The Hoofprint – May 22, 2008

students appreciated celebrated hardwork rewarded memories celebrated Teachers and staff set aside a day for students

Buffalo will be without a McDonald's for the summer as the fast food location in Wal-Mart closed recently, and the location on Highway 55 is planning on rebuilding this summer. Construction workers will be tearing the building down and putting a new one in its place. The employees have one of two choices. They can either quit their job, or they can be transferred to another McDonald’s. “There’s not really a specifi c date on the building yet but once it is announced, I believe some people will go pursue another job,” said McDonald’s employee Sophomore Dan Reil. Most of the McDonald’s employees will transfer to another location. With gas prices going sky-high, and the cost of living always on the rise, employees trying to save money aren’t pleased with their options. Driving all the way to Monticello, or wherever else they might be transferred, isn't helping their case. The impact on other restaurants in Buffalo, however, is not quite the same. For them, it happens to be a good thing. The Arby’s in Buffalo, for example, is anticipating an increase in sales without the competition of McDonald’s. They have even had to make some adjustments to meet the needs of their customers. "I'm really looking forward to working this summer," said Arby's Shift Manager Shane Herd. "We have added a great new breakfast menu, and we will open at 7:30 a.m. now, instead of 10:00 a.m. I anticipate that sales will go up by at least 200 dollars a day. Our employees will be getting a lot more hours, and I think they are going to like that." The rebuilding process for McDonald’s on Highway 55 is expected to start around the beginning of the summer and should be done close to the beginning of the new school year. “Like I said, there’s not really a date set yet but it will probably be done most likely during the summer so that construction workers can get it done faster and not have to worry about the weather,” said Reil.

Rising gas prices have teens wondering how they will be able to afford to drive anywhere this summer. The US Energy Administration shows prices have more than doubled since the year 2000 and are still going up. To those paying every penny, this could shape their summer. "I have a job, so my parents say I can pay for the gas," said Sophomore Kyle Sandberg. "But to save myself some cash, I drive my dad's truck and use his money." Making compromises with parents can be a nice way to save money this summer. "I drive all over the place for lessons, babysitting, and to hang out with my friend,” said Sophomore Ariel Ehlenz. “My parents pay for my gas because they figure if I wasn't driving myself, they would be." Along with paying for gas, many teens may want to know how to become more gas efficient. The US Environmental Agency says these tips will help to save and improve gas mileage: Avoid travelling on dirt roads; take heavy, unnecessary items out of the vehicle; don't prolong warming of the engine; buy gasoline during the coolest time of day; keep windows closed to reduce air drag; eliminate jack-rabbit starts; and lastly, carpool. "Carpooling kinda is something I have been doing but I'm the one that ends up driving, which sucks," said Junior Chris Lundquist. Athletic high school students may find the gas prices as a motivation to get into a more active, calorie burning custom. "I'm getting a bike so I don't have to spend so much money on gas over the summer," said Sophomore Dustin Grage. "Plus, I'll get miles in for Cross Country so I kill two birds with one stone that way." With gas prices increasing from week to week, teens and adults alike wonder what can be done to help them save money.

April 25 gave seniors a day off to get ready for prom, enjoy one of their last few days with each other, or just relax. Fast-forward to May 30, the crackling of newly made yearbooks opening and the smell of permanent marker surrounds the air. This traditional Friday lets students know that the staff members and teachers have appreciated the past year.

“It’s a great thing that seniors get their day,” said English Teacher and former yearbook adviser Vicki Cary. “But I think [student appreciation day] is the best way to end the year because it is a day for all students.”

With A and B lunches combined, as well as C and D shortly after, third and fourth block are shortened to 40 minutes each. Students receive this reward by enjoying half the day to relax and not worry about school, homework, activities, chores, or whatever else lays on their mind.

“Combined lunches, yearbooks getting handed out, classes are shorter and no work at all,” said Freshman Sarah Durst. “It’s like a free day of school, it will be fun.”

Though students assume this appreciation is given out of nothing but tradition, they should understand why and how we earn the right to take the day off.

“It’s a time to celebrate the yearbook staff’s hard work,” said Cary, “and let kids know it’s a day to celebrate, but they need to respect it.”

Student Appreciation Day proved to be the perfect day of receiving appreciation for all the tests, homework, and writers’ cramps students suffered through the year. This is the time students look forward to most as they line up in the PAC to receive the books that will make the memories of the past year infi nite.

“It has evolved into an event that shows our appreciation on how good the year has gone,” said Principal Rick Toso. “There are smiles and excitement over the yearbooks coming out.”

Distribution of the yearbook is the main reason why this tradition was started. The yearbook staff used to suffer major disappointments after working hard to create a book to commemorate everyone’s events, but having nobody to buy them or take them home. Now a day is specifi cally given to students to receive, sign, remember, and take those memories home with them.

“Student Appreciation Day is for receiving the yearbook,” said Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, Senior Kayla Ronnie. “People enjoy fi nding themselves [in the book] and seeing what happened through out the year. That day is for looking back on the year and spending time with friends and signing each others yearbooks.”

As students enjoy fi nding highlights of their own year within the pages, imperfections are quickly pointed out.

“Instead of criticizing the book and immediately pointing out its fl aws,” said Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, Senior Mariah LaQua. “I hope students look at it for what the yearbook staff has worked hard to accomplish.”

Over the years, Student Council has treated the student body to bands and ice cream in an attempt to highlight work of the yearbook staff, all for the experience of hanging out with friends and sign their books. Student Appreciation Day is the day when teachers and staff thank students for an awesome past year.

With summer quickly approaching, Buffalo days is on the mind of many around town. One thing that comes with Buffalo Days is the royalty, this year there are ten girls running for the title of Miss Buffalo 2008-2009. If crowned Miss Buffalo or a Princess many rules are set while they are wearing the crown; they are not allowed to consume alcohol, drugs and they cannot smoke if under 18. Not only that but they have strict rules about being with boys while wearing the crown and they must be chaperoned by an adult at all times while at events. These are just some of the rules that come with the crown. "As royalty of Buffalo we have to represent our town with class," said Miss Buffalo 2007-2008 Maria Freund. "There are expectations that we have to abide by and to me its just part of the job." Part of running for royalty is committing to participation in all the Buffalo Days week worth of events. The girls must attend the events to be in the running for the title. Some of their commitments that week are; going to the nursing home to serve ice cream, being in the kiddie parade, putting on a car wash to raise money and last but not least being in the coronation. "I am so excited to go to the nursing home to serve ice cream," said Candidate Chrissa Freund. "I love brightening their day and hearing all their stories." "I am excited to spend time with the other candidates and to meet new people in town," said Candidate Emily Carlson. This years candidates consist of Taylor Ellefson, Allie Robasse, Shelagh Holmes, Chrissa Freund, Natalie Svoboda, Kayla Olson, Sarah Hemze, Lacey Demarais, Jolene Tokkesdal, and Emily Carlson. With this many girls running there are many different personalities in this group. Some are shy and others are outgoing, or some are the funny ones and the others are the ones that just laugh at the funny ones. Each girl has a unique way of sharing their willingness to represent Buffalo. "Buffalo Royalty should possess characteristics such as being genuine, reliable, and most imporantly friendly," said M. Freund. "It is defi nitely an opportunity to step out of your box and get to know new people." "I am loud and love to talk," said Candidate Taylor Ellefson. "I am very outgoing and will talk to anyone. I try to make things fun, there is no sense in sitting there being serious." One might ask why any girl would want to give up their summer and take time out of their fi rst year of college to attend parades and other royal events; and the answer is usually, "I have always looked up to the girls and it just seems like a lot of fun." "I have always wanted to be Miss Buffalo since I was really young, I have grown up in Buffalo and would love to represent my town," said Candidate Shelagh Holmes. "It would be a great opportunity." Other candidates are running for the experience and to spend time with the other girls that are running. "I have a couple friends that are running; so it will be fun hanging out with them," said Candidate Natalie Svoboda. "I have been thinking about doing it since last year and since my friends were doing it I knew it would be fun." Before Buffalo days even starts, these girls have thoughts going through their minds about what it would be like if they did receive the title. Each girl has a different vision of what it might be like to wear the crown and represent their town. Some are excited about being a role model and others are excited about meeting girls from other towns and building friendships. "The part I am looking forward to most is being able to impact the lives of middle school girls," said Svoboda. "I want to be able to help girls build their self-esteem and self worth." Some of the candidates are excited to live the princess life and just getting to wear the crown with pride. "It would be sweet to wear a crown and represent my town," said Ellefson. "Plus I love dressing up." The exciting moment when three of these ten girls will be crowned is Sunday June 15th at the Performing Arts Center of Buffalo High School.

Change is one of those things in life that is unavoidable; some change is brought on by our own choices, or things we can control. The majority of change, however, is out of our control, and comes as a consequence of our decisions, or the decisions of the people around us. With change comes a series of options. One option is to accept it, and another is to avoid it.

With the current school year quickly closing, and the next school year approaching faster than expected, there will be many changes for all students. Current seniors will soon be attempting to pursue rest of their lives. Students who will be continuing onto next year will experience the change of a new freshman class, and all four grades will have to change to yet another new principal, Mr. Mark Mischke.

Mischke throws an element of the new and unknown into the school, since not much is known by us about his style of discipline or running a school. However, students are fortunate for the second year in a row to find a strong figure to lead them with experiences that will prove instrumental in improving BHS. In addition, many of the administrators will be the same reliable figures that students have come to know.

The Hoofprint staff feels that the best way to adjust to new changes is to enter the next school year with an open mind. No matter the nature of the change, it is more readily accepted when approached in this manner. How we decide to deal with the incoming changes will set the tone for the next school year. The incoming freshmen especially will benefit by a more united student body during their transition from the middle school to the high school.

Although all upperclassmen play a leadership role, future seniors need to take the initiative to help guide underclassmen to adapt to next year’s changes.

We also encourage them to vote in next fall’s election with the object of passing a new referendum, and preserving our school’s way of life.

Genesis 1-2, found in the bible, tells of the creation of mankind. It states the belief that the earth and the people in it were created by God in seven days, and that we evolved from Adam and Eve. Evolution, is defined as “a gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.”

Since around Sixth grade we’ve known this as the gradual process from the Australopithecus afarensis to what we now are considered to be, Homo Sapiens Sapiens. That belief states that we came from bacteria formed in a river long ago that developed over the ages.

The difference in these concepts of the creation of mankind is evident and believed differently by many. The problem is not what people believe or do not believe, because everyone is entitled to their own opinions and the expression of them. The problem lies in the fact that evolution is taught in schools, whereas creation is not.

Teachers are told not to talk about what they consider their God or leader, and therefore cannot teach about the different theories of creation. They also cannot voice their beliefs on evolution, yet they can teach it. In some ways isn’t that sharing a belief? How can schools allow evolution to be taught and think that it’s not showing a belief? Teachers are considered authority figures to students. What they say and do influences the beliefs of many students. By informing students about evolution, schools are encouraging a belief because they are not giving students other choices to believe in.

I understand that evolution has many facts to back it up, but not everyone believes in it, and I don’t think we should have to be forced to learn about it if the schools will not also teach the other options.

The student population is made up of many different belief systems, including Buddhism, Islam, Mythology, Christianity, Atheism, and more. When was the last time you heard a teacher talk about these things? Unless you go to a school based on that belief, the answer is never. The school system only allows the theory of evolution to be taught. Other beliefs, such as Mythology, are talked about, but they are put into the perspective that they were not actually real.

It’s not fair that, by law, educators have to teach something that they may not believe in, and are forbidden to teach some things that they might. Teachers should be able to speak their ideas freely, and classes should be allowed to discuss what they want without rules. How are we supposed to learn and make our own choices if we are not given more than one option?

If teachers are only allowed to teach about evolution, students will end up believing only what is accepted by the school systems. They need to be given the option to learn about every possible belief of how we came to be, instead of just evolution. We all have our beliefs, and most of us are pretty set in our ways, but would we still believe the same thing if we had been given different options earlier on?

What ever happened to the melting pot? Isn’t America all about accepting those who need to come here? I don’t think it should be so difficult to become a citizen. Citizenship is the first thing we need to work on. We need the Central American immigration currently living in the U.S. They’re not stealing our jobs, they’re doing jobs that we don’t want to do. Even if it did get to that point, I still say it’s good. It would motivate us to work harder.

I thought that was the Great American Dream; coming to America with nothing and making something for yourself and for your family.

If these border vigilantes need something to do, they should consider going back to college and securing themselves a good job instead of worrying about it getting stolen. I don’t think we should be trying to stop Central American Immigrants from making a living.

If we could spend more time working to help people and pulling together as a nation, we could achieve much more. People get so passionate about hate and stubborn selfishness, but when it comes to working to help a fellow human being, people act like it’s impossible. I understand that human nature is to fight for number one, but society should be past living off basic human instinct. Americans, are the richest people on earth. Can’t we take a small break from securing our fortunes and help some people in dire need?

Our nation as an average is in the top three percent of wealthiest nations on earth. This means that there are whole continents that don’t have the necessities we take for granted everyday. If we count ourselves responsible for democracy throughout the world, why don’t we feel the obligation to do something positive for those who need it? Instead we kick them out of our country and stomp on their only hope to feed their family or start a new life. I’m really sick of the fact that we refuse to “help” other nations unless we get to fire some weapons.

I say we applaud the French for refusing to help us in this ridiculous excuse for a war on terror. How many groups have we dismantled? None; in 7 years of preparation and fighting, none. And if this is a war for oil, we’re failing at that too, judging by our gas prices.

I only want to know how much farther we have to develop our selfishness until someone realizes that it’s gluttony. It took Bill Gates until he was worth nearly 60 billion dollars to start giving back. We have so much, and with this amount of excess comes an obligation to the world; not to spread our form of government, that defeats the whole purpose of freedom, but to give from some of our surplus to those who are struggling. We need to invite them to a better life with a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa, not kick them out with a steel-toed boot. Honestly, border patrol? Get a life.

As music plays and conversations rise, teachers of different subjects and districts gather in the Buffalo High School Library to prepare for their classes at St. Mary’s University and the rest of their career. Once a month, 12 months a year the students gather at their class to uphold the vast and changing world of education.

Working on numerous projects at once, four of BHS’s teachers attend graduation school to enhance their teaching abilities and they all agree it’s time consuming.

“It feels good to have a degree,” said Spanish Teacher Sara Varner. “I know that it will help me in my years of teaching so I spent hours a day on my different projects, it created stress fast and requires tons of work, but it was well-worth it.”

Over the two year program, the professors promote activities that directly enhance the classroom and create community building where students learn as a group.

“The class motivates me to learn about teaching,” said Math Teacher Stacy Eggers. “There is so much about teaching I wouldn’t have known without this class.”

Graduation occurred on May 10th, and in order to receive the diploma, the students had to complete an action research project. The project started with research on terms related to education.

“For my action research project I studied community building in the classroom,” said Varner. “If a student feels more respected and comfortable in my class, they tend to be more willing to use the Spanish language.”

After fi nishing their research, the student incorporated what they learned directly to the classroom and then recorded data on any differences in student behaviour or the atmosphere of the room.

“I incorporated ‘Metacognition’ into my class by changing the way I teach and assigning different projects to make students refl ect on what they are doing,” said Eggers. “After the refl ection students understand what they are learning a lot better.”

“The atmosphere in my class is a lot different,” said Varner. “It’s more caring, like a small community learning together, we learn as a group.

Through the after-school coaching, work at home, and teaching at school, the graduate school students found time to complete their homework and then make it back to school the next morning.

“It was stress for two years, and then it pays off for the next 40 years of my career,” said Eggers.

Since the class has ended, the students are now able to use the knowledge gained and the newly found time to enhance their classroom success.

“I can guarantee that I will be a better teacher because of this program,” said English Teacher Ryan McCallum. “I’ve already started to see results.

A small crowd forms around two freshmen boys trying to throw a hat so the other can catch it on his head. The game continues with little success and Band Teacher Lee Kjesbo steps in to show them the right techniques; with laughs and further instruction, the hat is fi nally able to land in its appropriate place on the boy’s head. It is everyday moments like this that Kjesbo is unlikely to forget after his retire- ment. “I won’t think of just one memory,” said Kjesbo, “but all the interactions that I’ve had with the kids; whether it’s just sitting and talking with them, playing music to- gether, or performing what we have practiced.” Kjesbo will not leave Buffalo High School empty handed; he will have all the experiences that comes with 21 years of teaching in the school district. “I’m looking into the past at what wonderful memories I have,” said Kjesbo, “but I’m also looking forward to the new pace. Here at Buffalo High School everything is so fast paced, I’m looking forward to slowing down a bit.” While keeping up with the multiple activities and classes that he teaches, Kjesbo has witnessed the high school change in several ways. “We’ve changed so much,” said Kjesbo. “We switched from the seven hour schedule to the four block schedule, and moved into the new facility all in the same year. It was a lot of change and turmoil. I’ve also seen education change to be more geared toward testing.” After his retirement Kjesbo plans on still being involved in the music program here at Buffalo High School and looks out for it’s welfare. “When I leave I would like to see the music department thrive,” said Kjesbo. With such strong ties to the Music Department, Kjesbo hopes that he has helped the students as well as the program. “I gave what musical talents I had to the students,” said Kjesbo. “I think I’ve shown and demonstrated that music is more than notes; it’s also feelings and passions, and that we have to go beyond the notes to get what the music is actually saying.”

Like many other educators Kjesbo has been able to change student’s lives through his. “I have seen how my work affects students,” said Kjesbo, “many students and parents have told me that. It is very gratifying to know that my work has infl uenced.”

“I’ll be 66 and teaching for 40 years, that’s a shock” said Economics Teacher LeRoy Erickson, “I could never see myself working at the same place for that long.”

After witnessing someone remain in the same occupation happily for such a long time one must wonder; “why were they attracted to that job in the fi rst place?”

“School was always enjoyable, I enjoyed sports as well, teachers also helped the infl uence” said Erickson, “and I just like being around young people, it mentally stops you from getting old.”

Erickson has witnessed many changes throughout his years at Buffalo High School; technology, students, traditions, and lessons have changed, along with methods used to teach.

“Students are more aware of what’s going on. The big change is the technology, its unreal” said Erickson, “The way I teach now is so different, it used to be all lecture and note taking, but now its Power Points and movies.”

“Just watching students mature and use concepts that you show them in real life is so inspirational,” said Erickson.

Erickson’s room; fi lled with posters that inspire him daily and stand for what infl uences him help him maintain a healthy track for working with students.

“I think to always have a positive attitude and looking at the glass half full instead of half empty is a very infl uential thing that I have learned,” said Erickson, “my advice is to fi nd out what you stand for. Try to be a good friend, and be as honest as you can.”

After teaching for 40 years and having hundreds of students, leaving with a lot of memories is a defi nite, friendships and lessons from everything experienced and gained will stick with Erickson forever.

“I have so many memories from teaching but a lot of them have to do with the comebacks I get from students,” said Erickson, “I love the interactions with staff and students, running into former students and parents and just talking and catching up with them, I just like to remember all of the good stuff.”

After being so involved in the school for such a long time it would be hard for anyone to up and leave, remaining in contact with Buffalo High School will be a key for happiness in retirement.

“After I retire I still plan on coaching football and seventh grade basketball for at least two years, and substitute teach as well” said Erickson, “I just don’t want to give up being involved yet.”

“Retiring gives me a chance to get involved with my family, brothers, grandchil- dren, maybe even start fi shing again,” said Erickson, “it also gives me opportunities to talk with friends and family more often and help in community opportunities that are out there as well.”

Walking into the main offi ce at school can be a scary thing: it’s quite, calm, and can make nerves fly high. Luckily you’re greeted with many friendly faces, one of them being Attendance Secretary Joan Harnett. Born in 1950 and graduated from Edina High School in 1968 Harnett decided to attend Anoka Ramsey Beauty School for two years. Ready for a change in career Harnett chose to become involved in a school setting be- cause she could eventually retire in that fi eld.

After 13 years of hard work at the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose school district, Harnett is happily retiring.

“I will miss the everyday interaction between the students and staff the most,” said Harnett.

Harnett has been at Buffalo High School long enough to witness key changes in the characters of students and also, in her self.

“When I was a student I was shyer, the students now are open and self-assured. I can be friendly with students and my coworkers because of that.”

Although Harnett enjoys the everyday communication that comes along with be- ing surrounded by energetic students there are some things that will not be missed.

“Not waking up to an alarm clock everyday will be a relief,” said Harnett, “I have the best job in the world, but now I will have time for my grandchildren.”

The time which Harnett spends at school will soon be spent with her family, and any extra time Harnett has, she plans on spending in different countries.

“I want to travel a lot,” said Harnett “each year I would like to try a new place.”

Harnett anticipates the remainder of the school year to fi nish quickly, and be- lieves she can understand the side effects of Senioritis.

“I feel like I’m a senior again, and it’s the last day of school.”

“God bless America, our home sweet home.”

But not for everyone, according to Pastor Fred W. Phelps Sr., his family, and other members of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) in Topeka, Kansas - and some people are taking issue with their message.

Phelps’ church is actively against homosexuality, and holds protests at United States’ soldier’s funerals, though not because the soldiers themselves were gay. The protesters believe that our country represents a tolerance of homosexuality that needs punishment. They say that the war in Iraq is God’s will, which they are just acting out. They chant and hold up signs that say very strong anti-homosexual messages.

“They are such hypocrites when it comes to their faith,” said Senior Danni Hauer. “Just because they are talking about God does not make them Christian. They are rude and improper, parading around and saying God hates America and gays. They need to show those people some respect and not judge them.”

Despite that, “You can’t preach the Bible without preaching the hatred of God,” said Phelps.

The Phelps family has not gone unchallenged. A group called the “Patriot Guard Riders” was formed to protect the grieving families of fallen soldiers. They have great respect for those risking their lives to protect our country. The Guard rides on motorcycles and hold up American fl ags to shield the families from the protesters. They believe that the deceased should receive dignity and respect, and now have over a thousand members nationwide.

Still, the Phelps family has refused to give up the protests, even though the legislature has passed a law stating that they must remain at least 500 feet away from every military funeral.

“I am all for the freedom of speech and press,” said Social Studies Teacher Cynthia Khalil. “But it is wrong to protest at funerals. Funerals are a private family matter, not a place for protests. It is a time of grief, closure, and comfort. They are violating the family’s right to privacy. There are plenty of other places that the Phelps’ and their supporters could protest.”

The WBC congregation fi rst gained publicity in 1998, when they protested at the funeral of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student beaten to death in Wyoming.

Phelps supporters have picketed at over one hundred funerals since June. One of these was the memorial services of two Tennessee soldiers killed in Iraq. There, the protesters were met with scorn from local residents, who chased the protester’s cars down the highway, waving fl ags, and singing “God bless America!”

“I only think the publicity is good in the sense that it emphasizes the loss of those American soldiers- puts it in the public eye,” said Social Studies Teacher Laurie Raymond.

Recently, the WBC picketed at the funeral of Paul Reuben, a contractor who lived in Buffalo and who was killed in Iraq. Members of the Patriot Guard were stationed outside Peterson Funeral Chapel with American fl ags to ward off the protesters.

There has been an increase of the students at Buffalo High School to have an interest in joining thwe Patriot Guard.

“Anyone can be in the Patriot Guard, you dont need a motorcycle or anything,” said Junior Grace Ruzicka, “you just have to go to www.mnpatriotguard.org.”

Whatever Irving Berlin was thinking when he wrote “God Bless America,” Phelps is singing to a different tune.

Every year near the end of May, the Art Department of Buffalo High School puts together an Art Finale of projects done throughout the entire year.

“It’s a chance for our department to kind of show off , “ said Art Teacher Jon Holtz. “It’s also a way for students to display the art that they have worked hard on throughout the school year.”

The Art Finale showcases work done from all art classes, from Art I all the way up to Graphic Design.

“I think that it’s a good way to see all of the different pieces of artwork collected from all of the classes,” said Art Teacher Ciann Jackson. “The Art Finale gives us a chance to view all of the different talented artists.”

Having a piece of art put on display allows people to view the artist’s work and understand the meaning they put into it.

“One of my pieces on display will be a drawing of three children during the Blood Diamond conflict happening in Darfur.” said Senior Philip Reed. “It’s cool to see something that you put so much time into be put out for the public to see. It’s nice to be appreciated for your work that you’ve done. It wants to make you keep on doing art.”

Senior Amanda McKown is one of the many artists that will be displaying work at this year’s Art Finale.

“I think that the Art Finale inspires people to be creative,” said McKown. “Displaying work at the Art Finale can get someone’s name out there, plus your work gets out there.”

So why would someone want to come to the Art Finale?

“People can come and see all of the art from the amazing artists at Buffalo High School,” said Reed. “The Art Finale shows how important it is to a lot of people, especially the artists.”

This year’s Art Finale is on Thursday May 29, 2008. It will start at 7pm, with a choir concert and a ceramic bowl auction. All proceeds will go to the ASA Institution of Minnesota.

“The trip to New York was with the Concert Band, Concert Choir, and Orchestra. We traveled for five days throughout NYC, and competed at a music festival in New Jersey. We ended up with our level’s first place for Choir and Band, and Orchestra took third place. The choir recieved the top choral rating overall, which was pretty exciting.” -Senior Sara Marquette

“The naked cowboy is this guy who wears a cowboy hat, boots, boxers... and nothing else! He plays guitar around Times Square and charges people to have their picture taken with him.” -Senior Sara Marquette

“On Saturday we took a walk out on the Brooklyn Bridge to take pictures. It was really cold and rainy, but pretty neat.” -Junior Alex Jennings

“The first day, we went on a NY Harbor Boat Cruise. We ate dinner, and had a dance. I stole away up to the deck, and saw the Statue of Liberty out in the distance, and all of Manhattan in front of me, and it was all just so inspiring.” -Junior Brandon Aldrich

Bentfi eld Mills hosted the fi rst annual Sam Munoz Memorial Baseball Game on Tuesday, May 20 against the Princeton Tigers. The event was fi lled with silent auctions, fond memories, and the scoreboard praising a 6-0 victory to the Bison.

“It was an emotional night for us out there,” said Beilke. “We knew who we were playing for.”

There were no admissions fees to the game, rather all proceeds are being forwarded to the Sam Munoz Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who shares the passion and love of baseball like Sam did.

“I remember Sam enjoyed so many things, he had such a positive outlook on life,” said Beilke.

The game started with an early error by Sophomore Buzz Tryggeseth, but the Bison never looked back. Senior Captain Jake Duske and Junior Brooks Beilke pitched six straight innings without giving a hit to the Tigers.

“Both Duske and Beilke came through for us. It was a tune-up game for them as the playoffs start soon,” said Beilke.

In addition to the accomplishments on the fi eld and the monetary success off, the night came down to remembering Sam and his love of baseball.

“Before the game we talked about why we were playing. We talked about the emotions there will be and how we wanted to keep it under control,” said Beilke.

The victory gives another conference win to the Bison as they work to stand third in the Mississippi 8 conference.

“Sam was a big part of all these guys’ lives and we don’t ever want to forget,” said Beilke.

There were a vast array of silent auction items at the benefit. Different items included Minnesota Twins tickets, three autographed baseballs, lessons from a retired professional and Minnesota Vikings tickets.

The Girls’ Lacrosse team took fourth place at the State Tournament in Richfield, Minn., wining their first game against Forest Lake 15-0, and losing their next two games to Rochester, 8-5, and Orono, 15-6.

“It was really cool,” said Junior Sally Nadeau. “It was very unexpected. I guess our team just had some skill this year.”

“I was excited and amazed at the same time,” said Senior Jordan Haight. “We have improved so much from last year.”

Their practice schedule this year had been a struggle, but it has also prepared them for the State Tournament. They were forced to practice in all different environments, since they were such a new team and they didn’t have a set place to play. At times they would find themselves practicing in the parking of the Middle School.

“Because we played inside I wasn’t as scared to play on the turf,” said Junior Kelly Kiernan. “We learned how to work with the bounce on different surfaces.”

Their goal for their last game at State was to have a good time and do their best.

“During our last game against Orono, instead of stretching and getting warmed up we were playing Duck, Duck, Grey Duck,” said Kiernan. “We also made up a dance to go out on the field with, we formed two lines and banged our sticks on the ground while Abby Larson was doing flips between the lines. It was sweet!”

Going to State was a big accomplishment for the girls since Lacrosse is still a new sport for Buffalo.

“Going to state was unexpected since its only been two years, it was a great way to end to season especially for the seniors.” said Junior Dani Krolak. “The seniors have done a lot for our team and it will be hard to say good bye.”

“Seeing how much our team has improved throughout the years and how we have gone so far was exciting,” said Junior Sarah Ramsey.

Team Booyah (now known as Team BHS) has a short but successful history in robotics combat. The captain, Matt Gallagher, started the team back in 2005 with a very close neighbor and friend, Adam Carlson. Together, they began work with a little help from Dunwoody on their 120 pound robot dubbed ‘Lunatic.’ It was a successful robot, seeing as its primary weapon was a massive vertical spinning blade on the front that weighed well over ¼ of the robots total weight. They then got to work on a 15 pound robot called ‘Jostler.’ It was a very basic robot. It was a wedge made out of polycarbonate (bullet proof plastic) and some simple electronics that allowed it to incorporate a two wheel drive system. It had a surprisingly good battle record, claiming 17 victories with only two losses. This small but dedicated team fought and won battles in both the Midwest Robotics League (MRL) and Battlebots IQ.

The MRL is a robotics league based on education and sportsmanship that teaches kids about electronics and engineering. It was founded by the MPMA (Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association) and is designed to give young machinists a chance at showing off their skills. Bots IQ (formerly Battlebots IQ) is quite different. When people say that they have seen fi ghting robots on T.V., more often than not it is Battlebots. Bots IQ is the high school and college version of the show that is catered to a younger audience. Last year, when me and my brother joined Team Booyah, we all went to Miami Beach to compete at the national Bots IQ event and took third place. Our robot was Humdinger, a two wheel drive vertical spinner with an S7 steel beater, and a mixture of steel and aluminum armor.

I am now in year two of being on Team Booyah, and we have a new robot for this season. The robot is named Humdinger 2. It has a very similar design to last year’s, but this 15 pound bundle of joy has a titanium beater, S7 steel corners, and titanium armor with an aluminum top plate. We have updated our radio system with a glitch free 2.4 GHz aircraft-converted-to-ground radio. St. Cloud’s robot Chuker is almost exactly the same because Carlson has gone there for his technical college education.

This year in Miami Beach, we stayed at a hotel with a rating of one and a half stars better than last year, making it a 3 star hotel. The nightlife was amazing, the nights were warm, spring break was going on, and the sand was white. I was home again.

Day one is the adaptation day for a trip; you have to get used to your new surroundings and where things are. I got unpacked, comfy, and a full 13 hours of sleep because I couldn’t get any rest on the plane. I also learned that the organization once again changed its name; this time to Bots Worldwide. Setting up the pit area is as easy as putting your bags on the table and unrolling whatever cords you may have, and also taking your valuable electronics (chargers, radio) out of the suitcases. Try getting those through airport security.

Throughout the week, we fought about seven battles and went undefeated to be the number one ranked robot in both the southern and northern high school leagues. The team started by Gallagher and Carlson so few years ago was already the number one high school team in the USA.

Noah Carson, Mya Lubben, Kyle Willetts, Dana Van Bruggen, David Pallesen, Allie Robasse, Alison Dykhuizen, Brandon Ordorff, Michael Lundebrek, Chelsey Trogstad, Benjamin Holthaus, Kayla Christoffersen, Deuntae Broadnax, Taylor Ellefson, Jack Thompson, Cecelia Gilmer, Allison Thompson, Griffin Trevino