That’s the way we get down, in a hick town!

It’s the last day of school, and the parking lot is packed! Even the students driving in early have to fight for a parking space! Some of the students here at Buffalo High School instead of driving their cars to school decided to drive their tractors, four wheelers, dirt bikes, and one three wheeler.

“I drove my tractor with a hay wagon hooked up to it, because I thought it would be fun and different!” said Senior Brittany Gutknecht.

Early this morning students stepped out of their cars to see the tractors, four wheelers, and dirt bikes parked in the far back part of the parking lot!

“It was definitely a surprise to see that many tractors in the school parking lot this morning!” said Junior JD Laskey.

For many years here at BHS it has been a tradition to drive tractors, four wheelers, and dirt bikes to school on the last day.

“I drove a tractor because a lot of people do and i really wanted to drive a tractor to school!” said sophomore Lane Otto.

A final fairwell

“School is out,

summer is in.

Let’s take a look,

at where to begin.

Our journey’s been long,

but it’s about to end.

This is the year, 2010!”

-BHS student

As we all know, today is the last day of the 2009-2010 school year. That means that our graduating senior’s are done with High School forever!

“I can’t believe how slow this past week has gone. It’s crazy though, because this year in general has just flown by. I really can’t believe we’re actually done with this place for good though. It’s kind of bitter sweet. I’m going to miss it, but I’m ready to get out there on my own I guess,” says Senior Savanha Gravening.

 With summer comes exciting activities: hanging out with friends, bonfires, lounging at the beach all day, or just sittin at home enjoying some relaxing time to yourself. Everyday there is something new to do and different memories made.

“I go to dive camp every year, we practice for 4 hours for two weeks. It’s better than regular dive practice because the boy and girl divers practice diving together and also there are other schools that can also join the camp too, so the best part is that you get to hang out with all the friends you have and make new ones along the way. Oh, and our coach is awesome,” said Junior Molly Sandahl.

When interviewed, 81% of students said that the thing they look forward to the most in summer is hanging out with their friends every day. Students have less worries; and can just go day to day without having to think about getting up early, homework, or the stress of all of the finals. Even though we had to wait a little bit longer for summer than other schools, it’s finally worth it knowing that this is our last day here at BHS. So Seniors, enjoy the rest of what comes to you. You’re journey has been long, but it has only just begun.

School board selects new superindendent

The school board has been working to replace Jim Bauck, the current superintendent, who is leaving June 30 for Eastern Carver County School District in Chaska. The process began by a subcommittee consisting of three board members interviewing five or six applicants. Of the applicants, three finalists were chosen and took part in an all-day interview.

The three finalists were Michael Munoz, the Executive Director for the DesMoines Iowa Public Schools, Pam Miller, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Teaching and Learning Director, and Scott Thielman, Superintendent of Albany Area Schools. Each finalist was assigned a day for an interview that began at 9:00 am and ended at 7:30 pm. Staff and public had the opportunity to meet each candidate and ask questions.

“I think it’s helpful that it’s open to the community,” said Principal Mark Mischke. “The board members can attend the question sessions as community members as well as board members.”

The new superintendent, Thielman, was announced on Friday, June 4. He is from Kimball, MN and currently resides in Albany, MN. The school board decided that Thielman will be a strong leader and has a great deal of experience in education.  They also expressed that he is committed to doing what is best for the student. At this time, they plan is to have a contract ready for board approval at the June 29 meeting.

Capstone Showcase

In the senior capstone there are many different talented students, these 25 students have different talents; poetry, comic art, improv theater, fashion design, painting, drawings, monologue, short story, illustrations, photography, graphic design, DJ, pottery, dance, writer, animation, and spoken word. The showcase was on June 3rd, 2010 it was held at the BHS Performing Art Center. Students in this showcase were involved in the arts magnet program. Students pulled most of their work together to make a pamphlet filled with all the information about the Capstone Showcase. Each artist put a piece or two of their work into the pamphlet along with a description of what they enjoy about art and how art effects their lives. Each and every one of these students loves what they do. “The simple fact is: If i didn’t make the art that i do, i wouldn’t be as happy as i am” said Senior Taylor Beck. Many students make the art that they do to express their inner feelings, and to make an impact on the viewers. “I like improv because when I’m doing it i feel like im making a connection with everyone in the room, i like making people laugh” said Senior Dan Comstack.

Young entrepreneurs at BHS providing senior pictures

It’s about that time of year again

Tomorrow on June 4, yearbooks will be distributed to the students and staff at BHS. This day is anxiously awaited by most students because it’s something they can look back on years down the road and remember their high school days.

” I love yearbook distribution day. It’s something that I look forward to every year. You get to have all of your friends sign your book with some funny story you guys share. It’s my favorite day of the year by far, ” said Junior Mary Zelko.

One reason students get so anxious is because nobody has any idea what this years yearbook is going to look like besides the yearbook staff. Students may not realize how much work they all put into this day. This book is a representation of the whole 2009-2010 school year at BHS. They captured every moment of it, and put it into a book to share with the rest of the school.

“I’m excited for tomorrow! I know when people first get the book there is going to be a lot of critisism but we just have to ignore it. No one will actually know how much work and time really goes into making the book. I’m really proud of the turn out though, it’s awesome,” says yearbook staff writer Megan Durst.

Yearbooks will be handed out tomorrow during lunch. A and B will join together, while C and D will also. Students will have an hour during lunch to sign books and at 1:30 they will be released to go down to the cafeteria and gym to enjoy music and activities.

Issue 8 – Explore Our Community – Available online

Open publication – Free publishing – More hoofprint

Desdamona and Carnage perform for English classes

On Friday, May 29, Desdamona and her partner, Carnage the Executioner, performed in the Performing Arts Center for various classes. They opened the mic up to students to allow them to present any of their work and also performed some of their own pieces. They don’t rely on the use of instruments, but rather beat boxing.

“I’ve been beat boxing since age 9,” said Carnage. “I first heard it from Buff Love from Fat Boys. Then I saw them on MTV and I would watch his mouth and try to make my face and mouth the same. I’m basically self taught and I’m still learning.”

Carnage gives private lessons to a large age range of clients.

“My youngest is a 3 year old client,” said Carnage. “The mom wanted me to work with her son because he had delayed speech, so it was sort of a speech therapy to help strengthen syllables and words. On the other end, my oldest client is a 45 year old bass player.”

Carnage has other interests apart from music.

“I have two daughters so I love spending time with them,” said Carnage. “In addition to giving beat boxing lessons, I do social work at a private agency that teaches people that changing the way they think leads to changing their feelings which leads to changing their reactions.”

While Carnage provides the beats and some lyrics, Desdamona provides a majority of the vocals in their partnership. Although they sometimes work together, they don’t always. Desdamona has also worked with or opened for Wyclef Jean, GURU, Bahamadia, Zap Mama, Black Uhuru/Sly & Robbie, Saul Williams, Ursula Rucker and Rhymesayers Artists. She works in a variety of different places, including overseas.

“I’ve performed in many venues in front of many different artists,” said Desdamona. “I like performing overseas. They pay well, they feed you, and you don’t spend much money. The government in France also has a lot of grants for the arts.”

Desdamona has applied for many grants by writing an artist’s statement and has been awarded three. Desdamona and Carnage can be found on iTunes and MySpace Music, both together and individually.

Seniors dedicate graduation events to Brandon Lanie and Jon Kramnic

Seniors haven’t forgot about the loved ones from their class who they have lost to tragic accidents. To show their care for them, the class is doing something nice for them during Graduation and the All Night Grad Party.

Graduation night

Assistant Principal Brandon Prell had said that during graduation, which is at 7:00 P.M. on June 11, there will be two chairs set out for Brandon and Jon in their spot in alphabetical order, and will probably have a cap, gown and picture of the students. On the stage there will be two plants in remembrance of them. After the ceramony, the parents of the two will be getting the plants. Senior Dani Shepard is going to be the speaker for the students of the 2010 class and will be mentioning something about what our school has done for them.

For the All Night Grad Party Senior Ashley Michalko is going to put Brandon Lanie and Jon Kramnic’s pictures in the slide show because they are still part of our class, and still should be able to be remembered for who they were. Doors will open at 10:15 and will be open until 10:30 for the students going. This school will be showing a lot of rememberence for these two boys.

Summer Fever

With summer just right around the corner, many students are getting very anxious for the upcoming vacation. Students are traveling all over during break.

“I’m going to North Dakota in July. We’re visiting our grandparents that live there. We go there every year so I’m really excited,” said Junior Kendra Durst.

Other students are traveling a little further than North Dakota. They choose to go to places a little more tropical than the surrounding states of Minnesota.

“I’m going to California in August with my family and my cousin. We’ve been planning this trip for a really long time so I can’t wait. We’re staying at a hotel near Hollywood Boulevard so I’m kind of freakin’ out. I’ve never been there before so it should be awesome,” says Junior Bailee Mackedanz.

Where ever students go, they’re going to be happy that they don’t have to be getting up early and having to sit inside for half the day. Just knowing that it’s summer puts them in a good mood. The countdown has officially begun: 9 days left!

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