The majority of the pictures on the account are funny and usually embarrassing. If someone doesn’t want their picture on the account, they can simply DM (direct message) the account, and they will take the picture down, as stated in the account’s description. Currently, the account has 597 posts, and the most recent ones are slideshows of multiple people in each post. Many people don’t really care for the account though.

When asked how he felt about being posted on the account, Eli Carter ‘27 commented “I’m not a fan of it, but it’s kind of fun.” Sophia Clarke ‘25 says, “It’s funny when people use it, but it degrades teachers and students. It also invades people’s privacy and isn’t as fun as it used to be.” The account isn’t just posting students anymore, but are now crossing the line into BHS staff members. Many teachers didn’t even realize that they were on this account and found it very inappropriate and rude.

 Many other students have been affected by the account but aren’t mad at the person who owns the account, rather their own friends who are sending pictures in without permission. With almost none of these posts having the subjects consent to be posted, this is in violation of the student handbook which states: “students are prohibited from photographing, recording or making any electronic record of other students, staff, or visitors without express consent of the individual that is the subject of the recording, photographing, or electronic recording them in anyway.”

The owner of the account requested to remain anonymous. When asked why they started the account they said, “I saw someone else do it for a different school and I decided it’d be fun to make one for ours.” In the beginning, the creator didn’t think the account would take off like it has, “I thought that at most I’d have around 100.” A small number of the creators’ friends know they run the account, but no one has tried to get them in trouble. The creator also stated: “Originally it was just for fun, and my friends and I would post people who we thought were cute.” When asked if there had been any pictures that were too inappropriate that they couldn’t post on the account and their responded “Yeah, there’s been a lot, and a lot of photos that would be too mean to post as well.”

In class, Curry jokes about becoming TikTok famous, but he says that he’s actually trying to build connections with students whose lives are increasingly lived online.

The students in Curry’s second-hour class – who have encouraged him to make videos – continually ask Curry if he is going to blow up and get “TikTok Famous”. Curry stays humble and casually laughs it off.  

@michaelcurry1975 #ukraine #russia #putin #war ♬ original sound – Michael

However, Curry says there’s a lot more meaning behind his TikTok than fame. 

“It’s not necessarily about getting famous for me,” Curry said. “It’s more about building relationships with students in different ways, and in an environment other than the classroom.” 

While Curry does this for his own fun and for the students, the newness of the platform raises questions about what he can and can’t do. A Wired Magazine article in 2022 outlined the fine line that teachers have to be aware of on TikTok. While some teachers in the article had thriving professional accounts, one teacher was reprimanded by their school board after posting a “semi-viral” TikTok video including her, a coworker, and a few students.

Currently, BHS Schools doesn’t have a rule on social media platforms or “befriending” students for teachers, but the BHM School Board discourages teachers from having Social Media interactions that have a basis in student-teacher relationships.

In person, Curry’s classes begin with the sounds of joyful connections and loud welcomes. His classes start with conversations instead of diving into the curriculum. It’s Curry’s way of interacting with the students outside of TikTok.  

“I really do it to have that connection with some of the kids that you normally wouldn’t have a connection with,” Curry said. “If the kids weren’t into it, I probably wouldn’t do it.” 

@michaelcurry1975 I’m him #football #L ♬ BILLIE EILISH. – Armani White

Curry says he aiming to make a change and use his TikTok platform to influence that change. He says he strives to bring the students to a closer-knit community through a series of TikToks that Curry has posted at school events like games or simply in the hallways before school.

With videos such as “Street chats with Curry”, where he interviews people about a “Question of the Day” that is also featured in the classroom, he wants kids to be comfortable talking to him. Curry has emphasized a safe place for every student and wants his students to know they can go to him. 

“I think that the more comfortable you feel in an environment the better the space will be,” Curry said, “the safer you feel, the more you’ll feel okay to share your opinions.”

Curry says he wants to be respected as a teacher just as much as a creator. Curry highlights the importance of boundaries since the account was created. 

“There’s a fine line between being a teacher and being a buddy,” Curry said. “You don’t want to push those boundaries.”

Curry has worked for a better student-teacher environment and relationship in hopes to make BHS a better place for everyone. The jokes about Curry being “famous” have been quite the conversation starter, but the real meaning behind his journey on #TeacherTikTok sparks a new one.

Elsa Peterson

Elsa Peterson 23’ is a year-round figure skater. “It has always been a dream to skate on Disney on Ice,” she said. Peterson always wanted to be on the Homecoming court. “When they called my name it was really exciting,” Peterson said. Besides skating, she runs hurdles for track and is an NHS member. After high school, Peterson hopes to go to college to study biology or chemistry, possibly at UMD.

Ovie Mayo

Ovie Mayo 23’ is involved in choir and theater. Besides those activities, he is in Tri-M and helps out with the talent show. “[Being nominated] felt nice to know people cared. It also felt a bit strange,” Mayo said. He plans to go to college and major in biology, hoping to become a pediatric physician specializing in Hematology.

Jordan Anderson

Jordan Anderson 23’ says, “[Being nominated] means a lot that other people see leadership qualities in me.” Anderson is committed to Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato. She will be playing basketball there and studying nursing. Outside of basketball, Anderson works at KidKare and volunteers at nursing homes.

Cinthia Caballero Rodriguez

Cinthia Caballero Rodriguez 23’ described being nominated as an honor. Caballero Rodriguez is an active member of the music department. She is in Treble Singers along with choir. Caballero Rodriguez is also involved in AVID and Tri-M. She hopes to go to a four-year college and maybe go into healthcare.

Matthew Scherber

Matthew Scherber 23’ is the student council vice president this year. Besides student council, Scherber is a member of NHS, a wrestler, a yearbook writer, a knowledge bowl member, and does track and field. “Both my parents were homecoming king and queen in the 90s, so it’s cool to have something I can share with them like that,” Scherber said. His college plans consist of further studying Foreign Service or Policy.

Erica Kyllonen

Erica Kyllonen 23′ said “[Being nominated] meant that all the things that I had worked for and all the work nights and the hours spent on all the in-school activities was paying off, and my classmates were saying that I did a good job.” Kyllonen is the captain of the tennis team, a yearbook editor and photographer, and the student rep. for our school board. She is involved in NHS and is on the executive committees of this chapter. At the state level, Kyllonen is the vice president of Minnesota’s NHS. She will be attending UMD to study graphic design and advertising.

Blake Russell

Blake Russell 23′ is in football in the fall and track in the spring. In between his sports seasons, he weights lifts. He is grateful to be nominated. “[Being nominated] is not something everyone gets to experience,” Russell said. He is on the fence about college sports and might go into the engineering or medical field.

Victoria Viteri

Victoria Viteri 23′ said, “Feeling nominated was really special. You realize other people in your class recognize your work, positive attitude, and kindness. It is pretty rewarding after four years of high school.” Her best friend was nominated as well, which she said was fun. Viteri is the captain of the lacrosse team and plays soccer in the fall. She is an NHS executive, the sports editor for the yearbook, a lawyer for mock trial, and a bleacher captain. Viteri wants to study finance and do something with communication with people.

Lauren Miriovsky

Lauren Miriovsky 23′ is involved in track and field, NHS, Educators Rising, yearbook, and Bison Connection. She wants to go to college and get a degree in elementary education and become a kindergarten teacher someday. Miriovsky said, “It is really nice that people voted for me to be up there. I was happy and very surprised.”

Deysy Quiroz

Deysy Quiroz 23′ said, “[Being nominated] felt good. I was excited.” She is an AVID student and in Educators Rising. Quiroz wants to go to college to possibly become an elementary teacher.

Raegan Wurm

Raegan Wurm 23′ plays hockey and golf. She is also a member of NHS. “I am excited to be included in this group and can’t wait to participate in the activities. It’s an honor that my classmates and peers thought of my name when voting,” Wurm said. She wants to attend a four-year university and major in physical therapy or business/finance.

Senior Calli Branson 22’ differs from the majority of her peers at BHS; while many students go for convenience in an attempt to save time and steps, Branson sees lots of her peers throwing their recyclables into the trash can with zero disregard and care for where this used plastic or aluminum is going to end up. Branson however, likes to take the longer walk to a recycling bin, even though there are less of them in the building compared to trash cans, Branson even takes the time to recycle goods from the comfort of her home.

“I recycle everything I can while I’m at school, but I know I am better about it while I’m at home even if it means I have to walk further to have access to a recycling bin, and have it be less convenient.”

Librarian Tammy Otten spends parts of her day in the LLC and one of her choice tasks is to collect recyclables out of the trash that kids throw away. Sometimes she will yell at kids to put their recyclables where they are supposed to go, but there is a good reason for this. The military blue star moms are collecting plastic to build a bench to be put in the community.

“I save any plastic from what the students throw away as possible, not only this, but I have paper printed with a list of acceptable recyclables students and staff can donate here in the LLC to be donated to the Blue Star military mothers. ”

Freshman Stephanie Soeun 25’, like her peer Calli Branson 22’, is an advocate for the earth’s overall health, even if it is only a little thing at a time. Souen takes the chance to recycle whenever she can, in school and at home. After becoming aware of what Tammy is doing with all the used plastic, she plans to encourage her friends to recycle when they can. Souen likes the idea of keeping as much plastic out of landfills as possible, so it has the chance to be broken down and reused and made into something else in the future.

“People throw their recyclables where they are supposed to go because they don’t want their peers to be mad, or they want to help the earth by recycling and putting things in the right place. Personally, I’ve always recycled everything, but if I didn’t, I would reconsider where I put my used plastic in school, now that I know what Tammy is doing with used plastic.”

While Otten gets super excited about students taking their time to walk to a recycling bin and going the extra mile to bring in their used plastic from their own homes, she is not the only one who appreciates this. The Blue Star Mothers value each plastic donation to not only create a composite bench, but also help clean up our earth.

“The Blue Star Mothers are also working to collect 500 pounds of plastics from April 1 through September 30th to receive a Trex composite bench which will be placed in our community. 500 lbs is equivalent to 40,500 plastic bags!”

Although many people at BHS are not aware of the importance of recycling, many students and staff are working hard to combat pollution. The importance of recycling has become highlighted by people like recycling enthusiast Tammy Otten. This small act means a lot to not only Tammy, the environment as a whole, our Blue Star Mothers, and the community. You may want to reconsider where your plastic from your school bento box is going. Take the extra time to throw this item in the recycling, for a good long term cause, and encourage your peers to help clean up our earth as well. Together as a community we will help keep tons of plastic out of the landfills.

“Currently for Q4 we have 244 filled seats in senior studies blocks 1-4, and there is no limit to the amount of students who can join” said Counselor Shanlee Maher. Others see Senior Study as a great opportunity for building connections and independence, and catch up on things overall, whether that is school work, or last night’s sleep.

Senior Lily Gruye 22’ spends most of her time either accomplishing missing work in her online stats class, trying to be on track to graduate in June. She thinks that she uses her time productively on occasion, but other times it’s a different story. She wouldn’t be the only senior, however, that doesn’t exactly use senior study for it’s intended purpose.

“One day I walked into the library and someone was watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race on the big TV in the corner, meanwhile across the room kids were laying on the floor and on all couches, sleeping with the purple necklace that reads “senior” around their neck,” said Gruye. “If I could pick any block to have senior study, it would be Block 4, so I could leave school early.”

Librarian Marissa Russell says that she loves her job, and enjoys the opportunity she has to visit with students in the LLC. She works with kids spending their Senior Study in the library, kids coming in for a quiet lunch, and Peer Coaches tutoring. With kids spread out all over the LLC, Russell makes her rounds during the day to connect with each student individually. Even though senior study can get hectic, she thinks that it fulfills students’ needs. It provides an incredible opportunity for library staff and even other BHS staff to connect with students uniquely outside the classroom setting.

“The conversations and interactions I’ve had with seniors the past two years here in the LLC have been priceless,” Russell said. “I enjoy the positive energy seniors bring to the library.”

Elise Beckman ‘22 has used her allotted Senior Study block different from most. While many seniors use this block to chill in the library either doing assignments from other classes or connecting with friends, Beckman has spent most of her Senior Study time at home, either in First or Fourth Block. While at home, Elise gets creative with how she chooses to spend her time. Beckman goes for a walk to pass the time at home, which got a lot more popular during the pandemic, but became less common when students started returning to the building.

“I would do a lot of different things during my senior study,” Beckman said. “For a while, I had a student that I was consistently peer coaching every day. Sometimes I would stay in the LLC & read or do homework, & sometimes I would just go home. When I was at home, I would do my homework, read, take a nap, go for a walk, etc. however, if I could choose any block I would pick Block 1, so I could sleep in.”

Some teachers believe senior study is not such a good idea, and it is impacting them personally, because seniors choose to have a “free” block instead of taking another period, so enrollment for their classes are down, and it is costing them their careers. Other teachers and staff believe that it is a great idea, and an option in the schedule that seniors in the future should be able to select just as our ‘21 and ‘22 seniors have been able to. Russell is one of those people.

“I am more than happy to have the seniors here in the LLC,” Russell said. “Senior Study provides students with a step toward independence, preparing them for next steps post high school. It encourages them to use their time in a way that can ultimately help them be more successful.” 

While some teachers and staff are more personally upset about BHS implementing this class into schedules, others take into consideration the wellbeing of the students, and wonder if the school could be doing better to celebrate or accommodate the seniors in the building. English Teacher Ryan McCallum stands behind this.

“Although I don’t believe that senior study is a bad thing,” McCallum said, “noticing how many students in our school are signed up for or plan on signing up for it in the future, makes me wonder if we could be doing better at making a more fun, engaging, and rewarding year for the seniors in our school, instead of having this class. It would be nice to see the school address the reasons why students would choose Senior Study over the options available to them.”

Some minds are wondering what exactly senior study was created for, why a senior may select this class; is this answer being students are worried about their GPA before heading into college? Are they trying to fill empty blocks in their schedule? Others are wondering how they can join too, and if there is a limit on students able to join based on popularity. Counselor Shanlee Maher has the answers.

“I believe the reason students may join senior study is a mixture of all possibilities,” Maher said. “For so long, we didn’t have a Study Hall option and once COVID hit, we were forced into a situation where it was applicable. The feedback we received about Senior Studies was – it gave students ample time in their day to outweigh the 3 CIS/AP classes, and it gave other students the ability to sign up for classes they wanted to take and not ones they felt they were forced to take for lack of options once they got to senior year. When done well, senior studies are a great option for students who qualify. Seniors have to qualify for a senior study based on how many earned credits they have and a certain GPA at specific times in the year. If a student qualifies for a senior study, they have to get a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian verifying that is okay.”

When a senior has a free block, some decide to take up a new class while others decide to use their block to do homework for their difficult classes or make connections with their peers. There are mixed opinions on whether Seniors are using their time productively, and if this should be a continued offered class for years to come. No matter if you believe this class was a good idea or not, many seniors this year, and the year before, have appreciated the opportunity to have the choice of what they are completing in their free hour and a half of the school day.

A few students have decided to give a slight preview of what they’ll be showing off Monday.

Isabelle Anderson

Q: What is your project?

A: For my capstone project, I decided to sketch out a locker that has three selves. Each shelf is going to represent a year of high school, with a sketch or two of things that represent things I went through mentally that year. For senior year because it’s such a big year, I chose it to be the door of the locker.

Q: Why did you choose to do the project you did?

A:  I chose my project because I wanted a reason/way to reflect on the last few years of my life. I always thought high school was going to be like High School Musical, like all the fun happy high school movies but it really wasn’t at all. 

Q: What does your project mean to you?

A: This project has a lot of meaning to me. This is the last project that I will ever do for Arts Magnet. Arts Magnet has been my family throughout high school. We have our ups, we have our downs, we have our emotional moments but we always come together to make something amazing.

Q: What has the Arts Magnet program meant to you?

A: The thought that the arts magnet program won’t be around anymore after this quarter is absolutely devastating. Arts Magnet is a whole different perspective on things, it’s a family, a support system. I remember when we were told that they were shutting down the program, most of us were highly emotional. We wish others would have been able to have the same fun experience we had. The Arts Magnet Program has shaped all of us involved in so many different ways. The one dance we had together was so much fun, lots of laughs, lots of love. I love my Arts Magnet family more than they all know. The program and the people in the program have shaped me to the person I am today, and have made a huge imprint in my life. I will never forget the last four years with this program and the people involved.

El-Sara Duopo

Q: What is your project?

A:  I’m singing Home from The Wiz.

Q: Why did you choose to do the project you did?

A: I’m passionate about singing and I’ve always loved The Wizard of Oz but wanted to do the version that emulated my life and a song that is dedicated to my family.

Q: What does your project mean to you?

A: It’s a way for me to draw out emotion and tribute my family. Everything in the song shows how close I am with them and how much they mean to me and support me especially with interests like singing.

Q: What has the Arts Magnet program meant to you?

A: The Arts Magnet was a place where I could be myself and found people who were creative and accepting. I’m sad to see it go. It was the first time that I felt I could be completely myself at Buffalo.

Abigayle Dewolfe

Q: What is your project?

A: My project is a dress made out of single use plastic shopping bags.

Q: Why did you choose to do the project you did?

A: I have always wanted to make a dress and I wanted to make an impact with the single used plastic I used to make it.

Q: What does your project mean to you?

A: My project means hard work and dedication.

Q: What has the Arts Magnet program meant to you?

A: The Arts Magnet program is a family. A family that fights and makes up and a family that supports you through your challenges.

Olivia Thomes

Q: What is your project?

A: My project is performing one of my favorite musical theater songs: “Somewhere That’s Green” from Little Shop of Horrors.

Q: Why did you choose to do the project you did?

A: I have always adored the show Little Shop of Horrors, ever since I first saw it when I was in eighth grade. Immediately I connected with the character of Audrey, with her dreams of living somewhere better and leaving behind her pain and sorrows for something simple. For my final performance I wanted to pay homage to this character I adored so much, as well as express my own hopes for my future.

Q: What does your project mean to you?

A: Comfort and familiarity. 

Q: What has the Arts Magnet program meant to you?

A: It means that you work on art that means something to you and can help improve learning in core classes.

People attending the Senior Capstone Reception show Monday night can not only see and hear the projects, but they also can chat with the artists, starting at 7pm.

“I’m surprised at how many people want to see pictures of me,” said Mayo. 

Junior Drew Elo, who is one of the creators of the account, said the spirit of the account is one of genuine appreciation.

“I’m just amazed at how many followers it’s gotten in the span of less than a week,” said Elo.

The account was originally started by Ovie’s friends to celebrate his achievement of getting a date. 

“I was out bowling,” Mayo said, “and they were like ‘We should make you a fan page,’, so I agreed to it. Well, they would have made the account anyways, so I didn’t have a choice.”

At a time in BHS where Instagram accounts are popping up every day, the boys stood out against the rest. Their sincere account, made to appreciate their friend, was a wholesome outlier compared to the harsher, vindictive pages.

“It’s cool how many people are getting involved, but some of the accounts have gone a bit too far,” said Junior Lucas Hegland, another creator of the account.

It’s not just the boys who are excited about the growing account. Many people at Buffalo are happy to see Ovie in the spotlight.

“I love Ovie. He has never been anything but kind to me. He 100% deserves the account and all the attention with it,” Junior Megan Estrada said.

Estrada hasn’t had many experiences with the account itself, but its influence over BHS is powerful. She recounts a time during lunch where everybody started to applaud Mayo because he got a second date.

“Ovie is an amazing person, and the account shows exactly that,” Estrada said.

Almost every year one student will create a petition or something similar in an attempt to get another dance at the High School. This year, the petition was created by BHS senior Ellie Carik and it made its way around the school in late September amassing over 450 signatures. With the lack of a Homecoming and Prom for the class of 2022 last year, Ellie, and many other students, wanted a ‘replacement‘ dance for what they had missed.

Now, planning a dance isn’t as easy as DJ + students = profit, there is a lot more that comes in behind the scenes. Many things have to culminate just right for a school-wide dance to occur; the venue has to be booked, the DJ has to be hired, decorations have to be bought and used, and there has to be a student body to plan all of this. For Homecoming, the dance is planned, made, and funded by Student Council. Matthew Scherber ‘23, a member of the 2022 Student Council, was able to shed some light on what goes on in the making of a dance.

In this year’s senior class meeting, consisting of one member from each senior advisory class as well as BHS principal Mr. Mischke, the possibility of having another school dance was discussed. With interest by both parties, the chances seemed ever more likely. 

After previously having a winter dance at BHS, the possibility of being able to have one now is almost certain. With all of this in mind, what is the final checklist before this old tradition could be revived? With all of the public/student support on the petition, the main requirement for this to happen is an overseeing student club or group that can run the whole event. Like Student Council with Homecoming, a student body needs to be put together in order to define the details and put the pieces together. From there, it’s that body’s job to smooth everything out as well as deal with finalizing the venue, decorations, DJ, and any other school requirements.

Throughout this football season, Senior Cole Dostal, a student from Buffalo High School, has been a prominent member of fantasy football and has been very involved. His involvement in fantasy football has impacted the way he appreciates NFL games each Sunday.

“It’s fun when you win but if you lose you get absolutely trashed on by whoever beats you, it’s a lot easier to make trades though,” said Dostal.

Cole has made nearly 10 trades already this season which has helped make his fantasy football team a lot better. He is able to make these trades by communicating with his friends in the league via Snapchat or in person. 

Cole is involved in a group chat called “Fantasy.” In this group, everyone is involved in a league and they all talk about what their teams are doing. This is a great way to communicate with others about shared interests. This makes it very easy for everyone to vote on trades and put in their input on certain situations. 

Although being in a fantasy league can be fun, it is also stressful and time-consuming. It can become a big part of your life and take up a lot of time if you are super involved like many students at BHS. 

There are about 10 different styles of hydro flask water bottles on their website, with over 12 colors to choose from. Price ranging from $30.00 to over $50.00 for the larger bottles. Apart from water bottles they also have tumblers, bottles for coffee, wine and beer, coolers, clothing, and food containers. Hydroflask website.

“I think people spend way too much money on water bottles,” said junior Julia Lowell. “They are cute when they are decorated with stickers, but people just buy them for the name. ”