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Purple & Gold

2012-2013 Volume 95

Enrollment: 2135

Grand Island Senior High 2124 North Lafayette Avenue Grand Island, Nebraska 68803

Survival Comic Book

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2 3OpeningSurvival Comic Book Page by M. Wieczorek Photos by M. Wieczorek

Over There, Look. . . It’s the Islanders! In the endless horizon of the Heartland, there once existed a school known as Grand Island Senior High, a place that glowed like a golden star in school activities. There, students were far advanced and brought forth a new age of teenagers, whose mental and physical powers were developed to above the standards. But there came days when rivals and giant assessments threatened to devastate the high schoolers forever. Some of the school’s leading scholars, athletes, and other fellow students sensed the approach of upcoming battles, and began mastering their skills. As the months went by and the teens grew to maturity, they found themselves possessed of amazing powers. Minds faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap over their opponents in a single bound. The students of Grand Island Senior High were the Islanders! To best be in a position to use their amazing powers in a never-ending battle to Wear Purple, Be Gold, the Islanders carried on through the school year. . . and the Survival Comic Book was born!

That’s How He RollsOfficer Mark Stegman rides down the hall on a brand new Segway. The school purchased four Segways for fast and effective mobile transportation.

Body Piercings AllowedShowing off her body piercings, Savannah Friend [12] posses for a picture. In June 2012, the Grand Island school board approved on a new policy that will allowed Grand Island students to show tattoos and body piercings as long as they were not a distraction to the educational process.

Bringing Their Own Technology A new policy, allowed Grant Bednar [10], Riley Jenkins [10], Sierra Peterson [10], Jade Suganuma [12] , and Taylor Robinson [10] use their own electronic devices to participate in class.

iPads All AroundWhile teaching, Mrs. Deb Rohrich leads a group discussion with her iPad. The iPad Era at Grand Island Senior High started in September when 165 teachers were presented with their personal iPads. In January about 1,050 iPads were distributed to students in Science I and II, biology, honors biology and environmental science.

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6 7Wear Purple, Be GoldSurvival Comic Book Page by M. Wieczorek Photos by S. Green; M. Wieczorek

1. “Have school spirit

and be awesome.”

1. Brandi Kirk [12]

2. “Wear Purple, Be Gold means to have school spirit as well as have excellence throughout everything you do.”

2. Ian Lim [12] 3. Abigail Douglas [10]

3. “Gold to me means successful

person in life and purple means to

show school spirit.”

4. Alexa McCallum [11]

4. “Shine in everything you do while representing your school.”

5. Jacob Morrow [11]

5. “Wear Purple, Be Gold means excellence to me. In academics, athletics, and as a person.”

6. Madison Vahle [10]

6. “That we’re all a part of the school and for each individual to do his or her best.”

7. Spencer Fritz [10]

7. “To me Wear Purple, Be Gold means that you should wear purple and follow the golden

8. Breonni Jones [9]

8. “To me the saying

means to wear

purple and be proud

of your school and

to support it. Be

gold is to be who

you are and shine

in whatever you

do whether it’s

academics, fine arts,

or athletics.”

9. Thomas Osborne [9]

9. “Wear purple means that you wear school spirit everywhere you go. Be gold means to keep a positive attitude everywhere you go.”

10. James Hale [10]

10. “Wear Purple, Be Gold means to me to be successful and work as hard as you can all the time.”

11. Baylie Knouse [11]

11. “Overall Wear Purple, Be Gold means being a good islander. Wearing purple means showing your school spirit and be gold means to be a good student and a good person.”12. Jared Heath [12]

12. “Treat everyone as if they are a golden baby- whilst wearing purple.”

13. MaKayla Galvan [9]

13. “Wear Purple, Be Gold to me means to treat people how you want to be treated and let people be who they want

14. Jessica Bober [12]

14. “The color purple represents the king, and the color gold represents a king’s power.”

15. Adan Redwine [9]

15. “To me it means to always give your all in whatever it is you’re doing and always represent our school in a positive way. From playing sports to singing in choir a person should give full effort.”

16. Grady Gardner [11]

16. “Wear Purple, Be Gold means to me that you should support the school by wearing purple and be loud and

proud as well as be a golden student inside and outside of school.”

What Does “Wear Purple, Be Gold” Mean?

One of the mottos often preached by administrators and teachers was “Wear Purple, Be Gold.” The saying was on handouts, programs, sports memorabilia, and even in the morning announcements made by the activities director Mr. Joe Kutlas every day.

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Diploma BoundDiploma in hand Anastasia Burmood [12] shakes hands with Superintendent Rob Winters.

Checking OutWhile receiving her diploma, Darian Ott [12] smiles while shaking hands with School Board Member Heidi Vahle.

Switching TasselsAfter the mid-term graduates received their diplomas, Valeria Campa-Prado [12] switches her tassels to the other side preparing to throw her cap in the air transitioning from a senior to graduate. Midterm Graduation

Getting A Head Start“Graduating early is just the jump start to our new life, leaving the other behind,” said Darian Ott [12]. There were 39 students that graduated midterm includng Gage Mars [12] who was the student speaker. With his speech he hoped to inspire others with helping their country. “All my fellow graduates can serve their country by being a doctor, lawyer, teacher or through any other professions,” said Mars. Many of the students have been thinking about their future and Farhan Abdi [12] said, “It’s time to start a better life and good future, because my goal is to go to college.” After the mid-term

graduating class received their diplomas, Principal Jeff Gilbertson ask them to switch the tassels to show their graduation status. Following orders the students flipped their tassels and threw their caps in the air. Anastasia Burmood [12] said, “Now it’s time to go on to the future. Don’t just choose a path instead there is no path make your own trail!” With the first 2013 graduates making their way out Brianna Hansen [12] said, “Graduating mid-term is a big accomplishment. I’m proud of everyone that will be joining me and starting our futures early!” Along Hansen the rest of the grads exited the auditorium.

16 17Midterm GraduationSurvival Comic Book Page by H. Morgan Photos by M. Wieczorek; H. Morgan

Finishing TouchesSpeaker Gage Mars [12] gives his mid-term graduation speech to the other 39 students graduating along side him.

“It was a fun ride!”-Alex Wetzel [12]

“One book is closed, another one open.”-Kimberly Brandt [12]

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There’s No Place Like HomeCatching these softballs and striking the enemies out Libby Norvell [11] uses her catching skills to strike these girls out.

Pitching AwayDuring a softball game, Lindsey Telecky [11] pitches a strike. Telecky was selected as the honorary captain of the Independent’s 2012 All-Heartland Softball Team. “I think this season went well. We accomplished so much and broke so many records,“ she said.

Congrats 22Assistant coach, Mr. Lance Nelson, knuckle touches Kali Kohlhof [12] for advancing onto first base during the game.

Home Run On Her MindAs the softball lunges towards Emily Sanders [11]. She hopes to hit that ball with her bat of steel to get as far as it could ever go across this softball field. So she can run back home.

Varsity SoftballUnforgettable Seasons Sparks New Friendships

“Islanders sweep Norfolk... Columbus... Southwest,” “Islanders roll over Lincoln East,” and “Islanders shut out Fremont” are just the few of many headlines that were stated in the Grand Island Independent newspaper about the Islander softball team. The team claimed their first ever Heartland Athletic Conference softball championship Saturday September 8 and made some other program history along the way. “It was unbelievable,” said coach KC Hehnke. After they qualified for the Class A state softball tournament for a third consecutive season, they finished the season 38-8, a school record for wins. At state, the season ended against Papillion-La Vista South 3-4. “We had a really good game against them that could’ve went either way in the end,” said Kayla Lindell [12]. After shattering many school records for wins, they earned a fourth-place finish at the state tournament. However for Lindell, Kali Kohlhof [12], Kallie Rother [12], Allie Richardson [10], Taylor Robinson [10], Libby Norvell [11], Morgan Harvey [10], and other softball players attending the state tournament did not stop there. Lindell said, “A lot of our players decided to go watch the championship game, just to see how it went. Some of us were hoping for Papio South to win, because they were the underdogs but they fell behind early when their pitcher got injured in the first inning.” They felt compassion for the team and began to cheer for them. Papillion-La Vista South finished runner-up in the state competition, after they lost to Millard South 1-12. “We hung around to congratulate them while their parents thanked us for our support. To our surprise, Papio South players asked us to take a picture with them and their trophy. It really showed how much two teams can come together. A few of us have even became friends with some of them. It’s something really special,” said Lindell.

76 77Varsity SoftballSurvival Comic Book Page by M. Wieczorek Photos by S. Green; B. Stueven; M. Wieczorek

You’re Out!After catching the ball, Kayla Lindell [12] tags first base and giving the other team their first out in the inning. Lindell made the All-Heartland Softball Team and received honorable mention in the Omaha World Herald for All-State with a during season individual RBI [runs batted in] school record of 45.

“Chop, chop, chop!”-Elizabeth Perez [12]

“Great person, great student, and great softball player!”-Morgan Harvey [10]

“Get up in here, effort is key.”-Taylor Robinson [10]

Throwing FireballsControlling the ball, Jessica Kleine [11] pitches striking out the opponent.

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Observing CloselyDuring a lab, Joseph Kovanda [12] observes a chemical reaction by the change in color of the solution.

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IDENTITESRevealing OurIslander Man Is BackWhile being supervised by Tyler Fitzke [12], Islander Man played by Ethan McGowan [12] makes his first appearnence in years at a basketball game in January.

Showing Good Sportsmanship After being deafeated in thier doubles match, Austin Ryan [11] and Brennon Root [9] shake hands with their Kearney Bearcat opponets.

iPad Distribution After recieving his iPad, Jonathan Raber [9] learns how to use his new technology.

School SpiritAt the red out football game, Brandon Kopisch [12], Leah Smith [12], Kasey Christensen [12], and Emily Weakland [12] enjoy themselves by

Edible & Eductaional During biology, Kelsey Jasnoch [9] and Josephine Jacobson [9 build edible DNA.

Rolling AwayRacing another team, Brianna McKay [12] rolls her way across the gym in a human hamster ball during halftime at a basketball game.

Cheer OffDuring a football game, Kaitlyn Casares [11] cheers with her fellow teammates.

Dancing to New HeightsPerforming during halftime of a basketball game, Meagan Sondergaard [11] gives the crowd a big smile.

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162 163SeniorsSurvival Comic Book

Class OfficersPresident

Mitchell Johnson [12]Vice-President Preston Fegley [12]

Secretary Chase Stuhr [12]

Class FlowerWhite Rose with Purple Tips

Class ColorsPurple and Silver

Class Song“Tattoos on This Town“ - Jason Aldean

Class Motto“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.“ - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Senior Selection

34 25Senior DivisionSurvival Comic Book Page by M. Wieczorek Photos by S. Green; M. Wieczorek

1. Samuel Carey [12] 2. Alicia Johnson [12] 3. Nathan Heeren [12] 4. Alisha Coleman [12] 5. Nathan Frerichs [12]

6. Marcella Luton [12] 7. Javier Lopez [12]

11. Maydoran Perkins [12]9. Jordan McElligott [12] 10. Nichole Harders [12]8. William Flatness [12]

SeniorsSuperheroes

The Dream TeamAwaiting their next duty, Preston Fegley [12] and Chase Stuhr [12] stand guard as Mitchell Johnson [12] sits at his desk.

Walsworth Color Information

ColorWalsworth Color Information

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The Islanders Survived . . .

2 + 0 + 1 = 3

254 255ClosingSurvival Comic Book Page by M. Wieczorek Photos by M. Wieczorek; S. Green

HomeworkYear

GameRegrets

OpportunitiesDreamsTimes

NightsTests

CallClass

LoveSeasons

LaughterDances

LaughsMinutes

NervesEmotions

ConferencesPerformances

JourneyTogether

The Year That Added UpThe school year did not build character, but revealed it. Across the country there was was extreme weather and mass shootings. When school started in August, Nebraska was in a drought and the Summer 2012 Olympics in London where drawing to a close. Towards the end of October, Hurricane Sandy, the largest Atlantic hurricane, hit and severely damage New York and New Jersey. In November the company Hostess announced they were closing, and the beloved Twinkie, a creamed- filled snack cake, ceased. President Barack Obama won the presidential elections. Many counted down the days until the apocalypse of the “end of the world” marked on the Mayan calendar as December 21. For the first time in 600 years, Pope Benedict XVI, due to his advanced age of 85, resigned in February. The Korean song “Gangnam Style” by PSY came and went as well as the viral videos to the “Harlem Shake” track by Baauer. Popular technology applications included Flow, Temple Run, Wanelo, Snapchat, What’s the Word, Ruzzle, Subway Surfers, Instagram, and Pinterest. Popular TV shows included Pretty Little Liars, Walking Dead, Duck Dynasty, Buckwild, and Catfish. The last movie of the Twilight saga premeired as well as the first Hobbit movie. Supported by the school, the Girls’ Golf team earned third place, the Dance Team as well as Cheerleaders received runner up, and for the fifth consecutive year the Wrestling Team obtained the Class A Championship at the state competitions.

After they lived their adventures, mastered their skills, and fought their battles, the Islanders revealed their true identities. In the end, they survived the laughter, the tears, the ups, the downs, but most importantly they survived together. Whatever life holds in store for the students and staff, they should never forget these words: “With great power comes great responsibility so Wear Purple, Be Gold.” This is their gift, their legacy. Who are they? They are the Islanders.

Mid-Term Graduation As her name was called, Brianna Honsen [12] walks across the stage to recieve her diploma at the Mid-Term Graduation.

Every New Beginning Comes From...Walking in the Veteran’s Day Parade, Marlenna Ramierez [10] and Briann Pauly [12] look and wave to the crowd.

... Some Other Beginning’s EndCarrying the state champion trophy, Juan Medina [12] parades with his fellow wrestling teammates at the school pep rally. He wrestled for the first time in high school and received fifth place at state.

Sport Season EndsAt the pep rally on March 1, Tyler Kolar [11] and Kody Switzer [11] watch as Lucus VanWie [11] is congratulated by William Barnes [12] for recieving second place in the 100 yard freestyle event at the Nebraska State Swim finals in Lincoln.