The Word

THE WORD A Product of the Bennington High School Publications Class . Staff Volume 1, Edition 1 Brenna Goddard Abby Belden 301 N Putnam Krystle Kral Brittanie Taylor Bennington High School Amanda Bailey Jordan Fief WWW.USD240.K12.KS.US Kurt Fabrizius Audrey Wagner Bennington,Kansas 67422 Advisor: Don Wagner In The Past

Remember the good times, Quotes to Live By Forget the bad- Make the best of

What we had. Poetry “If A is success in life, then A = Even though I X + Y + Z. Work is x; y is play; wondered and z is keeping your mouth How long it would last, shut.” Now all I have -Albert Einstein Are memories of the past. For me it was love; “Hope is a waking dream.” For you it was lust, -Aristotle But I was a fool And gave you my trust. You stole my heart And lied to me About your intentions, “An investment in Which I didnʼt see. knowledge always pays the Everything happens for a best interest.” reason, -Benjamin Franklin They say, Which would be why We arenʼt together today. “A slip of the foot you You broke through my barriers; may soon recover, but a I rebuilt my walls. slip of the tongue you Now Iʼm not so sure may never get over.” I ever loved you at all. My heart was confused, -Benjamin Franklin Along with my head, And now I feel “When you blame Emotionally dead. others, you give I now see the truth up your power to To the phrase, “Love is change.” blind.” -Douglas Noel Adams Itʼs now in the past, Love left behind. By Krystle Kral 10 Thoughts to Live By!

by Abby Belden PoetryNothing Gold Can Stay

Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Simply Labeled Her early leaf’s a flower; Writerʼs block is my enemy, But only so an hour. Paper is my sanctuary. Then leaf subsides to leaf. Everyday life becomes harder--stress falls So Eden sank to grief, Right onto my shoulders. So dawn goes down to day. I falter because of the weight-- Nothing gold can stay. But let no one take it away. This burden is mine to bear alone; Robert Frost Itʼs no one elseʼs.

Emotions bombard me, Secrets knock at my lips, Wanting to slip through my mouth Quotes And out into the world, To become known “When one door of hain By far too many. clos, another opens; but often we Friendships are crystal, Beautiful in the eye of the beholder, look so long at the closed door that But when broken-- sharp, we do not see the one ich has Short, jagged. opened for us.” -Helen Keller Drifting is the way. Separate yourself from others, “A friendship can Hide where you canʼt be found. weather most things Write the block away. and thrive in thin soil; You could scream, burst your lungs, but it needs a little And still not be heard. mulch of letters and You could be at the top of the pyramid or phone calls and small The lowest level on the food chain, silly presents every And still, youʼre just so often- just to save A reflection of what I see.

it from drying out completely.” By Abby Belden -Pam Brown 11 Around The School

Not Your The Word in the Halls Average Cheerlead- by Brenna Goddard er Outfits! Seniors We’ve been in school for several Erin Tebo weeks now and everybody’s getting and Emily pretty well adjusted to a normal, back- Schmidt, to-school life. But what exactly is nor- along with sopho- mal school life? Is it the homework that more Kati students (especially seniors) sometimes Komarek, spend hours on? Is it the improvements dressed up like the new parking lot and new labtops as french for teachers? maids for Normal school life encompasses all Home- coming of these things and more. We have a few Spirit Week. more rules this year, like staying out of the Photo by halls and going into the gym after lunch. Trey Lynn. We have a couple new students and even some new teachers: Ms. Arrington in music, Ms. Walker for math, Mr. Pickrell The Secret Lives in Special Ed, and Mr. Wagner for English. Of Teachers Our school is making some changes and Did you know that: improvements. Sounds pretty normal, •Amanda Arrington is playing the piano right? for the Salina Community Theater’s perfor- However, sometimes I wonder mances of Beauty and the Beast. what it is that ever made me want to be •Misty Walker grew up in a farm family a senior. The teachers haven’t backed off of three girls working cattle, driving wheat a bit, and they expect us to know more trucks, and operating an International and work harder than we did last year. I swather. thought that the senior year was sup- •Matt Pickrell not only raises longhorn posed to be one of relaxation and fun, but cattle, but also ropes them in rodeo competi- somebody forgot to tell the teachers that! tions. I’m so tired that I don’t know if I am having •Don Wagner is performing on fiddle and fun or not! Maybe things will settle down guitar as a member of the band Classic and get back to normal, but mostly I’m Heart for the Great Plains Theater’s Al- thinking that normal is a condition that I’ll ways, Patsy Kline in September/October. never see again! Homecoming Present and Past: Memories, Spirit, and Fun! The PA is blaring, and the stadium lights are blazing. The football players are getting that nervous feeling in the pits of their stomachs. King candidates run their fingers through styled hair. Beautiful young women in slinky dresses parade in front of the grandstands. The crowd admires and applauds. Yes, this is Homecoming. When we think of this special event, we usually ask others, “What are you going to wear?” or “Who is your date?” As students, we are focused on the present. But have you given any thought about who and what was involved in Homecoming in the past? Many of the teachers in our school have lived the experience. As it turn out, the educational leader in our building was also a leader in his senior year of high school. Mr. Macy was crowned homecoming king at Minneapolis High School back in the late ʻ70ʼs It rained, but even worse than that was the embarrassing fact that the queen was taller than he was! Mrs. Neaderhiser was a homecoming queen at Wilson High School, and both Mr. Fiel and Mr. Wagner were homecoming candidates. Many of the teachers commented that their homecomings were similar to the way the event is conducted here, but Mrs. Neaderhiser added that activities are a little safer now than they were when she was involved. When she was a senior, her school played a team whose mascot was the Indians. That night at the bonfire, football players dressed up like native Americans shot flaming arrows from the roof of the school to light the bonfire! For much of the staff, Homecoming means a lot of school spirit, unforgettable memories, and a great deal of fun. Letʼs have more of the same! by Audrey Wagner and Jordan Fief How ‘Bout Them Dawgs?! The Bennington Bulldogs have been bringing competition to the contests in all sports. The football team has displayed heart and desire for the game while racking up points in the win column. “This year there is a larger amount of heart in our football team. We’re working hard and do- ing what we can for the team’s success and pride for our school,” declares senior lineman Aaron Jore. The boys are busy preparing for the big home-

by Brenna Goddard coming game on the 30th. This should be an awesome occasion, so come with your seat cushion in hand! The cross country team has been leaving their tracks in the meets that they have been to so far. Junior Jenni Butler has gotten two 1st places and one 2nd place in the past three meets. Senior Lauren Cherry and sophomore Sarah Hicks have also placed in the recent meets. Lady Dawg volleyball is making adjustments and working hard to improve their skills, starting with the basics. The team’s new coach, Mrs. Wilson, has had a great impact and is teaching the girls new techniques and skills. The varsity features a young squad that has major potential. However, “It’s a lot of pressure being a young setter on a varsity team,” remarked freshman Jordan Fief. Girl’s golf is improving as the season progresses. The older girls are taking the ‘youngins’ under their wings. “We have some new team mem- bers who are struggling a little, but we’re all working hard together to help each other,” assures senior Megan Vishnefske. No matter what the outcome, Bulldog athletes strive to perform in a manner that brings honor and glory to our school. Let’s all support them as they pursue that Bulldog Pride! A Talk With The Man In Charge by Krystle Kral

How well do you know our superintendent? And I mean actually know him, not just of him? I can honestly say, as a senior, that I had no clue who this Harlan guy was that I kept hearing about in the halls and classrooms. When I got the chance to interview him, I found out a lot information that I am pleased to share with you readers!

Q: You are now entering your fourth year as superintendent of Twin Valley Schools. What would you like people to know about you and your work? A: Personally, I would hope that people see me as a caring and understanding person. Professionally, I hope they see me as a hardworking, fair, and knowledge- able leader. In my position as superintendent, I have tried to provide leadership that will translate into learning opportunities for the students of our district and I feel that the Twin Valley Schools have made tremendous strides the last three years.

Q: What other jobs have you held? A: In education, I have been a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent.

Q: What are the significant differences between the Twin Valley Schools and Salina schools? A: The students and teachers are similar throughout Kansas. The difference between Twin Valley and Salina is the size of schools and the background of the students, teachers, and parents. Small classes, parent support, caring atmosphere, and a sense of community set Twin Valley School apart from Salina and most larger districts.

Q: What do you like most about this district? What would you like to see changed? A: (I like the) caring and dedicated staff, great students, excellent administration, and super community support. Of course, I would like to see greater monetary support from our state government. Also, I would like to see technology imbedded into the teaching at all levels. Q: Why did BHS offer a publications class this year? A: It was to provide students with an opportunity to explore other means of commu- nications. It provides a showcase for students to demonstrate their talents. It also matches the instructorʼs talents to the curriculum.

Q: If you could, what other classes would you add to the curriculum, and why? A: Sociology, Broadcasting, Welding, Technology Leadership. Sociology is a great foundation class. Broadcasting could provide great communication and learning opportunities. Welding offers a hands-on learning situation for students who learn best that way, and the opportunity to work with computers and technology in a re- pair/trouble shooting mode would be beneficial to a number of our students.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? A: This is a great school district, and it is getting better each day. It has a great Board of Education, outstanding principals, a super teaching staff, and a dedicated support staff. It really is a privilege to serve this district as superintendent. Krystle Meets The Man! Senior Krystle Kral visits with Superintendent Richard Har- lan in the BHS library in order to finish her inter- view with him for The Word. “Although Iʼve seen Mr. Harlan at different ac- tivities around the school, Iʼve never really met him or talked with him before,” Krystle admitted. “Now that Iʼve inter- viewed him, Iʼve a better under- standing of who he is.” Photo by Kurt Fabrizius. Space Case By Jordan Fief

Why in the world was Mr. Duell seen carrying a box containing ruined ceramic tiles and a large, rusty bolt? The answer itself is out of this world! The tiles and bolt are artifacts from the Columbia, Challenger, and Apollo tragedies. In all three disasters, the whole crew perished. On Friday, January 27th, 1967, before the Apollo 1 could take off, there was a fire in the cockpit, and the three crewmembers were unable to escape. Nineteen years later, on January 28th, 1986, after 73 seconds in space, the Challenger shuttle exploded, killing all seven crewmembers plus a teacher who had been invited to go. Then, nearly three years ago, on February 1st, 2003, the Columbia dissentigrated while re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Three disasters over 77 years, and all of them took place within the five days at the end of January and beginning of Apollo 1 mission. “It’s amazing we even got there,” February. commented Mr. Duell. The tile from the Columbia rocket was used in Mr. Duell was able to obtain these artifacts the front nose area of the ship. It was black and very through his brother’s good friend, who is a stained thick. Mr. Duell said this was because it had to be glass artist working on a memorial to these tragedies ready to resist heat up to 3,000oF! The white tile from for the Kansas Cosmosphere. The tiles and bolt were the Challenger was closer to the rear of the rocket used as inspiration for this memorial, which will because it was thinner and less heat resistant. These incorporate an astronaut and a rocket. Hopefully tiles were replaced before the tragedies after being this six by ten window will be finished this winter damaged by debris, like wet, heavy Styrofoam. and will be hung in the spring in the center of the The bolt, which has been corroded by Cosmosphere. rocket fuel and age, was in a launch pad used by the

A Cold Condition by Audrey Wagner

You try to be careful. You try to run away. But alas, it is here: Infection! Our school has hit cold season. I walk down the hallway to a rhythm of sniffles and sneezes, coughs and wheezes. “How has this infection spread so fast?” I wondered. So I wandered the halls of BHS to investigate this phenomenon. Hereʼs what I found.

How to catch a cold: • Sit in a desk. • Come to school. • Type in the computer lab. • Walk through a sneeze mist. • Grab the serving tongs at lunch • Shake somebodyʼs hand, especially after they wiped their nose or coughed. • Borrow someone elseʼs pen or pencil. • Use the number pad in the lunch line. • Touch the door handle in the bathroom or classroom. • Turn off the faucet in the bathroom after washing. Maybe you have allergies!

Did you know that: What to do: •20% of Americans are allergic to ragweed •Leave your AC on, even when it is cool •a single ragweed plant produces over a billion grains •Avoid morning walks--pollen counts are highest of pollen before 10 am •ragweed pollen can travel as far as 400 miles •Take an over-the-counter remedy like Claritin or •Cool fall breezes dust your house with pollen Benadryl every day, not just when you feel bad. If it •Ragweed grows prolifically in the Midwest doesnʼt work, visit a M.D. for a prescription drug or allergy shots, or if you have fever or hives. Pep Rally Propels Sports Teams Into Seasons.

Pep Rally. Juniors Cliff Helus and Erica Iwen listen to senior volleyball leader Brenna Goddard speak, then watched the dance team and cheerleaders perform during an afternoon pep rally before the fi rst game. Photo by Kurtis Fabrizius

THE BULLDOG by Kurtis Fabrizius Our school mascot is the bulldog, but have you ever wondered what a bulldog really is? Or do you even think about it? Here is a little background info about our lovely mascot. The bulldog is revered for his loving nature and ability to get along with other dogs, but woe to the per- son who crosses him! Bulldogs love companionship and are protective of their loved ones. The breed originat- ed in the British Isles, and the name BULL was applied because of the dogʼs use in connection with bullbaiting, a 17th-century amusement. Particularly popular in England, this sport used trained dogs to attacked a tethered bull. The ensuing life or death battle was bet upon by spectators. Although the dogs were obviously mismatched in size, their fi erce tenacity and willingness to fi ght with all of their hearts made them a favorite in the battles. Although bullbaiting was prohibited in Great Britain by an Act of Parliament in 1853, the bulldog has endured as a breed because of those qualities that made him a fi erce but loyal competitor. How Do We Find The Heroes Among Us?

by Jordan Fief

Broken power lines. Flooded streets. Ruined teachers, but educators deserve admiration. Not many homes. This is what is left of the once beautiful and people choose a career that requires them to spend sev- luscious southern coastline. These are the times when en to ten hours a day with kids, Monday through Friday, we need a hero. Who are they? Where are they? And and receive less money than most of our parents make. most importantly, what makes a hero? There are so Educators give nearly all their time to make sure we many answers to this question that it would take years get the best education possible. Plus, with the No Child to write them all down. One person might say power Left Behind Act and other local and federal mandates, and riches; another may answer selflessness and brav- they have quite enough on their plate trying to control ery. One might claim itʼs physical deeds; another might rambunctious teenagers, many of whom do not want say it is spiritual. The one thing that all to learn in the first place. Teachers, heroes seem to have in common is the Heroes are all indeed, are heroes. sacrifice of self. People who teach arenʼt just in Often we forget to see the he- around us, but some schools, though. Ministers, mis- roes in our community. We are so of them have not yet sionaries, and other religious and preoccupied with the heroes in movies political leaders sacrifice themselves that we find fault with everyone else. had an occasion to to teach us good morals and ethics. We confuse heroes with celebrities. perform, and others They lead best by example, and that We hold people up to impossible stan- means they have to sacrifice much of dards, and arenʼt able to accept heroes have performed but their time to help better our world. when we see them. In our society, have not yet been Heroic? Iʼd say so. heroes are supposed to be handsome, Ahhhh, our parents. I donʼt re- intelligent, and without fault. But by ally have to say much more. They doing this, we fail to see the everyday heroes right un- enable us to participate in whatever it is we want to do, der our noses. We are so critical of the people around take care of our basic needs, and try to keep us out of us we donʼt grant them the ability to be heroes. Take trouble. Sure, that might mean they have to lock us in the news from New Orleans, for instance. Weʼve hear our rooms and throw away the key, but if we graded many more stories of shame and blame than fame. them on effort, most of the time they deserve Aʼs and As the American society continues to change, Bʼs. They sacrifice money, freedom, and relationships so do the people whom we admire. Women, for ex- with us to make us happy and safe. Whether or not we ample, are breaking through the glass ceiling and admit it, the reality is that our parents are our heroes. working at careers traditionally thought of as “menʼs So we come back to our original question: What jobs.” There are woman soldiers, women lawyers, is a hero and where do we find one? The answer is that women CEOʼs, and even women plumbers! Besides heroes are all around us, but some of them have not yet their mothers, young girls have role models like San- had an occasion to perform, and others have performed dra Day OʼConner and Condoleezza Rice, women who but have not yet been recognized. Sometimes it takes have made great sacrifices to obtain politically power- a bad situation, like Hurricane Katrina, to bring out the ful positions. Young women the world over have more heros among us. to strive for than any time in history. Now I know what some kids think about their Our Little Munchkin What Do You Think? What Do You Think? Oz Revisited “It was a really cool experience getting to meet a person in the ‘Wizard of Oz’ since we’re from On the 25th of Au- Kansas.” gust, Jerry and Eliza- -Rachel Wood beth Maren graced us with their presence. Jerry was the lolly- pop kid in the Wizard “His little body screams, ‘Just give me a hug!’” of Oz. He was the -Josh Clevland munchkin who hand- ed Dorothy the lolly- pop. He and his wife “I think it was a good experience because it’s not visited Mr. Wagnerʼs class at Bennington everyday that someone famous comes to our and talked about Jer- school.” ryʼs life and career. -Lauren Cherry Besides being the lollypop kid, Jerry “It’s pretty cool that Hollywood dressed him up as was “The Worldʼs kids in other movies so they didn’t have to worry Smallest Chef” for about child labor laws.” Oscar Mayer. He -Emily Schmidt played many more roles throughout his life, including work- ing as a stunt man “One small step for man; one giant leap for and double, but is munchkins.” probably best known -Trey Lynn for acting as “Santaʼs Little Helper” dur- ing Christmas time. Audrey Wagner “Jerryʼs was a sur- catches a hug prise,” said Wagner. from the famous It was an educational munchkin Jerry Maren. opportunity for us to experience and learn something outside our ordinary realm of experience.”

-Brenna Goddard Dawg By Manda Bailey Talk Itʼs another school year, and WOW! It is going by fast! Times are changing. Events and activities are swiftly moving along, and everybodyʼs getting busier and busier. Freshmen are still learning the ropes, sophomores are discovering how much more is expected of them, juniors are learning about the stress of higher academics, and seniors are alternating between wishing they were younger and wishing they were gone. Mostly they are wishing they had more time! Whatʼs the word? Letʼs find out. Freshmen: Are you scared of being a freshman? No, I am not scared of being a freshman. –Heather Griem No. –Aaron Zeigler What does being a freshman mean to you? Being a freshman means to me that I need to start thinking about college and what I want to do with my life, and keeping my grades up, so I can graduate in 2009. – Heather Griem It means I am new, not known, just new. –Aaron Zeigler If you could say something about this year so far, what would it be? Going into high school I have more responsibilities, and I need to work hard to get them all done. –Heather Griem Itʼs not bad. I havenʼt gotten beat up yet!!! – Aaron Zeigler What do you think is going to be the best part of this year? The best part about this year I think will be learning new things I donʼt already know. –Heather Griem Basketball season. - Aaron Zeigler

Sophomores: Is it difficult being a sophomore? -Not really. Itʼs actually really fun. -Lawson -Itʼs not too bad. This year being a sophomore isnʼt much different than being a fresh- man.-Kati What does being a sophomore mean to you? It means two more years ʻtil college. –Lawson Well, it means getting older and only 2 more years left. -Kati If you could say something about this year so far, what would it be? I like being a sophomore. –Lawson This year so far isnʼt as fun as last year. Iʼm hoping that it gets better. –Kati What do you think is going to be the best part of this year? Basketball season. -Lawson Since Iʼm involved in cheerleading, going to all the games is going to be the best part. –Kati Do you have anything else you would like to say about being a sophomore? This year will be the first year I am finally able to drive. So thatʼs pretty awesome. Again only two more years, of high school left. - Kati

Juniors: Is it difficult being a junior? Itʼs pretty stressful so far, with work and all the homework. –Doug F. Itʼs not so hellacious... yet. –Marilyn H. What does being a junior mean to you? It means one more year until Iʼm a senior. –Doug F. Another year closer to graduating but another year of fun as well. –Marilyn H. If you could say something about this year so far, what would it be? I like summer better than school. –Doug F. Many nights of homework, many tears shed—from laughing too hard. –Marilyn H. What do you think is going to be the best part of this year? The last day--when summer break is here again. –Doug F, Of course, breaks and vacations- Marilyn H. Do you have anything else you would like to say about being a junior? It feels good to be an upper classmen. –Doug F. As much as Iʼm excited to be getting another year closer to graduating and leaving, I really enjoy my class and Iʼll miss them all a lot. – Marilyn H.

Seniors: Whatʼs it like being a senior? It feels great. You are the biggest one in high school. Itʼs also kind of sad knowing you will be leaving all your friends behind. – Jaimie M. Itʼs pretty fun. I have a different perspective on the school now. I try to reach out to the underclassmen because I used to wish the upperclassmen were a little more receptive. –David Ochs. What does being a senior mean to you? It means that I made it. Itʼs almost over, then Iʼm free! –Jaimie It means Iʼm on my last run! It also means Iʼm in a good leadership position, being Stuco president and all that jazz. –David Ochs If you could say something about this year so far, what would it be? That it is harder than I thought. There is so much that is needing to be done in so little time. –Jaimie Itʼs gone slowly. It feels like Iʼve been at it for more than three weeks! –David O. What do you think is going to be the best part of this year? Prom, because it will be the last time we are all together. –Jaimie Getting closer to my classmates because we know our time together is almost over. –David O. Do you have anything else you would like to say about being a senior? That it is something to look forward to. I still canʼt believe I am a senior!!! –Jaimie 5 1 3 1.Brittanie T. 2.Josh C. 3.Alida C. 7 4.Tiffany C. 5.Abby B. 6. Grace F. 6 2 4 bulldog paparazzi 9 by Brittanie Taylor 10 8

7. Audrey W., Manda B., & Krystle K. 11 8.Jazmine C. 9. Heath S. 10.Aaron L. 11.Colton W. 12 12.Grace F. 13.Jessie B.

13 Whatʼs On Your iPod? by Abby Belden

Brittanie Taylor-Soph Kurtis Fabrizius-Jr Kenny Chesney Scott Area-Soph Neil McCoy Simple Plan Linkin Park Black Eyed Peas Toby Mac Nick Swetson-Sr My Chemical Romance Linkin Park Yellow Card Big & Rich Big & Rich Trace Adkins Abby Belden-Soph Manda Bailey-Jr Fall Out Boy Brant Willoughby-Sr. My Chemical Romance Ciara 50 Cent Kelly Clarkson 3 Days Trace Lilʼ Wayne Seether Lilʼ Flip Brenna Goddard-Sr Krystle Kral-Sr .38 Special Rufio Mr. Feil-Faculty Michael Jackson Revis Ozzy Dixie Chicks Chris LeDoux Led Zepplin Metallica Audrey Wagner-Frosh Lisa Everhart-Secre- Ben Folds tary Mrs. Taylor-Faculty Kings of Convenience Michael W. Smith Neil McCoy Guster Mercy Me AC/DC FFH Tim McGraw Jordan Fief-Frosh Queen Joe Freeman-Sr Tomas OʼFlannagan-Sr Simon & Garfunkle Big & Rich Weezer Lynard Skynard Toby Keith Simple Plan Taking Back Sunday An Old Womanʼs Wish Fiction by Audrey Wagner

“Mavis is my name, donʼt wear it out,” mumbled the old, gray-haired, fragile woman to herself. She sat outside on the porch in her creaking, old chair. Her sunken green eyes looked sad, but still sparkled like she knew the best secret in the world. She looked down and examined her veiny hands. Her wedding ring didnʼt look like it belonged. It was so shiny and pretty compared to her bony fingers and age spots. “Jim shouldnʼt have spent all his money on this,” she exclaimed quietly with a smile. She had been saying that for sixty two years, and even more since he died the year before. A single tear rolled down her face as she remembered her first love. “He was so beautiful, so good to me.” She reached over to the small table beside her and picked up a framed picture of him and her together. She brought it up to her thin, colorless lips and kissed it. More tears slid down her face as she gently set the picture on her spider-veined legs that were covered by a loose, green dress flowing over her tiny frame. “Look at me, crying like this. Iʼm an antique mop,” she sighed as she stood up. All she had left now were her estranged daughter and grandkids. She walked inside to the cream colored telephone, picked up the receiver, and put it to her ear. She caught a glimpse of herself in a nearby mirror. The lines on her face showed many good times, but also many bad. She looked away, and started spinning the numbers she knew so well. “Hi, Darling. Bring my grandbabies over. Weʼre going to the zoo!” she practiced. Then the other line picked up. “Hello?” said a womanʼs voice harshly. Mavis panicked. Click.

Spotlight on: The Personal Narrative Class: Freshman English Instructor: Mrs. Morris Student: Audrey Wagner I was excited to see her. It had been quite a there; waiting. I was getting awfully anxious few days since I had last been with my mother. I as I quietly questioned the nurse. “May I see had said goodbye for the second time and let her my mother, Debbie Wagner yet? Is she ok to go into an unknown world, with white jackets, visit?” high-tech machines, and sterilized scalpels as a The nurse answered with a soft voice I could main event. I had no idea of what the outcome barely hear, and got up. I figured I was supposed might be. The phone rang. I knew who it was to follow her at this time, so I walked in her without even picking it up. brisk footsteps. We went down a hallway that “Hello? Dad?” I’d never noticed before and opened the door “Audrey. Your mother made it to one of the many rooms. The out of surgery all right. The Fryes Starting at the top of her nurse signaled inside the room are on their way to pick you up.” forehead, she had a and left me. I hung up the phone. Soon after gaping cut from the Then I saw her. When she the doorbell rang and I was on base of her hairline, to heard the door open, she turned my way to see my mom. the crown of her head, her body around slowly to see At school I didn’t ever mention and back up to her her visitor. Our eyes met and Mom. I was the clown; I needed ear. The incision had she smiled weakly. Her face something to keep my mind off big, black stitches in it was pale and her body looked of the sickness that had overcome that reminded me of so limp and frail. Around her her. Only an hour away now, I Frankenstein. head was cloth that looked like was getting excited, but I didn’t a turban. know what I was excited about. When we got to She started in a voice barely sounding like the uncomfortable, white-walled building, part her own. She greeted me, and told me that she of me longed to see my mother, but another part was feeling fine. I figured she was lying so held back and didn’t want to see life change. it would make me feel assured. I asked her Ever since Mom had started getting terrible to take off her turban so I could examine the migraines, having tunnel vision, and feeling damage. As she slowly did just that, she told like she was underwater, her actions changed me, “Your Uncle Gary saw this and told me I dramatically. She got tired easily, angered looked like an Osama Bin Debbie.” We both easily, and very emotional. gave out a nervous giggle. She continued with Time had passed since those beginning the unwrapping process. I closed my eyes. I phases. The doctors found out she had two was scared. I wasn’t sure if I had made the right pear-sized brain tumors, which immediately decision to see this, or even what I was even needed two painful surgeries. None of this about to witness. Finally I got up the nerve to quite seemed real to me. The nurse told us my lift my eyelids. What I saw that very instant I mom was resting and we couldn’t see her yet. will never forget. Hours that seemed like days passed, I was just Mom had no hair. The doctors had to shave her head before they performed the surgery. Starting rush of adrenaline hitting me for? I didn’t know at the top of her forehead, she had a gaping cut if I wanted to jump, cry, laugh, or scream. All I from the base of her hairline, to the crown of knew was that I had to get out of there! her head, and back up to her ear. The incision Those times were very shaky. But since then, had big, black stitches in it that reminded me of she has made a big recovery. It is strange to Frankenstein. This bloody, crusty line matched think about her before her tumors were taken the first one, which went sideways along the out. Her personality has changed a lot. She bottom back of her head. I could barely believe can’t do many physical activities, and she has what I had seen; my stomach did one hundred become different in ways. Also, she now paints summersaults. She put her head back down pictures. She has become an incredibly good on her pillow. I tried to say something, but no artist after the surgeons messed with her brain. words came out of my mouth—I was totally It makes me proud to say we all made it speechless for the moment. through. Our family only got closer. They say I broke the awkward silence. “Can I, umm, everything in life has a purpose, and although see that again?” I stammered. this was a situation I would rather have not In response, she lifted up her head and gave me lived through, we were lucky enough to have a one of those, “Is it really that bad?” looks. After happy ending. Maybe that was what was meant that, I couldn’t figure out what my emotions to be. were. Was I sad for my mom? What was this Mark Your Calendar Now! A Look Ahead At Events You Wonʼt Want To Miss. •English Class field trip on Tuesday, November 3, to Great Plains Theatreʼs production of The Diary of Anne Frank

•BHS presents the musical Oklahoma! on November 11 and 12 fea- turing David Ochs as Curley and Marilyn Haines as Laurey!

•The BHS Band and Vocal Concert on Monday, November 28. . •The Bill Burrows Concert on Monday, December 12. Donʼt miss the command performance of this legendary teacher and musician. Bill will play his favorite music with his band Wires and Wood. Art by Kelli Focks