Juniors Mandy Schroeder and Brooke
Jacobson have prepared for weeks. They
have researched their topic, written lesson plans, and rehearsed plans for the past three weeks. Now, it’s show time. The long line of fifth graders step off the bus, giggling and talking, while Schroeder and Jacobson stand outside their schoolhouse in full costume, hoping they don’t trip over their dresses and fall with their first step. They worry if something has been missed. It’s too late. Here come the fifth graders. Hopefully, all that practice and hard work will pay off.
The Freeborn County Historical Society project, first assigned in 1998, gives high school juniors a chance to interact and teach fifth grade students about Freeborn County history. Students are given twelve different research topics from agriculture to school. They choose a partner or group, and research their topic. Their research is done at the Freeborn County Historical Society using books and other resources. Some materials date back to the 1850s and 60s. After research is complete, students construct presentations for the fifth graders. These presentations are given on village grounds, using original buildings. The information presented is later incorporated into the fifth graders’ Minnesota graduation standard, “Then and Now.” The multi-generational project provides a fun and creative way of learning history.
“They learn about history in a fun way,” said Bev Jackson, Executive Director of the Freeborn County Historical Society. “With a program like this, the museum comes alive.”
The research project, directed by Humanities teacher Jim Haney, gives both younger and older students a unique learning experience.
“It’s a hands-on project,” Haney said. “I chose to do the project in order to give my students a knowledge of Freeborn County, speaking and teaching experience, and to help the fifth graders complete their grad standard.”
The project has grown from one presentation day and one school in 1998, to four days with six area elementary schools attending. This year 105 eleventh grade Humanities students are involved with the project.
“This project has really become very popular,” Jackson said.
The growth of the project is due in part to the increased recognition of the project. The first year the project was used in 1998, Halverson Elementary was the only school involved in the project. This year, the project has spread to all four Albert Lea elementary schools, St. Theodore’s, and schools in Alden-Conger. The project received recognition from the Minnesota State High School League. In January, Jim Haney presented the project to the school board. He took juniors who had presented projects, fifth graders, and Linda Evenson, librarian of the Historical Society, to help show the project to other teachers and schools.
“It was like a convention” Haney said. “We showed an outline of the project, and had information for people who wanted to know more about it.”
Many generations from around the community, schools, and St. John’s nursing home, are used as resources for the project. Several adult volunteers come to the historical society to help the high school students transform their research into presentations. Students asked residents at St. John’s nursing home about what their life was like in their high school days, and other questions that helped them to fill in the gaps of their research.
“It was very interesting ,” Schroeder said. “We got to know other people’s point of view of what life was like back then.”
The fifth graders are especially interested in the project. Instead of book and worksheet activities, they are actively learning history.
“These kids have an opportunity to be physically and mentally involved with history,” Evenson said.
Older students look upon the project as a fun and exciting way to learn history. Some look forward to the opportunity to teach someone else what they have learned.
“I am looking forward to it,”Jacobson said. “We get to help teach fifth graders about our county’s history.”
This project has increased recognition of high school students as mentors, and the historical society as a place of learning for all ages. The project has been a success every year, and many hope for its future.
“It’s one of the best things that has ever happened to the schools and the historical society,” Jackson said.
Farming for Tomorrow
Laura Haatvedt
For senior Justin Krueger, hard work is a
way of life. Krueger began helping out
with chores on his family’s farm before he even started kindergarten. His first job was to feed the cows.
“I was responsible for feeding the dairy cows,” Krueger said. “I had to know what to feed them.”
Up until 1995 his family had a dairy operation. After their dairy operation got bought out, Krueger and his family tried raising beef cattle. But according to Krueger, “Beef didn’t work out.”
Today, his family owns 1,200 acres on which they grow corn and soybeans. Krueger also raises pigs. For the most part, he raises and markets them on his own.
“I started out with eight pigs, which I raised from birth myself,” Krueger said. “I raise them until they’re ready to go to market.”
Krueger plans to make farming his career after he attends college. He plans to get a two-year degree in agricultural marketing so he will be well informed on the market and technology of agriculture today.
“I want to continue my family farm,” Krueger said. “Farming is the only thing I’ve ever done.”
Krueger is also a member of FFA. He feels FFA will help him prepare for a future career in the agriculture business. He joined in ninth grade and held officer positions during 11th and 12th grades.
“I joined to learn about leadership in agriculture today,” Krueger said. “And this year I am vice president under Amy Madsen.”
Krueger feels he will be well prepared and capable of handling his own farm even when times get tough.
“Farming is in my blood,” Krueger said. “It’s all I know.”
Knowledge of the agricultural market is essential according to Krueger. It can make or break a farmer. Currently commodity prices are very low, making it hard for farmers to provide for themselves.
“Prices are so low right now. People are wondering when they will go back up,” Krueger said. “My parents took up additional jobs for extra money. Some farmers have to depend on government subsidies.”
Krueger’s father also started a roundbailing business bailing hay. Krueger enjoys helping out with the business but said it’s a hard job.
“We started roundbailing for some extra income,” Krueger said. “You have to be diversified in order to make it in farming.”
Despite some of the hardships, Krueger is optimistic about farming in his future.
“I’ll have my dad there to help out. That’s what we do. It’s a family farm,” Krueger said.
Krueger enjoys helping his family on the farm now. He also feels he will one day enjoy the freedom that farming allows.
“You get to be your own boss,” Krueger said. “And I like being out in the country, where every day is a new day.”
Controlling the Campaign
Kelsey Wayne
She is a person who always has her head
held high. She enjoys life and what it
brings. She has no regrets about her past. She looks toward the future everyday.
Junior Grace Schwab was born into a political family from the start.
“I was born in New Ulm, MN, where we stayed for a couple years. We eventually moved to Mankato where my dad was teaching at MSU. We then moved to Albert Lea, when my dad was appointed city attorney,” Schwab said.
Schwab remembers her childhood very well and has many memories that she lives by.
“I can remember my childhood being political 24/7. I can remember pounding up a lawn sign and it was taller than I was,” Schwab said.
Being the first born daughter of two politicians made the Schwab household an interesting and opinionated home.
“A lot of my childhood was get up and go. My mom was on the school board for a long time and I can remember those days,” Schwab said.
Through her childhood morals and learning experiences, Schwab has become a strong willed and determined individual. In her middle school and high school days, Schwab has overcome many obstacles.
“About two years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Schlorosis. It’s a disease that is in the brain and what happens is that your immune system starts to attack the cells, and your brain short circuits,” Schwab said.
Schwab has had a few occurrences that have held her back from going on day after day.
“A lot of times I lost my balance, I just couldn’t move and got dizzy very easily,” Schwab said.
Through the many days spent in Rochester and in doctors offices, Schwab has stayed positive and continued on.
“You never really get over it, because it is a life long thing, but I go on. I am thankful for that,” Schwab said.
As years pass and political schemes change, the Schwab household also changes. This year, an election year, Schwab has been very busy.
“I run a lot of stuff for my mom’s web site. I am doing it more this year, being that they redid the districts. It will be interesting to see how this year turns out,” Schwab said.
The future for Schwab looks to hold many great things.
“I am checking into colleges right now. I have about five different ones in mind, and am looking at business or political sciences,” Schwab said.
As with most people, Schwab also has dreams for her lifetime.
“I have had two dream jobs in my life. I have always dreamed of being a copy editor for a major book brand so that I could actually read the books before they went into print, or I would love to be the Ambassador to the United Nations and travel a lot,” Schwab said.
Thus far, Schwab contributes a lot of her success to her parents and realizes how lucky she really is.
“My parents have always said that they will support me in anything that I want to do, which is really neat. They are really understanding,” Schwab said.
From Pinatas to Photos
Amber Bellrichard
With a camera in his hand, Spanish
teacher Jim Menton makes his way
towards the Photography class that he now teaches 2nd Block during 4th term.
“A long time ago I told Mary Williams that I enjoyed photography so when a teacher was needed for the Photography B class, she approached me,” Menton said.
When he was little, his grandfather gave him some old photography equipment that he had lying around. Ever since, Menton has enjoyed learning new and exciting things having to deal with photography.
“When I was in seventh grade, my grandfather gave me some of his photography equipment so I decided to make a dark room in the basement of my house,” said Menton.
Menton loved working in his dark room so he decided to take some photography classes through Community Ed that were held at Mankato East High School. Later, he took three different classes of photography during college.
“I enjoyed the classes that I took while I was in college, but I really didn’t want to get an art major,” said Menton.
Although he has always taught Spanish, Menton enjoys the different atmosphere that the photography class brings.
“I really enjoy teaching the Photography class,” Menton said. “It is a totally different atmosphere and everyone just sort of does their own thing.”
Photography student, Krystal Garica, feels that Addington and Menton have different teaching techniques.
“[Menton] teaches a lot differently than Addington,” Garica said. “[Addington] knows that photography is art and art takes time. Menton is a Spanish teacher, there’s a difference.”
Being a Spanish teacher involves a lot of the same day to day activities according to Menton. He feels that photography is a lot more of an individual class.
“In Spanish, I feel like a shepherd leading sheep. Everyone does the same thing day after day but photography is a lot diferent because it is based more on individual work,” said Menton.
Menton feels that photography is a very worthwhile class. Although he enjoys teaching Spanish, he feels that if he had the chance, he would do it differently.
Behind the Camera, Behind the Desk
Liz Schreiber
Glazier, principal Al Root’s new secretary.
Glazier, however, hasn’t always been a secretary. She had an internship at WCCO television in Minneapolis the summer of 1997 while she was in college. She worked with the arts and entertainment reporter. This gave her the opportunity to do such things as reviewing films and attending cast parties with members from “Rent” and “The Lion King.”Glazier also had the chance to meet some celebrities such as Captain Kangaroo, Hughey Louis and eat lunch at Planet Hollywood with John Belushi.
“The job definitely had its perks,” Glazier said.
One of Glazier’s main responsibilities at the station was that she would choose clips from movies to be used during and actor’s interview. She then got a taste of what working in a station would really be about.
“I got to know the atmosphere and what goes on behind the scenes. People don’t realize how much work is done there,” Glazier said.
Even though she enjoyed working in this field, she found it to be a very time consuming job.
“I knew it would be difficult to work in broadcasting and keep up the family. I also didn’t want to cover the bad things, like car accidents, but that’s part of the job. At WCCO I just saw the glamour of it, ” Glazier said.
Glazier grew up in Wells, Minnesota and graduated from USC. Her parents moved to Albert Lea shortly after she graduated. After high school, Glazier attended Rochester Community College and transferred to the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. She majored in broadcast journalism and minored in business communications. She was also a college cheerleader.
“Cheerleading and dancing have been my passion forever,” Glazier said.
In 1999 Glazier was married and lived in Minneapolis with her husband. She worked downtown at the Lutheran Brotherhood home office. This gave her an hour and a half commute. In Feb. 2001 her son Zack was born and she decided their family needed a change.
“We wanted to move out of the city to raise a family in a smaller community with a smaller school district. I wanted a town with more community and school spirit,” Glazier said.
The position for a new secretary opened up upon the transfer of Heather Earl to the District Offices. Glazier took advantage of this opportunity and began as Root’s new secretary on April 1.
“I am very happy with the selection. There has been a lot of transition since it’s the middle of the year, but it’s going well,” Root said.
Glazier had a lot of new things to learn and has been adapting very well into her new position. Glazier shared one funny moment she has had since she has been at ALHS.
“One day I mutilated some kids’ names over the intercom. I should have asked how to pronounce the names before I said them. It was really embarrassing,” Glazier said.
Glazier is really enjoying her job. On reason she likes it is because it’s a short commute among other reasons.
“I love the job. It seems to be a perfect fit for me, because I’ve done a lot of volunteering with high school age kids. Everybody at the school has been very welcoming. I think it will be a fun job,” Glazier said.
Meet the Press
Shawnna Robertson
Courtney Jo Matthies Ahlahasa Position: Copy-Editor Age: 16 Parents: Garry and Lori Siblings: Randi, Cole, and Cahler Favorite Animal and why? “Kangaroos, because they are animals, pardon the pun, but when they fight they have a great right hook.” Favorite Food: Meatloaf, Lasagna and Okra Pickles Favorite Color: Yellow Hobby: “Writing poetry, rehearsing my midget jokes and telling fortunes.” Favorite Movie: Dogma and Moulin Rouge Future Dreams: “To never get married and be an old spinster who doesn’t settle down ‘til I’m in my grave.” If you could meet anybody who would it be and why? “Jason Mewes (Jay from Jay and Silent Bob) because he is hilarious and hot! Or Kevin Smith (Bob).” Cartoon character that describes you and explain: “Garfield, because he loves lasagna as much as I do.” Favorite Quote: “Sometimes shoes can be tight, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be stinky, it just means your toes are squished, the same applies to life.” –Matthies Favorite Place: “My bedroom. It’s my haven. I need a fridge and a microwave and I could live in there.” What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? “Boxing a Kangaroo, dressed like Scooby Doo.
What would you do 24/7 if you could: “Eat, but I am pretty close, I do that 16/7, but I sleep the other 8.” Nicknames: Karma Courtney, Sonic, Kee-corn. What would you change if you could change the past? “My genes! I am the only one in the family who didn’t get my moms genes so I am going to be 5’8” while everyone towers over me at 5’11” or more!”
Erin Lynn Bartusek Ahlahasa Position: Copy-Editor Age: 18 Parents: Phil and Mary Siblings: Emily Favorite Animal and why? “Cricket, because when you are camping, those little buggers keep you up all night!” Favorite Food: “Any kind of popsicle, except bubble gum.” Favorite Color: Purple and blue. Favorite Movie: “One Fine Day” Future Dreams: “Get married, have kids, and live my life in Northern Minesota.” If you could meet anybody who would it be and why? “Albert Einstien, what a clever man full of intelligence and great hair.” Cartoon character that describes you and explain: “Darkwing Duck, because I cheer people up and try to save the day.” Favorite Quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” –unknown Favorite Place: “Up in Northern Minnesota among the pine trees and fresh air, with the laughter of family.” What do you see yourself going in 10 years? “Elementary education and decked out with flower dresses and hoop earrings.” What would you change if you could change the past? “I wouldn’t, I don’t regret anything of my past.”
Juliana Beth Peterson Ahlahasa Position: Ghost writer (extra-curricular staff writer) Age: 17 Parents: John and Deb Siblings: Tom, Kristin, Kelly, Mark, Becky, Tyler, Kevin, and Greg Favorite Animal and why? “Gorillas and Giraffes. Just look at them… I mean, come on…” Favorite Food: Peaches/Nectarines Favorite Color: Orange Favorite Movie: A Beautiful Mind Future Dreams: “Here’s one--the rest are secrets: 2020 or 2024 President of the USA.” If you could meet anybody who would it be and why? “Gandhi. He’s intriguing. He’s Gandhi. John Lennon is neat, too.” Cartoon character that describes you? “Hobbes. For starters, we both enjoy tuna.” Favorite Quote: “But the Emperor has nothing at all!” -Aesop
“Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.” – Kurt Vonnegut What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? “In exactly 10 years, I’ll probably be making some supper.” Talents: “I can do jump rope crossovers. It’s amazing.” Nicknames: JuliPete, Pete, Juli, Jules, JP, Drooliana.(I was a baby. Babies drool. Aren’t big brothers cruel?) What would you change if you could change the past? “Changing the past is dangerous business.”
Stephanie Catherine Hovland Ahlahasa Position: Staff Writer Age: 17 Parents: Sue and Jess Baune Siblings: Heather and Katlyn Favorite Animal and why? “Cats, they are so cute and cuddly.” Favorite Food: Rice Favorite Color: Orange and Yellow Hobby: “Playing on the Internet.” Favorite Movie: Fast and the Furious Future Dreams: “I want to do something with computers.” If you could meet anybody who would it be and why? “Julia Roberts, she is the best actress.” Favorite Quote: “The worst feeling in the world is falling in love with your best friend, when they are in love with someone else.” –unknown Cartoon Character that describes you and explain? “Olive Oil, I’m tall and I like strong guys.”
Favorite Place: Wales What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? “Working with computers.” What would you do 24/7 if you could? “Hang out with my friends.” Nicknames: Daddy long legger, and tomato. What would you change if you could change the past? “There are a lot of things I would change… speeding and losing my car, quitting sports, and quitting choir.”
Shimmying with Andrews
Megan Levisen
Her heavy layered ruby red gypsy
skirt sways and shimmies as she
throws her hips to the an ancient art. And with her burnt-velvet shawl, blue shimmy coin belt and jewelry lacing her body she creates the authentic look of a belly dancer. Belly dance originated over 5,000 years ago in the Middle East as an exercise for pregnant women. It later became a common form of dance for women of all sizes. Junior Sheila Andrews is a belly dancer, the youngest by far in her Albert Lea troupe.
Andrews started “belly dance” or “dance orient” in her old town of Eureka, California.
Since childhood, Andrews had always showed interest in dancing and through her local Teen Center she was able to join her first dance troupe. Now with three years under her belt, she’s helping out with a dance class at the Albert Lea City Arena.
“I saw a class advertisement at my local teen center and started taking them,” Andrews said. “I then later started relearning my freshman year at Eureka High School, where it was offered as an extra curricular activity.”
Andrews has been in many belly dance troupes, all, which have there own unique name. For instance, in Eureka they were called the “Nadira” which means rare or precious and now in Albert Lea they’re “Raks Sharqi.”
Through her involvement and exposure to this Middle Eastern dance, Andrews has had experience in more than just the dance. She’s taken on the style and dress of belly dance by using Henna, a type of body art, on her body during dances and is trying new foods, which are unique the Middle East.
“Since starting I’ve been exposed to more than dance,” Andrews said. “Henna painting, new foods and a developed sense of fashion have all came after being involved in my troupe.”
Belly dancing requires talent. Throwing your hips and waving your arms are just a minor part of the dance. Some moves include the shimmy, camel and snake arms. In belly dance, contrary to popular belief “bellies” are hardly used in any of the moves. Most of the moves are exerted through throws by, isolating specific muscles to control the position and movement of the body.
“Belly dance is fun, relaxing, body toning, but not always easy,” Andrews said. “You have to master the basic and some girls are just not able to do it. Often times just because they are just to thin or something. To have natural talent, you need a full body, you do really well, or get ahead in class if you have hips, chest and strong legs.”
