By Christina Brake

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, most likely students and staff at Belle Plaine High School spend their holiday break in different ways.
Do you have any secret family recipes?
Mrs. McElroy, BP staff, “My mother always has her sour cream chocolate cake. It always turns out great even when she makes a mistake.”
Dakota Hamilton, freshman, “My aunt’s delicious blue pickles”
Joe Cantu, junior, “My dad’s cookies…that he taught me how to make”
What is your favorite family tradition?
Mrs. McElroy, “Duck and dumplings when I was younger, now it’s smoked turkey and pie (any kind of pie).”
Dakota Hamilton, “Every Thanksgiving we go down to Aunt Judy’s house in Cedar Rapids.”
Hope Kriegel, junior, “Setting up the Christmas tree and eating turkey”
Jessica Landuyt, senior, “Getting together and having dinner then playing cards afterwards.”
Do you donate food, clothing, toys, etc.?
Mrs. McElroy, “Yes, I donate clothes to Goodwill and food to the church when there is a funeral.”
Hope Kriegel, “We donate food and clothing.”
Joe Cantu, “I donate blood.”
Jessica Landuyt, “We have donated clothes and gave money to the Salvation Army.”
What are you most thankful for?
Mrs. McElroy, “I am most thankful that I have a job and that I am healthy.”
Dakota Hamilton, “I am thankful for my family.”
Hope Kriegel, “Being able to spend time with my family”
Joe Cantu, “That I’m going to be 18 soon.”
Jessica Landuyt, “My family and friends and their good health.”
Turkey Day is spent in many different ways with many different traditions. It is a time to be thankful for what you have and give to the less fortunate if you can.

By Marlee Schminke

Every month the faculty selects one student who has excelled in his/her classroom. This award is given in recognition for the student’s hard work in the classroom. The students of the month for October are as follows:
Math-Melissa Janss; English-Keith Purk; Science- Nichole Tatge; Social Studies-Mitch Schmuecker; Business-Katie Pierce; Family & Consumer Science-Scott Wheeler; Spanish-Molly O’Brien; German-Taylor Schafbuch; Physical Education- Sam Hamilton; Art-Andrew O’Brien; Music-Laura Breja; and AG-Austin Yilek.
Those were the students of the month for October. Congratulations and keep up the hard work. Make sure you keep reading. Be sure to watch for the students of the month for November.

Student-Top Row: Sam Hamilton, Keith Purk, Andrew O’Brien; Middle Row: Mitchell Schmuecker, Scott Wheeler, Austin Yilek, Nichole Tatge; Bottom Row: Katie Pierce, Molly O’Brien, Melissa Janss, and Laura Breja.  Not Pictured: Taylor Schafbuch

By Trey Gerard

Jessie Peterson is a new student here at Belle Plaine High School. He is a sophomore transferring from College Community in Cedar Rapids. At College Community, Jessie’s sophomore class was between 500 and 600 students.
Here are some other questions to get to know Jessie.
Where else have you lived?
“I have lived in Colorado and Florida.”
What are favorite things to do outside of school?
“I like fishing, camping, rock climbing, and competing in rodeos.”
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
“I have a twin brother and sister, who are 10, and one older brother.”
Do you miss anything about your previous living areas?
“I do not miss Florida because it was too hot and had too many hurricanes. I loved Colorado and plan on moving back there someday.”
What was your first impression of BPHS?
“It was small. There are a lot of hicks here.”
What kind of activities would you like to get involved in at BPHS?
“I think the ag and tech classes sound like something I’d be interested in, so FFA would be something I’d like to get involved in.”
What are your favorite classes you are currently taking?
“I like history, physical conditioning/education, and pottery.”
What’s one thing everyone should know about you?
“I have a 20 year old horse, Chase, who is still down in Florida at my grandpa’s acreage. When I was 12, I was practicing riding barrels, something spooked Chase, and he reared up and fell back on top of me and broke my hip. I was laid up for about 6 months; half the time I was in a wheel chair.”
What’s your favorite season? Why?
“I like winter because it’s cold. I like snow, and I can go camping, and rock/ice climbing in Monticello.”
What do you think of Iowa?
“I think Iowa is boring, but better than Florida.”
Since Jessie Peterson is new to the school and community, make sure to make him feel welcome and get to know him better.

By Sasha Embry

Christmas Day is exactly 30 days from Thanksgiving. Many people begin their decorating and shopping right after Thanksgiving. The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, a day when many stores give really good deals as long as you arrive early, but is it really worth it?
For some families money is tight already and during the Christmas season it may be even more stressful to come up with the extra money. Here are some money saving websites to lessen the burden.

discount-shopping.mommysavesbig.com/
www.discounterdeals.com/
coupons.com
couponcabin.com
couponmom.com
retailmenot.com
smartsource.com

http://www.christmascoupons.com/

By Jessie Peterson

What are you thankful for? There are many things to be thankful for…a lot of people are thankful for family because they are there when a person may need them most.
During the holidays is the best time to give to people in need and to provide hope for the less fortunate. The holidays may be a difficult time for some people because they may not have much money, may have lost a close friend or relative, or may not have family close by. The holidays are a time that most people give to local charities: Tree of Sharing, Coats for Kids, Salvation Army, food pantries, Toys for Tots, or just by volunteering time to a soup kitchen.
All year round should be thought of as a holiday and a time to give to the less fortunate. People that have too much should always keep in mind the people that struggle.
The holidays are a time of traditions with family and food. Many families get together, eat all kinds of food, play games, watch holiday movies, and lounge around in good company. Usually moms’, grandmas’, and aunts’ make special recipes that family members look forward to devouring.
Being thankful, giving to the less fortunate in any way, and family traditions are all a part of the holidays and that’s what makes it one of the best times of the year.

By Sterling Formanek

The 2009-10 Girls’ Basketball Season is just beginning. Practice started Monday, November 9th and the girls will play their first jamboree on Friday, November 20th at Mid-Prairie. Returning for his 5th year as BP’s Head Girls’ Basketball Coach is Andy Dahlquist.
What is your outlook for the season?
“We want to compete at the top of the conference and finish in the top 3.”
How many players are currently out?
“18 total…JV = 10 and Varsity = 8”
Which teams are going to be your toughest competition?
“Sigourney, Lynnville-Sully, and North Mahaska”
Who are your returning varsity letter winners?
“Taylor Schafbuch, Laura Breja, Dani Coover, Joy Cronbaugh, and Macy DeMeulenaere”
Do you think your team will be stronger defensively or offensively?
“Defensively we only gave up 36 points a game last season and that was a major reason to our success. Offensively we will be good this season also.”
What advantage do you feel your team will have?
“Good experience, know what it takes to win each game; we’re fast, very fast.”
Who are your assistant coaches?
“Jon DeGraff and Scott Schafbuch”
When and where is your first game?
“Monday, November 23rd at home against North Tama”
There you have the season outlook. Come and cheer on the Plainsmen and Lady Plainsman at both home and away games.

By Trey Gerard

Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26, 2009. There are many family traditions and food is one of them. Here at Belle Plaine High School some of our freshmen have a few favorites they would like to share.
Josh McGrane said, “I’m gunna go with chicken, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and mashed pataters.”
Nikki Lown said, “Homemade stuffing and chocolate pie.”
Matt O’Brien said, “Turkey and ham.”
Kayla Bergom said, “Well, like those little smokies in BBQ sauce as an appetizer, then for the main course turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, and for dessert pumpkin pie.”
Hannah Bean said, “Little smokies wrapped in bacon sprinkled with brown sugar and baked, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes with gravy.”
Mikayla Mason said, “I love pickle wraps, chicken, cheesecake, and apple pie.”
Megan Formanek said, “Ham, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie.”
Breanna Robertson said, “I eat a lot. I like deviled eggs, pickle wraps and ham.”
Everyone’s looking forward to Thanksgiving break starting with an early out on Tuesday, November 24. Most people love to spend time with family members and feed their face.

By Dakota Hamilton

Most people begin decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving, but there are some very ambitious people who like to decorate right after Halloween.
The benefits of decorating early are that the weather is warmer, and no one has to worry about sliding off any roofs or getting frostbit. Also while you are making a mess putting Halloween decorations away, you can continue making a mess with the Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations all at once.
As a holiday decorator the supplies usually include: tools, lights, evergreen and/or garland, bows, holiday figurines, lawn décor, light hangers, ornaments and tree-topper, holiday scents, and of course holiday music playing in the background.
For the true Christmas spirit, don’t forget dedicating a day to bake Christmas cookies, treats, and candy, while sipping on some eggnog or apple cider. Some popular Christmas treats may include: frosted sugar cookies, fudge, special K bars, puppy chow, chex mix, peanut brittle, chocolate covered peanuts, candy coated pretzels, peanut butter cup cookies, pumpkin and apple pie, and many more family favorites.
The holidays make this time of year exciting and fun, especially if you get the whole family involved. Christmas is a time to celebrate and spend time with family and friends, eating, giving, caroling, and spreading Christmas cheer.

Thanks to all the parents who attended our 1st semester conferences on November 11th and 12th. It’s a great opportunity to assess your student’s progress, get to know his/her teacher(s), and plan for his/her future.
Attendance was also a high priority at Financial Aid Night 2009!! We’d like to thank the 28 seniors who either personally attended or were represented by their parents at this information-filled meeting hosted by Michelle from ICAN. If you were unable to attend, but would like a copy of the materials, please contact Miss Daily.
JOB SHADOWING OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUE!! If you didn’t sign up for a job shadow experience yet this year and you’d like to, see Miss Daily. Also, if you’ve already been placed in one job shadow and want to try another, see Miss Daily to reapply. The deadline to apply for both of these is December 10th.

SECOND SEMESTER PSEO OPPORTUNITIES: Kirkwood has recently released the classes available through Anytime Anywhere for 2nd semester. If you’re a junior or senior, and you’d like to consider taking a class, please see Miss Daily. If you’re a TAG student, please see both Miss Daily and Mrs. Kriegel.
MATH DAY @ UNI. On Thursday, December 10th from 10:00 am-2:00 p.m. UNI is inviting top math students to Math Day. It’s a chance to find out about offerings in their math department, possible math-related careers, and to complete for scholarships totaling up to $30,000. See Miss Daily for a registration card.
UNI MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS: The UNI School of Music annually awards more than $340,000 in scholarship funds. Apply for a scholarship audition at www.uni.edu/music or call 319-273-2024 for more information.
SCHOLARSHIP DAY @ UNI: The Department of Theatre at UNI is hosting Scholarship Day for incoming students on Monday, December 7th. Requirements are posted on Miss Daily’s door.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR JUNIORS: Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award offers $5000 and $1000 awards for JUNIORS. Requires proposal of project and letters of recommendation. Approximately 15 finalists are selected. There’s a required weekend stay at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Museum on June 12-13. Finalists give oral presentation of their project and receive $1000 award; three receive $5000. Application available at: www.hooverassociation.org. Deadline: March 31, 2010.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Are you active in your community? Have you led a project that benefits others? Have you overcome personal challenges? You may qualify for an AXA Achievement Scholarship of $10,000 or $25,000. Learn more and download an application at www.axa-achievement.com. Apply by December 15, 2009.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: $1000 GPA Isn’t Everything Scholarship is available at http://www.cappex.com/page/account/quickApply.jsp?scholarshipID=gp&code=CD150-144-32. Deadline is November 30th.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Mediacom is offering 50 $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors. Applications are available at www.mediacomworldclass.com. All applications must be postmarked by February 10th, 2009. Make sure you thoroughly read both the application and the frequently asked questions on this site.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: BigSun Scholarship. A $500 award will be given to a graduating senior who is currently involved in a high school or community sport. Information/application available at: http://www.bigsunathletics.com. Deadline: June 24, 2010.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program. Up to $1000 award for college-bound juniors and seniors. Requires essay from web site: http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm. Deadline: June 19, 2010.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: The 2010-2011 Kirkwood Scholarship catalog has arrived in Miss Daily’s office. Please stop by if you plan on attending Kirkwood next year. All application materials must be postmarked by March 31st.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPOTUNITY: Gates Millennium Scholars. This award is for students of African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American; citizen, national or legal permanent resident of US. You must have a 3.3 GPA; demonstrate leadership abilities through community service, extracurricular, or other activities; and meet Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria. Go to https://nominations.gmsp.org/GMSP_App/ for more information. Deadline: January 11, 2010.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Monsanto Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship is offering 100 $1500 scholarships to above-average students from strong farming backgrounds who are interested pursuing an ag-related major in college. Submit your application online at Submit online application at http://scholarships.ffa.org, along with signature page., along with signature page. Deadline to apply is February 15, 2010. FFA membership is not required to win an award.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: DeKalb Ag Youth Scholarship is giving away 10 $2500 scholarships to students pursuing ag-related degrees and who demonstrate strong leadership skills & community involvement. Submit your application online at www.dekalbwingwear.com or http://scholarships.ffa.org, along with signature page. Deadline is February 15, 2010.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Roadrunner Scholarship of $1500 will be awarded to a senior from a farm family; you must plan to enroll full-time in an ag-related academic major. Submit your online application at http://scholarships.ffa.org/. Deadline is February 15, 2010.

By Breanna Robertson

Basketball and wrestling seasons have begun, but don’t forget the cheerleaders. Cheerleading is a sport that involves qualities that keep the team motivated and the crowd involved. There’s nothing like watching a close game or tight match and yelling right along with the cheerleaders. Ms. Leah Mast has been the Belle Plaine High School cheerleading coach for seven years and still has a lot to say about the sport of cheerleading.
Who are the winter sports cheerleaders?
“WRESTLING: Megan Toney, Katie Chilcote, Lauren Kurovski, Sydney Walther, Connor Roth. BASKETBALL: Brittany Uhl, Allie Upah, Laura Johnson, Emily Foels, Kayla Bergom, Paige Wiese.”
Who are the captains?
“BASKETBALL: Allie Upah & Brittany Uhl”
What do you look for in a cheerleader?
“A spunky personality and willingness to cheer a team through an entire season”
What is the best thing about being a cheer coach?
“Getting to know the girls”
What do practices involve?
“Learning and practicing cheers and stunting, which takes a lot of practice to make it look effortless”
What types of fund raisers do you have?
“We do little girls cheer clinics each season. We pump gas for tips in the summer and work for the Lions on July 4th.”
What is the most technical part of cheerleading?
“Stunting!! You try holding someone up by their feet in your hands! It takes some technical skill not to mention strength!”
Anything else you’d like to add…
“Go Plainsmen!”
To become a cheerleader each individual must try out and be judged according to the school song dance, two cheers, and two jumps as well as any tumbling one can do. Cheerleading is just one more way to get involved in school activities.
Freshman Kayla Bergom football and basketball cheerleader commented, “My favorite cheer is ‘Beat of Defeat’ and my favorite thing about cheerleading is the girls I cheer with. Cheerleading is a lot more difficult than people think. Doing lifts for stunts and remembering the cheers takes a lot of practice.”