section 2AA cross country title on October 24 at Marion Park in Hutchinson with a score of 47 over Mankato West, who had 92. This victory marked the first time the girls have been in the state meet since 1986.

“My dream would be to place third in state,” said head coach Gerry Bakke.

The older team members agreed that it was better for the younger runners, who helped place the team in the top three of all their races.

“I’m glad we all get to go (to state),” said senior Carey Pederson, who also qualified for the individual portion of the state meet.

The boys finished third in their section race with a score of 83 behind Mankato West, who had 37, and Willmar, who had 73. All of the boys set personal records, even though they failed to go to state for the third year in a row.

“We really laid it on the line. Willmar just had a better day than we did,” said Bakke. Despite their performances, team member were disappointed with the results.

“Every one was expecting us to (go to state) again,” said senior Joe Tscoll.

Three other runners qualified for the individual section. Junior Becky Loberg finished fourth, just ahead of Pederson, in the girls’ section race. Seniors Brian Schmidt and Tscholl finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the boys’ sectional.

“It was a real good job individually-wise,” said Bakke.

All the runners got an extra week to prepare for the state meet. The snowstorm that dumped 28 inches of snow on October 31 pushed the meet back from November 2 to November 9. Even with the extra week to practice, some of the runners were not prepared for the change in their schedule.

“We were centered too much on last week and didn’t think we would be running this week. It really screwed us up,” said Schmidt during the extra week of practice.

The Minnesota State High School League also moved the site of the meet from the University of Minnesota to Alexandria, which received less snow. Some runners think that the change in location of the meet will put less pressure on them.

“We ran there (earlier in the year) and it was a big meet but it wasn’t that big of a meet so we weren’t relaxed for it,” said Tscholl. “It’s the same course (for the state meet) as it was before so it doesn’t put as much pressure on you as at the U. of M.”

The storm marked the third year in a row that snow has fallen on or before the state cross country meet. Last year, three inches of snow fell the night before the meet. The runners do not feel that the snow will hamper their running.

“(The snow) will give us more of an advantage because Carey (Pederson) has run in it two years and I’ve ran in it three, including this one,” said Tscholl.

Due to the rescheduling of the state cross country meet, results of the meet were not available for this issue, but may appear in the December issue of The Bison.

The Bison wrestling team is heading into a rebuilding season. After going to state five times since 1981, the team has to look to younger talent in order to go again.

Last year, seniors made up three-quarters of the team. All of them, including four state individual medal winners, have graduated, leaving the team with only a few members who have varsity experience.

“Now is a chance [for the younger wrestlers] to make varsity,” said coach Gerry Bakke.

Members of last year’s team agree that it is going to take a lot of effort in order to win regions again.

“We’ll have a chance to go to state, but not as much of a chance than in the past,” said junior Kevin Kottke.

This year Bakke has high expectations for the new wrestlers. They have to be ready to commit themselves and the new wrestlers must concentrate on learning the technique and not as much on winning and losing the match. While all the wrestlers get into the routine, they will also have to adjust to yet another new face.

Sophomore Heather Schwanke is joining the wrestling team as the first girl ever in history of BHS to join the team and the only girl in Wright County to wrestle.

“My mom and dad are really for it,” said Schwanke.

Bakke applauds Heather for giving wrestling a try. He feels that having a girl on the team will make the season interesting and that it’s her right to join the team. He wants to encourage people to do what they want to do.

“Wrestling’s a hard sport, most people wouldn’t be able to do it,” said Bakke.

According to Bakke, most of the opponents that face Schwanke will not be intimidated by the fact that she is a girl, and they will probably wrestle against her. The only forfeits by teams that don’t want to wrestle against Schwanke will probably come from inexperienced wrestlers.

Bakke says that he doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the wrestlers, he’s realistic with the kids when he tells them that they can do it, he believes it and expects them to believe it.

“Funny things happen and I haven’t given up. We might end up at state by chance,” said Bakke.

“Two feet on the court and we’re all ready to win!”

In getting ready for winter, the BHS team has been working hard and set this motto for the upcoming season. To prepare, they attended summer camps, conditioning sessions, fall leagues, and open gym. Some of the players also served as coaches and referees to the primary and elementary level basketball teams.

Head coach Neil Fletcher has goals for himself and the team as they head into their second season in the North Suburban Conference.

“I want everyone to be better than they ever thought they could be,” said Fletcher.

Seniors Ted Zrust and Bob Wermager were chosen by their teammates to be captains. Helping to lead the team last year, both Zrust and Wermager received playing time as varsity members.

“They’ve worked hard for this. I think their efforts have finally payed off,” said senior Tom Jancik.

According to Zrust, the idea of being a leader has its privileges. However, they keep in mind that all the players have a responsibility to be leaders.

“I feel that by being a captain, an accomplishment has been made,” said Zrust.

In past years, fan turnout has been high and they hope for continued positive backing this year.

“If we get good support, we play with an unselfish attitude,” said Fletcher.

With approximately 1000 fans each game, the support is greatly appreciated. Many activities have been planned for halftime shows as a gift back to the fans.

With all the positive attitudes of both the team and the fans, team members agree that getting psyched up for a game is pretty easy.

“The fans are great and if there’s any negative feelings about the game, it gets me pumped up even more to prove them wrong!” said Zrust.

Concentration seems to be a key factor in addition to being “pumped”.

“You have to go into the game with a clear head,” said Jancik.

Along with positive attitudes come opportunities in the game that may affect the rest of a player’s life.

“I’m a firm believer in realizing you only have so many opportunities in life,” said Fletcher. “As an athlete, you have the opportunity to make a performance that no one else has.”

The BHS girls’ gymnastics team has high hopes for yet another season of vast improvements.

The gymnasts will start practice on November 18 in preparation for their first meet of the season in Rockford on December 10.

Fan support for the team has been a major issue. According to team members, fans play a big roll in the performance of the gymnasts and they want more people to come to matches.

“We need more ways to get fans to come,” said sophomore Amy Miller. “We preform better under pressure.”

Setting individual and group goals are an important part of success in gymnastics, as it is in most activities.

“My goal is to do good and compete not just for me but for our school,” said freshman Aimee Goodale.

The Bison gymnastics team has done well in the past, placing in the middle of the conference of underclassmen. last year with many close meets, including last year’s home loss to Centennial by less than half of a point.

However, many of last year’s team members are out due to injuries and loss of interest, sending head coach Martha Driscoll looking toward younger talent.

“I think we’ll do pretty well,” said junior captain Tara Zahler. “It depends on the turnout of the opponents that face Schwanke will not be intimidated by the fact that she is a girl, and they will probably wrestle against her. The only forfeits by teams that don’t want to wrestle against Schwanke will probably come from inexperienced wrestlers.

Bakke says that he doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the wrestlers, he’s realistic with the kids when he tells them that they can do it, he believes it and expects them to believe it.

“Funny things happen and I haven’t given up. We might end up at state by chance,” said Bakke.

Students dismissed, vacation
All District #877 students will be dismissed for Thanksgiving Vacation November 28-December 1, classes resume on Monday, December 2.

Board meeting scheduled
The next District #877 School Board meeting will be on Monday, December 16. The meeting will be held at Buffalo Junior High School Library, at 7:00 P.M., and is open to the public.

Multi-Act play, “Harvey” tickets on sale at local store and Senior High School Office
From Thursday November 21 thru Sunday November 24, BHS presents a Pulitzer Prize Play, “Harvey” by Mary Chase. Tickets are being sold at Gartner’s Hallmark and the Senior High Office. Tickets are $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for students. Play times are 8:00 P.M. for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 2:00 P.M. on Sunday. The play will be held in the Buffalo Junior High Auditorium.

When the final bell rings today, six members of “The Bison” editorial board, under the supervision of advisor Sheri Tamte, will be well on their way to a national journalism convention in Chicago, Illinois.

The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Journalism Education Association (JEA) are sponsoring the convention.

Participants attend seminars, learning sessions, and group discussions. They have the option of taking special one-on-one classes with experts or professional journalists. Critiques and contests are also part of the schedule.

The skills being tested in the contests are news, editorial, and sports writing, photography, layout, and copy editing.

“There is always something you can learn,” said News Editor Jeff Mauk. The editors hope to achieve a variety of goals.

“I hope to learn to work better with other people, improve my writing skills, and improve my layout skills,” said News Editor Prudence Ernesti.

The editors also expect to learn more about the production of a newspaper, improve the current status of their respective sections in the paper, and gain an edge on future occupations.

“It will give me a head start in the future, knowing how newspaper is run,” said Editorials Editor Beth Miller.

Attending this convention will benefit the editors in many different ways, some personal.

“[There will be] memories made for a lifetime,” said Miller.

Many activities extended to the visiting editors included a dance, an awards breakfast, and a comedy show.

Staff unity is another benefit expected from the convention.

“Hopefully, we will become more organized and be able to work together to help each other out when we need it,” said Ernesti.

Besides learning journalism skills, the convention centers around seeing the city and the chance to meet other journalists.

Activities Director Nancy Bergert assisted the group with scheduling transportation and the Chicago hotel accommodations.

“I hope to get a better sense of the staff’s strengths and weaknesses and interact with them,” said advisor Sherri Tamte. “I hope to find out the current trends in national high school journalism, to get inspiration and motivational kinds of ideas.”

There are high hopes that this trip will do more than just fill a space on a college application.

“My goals are to be able to come back with enough knowledge to aid in bettering my staff,” said Editor-in-Chief Jason A. Chalupnik.

Peer helpers, a group of students, find the time to help other students when in need.

“We are there for people,” said junior Karen Derdoski.

They tutor, befriend, act as a substitute big brother/sister to younger students, offer support to other students, and provide drug awareness classes for younger students.

“It’s great!” said counselor Mrs. Leff. “We don’t plan activities, they just pop up.”

To be in Peer Helpers one needs to be empathic, caring, and concerned about helping others.

To get into Peer Helpers, students were called to a meeting in their sophomore year. Out of those students, any interested would apply, by written application. Then that student would be interviewed to see if they were right for the job. Not all of the students interested could join. The people who were thought to be capable were randomly picked.

“Our names were picked out of a hat,” said junior Julie Fiedler.

Peer Helpers also help to produce the ninth grade orientation program. In the past, this was a duty for the faculty.

“Orientation used to be boring and now it is a little more fun,” said Mrs. Leff.

Peer Helpers try to do all they can to help the BHS students.