Author: New Prague Trojan Times

Trojan Times
New Prague High School
221 12th St. NE, New Prague, Minnesota 56071
952-758-1200 www.np.k12.mn.us

May 22, 2014

Vol. 18 No. 4

Track and field receives an upgrade

by Devyn Wallem
The 2014-2015 school year is shaping up to be full of change. New Prague High School is not only switching to a semester system, they are also awaiting a new sports stadium to replace the well-worn football field and track. Although the new venue will provide athletes and coaches greater opportunities in the future, the construction is disrupting this year’s track and field season.
Coach Kari Schroeder said, “As coaches, we don’t like that we can’t have our athletes practice on a track. In order to get better, you have to have a track.”
In spite of having no outdoor track, many track and field athletes are optimistic about future seasons.
“I’m bummed that we don’t have a track this year to practice on, but next year we’ll have a better and improved track,” Freshman Alise Ilkka said.
On the other hand, seniors do not have the opportunity to use the track for their final high school season.
“It’s hard not having a track this year to practice on, and it’s kind of made me realize that this is the end of everything. Not just for us [seniors], but also the end of the Missota Conference,” said Senior Mikayla Giles.
Construction crews have torn up the old track and the surrounding fence. This $1.9 million project will be constructed in the same location as the previous track; however, there are many upgrades that will be added to better suit many activities.
“Not having a track just bites right now, and we feel bad the athletes. It’s not the full experience, but with the weather like it is right now, it’s not like we could use it anyway. When it’s done, there will be brand-new pits and it will be fun for us,” Coach Johnny Josephson said.
The new track will be more rounded rather than the previous oval-like shape, which will be more like surrounding schools. Additionally, the biggest changes are seen on the infield, where, instead of natural grass, there will be artificial turf.
Principal Lonnie Seifert said, “Artificial turf is better for everyday use, as you can’t be on there as much everyday with natural grass.”
The infield will also be larger, which will allow more NPHS groups to use the facility. Students in marching band and soccer will now be able to use the facility, as opposed to just football and track and field athletes. Furthermore, this infield expansion could also open up the opportunity for a future lacrosse team.
“Now soccer can be there instead of out of sight and can be used as long as it’s not lightning out because of the turf. It is harder to be out in the rain with natural grass, as running on it tears up the infield,” said Activities Director Brad Skogerboe.
All in all, this new track and field will be beneficial to our school and those in the community.
Seifert said, “It’s not just for the school. It will be a place the community will be proud of and a part of.”
Construction began on April 22nd and is expected to be completed by August 1st-15th, just in time for the first football game of the 2014 season.
Vice Principal Erik Garnas said, “I’m very excited—it’s a multipurpose facility that will benefit the arts, all activities, and even host graduation next year, weather permitting. Many people think it’s just about football, but now it’s going to benefit soccer, marching band and so much more.”
This multipurpose stadium will be something for all Trojans to enjoy. Let the trumpets sound, footballs fly, runners race, and soccer balls graze the net. This new stadium is an opportunity for New Prague to grow.
The Rise of the Speech Team
The rise of the speech team
by Alex Wagner

By Alex Wagner
The speech team is something of a team overlooked and misunderstood; however, in the past few years, not only has the team grown in size but in skill as well. The group of graduating seniors on the speech team built the team from virtually nothing when they began as freshmen nearly four years ago. The up-and-coming team has two coaches, the first being our veteran speech coach and language arts teacher Matt Stensrud. The second, Katherine Kreger, a 2002 graduate of NPHS, is a new addition to the team this year because of its ever-growing numbers.
The captains, Sydney Tupy, Aaron Dodge and Emmalee Eide, also did as much as possible to help each individual on the team succeed. Each captain contributed much to the success of the speech team this season.
Overall, the team has come a long way in just a few short years.
“I feel the team grew from the beginning of the year to the end, and there were more individuals who received awards,” said Stensrud.
Several members of the team placed at various meets throughout the season, but only a few managed to do so at the sections meet. The sections meet is the final meet of the season and determines which competitors from each category will participate at the state speech meet.
Each category sends the top three individuals to state, and this year, the New Prague Speech Team had four members place at sections. Lexi Barta, senior, received fifth place in the category of Storytelling. The sophomore duo of Bri Meyer and Charlie Murphy also received fifth place. Emma Hargreaves, senior, earned a seventh place finish in her category of Original Oratory. Finally, Aaron Dodge, also a senior, received first place in the Discussion category and went on to earn an eighth place finish at state.
Competing in the National Forensic League, Syndey Tupy qualified for Nationals
in the Dramatic Interpretation category and is headed to Nationals in June. These are unbelievable accomplishments for these members of the team, but everyone on the team came a long way this season.
“I don’t know too much of how the team did before I started, but it did go through a series of coaches. Through this rotation, a lack of consistency developed,” said Stensrud. “When I first started, there were three people. Our motto was, ‘We lose, we eat pizza, we go home.’ This year’s seniors started as freshmen and continued to progress into their sophomore year. As a team, we’ve been getting better and adding things. The team has grown in size and skill. Through the traditions we’ve started, the team has been able to bond and grow together.”
The Saturdays the speech team spent together affected each and every team member in a positive way; friendships were formed and talents were developed.
Sophomore Amanda Bjerke said that being a part of the team was a great decision for her.
“For me, the speech team is like a second family. We are all there for the same reasons and work together to make everyone the best they can be. We are all just a big group of awkward people; we talk to walls, for crying out loud. In my opinion, we have one of the most accepting and understanding teams when it comes to athletic and academic sports. When one person wins, the whole team wins. Speech, in general, is something anyone can do, whether you're good at it or not. It's a place where you can truly be you and meet others like you. Speech, for me, has been life-changing!” And, we take awesome bus selfies!”

May 22, 2014

NEWS

Page 3

Students go to international fair

Hennessy says farewell after 30 years at NPHS

by Cara Christanson
This year, New Prague High School junior Brian Prchal advanced to the International Science fair in Los Angeles, California from May 10th to the 16th. Joining him were two other New Prague participants, Stacy Erickson and Griffin Macris.
Prchal’s work in science fairs is no short story. His interest in the fairs started back in the fourth grade, and when asked how he was inspired to first become involved in them, he said, “because of my mom being a science teacher and getting me involved with science. I really enjoy doing interesting experiments involving physics and chemistry.” Since then, he has had much success in the projects that he has completed.
Prchal’s project this year was of high intellectual performance. Prchal explained, “[The first part of] my project consisted of applying various amounts of biosolids to bioenergy plots of CP-25 . . . to determine the best rate at which the biosolids are applied.” During part two of Prchal’s project, he applied biosolids to eleven different plots of switchgrass that he planted at home. “In the end of both studies, I harvested my grasses and found that after evaporating the water away from the matter, the plots that had more biosolids, on average, had more matter in the plot.” The more matter, the more energy. He succeeded in his experiment.
Prchal’s list of impressive accomplishments doesn’t stop there, though; he also wrote a scientific research paper that he then presented in a PowerPoint to judges. He made it to the state science fair in Bloomington with not only his project, but also this paper.
“I really have learned a lot from being part of the science fair and hope to go far in my science-based field because of it.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the connections that can be made with important people due to his work in science. This year, he worked in the labs at the University of Minnesota to test and prepare soil samples and worked in Dr. Carl Rosen’s lab, where he “prepared test tubes to be analyzed for nitrogen content.”
More than seventy countries were represented at the International Science Fair, with more than sixteen-hundred high school participants. While at the fair, there was a day reserved for the judging of the projects and another for the public to view them.
Prchal, Erickson, and Macris are all due for some congratulations from their peers; they completed some impressive work this year. Prchal noted, “I am proud to represent New Prague at the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair. I would like to encourage others to participate in this activity, as it provides many unique opportunities and chances to make connections.”

by Marissa Kivi
This year’s seniors will not be the only ones mourning (or celebrating) their last few weeks at NPHS as summer inches closer. After 30 years working within the walls of the school, Ms. Katie Hennessy has decided to retire from her place in the guidance office.
“After being here for thirty years, I’m ready for a change,” she explains.
As a social worker for New Prague High School and the ALC, Ms. Hennessy meets with students who need extra support as a result of issues with family or with friends. She also counsels teenagers dealing with mental illnesses and special education students.
“I will miss the kids I have worked with. Many students throughout the years came to school and did their work while facing incredible obstacles outside of school,” said Hennessy.
While questioned about those who impacted her, she also adds, “I have the utmost respect for the dedicated teachers. I couldn’t do their job.”
With three decades of memories at NPHS, Hennessy was challenged when asked about her most memorable moment.
“I remember when I was facing an operation, and some of the teaching staff went and got things from an operating room to decorate my office with,” she said. “They brought things like gloves and masks.”
As anxiety often accompanies surgery, the prank was clearly not meant to comfort their coworker.
“I don’t think they were trying to be sympathetic. They were doing it to tease me,” Hennessy said.
After leaving New Prague High School, Hennessy does not intend to settle down entirely.
“I would like to do some traveling, specifically in Ireland, and to spend more time with my friends and family. I also really want to get out of the cold weather in the winter.”
In addition, she admits, “I would also like to do more volunteering.” Particularly, she would like to train service dogs in her home, although she worries about growing too fond of the dogs before sending them off. “I would definitely have to work on that.”
Guidance Counselor Ms. Angela Erickson admires Hennessy’s impact on New Prague High School.
“Students with challenging emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties have always found a safe haven with Ms. Hennessy. Her patience, wisdom, and unconditional concern has been ever-present for students and has been a great source of encouragement to them,” she said.
As a friend and co-worker, Ms. Erickson recognizes the social worker’s ability to stay calm and lighten even the most serious of situations with her sense of humor.
“She is a rock and will be missed terribly. Our entire office wishes Ms. Hennessy a delightful retirement – she deserves it!”
Her parting advice follows as written by Bob Dylan, “May you grow up to be righteous. May you grow up to be true. May you always know the truth and see the light surrounding you. May you always be courageous – stand upright and be strong. May you stay forever young.”

Competition challenges students interested in engineering

by Lexi Barta
Zipping a zipper sounds like an extremely simple task—unless you’re trying to make a machine do it. This was the NPHS Rube Goldberg Team’s task this year. In the Rube Goldberg competition, teams are assigned a different task each year. According to the competition’s rules, the team must build a structure from which they can set off a chain of reactions, or “steps”, in order to accomplish a task, such as zipping a zipper or nailing a nail. The machine must complete a minimum of 20 steps, brand names must be hidden, and a human may intervene only once to start the chain of reactions. These “reactions” may range from a ball rolling down a ramp, to a wheel spinning, to a fire extinguisher spraying fluid. The team earns points based on how well they accomplish the given task. For example, if the machine unintentionally stops moving halfway through the reaction, a human must intervene, causing the team to lose points.
Supervised by Mr. Rich Wilson, a fifth-grade teacher at Falcon Ridge Elementary School, the team began at NPHS just one year ago. Members of the 2014 team included Adam Ilkka, Brian Prchal, Hannah Teply, Nathan Warnemunde, Korey Wilson, Nathan Preston, and Jake Wilson. The team also consisted of two artists, Kaitlin Bruder and Anna Lambrecht, who designed and created posters and backdrops for the project.
The team’s season usually begins in early February, with meetings held at the home of Mr. Wilson every Wednesday until the competition. This year’s competition was held on March 7th at Minnesota State University. Their project revolved around the theme “Rube Meets Frankee—Bringing Frankenstein to Life.” This allowed more creative reactions, like a brain being put into Frankenstein’s head, to be involved in accomplishing the task.
Although the team is small, it has grown considerably since its formation. If interested in joining next year’s Rube Goldberg team, students should contact Rich Wilson at rwilson@np.k12.mn.us or (952)-758-1664.

Emma Deihl
(Continued from page 2)
I will miss Mrs. DeValk’s quirky hand gestures and obsession with the song “Happy” along with the heated discussions every Monday morning in CIS Composition.
Calculus and my brain never quite made a connection, but Mr. Dorner made all of my integral tears and derivative sobs worthwhile when he played songs from “Calculus the Musical.” I’ll miss Mr. Hopke and his willingness to squirt himself with a squirt bottle and break-dance all for the sake of classical conditioning. And I’ll miss CIS Literature with Mrs. Bishop, when she jumped out of her desk in excitement after realizing Taylor Swift wrote a song in iambic pentameter!
Mrs. Olson’s singing will be greatly missed, along with her impersonations. It is impossible to be unhappy around Mr. Thorstad because he is always either leaping around the room with glee after uncovering the major intervals in popular songs or laughing at Justin Bieber’s choice of chord progressions. I spent my whole life living in the house next door to Mr. Seymour, and I never thought he would be the one to talk to me about the birds and the bees, but I landed a spot in his sophomore wellness class, and it happened.
I’ll miss the smiles on the faces of teams that qualify for state when the whole school cheers for their accomplishments at pep-fests and when everyone comes together in times of hardship. I will miss the incredible support of administration; I will never forget when Mr. and Mrs. Dittberner, Mr. Seifert, Mr. Skogerboe, and other school board members drove all the way to the Missota Music Festival to support us. I’ll miss the comfort and familiarity of a small high school where I know almost everyone.
Believe it or not, I’ll especially miss Mr. Deihl and his “accidental drop-ins” to my classes (I know you just wanted to embarrass me, Dad, and congratulations, you succeeded every single time) along with his ALMOST in-tune singing to me on my birthday.
Thanks to all of those I mentioned and so many more! Unfortunately, Ms. Bishop limited me to only two pages, double-spaced, with Times New Roman font, so it didn’t leave a lot of room.

Page 4

FEATURE

May 22, 2014

Twelve seniors enlist in military

by Marissa Kivi
With the school year ending shortly, many New Prague High School seniors will graduate and pack their suitcases for college. In the case of twelve students, graduating from high school on June 6, 2014 is a final step before they become American soldiers.
Enlisted in the Army National Guard, senior Kyle Nelson will head to Fort Lee, Virginia on July 3 for Advanced Individual Training (AIT). His position as a 92F, or a petroleum supply specialist, involves managing the reception, shipping, and storage of petroleum and related products.
“I will be driving trucks full of jet fuel to refuel Blackhawks, planes, and tanks,” Nelson said. Inspired by his grandfather, a soldier of the Korean War, and his uncle, a Vietnam veteran, Nelson said, “I’m excited to get the experience and transfer it to the real world. I’m not nervous at all.”
The Army National Guard is also in the future of senior Alyssa Kanten, who enlisted on March 7, 2013. “I [completed] basic training last summer in Fort Jackson, South Carolina . . . [and] had the highest physical testing score with a 299 out of 300,” Kanten said.
She will spend a total of 10 weeks at Fort Lee, Virginia in the upcoming months to finish her
Advanced Individual Training as a 92G, or a food service specialist. Her interest in the United States military was sparked by the experiences of her uncles in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Although her post-high school plans may frighten some, Kanten explains, “I joined the military because I’ve always wanted to be deployed . . . I’ve always had a passion for protecting others, and I wanted to show everyone that I can be more than the girly girl that I come off as . . . I’m not really nervous about anything.”
In contrast, senior Wyatt Stone’s service in the United States Marine Corps will follow a slightly different path. He intends to become a motor technician, but that is only after he completes the basic training of a Marine.
“At basic [training], they strip you down of your morals. You learn to watch out for the guy to your left and to your right and to not fear death,” Stone said. “I’m a little nervous, but definitely motivated.”
After completing four years of active service, Stone will continue his duty in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
When asked about his reasoning for joining, the future Marine replied, “It’s a pride thing . . . I’m excited to go to basic and earn the title. No one in my family has ever been a Marine; it’s a challenge.”
A member of the Army Reserve, senior Ashley Altschul attended a military-based camp supervised by veterans eight years ago.
“I loved the camp so I started looking into going in the military,” Altschul states.
Her future responsibilities in psychological operations, specifically in the product development detachment, require her to “take requests from other detachments and create products that carry the [desired] message.”
Altschul views the military as an honorable way to receive an education and to grow as a person.
“I know it will be hard to be away from home for such a long time . . . [but] I am excited to learn all the new things about my job and the military and to meet new people.”
In the upcoming months, an impressive number of three women and nine men will begin their service to the United States military. This diverse group of students includes Korey Wilson, Ashley Altschul, Alyssa Kanten, Marty Dunleavy, Taylor Witt, Wyatt Stone, Asher Floyd, Kyle Nelson, Justin Heikes, Benji Syde, Austin Novotny, Mitch Bixler, and Michael Jacobsen. Although each will have unique, individual experiences, all of these students deserve respect and gratitude for their future efforts to protect this country.

Front row from left to right: Ashley Altschul, Alyssa Kanten, Benji Syde, Michael Jacobsen, Back row: Kyle Nelson, Wyatt Stone, Austin Novotny, Mitch Bixler (Not pictured: Taylor Witt, Marty Dunleavy, Korey Wilson, Asher Floyd, Justin Heikes)

Czech them out!

by Kassie Vivant
For many years, New Prague High School has hosted teenagers from high schools all over the world. In the past, New Prague has been a temporary home to students from Germany, South Korea, the Netherlands, Guatemala, and many other countries. This year our school welcomed Marie Jůzková and Jakub Štorek, two juniors from the Czech Republic. They can be found at any Trojan sporting event cheering on their New Prague classmates together while chatting amongst themselves in their native Czech language. Both bring unique culture aspects and diversity to NPHS
Jakub Štorek, 18, is living with the Svoboda family during his stay here. This is Štorek’s first time being in America, and says he would love to come back again if given the opportunity. Back home in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, his family includes him, his parents, one sister, and their pet dog and guinea pigs. Along with many other sports, Štorek loves playing golf, both here in the United States and in Prague. Golf is also his favorite sport to watch, but he enjoys watching hockey as well. His favorite hockey teams are the New Prague Trojans, the Minnesota Wild, and the Chicago Blackhawks. As for school, his favorite class he has taken here at NPHS is photography, and his favorite teachers are social studies teachers Mrs. Olson and Mr. Tikalsky.
Marie Jůzková, 16, is also a junior here in New Prague. She is living with the McLellan family while she’s here and says it was not too difficult adjusting into a new family. Jůzková is a huge hockey fan, and she loves both playing hockey and cheering on the Minnesota Wild. She says her favorite thing about New Prague is, “The small community. Everyone knows each other and is connected.” She especially likes how people are connected by rooting for their favorite sports teams together. Back in Prague, Jůzková’s family consists of her parents, two sisters, one brother, and their pet cat. This is also her first time in America, and she wanted to take the opportunity to come to learn about the culture first hand. Her favorite class at NPHS is German. Her favorite teachers are Mr. Tikalsky and Herr O’Malley. Along with playing hockey, Jůzková is managing our school’s baseball team. The first thing Jůzková noticed about Americans is, “They are really funny, and they smile a lot. You guys are always smiling!”
Both Jůzková and Štorek agree that there are many differences in the two cultures. One major difference they describe is the schools. They do not wear sweatpants or yoga pants to school in the Czech Republic. They do not get to pick and choose from options of classes like students do in New Prague, and they do not stand around in the locker banks like we do.
Štorek said, “Classes are much harder in Prague.”
Also, they explain that they have certain shoes they wear indoors, and certain shoes they wear outdoors. In their country, there are no school sports; all sports they play are community sports. For family life, the students explain that at home, their families travel more than they do here, and there is not as much fast food.
Host families take on a huge responsibility when they offer their homes and families to a stranger from another side of the world. They have to devote much of their time and attention to their new temporary family member, and many changes occur in the household.
Michaela Svoboda, host of Štorek, described these changes as being hard at first, but still good changes. She also says hosting a foreign exchange student is not at all what she expected it to be. At first, it was a big change for her because she grew up with all girls and no brothers, but she was excited to finally have one, even if it was just for a little while.
When Štorek first arrived, Svoboda was surprised by his personality. She claims, “I wondered what the heck he was doing half the time. He was so weird.” After living with him for a while, she still thinks he is weird, but in a good way. Svoboda states, “He has truly become a brother to me.”
For the family of Kailin McLellan, senior, this is the second time they’ve hosted an exchange student; the first time was two years ago when they hosted a student from Germany. They decided to do it for the second time because they wanted to host someone from the Czech Republic.
McLellan’s favorite thing about Jůzková is her sense of humor and fun personality. She said, “She refuses to try a root beer float because she thinks they are disgusting. We’ve tried to get her to try one, but so far we haven’t been successful.”
The most important thing McLellan has learned from her experiences hosting foreign exchange students is how each culture is unique and may seem strange to others, but it is fun and important to learn about the differences.
Štorek and Jůzková will be finishing out the school year here and soon after will be making the trip back to their home country. Because they’ve made so many great relationships here in America, they will be missed by many when they leave. Both exchange students are excited to go back to Prague and be reunited with their families, but are also sad to leave. Štorek says, “I hope to stay in touch with all the good friends I have made here.” Both students believe the trip was well worth it, and they hope to return.

May 22, 2014

FEATURE

Page 5

Prepare for those lazy summer days

by Mallory Applegate and Meaghan Bowman
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosay
ATTENTION: ONLY FOR READERS WHO CAN MAINTAIN COMPOSURE DURING A SAD BOOK! Now a major motion picture movie, Sarah’s Key is written by the French Author Tatiana De Rosay. This moving and compelling book is based off of the role of the French in the execution of Jewish followers in World War II. There are two perspectives throughout the novel: one from Sarah, a little girl who was taken away from her home during the Holocaust, and one from Julia Jarmond, an English born reporter currently residing in Paris, France. Somewhere in the book, Sarah’s past blends into Julia’s present, and neither Julia’s life nor her family will ever be the same. This book had me crying and at the edge of my seat at the same time.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
It seems like every person in New Prague has either read or seen Divergent, being that it is one of the newest movies around, but that should not stop you from either rereading it or starting the adventure this summer. Being called “The New Hunger Games Series,” Veronica Roth takes the reader into a culture where there are five factions that a 16-year-old must choose to go into: Dauntless, Abnegation, Candor, Amity, and Erudite. Beatrice Prior is a 16-year-old girl living in the Abnegation faction with her family until her Choosing Ceremony comes around and she has yet to decide what she wants to pick for her future. Hoping that her aptitude test will help her with the major decision, she is soon to be let down. You’re going to want to be in the know about this series!
Paper Towns by John Green
Paper Towns is one of my personal favorites by John Green because rather than being a hopeless romantic kind of book, it is more realistic and upbeat. It all starts when Quentin Jacobsen has a new neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman in elementary school, whom he thinks he might be in love with. Growing up, they encounter something very dark that ultimately puts their friendship in ruins. Flash forward to senior year. Quentin has his group of the band nerds (although he is not formally in the band) and Margo is in with the popular group. One night, Margo slips into Quentin’s window to go on a simple quest, and woos Quentin yet again. The next day, though, Margo is found missing. Quentin makes it his mission to become her knight in shining armor, and soon discovers that he has a lot to learn about the girl he always thought he knew so well. John Green shows the lengths young love is willing to take.
Pines by Blake Crouch
Pines is about a Secret Service Agent who is sent to a small town in search of two missing agents. Somehow he gets into an accident and ends up in the hospital. When he wakes up he notices that things seem off and he is determined to find out what.
Zoo by James Patterson
Trust me; there is nothing zoo-like about this book! James Patterson puts you right into the land of Africa with many animals, obviously non-domesticated, in his novel Zoo. In this novel, many of these animals are viciously attacking humans. Oz, the main biologist in this book, thinks there is a genetic mutation going on that is affecting all of the different kinds of animals in the jungles and goes back to the states to do more research. With the biology department at his university denying funds to help him, Oz is stuck between trying to save himself and his world. This novel takes you on an adventure through the scientific field and the thriller side of animals.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This novel is about a young girl named Hazel Grace who is living with Stage 4 Thyroid cancer that is moving into her lungs. She has to carry an oxygen tank with her to breathe. Her mother makes her go to a support group for children that have or have had cancer. It is there that she meets Augustus and the story takes off. I love this novel because the main character are so different from the characters in other novels. Green has created characters that have deep feelings and hardships. This story also talks about a serious matter, cancer, but still manages to make people laugh. Read this soon, because the movie comes out June 6.
The Target by David Baldacci
This novel is about Will Robie and Jessica Reel. They are given orders from the President they are unsure if they can morally follow. At the same time Robie has trouble from his past that refuses to leave him alone.
Other good reads...
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Wonder by R. J. Palacio.
The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel

Community theaters offer summer entertainment options

by Sophie Vilensky
Every summer two local theater companies put on productions that offer a variety of entertainment options. New Prague is home to one company, Generations Theater Company. Montgomery’s theater company, “Curtain Call Theater” switches off every summer for the right to perform a large play in the New Prague High School auditorium. The opposite company uses either the New Prague Middle School auditorium or the old Montgomery-Lonsdale High School building, often with a smaller cast. This summer Curtain Call has the rights to the high school auditorium, and their performance of choice is Shrek the Musical. Generations will be putting on a show in the New Prague Middle School auditorium titled Some Enchanted Evening.
Shrek the Musical is based on the 2001 DreamWorks film of the same name, based on the 1990 book of the same name by William Steig. Shrek the Musical tells the story of Shrek, an Ogre with a tough façade but a heart of gold. Much like an onion . . . he has layers. Soon a quest emerges and along the way we learn that although our protagonist may not be “beautiful,” any story can be a fairy tale.
As is often the case, quite a few NPHS students are featured in this play. These include: Jacki Sleavin (10) as “Teen Fiona,” Breanna Nelson (11) as the “Sugar Plum Fairy,” Brian Molitor (10) as “Papa Bear,” Nicole Ouradnik (12) as “Mama Bear,” and Becky Daleiden (10) as “The Wicked Witch.”
“The cast is amazing and it will be one hilariously memorable show,” Sleavin added.
Generations Theater Company has the smaller stage this summer and the company is trying something a little bit different. Some Enchanted Evening, a two hour-long show, solely features the music from classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. Rodgers and Hammerstein were a successful American musical writing team in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, State Fair, and The King and I are just a few of their beloved works.
Some Enchanted Evening is composed of eight singers who switch off throughout the show to perform various songs as solos, duets, or groups. Examples of the songs included are, “Sixteen Going on Seventeen (from The Sound of Music,) and “Surry with a Fringe on Top (from Oklahoma!).
NPHS students performing in this show include sophomores Jacki Sleavin and Charlie Murphy, and freshman Andrew Scheiber. Scheiber became involved in the theater after performing in Generation’s Peter Pan last summer. The acting bug was caught, and he went on to perform in the NPHS theater department during the school year. This summer, Scheiber once again takes the stage as “Billy.”
Scheiber believes summer theater is worthwhile because it “gives kids something to focus on in the summer and you meet new great people. Not only is it a great experience, but it looks excellent on a college application.”
Another involved student is sophomore Bri Meyer, who will be working hard behind the scenes as stage manager. Students are encouraged to check out Some Enchanted Evening. Not only is it two hours of great music, word on the street is that not only can the performers sing, they can act while they sing. This is a wonderful quality to have, and the show is sure to be entertaining. The main theme of the Some Enchanted Evening is love. Is that not all you need?
Performances for Shrek will take place at New Prague High School at 7:30 on Friday nights July 18 and 25, Saturday nights July 19 and 26, and 2:00 on Sunday July 20 for a matinee. Some Enchanted Evening will take place Friday June 20 and Saturday June 21 at 7:30, with matinee performances Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22nd at 2:00. Tickets will be available at the door and online once show time draws near.

Trojan Times
New Prague High School
221 12th St NE
New Prague, MN 56071
952-255-8293
www.np.k12.mn.us
It is the policy of the New Prague Board of Education that the Trojan Times is the official, school-sponsored publication of New Prague High School. The contents reflect the opinions of the writers and are not the official position of the administration, teachers, staff, or students.
Editors: Katelynn Malecha (head editor), Lexi Barta, Ellie Bartyzal, Emma Deihl, Ella Grote, Emma Hargreaves, Marissa Kivi, Emily Schoenbauer
Advisor: Ms. Dara Bishop and Ms. Rachel Harmon

Page 6

SPORTS

May 22, 2014

Girls’ golf: Taylor Krouse

by Emily Schoenbauer
Taylor Krouse has been golfing since she was just 7-years-old and has played for the high school varsity team since 7th grade. When speaking to Taylor about golf, you can tell she does not see it only as a game, but also a passion.
Taylor will carry her passion for the sport to her new team next year where she will play for St. Catherine’s University. She plans on majoring in psychology and someday becoming a therapist.
Her appreciation for the human mind correlates with her love for golf. “I like that it’s a mental and physical sport. You have to have a strong head to to play golf,” she said.
One of her greatest memories with her team is winning state last year with her wonderful teammates. Along with playing a great sport, Taylor has the privilege of competing alongside a group of girls she considers to be her family. “I am with them 24/7. They are literally my family. I love them so much.” She especially looks up to her teammate Kenzie Neisen, “because, well, she’s Kenzie.”
Taylor has had a great experience with golf during her four years at New Prague High School due to personal achievements and a remarkable support system. When asked if Taylor has any last words she wanted to say about her team, she simply stated, “I just love them.”

Boys’ golf: Kaleb Gregor

by Emily Schoenbauer
Kaleb Gregor, a New Prague High School senior, has been golfing since he was only 5-years-old. From his love for the sport at a young age all the way until this final high school season, Gregor has done a fabulous job setting an example of excellence both on and off the green. You may remember Gregor for his incredible hole-in-one at a match at Stonebrook, the moment that he states is his favorite golf memory.
The other things he will remember fondly after this season is his coach, Dan Puls, for his “many sayings,” and his teammates. When asked which of his teammates he admires, Gregor said, “Austin Kottke. He is always on the course practicing and is willing to help anyone with their game.”
Gregor said he will miss listening to Coach Puls go on his rants during practice. Gregor shares, “There have only been two coaches in New Prague Boy’s Golf history, including Puls. It will be a lot different under a new coach.”
As Gregor moves on to Drake University this coming fall, he will hold his old New Prague School golf experience close to his heart.

Boys’ tennis: Cody Gebur

by Olivia Rezac
Senior Cody Gebur has been a member of the New Prague Boys’ Tennis Team for three years. He started playing tennis when he was a sophomore in high school.
Robb Morris, head coach of the team, said, “Gebur has a lot of skill as a player, with a strong serve, powerful groundstrokes and pretty good hands at the net. He seems to have a good understanding of tennis strategy and has very good footwork and court movement.”
Gebur’s pre-game ritual includes listening to the same playlist on his iPod before every match. “Maybe I should stop though because it is yet to work this year,” he adds. A team huddle is a must in order to get the team ready before heading out to the courts as well.
When asked what his favorite memory is, Gebur replied, “My first year when Michael Fadden, now a sophomore in college, ran into a fence during a match, cut his face, and got a bloody nose.”
Although he’s a captain, there are many teammates that Gebur admires. Two of them are Eric Morris and Tony Larson, both freshmen on the team. “They’re extremely dedicated and enthusiastic about the sport.”
Senior manager Julianna Ryburn said that Gebur is an outstanding leader and teammate. “He’s a great captain! He’s always singing on the bus rides. He can always be seen wearing neon,” she said.
Junior Nathan Warnemude added “His racket strings always match his tennis shoes.”
Coach Morris also commented on Gebur’s clothing saying, “We can always count on Cody to look stylish in some sort of fluorescent attire, and he usually manages to have his shoes match his racket strings which is not an easy feat.”
When he’s not hitting around on the court, Gebur spends his time volunteering as a member of the National Honor Society. Gebur’s favorite teachers are Mr. Wetschka and Mr. Dorner. He stated, “They both know how to teach their lessons perfectly and make it enjoyable at the same time.”
AP Calculus was his favorite class because he likes math and is also quite good at it. “My classes had awesome people, Dorner is a stud, and I dominated the AP Exam.”
Gebur’s plans for the future include attending the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He’s not sure what he would like to major in. “Probably something with math because that’s the only thing I can do well and enjoy at the same time.”

Softball: Ashley Hoffman

by Hallie O’Neill
Junior Ashley Hoffman is no “rookie” when it comes to playing softball – she started T-ball at age four, fast-pitch at age nine, and has been featured on New Prague High School’s varsity team since she was in seventh grade. Her many years of experience have proved her to be quite versatile: “I’ve played pretty much every position except catcher,” she states.
Head coach, Nat Wagner, has worked with Hoffman for the last two years, and in that short amount of time, “she has improved in her mental approach by leaps and bounds,” he says.
Hoffman spends most of her time playing shortstop, and Wagner observes her steadiness in that position: “This year, she is approaching the ball with quicker feet, which is what we want from our middle infield.”
Junior Maddie Giesen adds, “She’s an amazing shortstop with an amazing arm.”
On game days, Hoffman’s personal pre-game ritual includes thinking of practice drills and looking back on improved skills.
Wagner said, “She is a bright, articulate kid who thinks deeply about her team, her role, and the game. Ashley brings a deep sense of commitment to team goals and a fierce, competitive fire.”
When asked about whom she looks up to on the team, Hoffman revealed that her role models this year are freshmen players Nichole Reed and Taylor Koehnen.
“Even though they are the youngest, they are always willing to help the older girls, whether it’s throwing or fielding,” she explains. “They never act like they’re better than anyone else.” She also admires her fellow junior teammates: Giesen, Brittany Reed, Star Schipper, and Bridget Ellanson. She explains that while there are no seniors on the softball team, these junior girls take the top leadership roles by bringing positive attitudes and always having fun.
Giesen, a teammate of Hoffman’s for the past three years, recalls, “I remember having a blast with her last year at the 5 a.m. practice on the morning of prom. We thought it was hilarious that all of the upperclassmen were so ticked!”
Reed, another long-time teammate, said, “You can always rely on her for a laugh.”
Everything she has experienced through her sport connects back to her team and their motto: “Be a fountain, not a drain.” Through playing on the varsity softball team, Hoffman has learned to carry this throughout all the facets of her life. She stresses, “Even when you make mistakes, you learn from them and you have to let them go. You can’t let the little things bring you down.”

May 22, 2014

SPORTS

Page 7

Adaptive softball: Brookelynn Skluzacek

by Emma Hughes
Brookelyn Skluzacek is a freshman here at New Prague High School. She is new to the New Prague school district, recently attending Tri-City United. Skluzacek has been playing softball since 7th grade, picking it up because a lot of her friends participated in the sport.
The thing she likes most about being in adapted softball is being with her teammates, especially her captains Alex Palma and Matt Schoenbauer. “They lead the stretches and help everyone with their game,” Skluzacek said.
She also looks up to all of her hardworking managers, Tyler, Mary, and Cassie, and enjoys working with her coaches, Ms. Kriha and Ms. Holgate.
“Brookelyn’s energy and her positive attitude are contagious and she gets everyone excited to play,” said Coach Kriha.
Skluzacek plays second base and outfield, but says that she enjoys batting just as much. When asked what her most memorable moment was in softball, she responded by saying when she got a great hit between second and third base into the outfield, landing her on second base. She stated proudly that she got a run off of this hit.
Kriha said, “Brooke has picked up her hitting and is one of our leading hitters this year.”
After high school, Skluzacek plans to do something with animals, and maybe even become a vet! Skluzacek also said that after high school she does not know if she will continue playing softball. She stated confidently that she wants to continue to be involved by either being a manager with the New Prague adapted softball team or by supporting them at their games.
Coach Kriha, sums Skluzacek up perfectly: “Brooke leads by how hard she works. For being as young as she is she is a positive leader on our team. She gets along with everyone and is always smiling and having fun while working hard. Brooke is able to work with any of her team mates. She does not worry about who she is grouped with, she just works hard.”

Baseball: Cody Shimota

by Ellie Bartyzal
The boys are very excited about their success this year, especially the seniors. One senior, Cody Shimota has been playing baseball since he was 5-years-old and has enjoyed every moment.
Fellow teammate and senior, Paul Hentges, describes Shimota as someone who is
“fun to be around because he always tries to keep everything lighthearted.”
Not only is he an enjoyable teammate, but a hard worker as well. Aside from baseball, Shimota also plays varsity hockey and is involved in the Spanish Club.
When asked what teammate he looks up to the most, Shimota replied, “I look up to Auggie because he is a fierce competitor and he likes to push me and himself as well.”
Next year, Shimota plans to attend Winona State University to study athletic training and physical therapy. He doesn’t plan on playing baseball for Winona, but he hopes to keep playing baseball for the town teams.
His favorite class is ceramics because “for some unknown reason I was good at making pots. Also, Mrs. Prchal was awesome!” Also, Shimota says that Mr. Dubé is his favorite teacher because, “We have similar interests and I can talk to him about anything. He’s also my favorite because he is short…obviously!”
Of his many days in baseball, one of his favorite memories is when he had to intentionally strike out in a game against Chaska because they were winning, the field had no lights, the sun was setting and someone had to end the game. There have been many great memories for the team and there are many more to come. Best of luck goes out to the baseball players as they finish off their season!

Boys’ track and field: Peter Molitor

by Kevin Korbel
Peter Molitor, team captain for the boys’ track and field team, has been in track for six years. Molitor started track as a thrower during his freshman and sophomore seasons, then transitioned to sprinting last spring and it turned into a huge success. He went to state last year for the 4x100 sprinter relay and placed at the meet. Hopefully that same success continues on this spring.
Coach Nick Meyer has always loved Peter’s sense of humor. Meyer’s favorite memory of Peter involves t-shirts. “As the season progressed last spring, especially after we finally got rid of the snow, Peter kept wearing ‘shirts’ that were getting to be less and less. One day, I commented that if things continued on this path, he would be coming to practice with just a collar around his neck. On the final day of regular-season practice, you guessed it, Peter shows up with just a collar around his neck. I laughed so hard I thought I would fall over.”
Coach Meyer admires how hard Molitor has worked over the past year to build upon last year’s state appearance.
One of the legendary traditions for Molitor in track is yelling “Sniper!” Sniper is the act in which a person slips or falls in a violent motion as if he/she had been shot. A person yells “SNIPER!” and at this point proceeds to drop to the floor and hide until the “sniper” is gone.
A teammate Molitor really looks up to is Zach Jones. He admires him for both his determination during practice and his leadership skills. He also admires how hard Jones works in the weight room and on the track.
Other activities Molitor is involved in at NPHS include choir, musicals, Emotion, and football.
Molitor will be attending St. Johns University next fall. Right now, he’s undecided on what he’ll be studying, but plans on continuing running track and playing rugby next year as well. But if you asked him about his dream job, he’d definitely say writing comic books.

Girls’ track and field: Shelby and Alyssa Kranz

by Emma Deihl
This may be the first ever “Sport’s Spotlight” to be written about not one, but two people in the same article! For the Kranz twins, it had to be done. The girls do nearly everything together, and track is one of the many activities they both partake in during the spring season.
Both sisters are dedicated track members, as they are currently partaking in their fourth year. They compete in similar events; Alyssa long jumps and runs in sprint relays, while Shelby does high jump, the 100 meter hurdles, and sprint relays.
After four years of track, Shelby and Alyssa have accumulated countless memories, but they each shared one of their fondest. Shelby recalls the time Coach Josephson wanted to do “fun” relays (she put an emphasis on the word fun) and everyone had to eat a packet of Kool-Aid before running. Clearly, Shelby and Coach J. have contrasting ideas of fun because Shelby said, “The Kool-Aid made us feel like acid was burning us from the inside out!” However, she can now look back on this memory and laugh.
Alyssa’s favorite track memory was when she and Shelby took “twinning” pictures with the Everson twins and the Niedermayer twins!
Shelby looks up to Coach Ilkka on the track team because she is determined to help the team improve. Alyssa looks up to junior, Mallory Applegate: “She has a positive attitude, gives good advice, and she’s really good at long jump!”
They both chose Mr. Dubé as their favorite teacher because he sets goals, he is passionate about school, and he always strives to do his best. “Plus,” Shelby added, “He loves Florence and the Machine!”
Aside from track, the Kranz sisters are involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, Fellowship for Christian Athletes, Spanish Club, and they managed the football team during the fall.
After high school, Shelby and Alyssa plan to attend Crown College. Neither twin plans to pursue track in college, but they plan to bring their A game this year. The track team is bound to have a good season with the Super-Tracklete-Kranz-Duo competing!

Page 8

VARIETY

May 22, 2014

What thoughts does Ms. Olson provoke?

by Krystal Schoenbauer
She is a funny, spunky teacher, who knows how to teach and keep the class alive. - Marissa Hager, 12
She is funny and interesting. – Ethan Hanten, 12
Lemon Jolly Ranchers – Brad Simon, 9
Hug a Farmer day – Kate Hentges, 9
Energetic and lemons! – Mariah Geer, 11
Het-shep-sut – Jake Klein, 11
I think she is a funny and outgoing person. – Michaela Svoboda, 12
Unleashing on kids who burp in class.” – Cody Shimota, 12
She is my favorite teacher by far! She is so funny! - Abby Vivant, 9
She is Crazy!! – Sam Reyant, 9
The song “Without Me” by Eminem! – Tasha Bennett, 10
Her Skittle Sandwiches! – Ally Hutchinson, 10
She is a master of expressions! – Annie Algren, 11
No jokes before 8 am! – Mallory Applegate, 11
Her Olie stories! – Rachel Simon, 12
Fork in clock. – Jordan Smith, 12
She has a spunky personality! – Abbey Kajer, 10
She is a good singer and Je-feud-a-fortune! – Michael Simon, 12
Well aren’t we enthusiastic! H-A-P-P-Y! – Tara Stenson, 12
I really hope I can have her as a teacher!– Ashley Schoenbauer
She sings a lot! – Brekkyn Currie, 10
Awesome caveman impressions! – Zac Carney, 10
The way she walks when she is impersonating people! The cabinet walk! – Sammy Hvidsten, 11
AMAZING!! Always sings! OH MY GOD, I LOVE HER! – Megan Malecha, 12
She is very passionate about her work! – Cole Minnick, 12
The cast system food! And the wonderful game Je-feud-a-fortune! – Michael Knoer, 10
Somehow she is more hyper then I am. – Brian Molitor
“he can make any situation funny! – Ben Stolee
“She is happy, energetic, and has an amazing voice!” – Maddie Giesen, 11
I think of her making fun of Jake Ryan, and her “I-esh!” in a manly voice! – Marissa Ekness, 12
She is goofy and a great person! – Wyatt Stoen, 12

What thoughts does Mr. Decker provoke?

by Ella Grote
NP Carp Fest - Daniel Bartusek, 12
White tennis shoes - Mariah Geer, 11
Hawaiian shirts - Will Kreuser, 12
Twitter - Cody Shimota, 12
Spontaneous and comical - Devyn Wallem, 12
Nasty beard - Nathan Preston, 12
A little chipmunk - McKale Truman, 12
His and Mr. Sayler’s constant battle for dominance - Maddie Giesen, 11
Beet Olympics - Ashley Altschul, 12
Cheesehead - Mr. Dorner
Let’s have a fiesta! - Cole Minnick, 12
Getting attacked by geese - Nathan Zweber, 12
His story about driving to Canada - Mikayla Giles, 12
Nachos”- Matt Majewski, 12
Lysosomes - Julianna Ryburn, 12
Warthog - Korey Wilson, 12
He has a lot of animals and ducks in his room!- Kayla Friedrickson, 12
Funny”- Tanner Milinkovich, 12
Treat Fridays - Christine Anderson, 12
Outdoorsman - Travis Wick, 12
Transversal waves out of the car window - Kiersten Schoenbauer, 12
No matter what time of the day he always says good morning”- Emmalee Eide, 12
He’s a human - Ray Petroski, 12
Wildlife - Hunter Piehl, 12
He likes to make my face turn red - Shelby Kranz, 12
Grizzly bearded like a mountain man- Austin Kottke, 12
His beard - Mrs. Jasperson
He’s a troll - Jake McGeorge, 12
His love for cats - Alex Thelemann, 12
He tweeted me good luck at One Act State - Julia Bartusek, 10
Animal heads - Hallie O’Neill, 11
He always compliments my shoes - Olivia Rezac, 11
Wacky- Kyle Rookaird, 12
Electrofishing - Ryan Drazen, 12
Tweets a lot - Marissa Ekness, 12
He makes fun of Novak a lot- Alex St. Germain, 11
Really loud - Mike Strand, 11
Tough guy - James Fuerniss, 11
The stories about how he met his wife - Shannon Halloran, 12
Loves nature - Emma Hargreaves, 12
Mr. Sayler’s subordinate - Hans Fjelstad, 12

What is your favorite high school memory?

by Katelynn Malecha
2013 Variety Show… Girls talked to me --Nick Hyde
When tears were shed in Calc BC --Stacy Erickson
When I broke the broom in Ms. Hautman’s class --Kyle Nelson
Germany trip --Will Kreuser
When Seth almost got killed by Mr. Seymour with a golf club --Jake Ryan
Winning the basketball sections junior year --Ashley Altschul
When I got stung by a bee senior year homecoming --Emma Zvanovec
Titration day in PAA Biology --Ashlyn Gilman
It hasn’t come yet. It will be the last day --Stephen Kaminsky
Getting the red girls basketball stuck above the locker bank-- Asher Floyd
Going tp-ing and Asher Floyd leaving his stuff in their yard --Kaleb Gregor
Start to finish --Aaron Dodge
Mr. Dorner’s 6 a.m. study sessions --Brennan Hallet
When our pep band bus broke on our way to Rochester--Michael Simon
Herr ‘O’s lugees --Shannon Halloran
Friday night lights --Alex McHugh
The lockdown that occurred for three hours --McKale Truman
When I made my first friend…still hasn’t happened --Sam Stockwell
Travis kicking and shattering the drinking fountain --Nathan Zweber
#MNmegaBowl --Colin Smisek
Mr. Decker and his funny stories --Mikaila Manjarrez
When boys hockey went to state and being a fan--Emma Hughes
Being a football manager --Alyssa Kranz
Herr ‘O’’s drindel in German --Austin Werner
Going to Boston with the choir in 2010 --Lexi Barta
Going to the U of M with CIS Psychology class --Kara Macris
Going to state hockey--Cody Shimota
All the camouflage and wild fans around school --Jake Lockhart
Going to state for track --Peter Molitor
Setting the school record for golf --Connor Amundsen
Sydney Tupy made it to state junior year and Aaron Dodge going senior year for speech --Kaitlin Bruder

What song describes your high school experience?

by Emma Hargreaves
“San Francisco” – Emily Fletcher
“I Lived” – Krystal Schoenbauer
“Me & My Girls” – Whitney Imgrund
“Fishin’ in the Dark” – Helena Johnson
“Gone like a Freight Train” – John Horejsi
“Crazy Train” – Brennen Lemay
“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” – Stacy Erickson
“Started from the Bottom” – Devyn Wallem
“Hall of Fame” – Zack Jones
“Turn Down for What” – Sydney Tupy
“Good Riddance” – Nathan Zweber
“God is an Awesome God” – Michael Soderlund
“Weekend Warriors” – Jake Ryan
“Misery” – Kendra Kajer
“Baby Got Back” – Trent Kubes
“I Made It” – Daniel Fenis
“Story of my Life” – Cambell Precht
“Call Me Maybe” – Kallie Grams
“The Climb” – Trianna Nuetzman
“The Lazy Song” – Becky Picha
“In the Arms of an Angel” – Joe Heinz
“Live Every Moment” – Ashley Axel
“Happy” -- Kiersten Schoenbauer
“Teenage Dirtbag” – Anna Menne
“City Lights” (Ethan Hanten) – Carly Ploumen
“Fishin’ in the Dark” – Klarissa Pierce
“Good Times” – Doug Nelson
“You’re The Best Around” – Sam Stockwell
“The Climb” – Shannon Halloran
“We’re All in this Together” – Julianna Ryburn
“Amazing” – Will Krueser
“Headstrong” – Kyle Nelson
“Almost” – Marty Dunleavy
“End of the Road” – Ryley Simon
“Cruise” – Monika Goettl
“Rock Star” – Brennan Hallet
“Good Life” – Kyle Rookaird
“Survival” – Zach LaFavor

Yays
The Trojan baseball team’s record!
Homestretch to summer!
Hearing the seniors’ post-high school plans
Yearbook will come out before summer this year!
7 days for seniors and 9 for everyone else!
Baby Bishop
Nays
Track team with no track
Lack of vitamin D
Waiting for AP Exam scores
Studying for finals
Ms. DeValk’s retirement after 1st semester
No tator tots at lunch