November 2018

LCHS received a recognition from the state for no coaches or student athletes getting ejected during a game in any sport during the 2017-2018 year. According to Alan Beste, Executive Director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, this award reflects the entire school’s conduct and sportsmanship at sporting events. LCHS faculty members have worked to increase school spirit and sportsmanship at games and events by making sure all behavior is appropriate and respectful to coaches, players and officials of the game. Only 45% of schools with an IHSAA membership received this award. LCHS athletic director Karlton Hector, said, “This award shows how coaches are having good character and doing a great job of passing it down to their athletes.” Dave Irwin is proud, but has a different take on the award. Dave Irwin said, “I don’t think recognition is needed for something that is expected from all at our school.” While this is a great recognition for behavior, many of the coaches believe improvement is still possible. Tiffany Wright explained, “The student section has been known to have less-than- ideal sportsmanship at games; we can improve by getting positive cheers and behavior from fans.” Page 2 The Dog Pound LCHS Drama & Music Departments present Shrek the Musical by Sara Moir The LCHS Drama and Music Departments presented Shrek the Musical November 8-10. Rehearsals began September 17. Many preparations needed tobedonebeforetheshowdates. The main characters include Shrek, played by Dalton Glawe; Fiona, played byCaitlin Sudtelgte; Donkey, played by Joey DeBoer; Lord Farquaad, played by Westin Friederich; Pinocchio, played by Keegan Pippett; and finally Dragon, played by Aly Buhman. Erin Ohrlund directed the acting, Randy Ewing the singing, and Ted Hallberg the pit orchestra.All three directors chose the play together. The overall storyline sounds quite similar to the movie. Erin Ohrlund stated, “Shrek is an ogre who lives in a swamp. His solitude is interrupted when a group of fairy tale creatures moves in after being evicted by Lord Farquaad.” She continued, “To get rid of them, Shrek must fetch a princess for Farquaad to marry. Shrek and Donkey rescue Princess Fiona and find many surprises as they make their return to Farquaad.” Though it shares many similarities with the film, the stage adaptation has a few twists and surprises. Since the cast is what makes the musical truly great, character selections needed to fit each member to a “T.” Senior Olivia McQuillen said, “The casting was really good because overall the characters are really fitting.” Senior Ariana Grant said, “Everyone fits into their character well; the casting was spot on.” Other members of the cast feel this way too. Senior Keegan Pippett enjoys his part: “Playing the role of Pinocchio has given me the chance to broaden my horizons vocally.” Sophomore Brody Ohm said, “My character is Gingy. I am kind of like him because he doesn’t really care what anyone thinks of him. He just lives his life how he wants.” Senior Joey DeBoer, who plays Donkey, said, “I feel like the type casting was almost too well done;” to prove his excitement he shouted, “Hee-Haw!” Senior Caitlin Sudtelgte, who plays Fiona, enjoys the show selection this year. She said, “Dalton’s personality and acting style really fits with Shrek, and I believe that it is a fun show.” Pippett explained, “The production will be fantastic because of the hardwork and dedication the cast puts in.” A great musical requires substantial amounts of commitment and zeal from the cast as well as those in the background on the set crew. Junior Brooke Loutsch, head of set crew, said, “I’m pretty excited because this is the first musical I have been involved with at LCHS. I’m hoping it comes off as humorous and romantic.” Junior Xander Carver said, “We have to plan. Get the entire set built and set up. We have to figure out where the props go and how to maneuver the curtains as well as specific timesfor thosemanuverations.” Michael Brennan, who has worked on set crew for 3 years, simply stated, “We have a lot to do.” Another vitally important group for a musical is the pit orchestra. Fifteen high school students performed in this year’s pit. Once all of the preparations were done, the cast and crew presented an extravagant showcase to the public, a “night filled with singing, dancing, and laughter...overall, an extraordinary time.” Sherri Permeswaran, who has attended musicals at LCHS since 1980, said, “It was AMAZING! I am so impressed with the talent of these students and directors!” Page 3 The Dog Pound by Anna Mae Lee by Shannon Slunecka “If you’re reading this article right now you have definitely heard of The Dog Pound Staff,” said senior staff member Abby Foster. This year’s dedicated staff includes Isabel Aduddell, Kara Ahlrich, Ellie Beitelspacher, Nicole Betsworth, Namiana Buruta, Kiara Chesteen, Abby Foster, Anna Mae Lee, Haley Majeres, Sara Moir, Lexi Schroeder, Katelynn Semple, and Shannon Slunecka. Sherri Permeswaran is the adviser for both the newspaper and the yearbook. This class is generally for seniors, but occasionally a junior or two sneak in. Last year a major change was made when the news writing and yearbook classes became one class. With this change in place, the staff works on whichever project needs the most attention at any given time. “The class runs as a workshop,” said Permeswaran. As the information comes in for each new story or yearbook page, the students shift attention to get their individual projects done. Some might feel on the fence about signing up for this class because of the change. However Isabel Aduddell said, “I enjoy how involved it makes me feel. I’ve never been someone who’s involved in many activities, and this gives me a chance to feel like I actually exist within the school.” Other staff members enjoy the creativity as well as the independence this class gives them. Permeswaran agrees: “The yearbook and newspaper are both massive projects that would be impossible for one person to complete in a reasonable timespan. For this reason we have a class where students can become involved. It is also a nice way to have different groups represented, and it’s a great opportunity for a creative outlet.” For the school newspaper students in the class brainstorm for story topics, interview and research to gather information, write stories, revise, and edit. For the yearbook they design pages, gather information and pictures, and put it all together. Permeswaran said managing the two projects is a little overwhelming at times, but it is also exciting to see the finished products: “I love seeing what the staff members come up with.” There is not much the staff would change about the class. Aduddell said, “I don’t know if I would change anything. I’m pretty happy with the way things are. The students get the creative freedom they need, and it’s a nice change from the overly-structured way classes usually are.” Sara Moir stated, “Yearbook is a great way to get involved yet not have it affect your life during after school hours.” Completing a newspaper issue and the yearbook can be difficult. According to Permeswaran, the worst part of the process is when people are slow to give the staff pictures or information about different school activities. But she adds, “Most coaches and sponsors are great about helping us represent their activities.” On October 20th, over 30 LCHS students auditioned for the all-state music festival. Eleven students were selected. The following band students were chosen: Luke Benton, euphonium, 1st year; Luke Geitz, clarinet, 1st year; Devin Hansen, trumpet, 2nd year; Emily Martin, clarinet, 2nd year; Drake Oswald, tenor sax, 3rd year. These choir members were selected: Alyannah Buhman, 2nd year; Jack McInnis, 2nd year; Keegan Pippett, 2nd year; Caitlin Sudtelgte, 2nd year; Dalton Glawe, 3rd year. In orchestra, Sarah Meis was selected as a first violin, 2nd year. Much effort and practice go into preparing for all state and making it. The musicians must be dedicated and must learn difficult pieces of music. Band director Curt Ohrlund enjoys many parts about All- State: “I find it very gratifying to see the improvement in the students skills as they progress through the all-state process. When students’ names are announced as all-staters I love seeing the students’ reactions.” Orchestra director Ted Hallberg said his favorite part is “The process of expanding their skills and hopefully success in making all-state.” Choir director Randy Ewing said, “My favorite part of the process is watching students grow and continue to develop their talent. I also enjoy working with the students one on one during their voice lessons.” One thing everyone dreads about All-State is the stress and the emotions along with disappointments. Ohrlund explained, “That Saturday is a very long day with a lot of emotions. I don’t like the disappointment if students don’t make all-state. They sometimes don’t see the improvement that they have made along the journey.’’ Hallberg also believes that “Audition day...is way too stressful for a five minute audition.” Ewing added, “The most frustrating part is when a talented student doesn’t work up to his or her potential.” All-state tryout preparation benefits musicians Meet the new Dog Pound and Bark staff Front: Kate Semple, Nicole Betsworth, Shannon Slunecka, Lexi Schroeder, Sara Moir, Anna Mae Lee, Abby Foster, Isabel Aduddell, Namiana Buruta; back row: Kiara Chesteen, Ellie Beitelspacher, Kara Ahlrich, Haley Majeres. LCHS wins sportsmanship award from state athletic association by Haley Majeres