Inside this issue... November 2013 Expecting Teachers Student Jobs Senior Pictures Girls Swim & Dive Artist of the Month: - Features p. 3 - Features p. 3 - Opinion/Editorial p. 5 - Sports p. 6 Jordan Lindsey - A&E p. 8 Centennial

CIRCUMSTANCE@CenCircumstance Young Musicians Making a Change Photos courtesy of Lisa Green

Above: YMM marches in the parade Above: The Young Musicians of Minnesota pose on Grant Luhmann, 2013 graduate, and Emily Green, at the 2013 State Fair. the set of their first video. the founders of the organization As of November, the Lockout YMM writes letters to the and are very proud at what it has oped the level respect for classi- Lizzie Andrews will have been going on for 13 board, management, and elected become. cal music that I now have, and I Associate Editor-in-Chief months. The Minnesota Orchestra officials of the Musicians. They “I’m not at all surprised. There would have never discovered what has lost 26 members and due to formed a student-led and directed are so many serious, talented I want to do with my future.” “It all began with two fed-up teen- the loss of performances, busi- youth orchestra, write to the press, young musicians in the metro The future is bright for this agers,” Emily Green, junior, said. nesses in the Nicollet Mall area and perform in small ensembles at area. Far more than most people group of teens, especially Green. Emily Green and Grant Luh- have begun losing customers. various events organized in sup- realize,” Mr. Kusche, band teacher, Her dream to play classical music mann (Class of 2013) started Both Luhmann and Green are port of the Musicians. said. is within reach as she is currently Young Musicians of Minnesota a part of the Centennial Band “My favorite YMM activity was Though the orchestra is still on one of the best French Horn play- (YMM) in May of 2013, for stu- program and planned to pursue a our YMM Orchestra,” Green said. lockout, YMM has impacted the ers in the state of Minnesota. dents to work together and help career in the music field, so when “[It] consists of young musicians lives of the students that take part YMM’s goal is to become a try to end the Minnesota Or- they heard about the lockout, they who care about the future of clas- in it. non-profit organization and start chestra lockout. Since then, it has were devastated. sical music in Minnesota and our “I have found my true passion: a community outreach program. become a statewide organization “[The Minnesota Orchestra rehearsals not only were filled with music,” Green said. With 500 students already taking that gathers attention of musi- Musicians] are irreplaceable and hard work, but a lot of laughter It’s hard to see the positives part, this next step is very likely. cians from all over. it breaks our hearts [to lose them] and fun. The most rewarding mo- through the negatives, but Green “I believed that the YMM would “The lockout began on October more than you can believe,” ment was hearing has let both sides shape who she just become a small group of 1st of 2012 when the Minne- Green said. the roaring applause and cheering wants to become. musicians who supported our sota musician’s contract expired,” It was that sort of emotion after the last notes were struck in “The lockout is destroying my Minnesota Orchestra Musicians. Green said. “The Minnesota Or- that drove the two of them to our second concert.” dream of one day becoming a We intended to create a video and chestral Management gave them a create YMM. It is designed to be a It is very inspiring to see that professional horn player in the write letters to political figures new offer, but it would force the united and completely student run two high school-age kids were Minnesota Orchestra,” Green and our musicians,” Green said. Musicians to take a 40% pay cut. organization that expresses stu- able to build such a strong and said. “However, without the lock- “I had never imagined that the Since they rejected the offer, the dents solidarity with the musicians renowned organization. Teach- out, the YMM would have never YMM would expand to what it Management locked them out.” of the Minnesota Orchestra. ers have taken notice of YMM formed. I would have never devel- has today.” Stretching Students: Quirky Teachers at Centennial Tom Handley Features Editor Centennial High School is Chase Ruuska, Junior, said. These choice,” Carter Anderson, senior, “But after a while, I started to tions for keeping the academic home to many teachers that have idiosyncrasies are chiefly noticed said. “He uses ‘quantum’ and loosen up a bit in the classroom, standard high,” he said. touched students’ hearts. While in three teachers. ‘muster up’ on a regular basis.” I always liked to be kind of laid “He really has an openness in every teacher follows the state- “Mr. Bohne, Ms. Bledsoe, and Brian Bohne has been teaching back in classroom demeanor,” the classroom, I especially like mandated education standards, Ms. Bergentine,” Andy Chiodo, at Centennial High School for Bohne said in response to his his vocabulary contests,” Adam many possess a certain quality senior, said. “They always stand seventeen years, after having taken unique and effective approach to Long, junior, said. Students have about them that livens up the out in my mind.” over following the death of Dave teaching. taken an extreme liking to his classroom beyond the curriculum. “He has a plethora of per- Dubowski, a much beloved social “It throws a comfort zone vocabulary contests, citing them as “Each teacher seems to have sonality,” said Tschida, senior, studies teacher. into class which gives students a enjoyable and free form. specific trait they’re known for,” in regards to World History and “There were some pretty big chance to be more open and cre- “It gives small groups a chance Taylor Tschida, senior, said. It’s Government teacher, Mr. Bohne. shoes to fill but after a while I ative in discussion,” said Bohne. to be creative,” Bohne said. The true that many students find these “He’s really easy to talk to.” Ts- thought I was hitting my stride While he’s laidback and fun-loving layout of the vocabulary contest is traits engaging in the classroom, chida added. Numerous students pretty well,” Bohne said. in the classroom and during dis- welcomed by many students, be- whether it’s during discussions or feel the same way about Bohne’s As the years went on, Bohne cussion, he also takes academics ginning with a sheet of vocabulary livening up notetaking. classroom demeanor and engaging grew to thoroughly enjoy teach- very seriously. words on the upcoming chapter “It relaxes the class and has a word choice. ing, beginning with teachings of “You don’t want to underesti- that the students have no prior more comfortable feeling to it,” “He has really good word mostly AP and honors courses. mate me in terms of my expecta- Story continues on page 3 Features 2 Conversations with New Staff, continued

Joe Bourdage Editor-in-Chief Jillian Ogren Amanda Daeger Amy Lund Spanish Teacher Phy Ed/Health Teacher Special Ed. Teacher We’ve been in school for about people who don’t know English. What’s your background story? district, then. What would you Where have you worked previ- two months. How has the year I have built wonderful relation- How did you come to Centen- say you’ve enjoyed most in your ously? been going for you? ships with people I wouldn’t have nial? time here? I’ve worked and subbed in North- The year has been going wonder- met. I like sharing my enthusiasm I went to Concordia College in I was able to build relationships as east Metro 916. I took a long-term fully. The students are great and with students and sparking that Moorhead and got my degree in a sub and now I can get to know subbing position here last year and I’ve really loved my time here. It’s travel bug in them. The world is Phy. Ed and Health. I did a lot of the kids in a more in-depth way. I I fell in love with the students and just a wonderful environment and such a big place, and yeah you my student teaching here and then really like working in both schools the program. I interviewed and the staff is very welcoming. It’s can get by with English, but it’s I moved to Perham, Minnesota because I can see how the kids got the job. been great. Really good. so awesome to be able to open for a year and taught seventh and are changing in the middle school. What have you enjoyed most Where have you worked previ- it up. You can’t really understand eighth grade physical education That’s really fun to see. I see the about your first couple months ously? something if you don’t speak the and health. I moved back here sixth graders, then I go to tenth, here? In the past I was teaching English native language—you miss some to get married and I ended up eleventh, and twelfth graders. Definitely the students and their in Spain, so I came directly from components. subbing for the district for the last Well let’s say the middle and high energy. And the challenges are there. I was there in a small town Do you like teaching beginner two years. So I’ve been here a lot. schools decide to send you on a pretty enjoyable as far as trying to teaching high school. Before that Spanish? And you’re also at the middle paid vacation. Where would you figure out how to diversify lessons. I was in Milwaukee at Marquette It is fun! They come in not know- school too? go? What’s your favorite thing University. ing anything and it’s fun to see That’s correct. So I teach first, sec- If it were the spring I would travel about teaching Special Educa- You’re here now in the Twin how far we get in even the first ond, and third hour here and then and see every baseball stadium in tion students? Cities, and you’ve lived in Mil- month. A month ago they were I teach fourth hour at the middle the US. I got to get to Chicago Seeing the success happen, and waukee and in Spain. Let’s say like “What? I don’t know what school. I have about twenty min- to see the Cubs play. I got to get just really empowering people tomorrow you had a three week she’s saying” and now they are utes to get between buildings so it to New York. And probably the who have disabilities and helping paid vacation. Where would picking up on it. goes fast. other big one I want to go back my students reach a high standard. you go? I was going to ask you about You definitely have had a broad and see is Atlanta because I love Where would you go with a I would go to Peru. I want to your favorite ice cream, but experience in the Centennial Turner Field. three week vacation? go there so bad—I want to see now since you’ve taught in Three weeks is a long time. I do Machu Picchu and I really want to Spain I have to ask about your street photography on the side. So get back down to South America. favorite Spanish dish. often in the summertime I drive In college I studied in Chile. Peru Oh, how can a girl choose. I love around. Two summers ago I drove is at the top of the places I need tortilla de patata. It’s very bland, down the east coast and shot pho- to see. but it’s also so good and every Jerry Pounds tos of the people there. My goal What’s your favorite thing place makes it different. I was an for this summer would be to travel about teaching Spanish? anomaly in Spain because I don’t Special Education Teacher down the West Coast. Although I love Spanish because it opens like ham. That or paella. Very typi- What’s your background? What fulfilling. Europe doesn’t sound too bad. the world to be able to talk to cal Spain. brings you to Centennial now? Well you’re definitely working and know a different culture of I grew up in Blaine and went to with people now. What would Centennial through high school you say you’ve enjoyed about (class of 1997). I went to the being here? University of Minnesota, got a I really like the community that’s degree in English, went to work been created. It’s very inclusive at Ameriprise Financial, and then and everyone gets along really I decided to go back to school well. The students are polite and for education. In the meantime I respect. I like that a lot. It makes worked as a para at the ALC and is easy when you’re new. did my student teaching at the You’re going on a vacation middle school and here before I tomorrow. Where do you go? got the job. I would really like Mexico City. It’s What influenced you to go back my favorite vacation destination. to school? You don’t really need to speak the I wanted something where I was language because the trains have a little more vital and working pictures to tell you where you’re with people. I transferred money going. I like wandering the city. around insurance accounts [at There are 15 million people so Ameriprise] and I was kind of there are so many different parts isolated. Mostly I wanted some- of the city to see. thing a little more interesting and Julie Fjeld Spanish Teacher What would you say you have daughters that go to Rice Lake. vacation. Where do you go? enjoyed the most about Cen- I used to teach in North Branch, I would go to Argentina and tennial thus far? but I took a leave of absence Chile. Yeah. I’ve been to Peru, but I actually really love my stu- when my youngest daughter was I haven’t been to those two coun- dents—they’re a wonderful group born. I casually subbed here in tries. They’re places I’ve always of kids, very respectful and well- the district and jumped on the to see. behaved. They’re mostly fresh- position. It allows me to get my What’s your favorite ice cream? men. kids to school, volunteer in the Cow tracks. Or is it Moose What brings you to Centennial district—it’s the best of both Tracks? No wait—Cold Stone’s now? worlds. Cheesecake with Peanut Butter I live in the district. I have two You have a three week paid cups. Right: Fjeld, left, travels to Disney World Ashley Jamros on a recent family vacation. Math Teacher We’ve been in school for a Grace. Chocolate chip cookie dough. month, and you’ve obviously After a little prodding. Favorite movie? been here before, but what’s it Yes, after a little prodding. I don’t have a favorite movie. I like to be back at Centennial Okay I have to ask, what would just…I really don’t. No favorite for you? be your number one travel spot movies here. There’s too many It’s great. I graduated from here in anywhere in the world? good ones. 2003, and I taught here for three I’m a beach person, and we went years. The students are great, and to Aruba for our honeymoon, so Right: Jamros holds her infant I remember some old faces, like I would have to say somewhere you. The only thing I have new is in the Caribbean. Maybe like St. daughter Grace. that I got married in May 2011. Lucia or something. Then last May I had a little girl, Let’s see… favorite ice cream? Features 3 Students Find Interesting Jobs The Perks of Pregnant Teaching Beyond the Classroom Mary Brickner Staff Writer For most high school students, a dog is stronger than me, I’m get- a job is simply a paycheck. They ting dragged through my walk.” sacrifice sleep on weekends and With up to three hundred dogs free time after school to work boarding at once, Frie encounters around the community. While a wide variety of pets each day. most jobs are not too exciting, Some are simply staying for the some Centennial students are weekend, while others take up lucky enough to work at some a more permanent residence at unique places in the area. Stone Mountain. While Frie enjoys “I think my job is pretty special taking care of the family dog because I actually enjoy going to while its owner is out of town, work,” Raygen Brown, junior, said there is something special about of her job at the Nesting House, the rescue dogs that come through a childcare center. She plays the the doors. role of Big Sibling Educator, “They don’t have any owners to where she teaches young kids with go home to, so this is sort of their expecting mothers what it’s like to home,” Frie said. “Since they’re be a big brother or sister. here every day, you get attached so “I’m a big sister myself, so it’s easily.” Mrs. Enwright shows off her baby bump in lieu of really fun to share my experiences To her, there is something so Anthony Balynas her due date in March. with younger kids,” Brown said. “I heartbreaking, yet so rewarding, Staff Writer kind of wish they had something about seeing a dog come in and like this when I was younger.” being able to witness its growth. “No matter when you have a possible though,” she said. “ I keep her home and work life bal- One thing that Raygen appreci- Although it may not be there for baby you are going to miss out on wish I could stop the clock and anced to the best of her ability. ates about her job is that there is long, each dog has a place in Frie’s a part of the school year, which is raise my little baby and then re- Enwright too realizes the chal- never a dull moment working in a heart. always difficult,” Mrs. Enwright, turn, right from where I left off.” lenges to come. room full of kids. Things can go Meanwhile, about an hour and a Centennial female choir director, Stopping time while bringing an “Even though pregnancy is hard from calm to crazy in the blink of half away in Cumberland, Wiscon- said. “I am most sad about not infant child ahead in time may not and tiresome on your body, the an eye. sin, sophomore Connor O’Brian being able to have all of my clos- be an easy matter for a teacher, students are waiting for me and “You turn your head for a sec- is working at his family farm. ing moments with the senior choir something Mrs. Houle knows. I have a job to do, so I grin and ond and the next thing you know, “I don’t mind the twelve hour students.” Having had two kids during her bear with it,” Enwright said. “I do someone is wearing their diaper as days too much because I get to For most students, it is more time at Centennial, Houle doesn’t everything I can to act normal and a hat!” Brown said with a chuckle. work with my cousins,” O’Brian than likely that at some point have the solutions to the time give it my all.” “But in the end, it’s so rewarding said. “We probably do more goof- in their school careers, they will warp either. And although being pregnant to have all these kids look up to ing around than actual work.” have had a teacher that left due to “My main concerns as I walked on the job has its drawbacks, she you.” It’s definitely a family ordeal pregnancy. However, most may into school were those of my recalled many humorous situa- Junior Abi Frie, on the other to keep this farm running. Every have never thought of what it kids, not the lab I was going to do tions that have come as a result of hand, is an animal lover who weekend, O’Brian and his brother must be like to teach with a soon- for the day,” she said. Houle had her belly. walks and plays with dogs at Stone make the trip to Wisconsin to help to-be newborn developing inside the second of her two children, “I once had a student ask me Mountain Pet Lodge for several our their aunt and uncle. It’s a bit of you, a situation that presents Evelyn, during finals week of the if my pregnant belly is soft or hours a week. of a trek, but in the end, he would its own set of challenges to come 2011-2012 school year. squishy or hard like a rock, which “I’m pretty sure I have the best do anything for his family. during the school year. She recalled that the transition I thought was hilarious,” she said. job in the world,” she said. “I actually do genuinely enjoy Enwright realizes this, having back to school was most difficult “I also think it’s really funny when With so many dogs under one what I do,” O’Brian said. “Stack- started the school year knowing after her first child Tucker, now I have to demonstrate breathing roof, things can get pretty hectic. ing hay bales, milking goats, and that she will be missing out on three, as being the most difficult. with my belly.” Frie has walked everything from just being with my family—I think the choirs’ Cabaret dessert night, Houle can’t do everything she Despite all of the challenges, a Chihuahua to a Great Dane and that’s a pretty good way to spend senior recital, solo/ensemble used to have time for. Enwright has come to the conclu- admits that every day isn’t easy. my Saturday.” contest, and possibly the final “Sometimes I have to buy a box sion that most of the time she is “Most people think my job is A day on the farm is quite concerts as she prepares to have of cookies rather than make them teaching she forgets that she is just playing with puppies, but it simple, he added. her and her husband’s third child from scratch,” she said. In order pregnant. can get pretty tough sometimes,” “It’s mostly plowing, fishing, in March. to come to the realization that she “At least until the baby kicks,” Frie said. “If a dog makes a mess, and country music,” he said. “I hope to return as often as must stay organized in order to she said. I’m in charge of cleaning it up. If Teacher Quirks, continued from Front Page Below right: Ms. Bledsoe teaches a class of juniors. knowledge of, the students form and who they are about become is groups and try to define the words far more important to focus on,” and then the students vote on Ms. Bledsoe said. While she has their idea of the best definition. a personable way about her, she “It gives small groups a chance truly cares about her students far to be creative” Bohne said. “I’ve beyond the classroom. always been a stretcher; I think “I try to form them into human there is some value in stretch- beings that care and feel compas- ing people, stretching ideologi- sionate, I enjoy so many of my cal perspectives, stretching their students that a lot of them come vocabularies, to make people more back to visit,” Bledsoe said. “It’s who they are.” something that, as long as I’ve Across the hall from Bohne, Ms. been teaching, the people and Bledsoe is busy inspiring her own their differing behavior has been students. the same.” “Ms. Bledsoe is an easygoing These teachers have accom- teacher,” Ruuska said. plished much in their tenure at It’s true that Ms. Bledsoe has a Centennial, though the message different method of teaching her always has remained the same: it’s students. about the students. “I think the people they are, Above left: Mr. Bohne prepares for another exciting day of classes. Opinion/Editorial 4 advance of the trip. staff When the day came, Anthony, Editor-in-Chief Jake, and I met early in the parking Joe Bourdage lot and set off. Tom was notably Editors’ Top 10 Lists absent, but he would soon be As seniors looking back on their years in the school district, the editors compiled their in tow. 35W has never been a lists of things they miss, and don’t miss, about their middle school days. Associate Editor-in- particularly enjoyable place on Things We Miss about Things We Don’t Miss Chief which to spend your morning, but the variety of news on NPR that Middle School about Middle School Lizzie Andrews morning softened the blow. We made it to the U of M campus, 1. Lockers Features Editor too late to realize that none of 1. Flex Gym Tom Handley us were at all familiar with the area and that without backpacks, fashionable scarves, or an aura of 2. Bill Nye 2. Buses Opinion/Editorial Editor complete indifference, we would Jake Peterson not blend in as college students. Nonetheless we parked and Business Editor eventually found our way to 3. Dr. Wick 3. Age Segregation Anthony Wroblewski Kaufmann Union, where on the way we encountered Ms. Krueger.

We signed in and settled on the 4. Johnson’s FACS class 4. Stairs Staff Writers building’s third floor, waiting Anthony Balynas for the other schools to arrive Caleb Bedsted (from my cross country days I Mary Brickner understand that arriving very early 5. Field Trips 5. MAP Testing is just a part of the Centennial Allyson Dunaiski experience). Rhia Lapadat The other students arrived, Alisha Sunderland grabbed their complimentary 6. H20 for Life 6. Carpet (It’s everywhere!) Paul Tapia donuts, nametags, and booklets, Sami West and moved about the floor to the respective workshops. Maybe 7. Lack of repercussions 7. Scantrons the desire to associate with new Advisor people doesn’t settle in until col- Andrea Krueger lege—these students didn’t care too much to talk with us, at least 8. Team Loyalty 8. A la carte Rules not a lot. In the first workshop I CONTACT US managed to make friends with two The Centennial Circumstance is the girls from Benilde St. Margaret’s 9. DDR 9. Cleaning Lunch Tables official student newspaper of (one of whom later added Tom Centennial High School, with and me as friends on Facebook). the purpose to educate, inform, Going throughout the day it and to stimulate thought among was refreshing to realize that 10. Pencil Spinning 10. Physical Education the student and staff population. other publications face the same We welcome any student submis- issues that we do at the Circum- sions, and encourage the voicing stance: deadlines, printing costs, Three Meals A Day of opinion. Names may be with- administrative oversight, and lack held, but submissions must be of reader interest, to name a few. signed and will become property Though the staffs of the other Jake Peterson of the Centennial Circumstance. papers were much larger, they Opinion/Editorial Editor were not immune to day-to-day On November 1, the 2009 stages, as we still have just the one a grocery store. The store had Turn in submissions to challenges. Out of three breakout sessions Recovery Act’s temporary boost Bill of Rights. Though I wonder, three people at each register with Ms. Krueger in W709. that we attended, we most enjoyed to the Supplemental Nutrition As- what if it had become law, instead one scanning and two stamp- a workshop entitled “Editorial sistance Program (SNAP) expired, of gathering dust in some desk ing receipts and another knot of Letter From... Leadership.” The speaker, the leaving many families that rely on drawer in Washington like so employees at the door checking to newspaper advisor from Hopkins food stamps to survive in an even many other liberal dreams of the see if the receipts were stamped. High School, bounced off ideas more precarious position given New Deal era? Basically, the store overstaffed by for increasing morale and unity the current job market. The cut I imagine the most direct conse- a factor of three or four at the The Editor among our staffs. Her discus- ranged from $11 to $36 a month quence would be the creation of behest of the local party branch. sion of due dates caused Tom depending on the size of the permanent workers bureau—simi- They’re not exactly elected, giving A few weeks ago, on Octo- to glance in my direction several household and other factors, such lar to the WPA—because if every- them a huge incentive to keep ber 8, the editor staff and I did times, though each time I just as rent. one has the right to a job, then the people employed. something we don’t normally do smiled and referred him back to At the same time, elements of government would be obligated Sure, we could follow China’s for newspaper functions—we the topic at hand. congress and the senate have been to put people to work. Essentially, make welfare recipients clean up went on a field trip. This may not After the session we ventured calling for the program’s rolls to those people without a means parks, fold napkins or pay busi- sound particularly exciting, but in downstairs to the auditorium be cut or for its funding to be to earn a living independently nesses to overstaff just to make it the three years I have been work- for the keynote address. Boyd reduced. would work for their government seem like we’re getting some sort ing on this paper the closest I Huppert of KARE 11 talked at All this debate and media atten- benefits. of value for our tax dollars, but have come to a field trip was driv- length about solid story report- tion centered on food stamps and Sounds familiar to me. that’s nothing more than mean- ing around the Village with Tom ing, sharing with us several weak hunger in America has brought This idea isn’t new or with- ingless lip service and misses the late on a weekday night two years and strong human-interest reports old ideas back into the fold. out precedent. Various political point entirely. If we guarantee ago desperately seeking ads from from his thirty-year career. It’s In particular, I’m reminded of groups have bounced it around every citizen in our society the standoffish storeowners. amazing the small details in re- Franklin Roosevelt’s Second Bill over the years as a way of getting right to three square meals a day, So when the opportunity came porting that can slip by if they’re of Rights. First brought to the value out of welfare recipients, then it should be divorced from for a high school journalism not thoroughly reviewed and public’s attention during his sec- and it occurred on a large scale merit: inherent. conference—sponsored by the clarified. ond State of the Union Address, during the Great Depression That’s a big “if ”, though. In the Minnesota High School Press In all, I couldn’t have asked for a it included, among other things under the aegis of various federal meantime, citizens don’t have the Association, an organization so better circumstance. such as a right to medical care and agencies. More recently, the Chi- right to a meal or a job, and the official-sounding that it would be a decent home, the provision that nese government, in particular, less fortunate will have to make incredulous not to listen to what it every adult has the right to work has been guilty of “creating” low- do with whatever Washington had to say—we told Ms. Krueger - Joe and provide adequate food, cloth- skill jobs out of thin air. will allow them under the current that yes, of course we would like ing and recreation for their family. Last year, The Atlantic ran a political climate, though I can’t to go. We made plans, turned in Obviously Roosevelt’s idea piece where the writer detailed imagine FDR would approve of our field trip money, and worked never went beyond the planning the process of checking out at on completing the last issue in Bourdage our handling of the poor. Opinion/Editorial 5 Not Everyone Wants Your Fantasy Football Exists Senior Portrait Sami West Paul Tapia Staff Writer Staff Writer Along with tailgating, standing portrait carrying every single type & friends to have pictures of me during pep fests, first pick for of rounded object). actually looking comfortable. parking passes (well, the first 250), But, a few of them are actually Of course this isn’t the case, the Senior All-Night Party, and all quite memorable for how much seeing as I’m a part of the unpho- the other mumbo jumbo, another it looks like you just gave up. togenic majority. senior tradition in our culture is One can see, then, how passing “They’re really for my parents the annual distribution of ridicu- around these pictures of eighteen- and the rest of the fam. I could lously-priced photos to all your year-olds becomes unimaginably care less about how I look,” Juan friends and family. Centennial is boring. Others approach senior Lopez, senior, said. no exception. portraits from a whole ‘nother I can dig it, Juan. A simple truth Typically taken in the summer, perspective. One reason is that is that once we seniors exit the there’s always a fair amount of for a good deal of graduating doors of CHS, a number of us people uploading their senior students, this is the last time they won’t see or communicate with portraits to Facebook, with those will have a portrait of them- each other until our class reunions from Centennial usually having selves taken for quite some time. (where it will be obvious that that their pictures marked with Lance Because most of us are not going one person is still feeling twenty- Hill Photography or David Banks D1 for an activity, many won’t two). Rather shy and quiet stu- Photography somewhere on those be getting many college portraits dents will sadly not attend these special pieces of paper. For all the (chances are you’ll be too busy reunions, while most will skip Above: Ted Soler, senior, checks the status of his Fantasy peace signers, duck-face artists, weeping over the price of text- them because they don’t care to Football team in Study Hall. and unfairly photogenic students books). A highly common reason see all of us at 30. A gloomy fact out there, senior portraits have got is that students want to be able to is that a fair number of us seniors to be one of the most fun things look back on themselves and their will never again see our friends we With football season in full draft party, which probably means to take part in. buds as they were in high school, cried over exams with, regrettably swing, and the Minnesota Vikings food, and who doesn’t love food? Unfortunately, creativity seems hoping to have the chance in the made decisions with, and hated disgracing the game with each There’s always the possibility that to be one of the most lacked traits future to look back at them and the school lunches with. coming week (sorry Viking fans, someone else will draft a player by many high school students. think, “what have I become?” To each his own, therefore, it’s harsh, but true), many fans you really wanted, but now you Every year seniors at Centennial More importantly, though, it when it comes to senior portraits. are clinging to a fantasy through can’t have him because he or she have the audacity to pass around also gives the parents of these However, while you may not care their own teams, made up of their took him away from you—com- pictures of themselves in a pose up-and-coming adults the same for them, I’m sure your friends, carefully selected players from any petition is one of the best parts that you just saw that other girl opportunity to look back at their and more chiefly, your parents team in the NFL. of fantasy football. Also food. do in hers. Wait a minute, what’s baby boy and/or baby girl as would love you to take senior pho- Fantasy football has been popu- Always food. that? Oh. It’s another picture of they were leaving high school tos for them. I’m positive I will. lar for years. Due to the surging - Just like real football, fantasy somebody else with some sort of and entering the adult world. I, Now, what should I wear? popularity of the Internet, fantasy football players can also trade, ball (football, soccer, tennis, you myself, would have to agree with football’s popularity has increased. add, or drop players during the name it, we seniors have taken a this belief. I would like my family Even more so, there are now apps season. Your team may not ever one can download to their phone stay the same with all of the in order to get involved in the fan- changes you can make, allowing tasy, also increasing the popularity for even more personalization in of fantasy football. Woah! selecting which players you want There’s another reason to love on your team, and which players the Internet—without it, many you want to play in each game. wouldn’t have been enlightened It’s exhilarating enough when about fantasy football, a thrilling, you’re watching your favorite team competitive game that enhances play on Sunday, but it’s even more any football fan’s experience dur- intense when it’s your own team ing the football season. that was wholly created by you. In case you don’t know what Are the Vikings stinking up the takes place in fantasy football, field? Probably, but it doesn’t here’s a crash course: matter because you have your - You select any players from team to believe in, no matter how any team in the NFL, and the awfully your team of choice is individual player’s performance in playing. When you’re ready to give their game each week contributes up on your favorite team in the to your own team’s score. You NFL, you still have your own team compete against another team to believe in and cheer for dur- New Bus System a Bane to Students each week, allowing you to get ing football season. A new light Alisha Sunderland yourself even more invested in comes to football when it doesn’t Staff Writer football games every week—it’s matter if the professional team is On the first day of school my the bus or walk and are affected input also. After all, we’re the ones now your own players and your winning or losing—the only thing scheduled time for the bus to get by this new system. who ride the bus and go through own team competing in your own that matters is if your own player me and a few students at my bus I took a survey of Mrs. Trettel’s the whole thing. game. What better way is there is playing well. stop was 7:40 AM. After waiting classes. People responded with I recall Mrs. Trettel telling our to get even more involved in Not only does one deepen their outside for awhile, the bus pulled good and bad things about the class that they shouldn’t have this football? entanglements with football by up at 7:50 AM. I walked onto the new system. system because she wouldn’t want - The fantasy football process be- playing fantasy football, he or bus to see screaming and yelling A majority called parts of the her soon-to-be middle schooler gins long before the actual season she may also make new friends middle school kids combined with change positive, citing longer riding the bus and hearing inap- starts. First, each member of the through some friendly competi- the high schoolers. The bus ride bus rides means more time with propriate things from older kids fantasy football league must draft tion. Or maybe more enemies if took twenty minutes, which lead friends. Others do not like riding on the bus. I agree. the players of their choice to their you’re a more aggressive person— us right to the bell ringing as soon with the middle schoolers and Some bus drivers agree. teams. This adds even more to the but hey, it’s all part of the fun! as I got to school. From that day turning a twenty minute ride into a “I don’t like the new system,” excitement—there is typically a on I’ve tried getting rides every one hour ride. Gina, a Rehbein bus driver, said. Correction: day. Most everyone agreed that the “I don’t like it because there have In the October issue of the Centennial Circumstance, we accidentally Most of you in grades 11 and 12 change might be good for the been problems with buses because quoted former assistant principal Thoms as “Mrs. Thoms.” Her proper probably walk or drive to school. bus company on saving gas and of the maximum capacity being title is Dr. Thoms. The Circumstance regrets the error. Those of us in grades 9 or 10 ride breaks. But we should have an reached.” Sports 6 Swimming for the Win: Girls Swim and Dive Continues Their Success Allyson Dunaiski Staff Writer Around: The girls swim and dive team competes together in various events throughout the fall.

Photos coutesy of Darrell Andersen When it comes to swimming, The season, beginning in the won the girls pushed the coaches other at our worst and best, we girl for one another. Centennial’s girl’s swim and dive heat of August, started off with into the water and that was just as never want to be apart. The girls Swimming is harder than most team are practically fish. Swim- a splash. More than fifteen hours satisfying.” laughs Kristin Fereria, on the swim team are the ones i will believe, working these girls ming captains Allie Davidson, Tia of dry land combined with miles senior. Conference brought all the can always rely on, they are my until they’re almost giant prunes Erickson, and Molly Vancil work of laps a week left these exhausted girls on the supporters.’ Hannah Weed, junior, in the locker room. With little alongside diving captain Cassie girls prepared for the competitive swim team a sense of pride, says as she thinks about how amounts of fans, the girls depend Lehman to push their fellow team- season before them, and prepared knowing that they were able to important the swim team is to her. on the screams and cheers of their mates to being the best they can they were. After 17 meets mostly go and win something, even if The girls see themselves as a fam- best friends, family, and team- be. Head Coach Chip is only for- won, a win at JV Champs and they didn’t have all the fans other ily, sharing all different sorts of mates to push them forward and ever proud of his girls and their winning Conference for the sec- sports have. team rituals together, like dressing to hit that wall faster than anyone teammate love, always pushing ond year in a row, these girls were The swim team is a team full up and kidnapping new girls when else. So whether they’re diving them forward to work and work, left to swim and dive into Sections of fun loving girls, who don’t the season begins, and ordering into the pool or singing Disney whether it’s on dry land where and eventually State! “It was kind know when to stop winning. But Subway as a team to eat before songs on the way to the next meet, these fish don’t belong, or when of thrilling to win conference together, they’re a family. “Swim- the games. There’s the fun outfits even State, these girls will keep a the fiftieth lap comes around and again. We had a really good season ming is important to me because worn before games, the millions smile on their face and their hair only the proud face of a coach leading up to the meet so we were these girls are my family. We swim of mismatched suits and caps, the forever smelling like chlorine. can make them keep going. hopeful going into it. Once we in each other’s sweat, we see each the always there support of every Football Coaches Compare Their Two Jobs

Rhia Lapadat Staff Writer Mr. Tlusty, Mr. Watson, and years. Having played both football he is responsible for the varsity “I get to know them in a different “I chose to coach football over Mr. Kienholz all agree that their and baseball in college, he pro- offensive line. Watson also plans light and on a deeper level.” baseball because they were con- favorite thing about coaching is fesses a true love for the sport. for the games on Sunday nights Kienholz has been coaching for flicting with my kids’ sports,” he watching the players grow. With Though he loves his teaching job, before explaining his ideas to the twenty-three years, is the head of said. “They’re both great though.” the season ending, these coaches he still feels guilty in saying that he players on Monday. He shared the ninth grade team, and serves When it comes to coaching ver- take recognition in leading the enjoys coaching more. Tlusty’s sentiments about teaching as their defensive coordinator. sus teaching, he echoes the other team to be the best they can be “Coaching is more active,” as well. Though his position doesn’t call coaches. and leave players with an unfor- he said. “I couldn’t live without “Teaching is very rewarding,” for as much time out of school “In football I get to teach the gettable experience. the excitement of a Friday night Watson said. “But I love working as Tlusty’s or Watson’s, he puts players valuable life lessons,” “Coaching feels like a full-time game.” with the players. Everyone wants a great amount of time into the Kienholz said. “Teaching is often job,” Tlusty said. He serves as the Like Tlusty, Watson too loves to be there.” summer football programs at more about the subject matter.” varsity offensive coordinator and the thrill of the big game. Now in “I enjoy watching the players Centennial. Like Tlusty, he found has been coaching for eighteen his seventeenth year of coaching, grow as people,” Kienholz said. himself between two sports. Sports 7 “This Is It.” Right: A young Will Seniors Bid Farewell to High School Sports Schwartz gears up to play Caleb Bedsted hockey. Staff Writer “The thing I will miss the most big Centennial rival in every sport Schwartz, captain of the boys about high school athletics is and for Pierson, the rivalry has hockey team will be embarking on the friendships and relationships continued since 2nd grade. “Beat- his final season as a Cougar defen- you build with your teammates,” ing them in sections just made seman with dreams of playing on Kevin Grow, senior and captain senior year much more special.” after graduation. of the boys cross country team “I will always remember the fun “My dream is to play one or two said as he expressed how he felt times during warm ups and the years of junior hockey in the about his last CC season. For him exciting and competitive matches,” NAHL or USHL,” Schwartz said. and many senior athletes alike, Katy Farmerie, senior captain If that doesn’t happen for him, the final season of their amateur of the girls volleyball team, said. he continued, he will continue to sporting careers will be coming to Farmerie gave up basketball, her show his athletic talent in college a close. other favorite sport, in the eighth club sports, perhaps even basket- Although it is a sad reality for grade to focus on volleyball year ball. Schwartz’s love of sports will some, many seniors are able to round. never burn out; others have noted look back over the years and ap- “The practice and tournament him as a fierce competitor and a preciate all the happy memories schedules interfered with each dedicated teammate. they have made. These kids have other,” she said. These senior captains as well as participated in their sports for Many senior athletes had to every dedicated athlete from the many years. make this tough choice.. Some class of 2014 have worked to bal- Michael Pierson has played foot- dropped out as the competition ance practices, games, homework, ball since he was in elementary gets more intense, others wanted family and friends. Above: Katy Farmerie school, and is a senior captain. to perfect their skills to focus on “Don’t wish for it! Work for it!” The highlight so far of his sports playing after high school. Meet- Marisa Bordsen offered as advice hits the ball in one of career was beating Blaine in the ing girls from other schools in off to younger athletes as she prepares her last high school first football section game last season play was a positive experi- to participate in her final season volleyball games. Friday night. ence for Farmerie. on the dance team after seven “It was the most suspenseful With winter sports just around years of dance. For most, this is and exciting game I have ever the corner, others are about good advice for sports, and life. Grow’s photo courtesy of Above: Kevin Grow sprints to the finish at played in,” Pierson said. Blaine is a to face their final seasons. Will Jon Namyst the 5AA Section Meet. CONGRATULATIONS CENTENNIAL STATE QUALIFIERS

Photo courtesy of Jon Namyst Boys Cross Country Girls Tennis Cole Arends, Joe Bourdage, Devin Fritz, Kevin Grow, Ben Jack, Reed Kurak, Emily Johnson & Meghan Longen Jacob Namyst, Jake Peterson, Tommy Rusco Arts & Entertainment 8 Artist of the Month: Jordan Lindsey

Alisha Sunderland Staff Writer “I’ve always loved drawing “I like drawing things that “My parents are and were and doodling,” Jordan Lind- could never be real,” he said. a big support when it comes sey, senior, said. “I think I He believes that practice to my drawings,” he added. started in first or second makes perfect and that soon “They always love seeing grade. I’d always draw all drawings will get better. His them.” over every assignment and did after a few years. Even though Lindsey spare piece of paper I could “Drawing was always a doesn’t have a specific piece get my hands on.” good thing to kill time,” that is his favorite, he is al- Besides hanging out with Lindsey said on his inspira- ways looking forward to new friends and enjoying his free tion. “I always had a hard drawings or images he sees time playing football, Lind- time making friends grow- inside his mind. He usually sey has a unique talent of ing up, especially when it spends several hours on his being an artist. Many have came to moving around a drawings in all. agreed that he has always few times. That got me into had an active imagination. drawing.” Classroom Books vs. Hollywood Films Anthony Wroblewski Business Editor It’s not uncommon for a is easily adapted into film.” American classic. Here at Centen- person’s favorite book to be While studying the book itself, nial, students read The Great Gatsby adapted into a motion picture - in students are exposed to both the during their junior year in either fact, it happens all the time. But 1968 movie adaptation, and the American Literature or AP Eng- one often hears the exasperated famous 1996 Baz Luhrmann film lish Literature & Composition. complaints of how inaccurate the Romeo + Juliet. “I like movies that are based on films are to their novel counter- “I like both films: the 1968 film books,” Mrs. Connolly, English parts. Since imagination dictates because it helps students under- teacher, said. “I hope that if one’s perception of a story, what stand the scenes of the play, since someone likes the movie, they’ll finds its way onto the screen may it’s fairly accurate,” Jueckstock feel inclined to pick up the book.” be a disappointment. But what is said. “And the Baz Luhrmann film She uses movies more sparingly the case for film-adapted clas- because it shows how timeless the in her classroom, as she doesn’t sics such as Romeo and Juliet or themes of a book really are, and want to rely on them to teach the The Great Gatsby? Books that are how they can be adapted for the curriculum. However, she admits fantastic,” Connolly said when read by high schoolers across the time period.” that she sometimes shows clips asked what her personal favorite nation and, indeed, at our own Both films use scripts that rely of the BBC film forEmma , the book to film realization. school, have been reimagined on entirely on the original play, which romantic novel by Jane Austen, There are many other books the silver screen. English teach- is often not the case when a novel to help clear up any confusing that high schoolers read that have ers who have those books as part is imagined on the big screen sections. movie adaptations: The Crucible, of their curriculum had mixed And speaking of Baz “Clueless is a pretty fun, mod- How to Kill a Mockingbird - there’s opinions. Luhrmann, his most recent film, ern adaptation of Emma, just as even a Broadway musical based Mrs. Jueckstock is in an interest- The Great Gatsby, received many Bridget Jones’ Diary is a modern on Mark Twain’s The Adventures of ing position as a teacher in the positive and negative reviews. adaptation of Pride and Prejudice,” Huckleberry Finn. English department. For many, Being based off the novel by F. Connolly said. Whether or not these films she is the first English teacher a Scott Fitzgerald, it follows the She admits that directors are make good substitutes for the student will have coming into high plot quite accurately, while using limited by time, and so have to novels is up to the individual, or school. In a brief interview she Baz’s experience in music-video discard many subplots and con- more accurately, their teachers. helped shed some light on one of production to produce a very dense the main plot often, but she Many teachers agree that they are the very first pieces of literature over-the-top feel that was very also expresses that it’s interesting a wonderful tool for understand- that all freshman English students polarizing. Some would argue that to see others’ interpretations of ing the confusing bits of literature, read at Centennial: Romeo and Juliet the grandeur of the film acted as the novels. and that the films can be an enter- by William Shakespeare. a metaphor for the themes of the “The Last of the Mohicans was a taining way to show how timeless “It’s different from a novel,” novel, others would argue that it terrible novel, but the movie was the themes of literature are. Jueckstock said. “It’s a play, and so was a gimmicky approach to an