The Scottsbluff High School journalism department earned runner-up in the state Class A2 competition and senior Karin Shedd was named Nebraska Journalist of the Year. Several Scottsbluff FFA teams qualified for the state convention, with the senior livestock judging team placing first and qualifying for nationals. Ethan Hughes and Mariza Pacheco were crowned prom king and queen at the "Hollywood Nights" themed dance.

1. the
ECHOES
Scottsbluff High School | April 28, 2011 | Volume 94 | Issue 9
From playing for the school show choir
and musical to free-style jam sessions
with friends, musical talent junior
Pace Michele
is rarely seen without his
guitar
Check out Michele’s
journey inside | pg. 14
e
ichel
a ce M
ior P
Jun

2. THE FACULTY ON
HOMEROOM
The
BEARCAT
is back
Student senate takes charge of the mascot
Students and faculty were recently surveyed on
Homeroom. The following are the results from
and plans to bring back the tradition
the faculty survey which included 48 responses. that the mascot will wear. while performing for people.
story by
SCOUT WILSON | news editor Student senate may pur- The selected students for
chase another costume next mascot will subject to the
Q: Do you feel that credit should be Wild, eccentric, and flying year, but physical education same requirements for any
attached to Homeroom? through the air comes the instructor Linda Meininger other extracurricular activity,
YES - 85% NO - 15%
furry feline that represents says they have had a hard which would include eligibil-
Scottsbluff High School with time finding a “Bearcat” ity.
its positive and flowing en- costume. The revival of the Bearcat
ergy to pump up the crowd. Tryouts for the mascot mascot is to promote students
Q: What do you think would be an It’s a sad thing to think position were announced getting into activities as well
approrpiate punishment for skipping that this tradition has been last week on the morning an- as serve as the ambassador
Homeroom? absent from the school for 10 nouncements. Two students for the school at events such
years. The school board has will be selected to represent as speech meets to gradua-
Saturday study hall...................11 approved the student senate the school as the mascot in al- tion.
Lunch detention.........................10 takeover of the school mascot. ternating events, to give those In addition to bringing
Homeroom w/a principal..........9 Student senate is now students the opportunity to the mascot back, will be the
going to be in charge of the rest every other event. naming of the new mascot
Clean up the campus..................7 mascot for school events. The Those planning to try and could make an influential
Summer make-up time...............6 original Bearcat costume, should have a creative mind icon for students to attend
which is the first one used by to entertain the crowd and events.
No participation in activities......4 the school will be the costume be able to enjoy themselves
Assistant janitorial staff...............4
Can’t walk at graduation............4
A change in curriculum directors
Q: Would you support adding study story by Dick. research proven to help stu-
days to the homeroom weekly structure? RYAN MEISTER | news writer What these new positions dents become better writers,
are responsible for helping thinkers, and learners.
Second study day per week......22 Everyone’s has had one of teachers as well as reviewing Such as: clear coverage of
those classes where they feel assessments of both high- the writing process, key writ-
Increasing incrementally based upon like they don’t know what’s achieving learners and stu- ing forms covered in detail,
time of year.................................12 going on. dents with disabilities. These integrated six traits instruc-
They start to panic and teachers will also be respon- tion in every unit, mechanics
Keep only 1 study day...............8 look towards there closet sible for creating curriculum usage and grammar skills,
Students already study friend and ask the question’ strategies. clear and logical sequence of
“Do you know what’s going There has been much instruction, comprehensive
when needed..............................2 on?” discussion on what should go proofreader’s guide.
Every day should be available..2 The response is almost into the language curriculum
for next year and some ideas
Teachers will also re-
ceive their own research pack
always a shrug of the shoul-
ders or a shake of the head that have been discussed that will have skill books,
no matter what it is it seems are the addition of a literacy overhead transparencies and
Q: Does the pass system (students must like your entire class is being block. an interactive writing skills
get permission from teachers before- thrown in the deep end when All the teachers helping CD.
hand to leave homeroom) for homeroom the assignment for the day is to make next year’s curricu- The Content Area Special-
given out. lum agree that the key to the ists are expected to be a big
study days work well? This is the type of thing school day is a daily literacy help.
YES - 63% NO - 37% trying to be avoided with the block that will be implement- “I am excited about the
installation of the new posi- ed in every grade, school and potential of these teacher
tion of Content Area Special- classroom. leaders. Simply put, it is tre-
ists. But the changes don’t mendously hard to be a great
end there as they would like teacher,” Superintendent Rick
Q: If you answered no, what suggestions With three capable middle
school teachers taking up to also change the grading Myles said.
do you have for improving the study day the new positions it looks as rubrics for papers across the The hope is that these new
pass system? though there will be a bright board so that each grade curriculum directors will
outcome to the next year. levels rubric much resembles give that push to make every
Follow procedure- consistency......4 With the major areas of all the others. teacher in the district great.
Also they will also try “We owe it to them (teach-
Email back from class teacher.......4 math, science and language
all being covered by one to decide at which grade ers) to invest in their success
Pass from homeroom teacher........1 teacher of each subject. level students will be able by supporting them with
These areas will be to step up and change gears experts they know and trust
Send without pass...........................1 covered by three separate from writing “regurgitated re- and can depend upon. That’s
Is time consuming............................1 teachers, one for each of the ports” to full blown research what I believe these three
core areas, language will be papers. individuals can bring,” Myles
Treat like a class...............................1 headed by Sheryl Harvey, sci- With many changes being said.
2 | NEWS ence by Marilyn Klein-Fisher, made they will also have help
and mathematics by Shana for teachers by introducing

3. Walking the halls with a secret
Some students hide their legal status to stay in
school, keep their lives from turning upside down
story by school. “What it all comes down to is pri- pay for their further education.
SCOUT WILSON | news editor Students are protected by Section
1 of the 14 Amendment which says,
vacy. In education, we afford a bit of
privacy. The philosophy of the school
When it comes to getting citizen-
ship, some do and some don’t.
“All persons born or naturalized in is to provide a free public education Newman says many go through a
In a school like Scottsbluff High the United States, and subject to the and we need to embrace it,” Newman family process to obtain citizenship.
School, with just over 800 students jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the said. Since some members of a fam-
roaming the halls every day, there United States and of the State wherein With public education aside, many ily may be legal residents, they can
are innumerable faces passing one they reside. No State shall make or en- illegal students face greater difficul- sponsor the parents of an illegal child,
another in the halls; some are famil- force any law which shall abridge the ties when it comes to graduation time whose parents are illegal. After the
iar, some not, but all have a different privileges or immunities of citizens of and planning to go to college. parents become citizens they in turn
“
story, live a different life and face dif- the United States; nor shall any State Though many of these students do sponsor the child to help the child
ferent problems. deprive any person of life, liberty, or decide to go to college, with the lack gain citizenship.
There is no way one person can property, without due process of law; of a legal status the obstacles they Others start in their country of ori-
know all those stories. Some students nor deny gin and start the application process,
simply don’t want others to know
their story because, if exposed, the
to any
person When you can put a face to but applying comes with the difficul-
ties of hiring attorneys and the costs
this type of predicament, it
truth could turn their life upside within its involved.
down. jurisdic- “The families of these students are
Those students are walking the tion the like anybody else; they want the best
hallways of SHS illegally.
“There is a very small percentage
equal
protec-
can be very difficult to be for their kids and want them to get an
education. They want to work and are
judgemental about some-
”
of students that are illegal who are tion of here to work,” Newman said. “It isn’t
attending the school. Some who don’t the laws.” the kids who come here, their parents
even know they are,” senior counselor
Julie Newman said.
The
court case
one’s legal status. bring them and they get caught in a
bad situation that they necessarily
How do these students end up go-
ing to an American high school when
Plyler
vs. Doe
-counselor Julie Newman don’t want to be in.”
In some cases, children have been
there is such scrutiny in the country (1982) abandoned here, which creates a
right now involving illegals? established that the equal protection face can inhibit any financial aid or whole new dilemma for kids living
“The school only requires a student clause of the 14th Amendment applies scholarship opportunities available to here illegally.
birth certificate and a current address “to anyone, citizen or stranger” resid- students. Newman said she feels badly for
for registration,” Newman said. ing within a state’s boundaries. These students are not entitled to kids who are caught in this situation
The school focuses on establishing Therefore, someone of illegal status federal grant money and most of the and the obstacles they face.
who a student lives with and whether cannot be denied entry to a public cost of education is their responsibil- “When you can put a face to this
their address is within the district. education institution. ity. type of predicament, it can be very
If not, whether they are coming “We are not a law enforcement Not only do they face financial difficult to be judgmental about some-
from another state or another country agency, we are a school. This is a free obstacles but the simple issue of trans- one’s legal status,” Newman said.
then the student needs a physical. public education within our district portation becomes an obstacle as these “Contrary to popular belief, these
The school is not required to have a and community, we are morally ob- students cannot get a driver’s license people don’t have access to the social
student’s social security number. ligated to help kids to be educated,” and therefore cannot drive legally. services that people think they do.”
As a result, public schools are not Newman said. Along with the lack of a social Legally or not, for now, it seems,
required to know the legal status of a Why does the school not ask if security number is the lack of job op- kids like the ones Newman describes
student in order to admit them to the students are legal or illegal? portunities to which students need to are here to stay.
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NEWS | 3
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4. BRIEFLY g
s pe akin
State FFA Qualifiers
This year the Scottsbluff FFA suc-
cessfully qualified for the State FFA
Convention in eleven team events and
three individual events taking a total
of thirty-seven students. The State
FFA Convention is held in Lincoln, NE
every year at the Cornhusker Hotel
and at UNL’s East Campus. Their eight
teams placed in the top half of their
events.
The Senior Livestock Judging team
of Kenny Willman, Kyra Baldwin,
Alyssa Shuey and Ashley Pike placed
first out of sixty-seven teams receiving
a purple ribbon and Gold medals. The
team qualified to represent Nebraska
at the National FFA Convention in
Indianapolis, IN in October.
The Floriculture team of Charity
Burkey, Destiny Belford, Taylor Strong
and Chrissy Peters placed third out
of thirty-eight teams, receiving a blue
ribbon.
Pacheco, Hughes named prom royalty
The Ag Sales team of Paige Steinle,
Skye Martin, Maggie Hopp and Alexa
Fulk placed seventh out of thirty-five
teams, receiving a blue ribbon.
The Welding team of Kyle Mein- Hollywood Nights was a of the paparazzi as they strolled Pacheco, respectively.
inger, Hunter Bollman, and Chris Hart- smash this year as many students down the coveted red carpet. First attendants were Rolando
suiker placed sixth out of sixty-seven
teams, receiving a purple ribbon.
showed up looking as glamorous The atmosphere was tense Sabala and Jessica Schluter while
The Meats Evaluation team of Eliza- as any Hollywood celebrity at the prior to the announcement of the second attendents were Tyler
beth Huffman, Hayley Clark, Tevyn Hampton Inn convention room. Prom Royalty. Webber and Meghan Pritchard.
Baldwin and Trent Land placed eighth As students entered they were Prom king and queen were Only juniors and seniors voted
out of sixty-nine teams, receiving a
blue ribbon.
bombarded by the camera flashes Ethan Hughes and Mariza for the royalty.
The Nursery and Landscape team
Journalism Dept. earns Class A2 state runner-up spot;
of Sheila Cloud, Danni Becker, Charity
Burkey and Destiny Belford placed
fourteenth out of thirty-eight teams,
receiving a white ribbon.
The Junior Livestock Judging
team of Taylor Russell, Colton Flower,
senior Karin Shedd named NE Journalist of the Year
Katie Willman and Emily Garl placed the runner-up spot,” Adviser
story by
SCOUT WILSON | news editor
twenty-fifth out of seventy-three teams,
receiving a red ribbon.
Terry Pitkin said.
The Junior Parliamentary Procedure The Journalism Depart-
team of Tevyn Baldwin, Katey Myers, The culmination of a school year of full of ment also learned last week
Akacia Kraus, Chrissy Peters, Alexis deadlines, designs, headlines and stories came that senior Karin Shedd has
Aragon, Taylor Russell and Danielle to fruition for students in Journalism Depart-
Pilquist received a Silver medal.
been named the Nebraska
The Senior Parliamentary Proce-
ment on Friday, April 15, when the Nebraska Student Journalist of the Year.
dure team of Kyra Baldwin, Kenny School Activities Association (NSAA) released Shedd is believed to be
Willman, Charity Burkey, Ashley the names of the state journalism qualifiers along the first winner of the state
Pike, Destiny Belford and Alexa Fulk with the team champions and runners-up.
received a Silver medal.
award in the history of the
The Ag Demonstration team of
Fifteen SHS students qualified for the state school. Pitkin will announce
journalism contest scheduled for Monday, May Senior Karin Shedd
Morgan Yost and Brayden Auer re- the award at the state contest
ceived a Gold medal. 9, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School on May 9.
In Co-op Speaking Charity Burkey of Journalism and Mass Communication.
received a Gold medal and in Junior
By winning the award, Shedd’s portfolio was entered
Public Speaking Curtis Welsh received
The five yearbook qualifiers included seniors in the Journalism Education Association’s National Jour-
a Silver medal. Danni Becker, Charity Burkey, Taylor Counter, nalist of the Year competition.
This is a record number of members and Maddy Parsley and junior Abby Benson. “I was basically floored that I won because I didn’t
the Scottsbluff FFA Chapter has ever Ten newspaper staff members also qualified.
taken to State Convention.
decide to go in to journalism as a major (one of the
Earlier this year two Range Judging
They included seniors Gabrielle Carlin, Victoria requirements for the award) until about two weeks
teams qualified to go to state range Bravo, Kelsey Empfield, Ethan Hughes, Russell before the application for the award was due and I was
judging. Austin Groskopf, Ashley Pike, Morgan, Karin Shedd, along with juniors Maddie competing against people who had been working in
Kyra Baldwin, and Hayley Clark were Holscher, Michael Miller and Casey Sigrist.
members of the senior team. Tevyn
journalism for years,” Shedd said. “And then Mr. Pitkin
Baldwin, Zack Perlinger, and Katey
Based upon these students’ placement in the and I didn’t even start putting a portfolio together until
Meyers were on the junior team. preliminary competition Scottsbluff was named literally the day before we had to send it in.”
The Ag Mechanics team consisting the Class A2 state runner-up behind champion After a feverish 48 hours of compiling Shedd’s former
of Kenny Willman, Kyle Meininger, Omaha Marian.
Ben Fulk, and Chris Hartsuiker quali-
stories, designs, and columns and extracting four letters
fied for the state contest which will be
The staffs will receive the runner-up trophy of recommendations from various staff members, the
held in June. at the awards ceremony in Lincoln following the portfolio was sent in on time.
on-the-spot competitions. “Karin is an exceptional student journalist. The fact
4 | NEWS
“It would have been exciting to win the state that she won t isn’t surprising, but it is very satisfying
championship but we are certainly thrilled with because the competition is so fierce,” Pitkin said.

5. Youtube. I was watching a walk- genres, but I am not limited to these But not only are the shows popular
story by through of a game and they made an certain groups.” among otakus, but the music as well.
MEGHAN PRITCHARD | feature editor anime reference. I looked it up and Unlike other kids, Dorn spends “Anime music isn’t that much
have been watching anime since,” most of his time watching anime different from what other people
Remember getting up bright and Dorn said. series. listen to. The only difference is that
early on Saturday morning when no Dorn is an otaku, or simply, an an- “It’s impossible to tell you every it’s made in Japan, therefore duped
one was awake yet, setting in to a ime fan. To become an otaku doesn’t single one I watch. Unlike American J-Pop,” Dorn said. “My personal fa-
comfy in a chair with your blanket, take much, only a commitment like cartoons, most anime series only last vorite is none other than the one and
and turning on the TV? Dorn’s is required. one or two seasons,” Dorn said. only Yoko Kanno.”
Not to watch Jersey Shore or the “You must watch countless anime, The major difference between a Like most cartoon and comic book
Springer Show, but cartoons. even watch the new stuff coming out cartoon and anime is that cartoons are fans, there are also conventions for
Kids watched Bugs Bunny, The of Japan right away, to be an otaku,” simple drawings showing the features anime fans. Many of the conventions
Roadrunner and the Coyote, Tom and Dorn said. of its subjects in an exaggerated way. mix anime, video games, movies, and
ANIME
Jerry, Rugrats, along with countless American cartoons are character- Anime is a Japanese movie and many more animation series.
other favorites. “Personally, I would
It’s the thing when a kid go to all the anime
is little. For freshman Eric conventions, but I don’t
Dorn, that hasn’t changed. have the money,” Dorn
No, he’s not into Nick- said.
elodeon anymore, but he Dorn doesn’t just
has found a new kind of enjoy watching and
cartoon to love: anime. listening to anime, he
“Anime is cartoons also plans on a career
A different kind of cartoon from Japan is
with a certain art style that through it.
are produced in Japan. He hopes to become
more than just a show to freshman Eric Dorn
Comparing an anime with an a voice actor for anime
American cartoon, the char- dubs and attending the
acters are much more realistic University of Toronto or
and also have personalities the Toronto Academy of
that people can relate to,” Dorn said. ized basically by the show or series, television animation, often having a Acting.
We would best connect anime as and anime isn’t much different. science fiction theme and sometimes Dorn suggest that everyone get
Avatar or Dragon Ball Z on Cartoon “Anime, just like books and mov- including violent or explicitly sexual involved into the anime world.
Network, but Dorn sees it as more ies, is broken up into genres and material. “Anyone can get into anime. There
than just watching TV. themes,” Dorn said. “I’m a personal Breaking it down, cartoons are for is always a certain show that will
“I got bored one day and got on fan of the Drama and Horror type kids, anime is for adults. please your interests,” Dorn said.
Top 5 movies Top 5 TV Top 5 songs
1. 5 Centimeters Per
Second series 1. 5 Centimeters Per
Second
2. Final Fantasy VII: 1. Death Note 1. Happy New Nyaa
Advent Children 2. Naruto 2. Shinryaku no Susume
3. The Girl Who Lept 3. Bleach 3. NO,Thank You!
Through Time 4. Code Geass 4. Utauyo!!
4. Grave of the Fireflies 5. Full Metal Alchemist 5. My Soul,Your Beats!
5. My Neighbor Tortoro
FEATURE | 5

6. Cat Calendar
April
22nd- NO SCHOOL EASTER BREAK
25th- NO SCHOOL EASTER BREAK
BGO JV&VAR SHS Inv.- 9am
GSO/BSO JV&VAR @Gering- 3:30pm
26th-GTR/BTR Best in the West- 4:30pm
29th-GTR/BTR Western Conf.@Scottsbluff- 9am
GTN @McCook- 2pm
National DECA Conf. @Orlando, FL
30th-BGO JV&VAR Western Conf.@Sidney- 9am
May
All School Year Long
2nd- GSO/BSO Districts @Lexington- TBA 12th- GTR/BTR Districts
3rd- National Teachers Day GTN Districts
GTN VAR @ N. Platte Dual- 12pm 13th- BSO State
6th- BGO BNAC @Scottsbluff-10am 15th- SHS Graduation Every 10th
GTR/BTR GNAC @Columbus-2pm 16th- SHS Show Choir Audtions
19th- GTN State @Lincoln-TBA
student gets a
7th- SAT Testing
GTN GNAC @N. Platte-10am 20th- GTR/BTR State @ Omaha- TBA free lunch
8th- Mothers Day 24th- BGO State- TBA
Student Specials
10th- SHS Vocal Spring Concert- 7pm 25th- Last Day For Students
Last Day for Seniors
Available
11th-GSO Sate Finals-TBA 2201 Broadway
The CAT CALENDAR is brought to you by the Scottsbluff
SCOTTSBLUFF BOOSTER CLUB 632-3644
Adventure to Success
Don’t Miss New Student Registration!
• Register for classes
• Meet with an advisor
• Take your eCompass test (if required)
Visit wncc.edu or call 308.635.6104 to select one of the following
dates to register for classes at the Scottsbluff Campus.
Tuesday, April 26 12 to 8 p.m.
Friday, April 29 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 30 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, May 2 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 1 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, June 30 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Once you have registered for a date, an admissions
counselor will contact you to schedule a specific time.
800.348.4435 • wncc.edu

7. Going
“It sounded like everyone would
do the same thing. I wanted to do
something completely different than
against the
anyone else, so I wore an outfit that
norm
I thought would best portray a doll:
heels, a pearl necklace, long spiral
curled hair, lines on my face, bright
cheeks, huge eyes and eyelashes,”
Chain depicted.
Both Ziegler and Vallejo faked a
pregnancy by putting items under
their shirts. Ziegler
actually Papier-mâchéd a friend’s six
Senior Taylor Ziegler & month pregnant belly to use as a mold
underneath her own shirt. Vallejo used
junior Briana Vallejo changed a small pillow.
“I chose to be pregnant so I could
their appearance to step inside know what it was like. A lot of people
here in school that are pregnant are
someone else’s shoes looked down upon, and I wanted
to see what that felt like,” Vallejo
story by said.
ASHLEIGH SMITH| feature writer Although all four students
It’s 12:15 pm and the shrill sound of the tardy bell resonates throughout the decided to go all out with the
hallways. It’s time for Miss Elger’s fifth period Sociology class and students projects rather than use small
begin to swarm into the classroom - some are pregnant, some are covered in tat- abnormalities, they were ner-
toos, some are gangsters, some are all dolled up, and some lack shoes. vous when the day arrived.
But Elger isn’t surprised. This is exactly what she was hoping for. “I was really scared. I didn’t
You may have noticed around the middle of April many of your peers show- want people to judge me or think
ing up to school a tad different than usual - or, to put it bluntly, just plain weird. badly of me. I didn’t want to
The reason? Obviously they were voluntarily breaking away from the over- school and be looked at all day,” Vallejo said.
“
rated norms of society to shepherd their own dreams, However, unwanted bad glances and glares were exactly what the girls
going against the expected standards, not caring what
others thought.
The real reason? These abnormal students were
participating in a project for Elger’s Sociology class. The
project entailed doing something deviant, against the
A lot of people here in
school that are pregnant
are looked down upon,
and I wanted to see what
“ received, from adults and students alike.
“I got really dirty looks. People talked about me and
people that I didn’t even know flat out laughed in my
face,” Chain admits. “I went to the cafeteria during first
period and the lunch ladies couldn't stop staring and
when I left even they were talking about me.”
norm of society, and then writing about the reactions that felt like. Ziegler experienced judgment when she bought musi-
received.
-Briana Vallejo, 11 cal tickets after school in the commons.
Most classes wouldn’t require such an unusual assign-
ment, but that’s part of what sociology class is about. “I was in line buying tickets and the parents wouldn’t
“It’s really the study of society; how we interact in groups, how we interact stop staring at me. They all thought it was real, and gave me looks of disap-
with media. We talk a lot about social norms - what it is to be ‘normal’ in soci- pointment,” Ziegler said. “I kept on wanting to tell people it was fake, but I
ety. We talk about social institutions like schools, prisons, religion. It’s mainly couldn’t.”
about how society interacts with people,” Elger said. Hermann, who was forced to wear the tattoos outside of school, received
To prepare for the project, which Elger learned negative response from people in the community, and even had mothers guard-
while minoring in sociology in college, she had to ing their children from her.
ask for permission from administration, and the Despite all the embarrassment and torture, a lesson was learned.
students had to receive permission from parents. “It’s a good experience to draw attention to yourself, it’s humbling,” Ziegler
Once ideas were brainstormed and okay- said.
ed (many too-outrageous ideas were actually Chain learned a much different lesson.
denied, such as drawing fake cuts on the body, “You obviously can’t be different at SHS, or even small towns, because ev-
wearing distracting wigs, dressing as a strip- eryone hates it,” Chain joked.
per, and smoking cigarettes), it was up to the Vallejo now empathizes with people who are actually in her simulated situ-
students to put into action. ation.
Four of the participating students were ju- “I didn’t appreciate the looks that I got. I knew people were talking and I
niors Cierra Herrmann Ali Chain, Briana Vallejo, didn’t like it. I know people that are teen moms and it must be hard to deal
and senior Taylor Ziegler. with that,” Vallejo said.
Herrmann decided to cover all visible Elger’s intention was to teach students about humans and their differences.
parts of her body with fake tattoos. It took The project was meant to help students realize what it’s like to be different
almost three hours to put about 400 tattoos and to empathize with those who are considered not ‘normal.’
on her arms. “I think this project helps teens become more appreciative of others, in real-
Herrmann was going for a rebellious izing that it’s very hard to be deviant in high school,” Elger said. “You want
look which is completely opposite from to fit in, you don’t want to draw too much attention to yourself. But there are
her usually innocent appearance. different people in the world and we need to learn to appreciate them, because
“My mom had to help me put all if we were all the same life would be so boring.”
of the tattoos on and they didn’t With no parental or administrative concerns to date, Elger plans to do the
come off for days afterwards,” project again next year.
Hermann said. Students should be on the lookout because this isn’t the last time you’ll
Chain took an even more un- see sociology-freaks roaming the halls - but next time, maybe be a little more
understanding.
7
usual route and chose to dress as
a porcelain doll for the day. FEATURE |

8. 450,000
miles
30
years
and
Drafting teacher Ed
Hagerman has done it all
teaching tactics for his regular classes. is I’m slower at doing things. I used
“One of the things I have done to be able to walk pretty fast. A good
over the years that works best is to comparison would be that I was al-
just work with each kid and don’t most as fast as Mrs. Newman walking
expect the same results from all of down the halls,” Hagerman said.
them,” Hagerman said. Parkinson’s has also made teach-
After 36 years of teaching, Hager- ing a little more difficult for Hager-
man is hoping to retire at the end of man. Sometimes his students don’t
the next school year. understand what he is saying if he
Most of that decision is based on isn’t speaking very clearly.
Hagerman being diagnosed with Hagerman also can’t project his
story by “Most of the problems are mainly Parkinson’s disease in 2006 around voice as well as he used to. It’s defi-
RACHEL CLEMENS | feature writer miscommunication. One time I told Christmas time. nitely a change since he used to be
a driver to change into the left lane, Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of able to yell when he was a wrestling
Teachers at Scottsbluff High School and she said, ‘Left?’ then I said, ‘Yes, the brain that leads to shaking/trem- coach.
don’t ordinarily have near death expe- right.’ She jumped into the right lane ors, difficulty with walking, move- There are many drugs on the ho-
riences here at school. That is unless and about ran the car off the road,” ment, and coordination. rizon for Parkinson’s, and some that
you’re drafting teacher Ed Hagerman. Hagerman said. It is one of the most common ner- scientists think will eventually be able
Those experiences didn’t happen Hagerman learned quickly it’s re- vous system disorders in people over to put some people in remission.
in the classroom however, they hap- ally important how one says things to 50 years of age. Right now, Hagerman is taking
pened during his 30 years of teaching the drivers. Hagerman first noticed the symp- four different medications for his
Drivers Education throughout the Only two car accidents happened toms when he had a twitch between Parkinson’s, and he goes to physical
valley. during his 30 years, one was the stu- his fore finger and thumb. and speech therapy.
Hagerman graduated from Upton dent driver’s fault, and the other was “I would see my hand twitch Exercise and getting enough sleep
High School in 1971, and then went another driver’s fault. and think, ‘what is that?’ My writ- is also important to keep Parkinson’s
to Chadron State College where he The first summer Hagerman ing started to get worse, my posture under control.
obtained his Bachelor’s degree of taught drivers Ed, he taught in slouched a little bit, and I thought that “If I don’t get a good nights rest
Industrial Arts in 1975. Bridgeport, Alliance, Kimball, Sidney, I should probably get things checked my speech is more slurred, and when
He taught at a school in Wyoming and Scottsbluff. out,” Hagerman said. I am stressed, I get so shaky that I
for four years, and then earned his That summer alone he totaled Hagerman was surprised at the can’t even write,” Hagerman said.
master’s degree in 1980. He began 24,000 miles of driving. Since that diagnosis. Hagerman stopped teaching Driv-
teaching at Scottsbluff High School in summer, he has averaged about 15,000 “At first it was kind of scary, but ers Ed because of Parkinson’s, but still
1981. miles a year. In 30 years of teaching once I looked into it I saw there are teaches an online Drivers Ed class at
In the past Hagerman taught Drivers Ed, that adds up to almost people that live clear to 80 years old the college.
graphic arts, silk screening and rubber 450,000 miles. or more with Parkinson’s. They are re- Having to give up teaching Drivers
stamp making, printing and wood- Being a Drivers Ed instructor isn’t ally getting a handle on it with drugs Ed was a loss for Hagerman, but he
working. a walk in the park. It requires taking and treatment,” Hagerman said. is looking forward to his teaching
“We used to have a print shop and many first aid classes, health classes, Hagerman has experienced many retirement.
we printed everything including all three different Drivers Ed classes, changes since his diagnosis with “When I retire I will be able to
the forms for the school district. It was and instructors have to be re-trained Parkinson’s. have a slower pace. It will be nice to
really a headache,” Hagerman said. periodically. People with Parkinson’s tend to just slow down,” he said.
Hagerman was also the wrestling “To be a Drivers Ed instructor you start one job, and then start another Even though Hagerman has had to
coach when the school won the Class have to be very patient. It only hurts job but won’t actually finish their first give up some things in his life due to
A state title in 1989. It was the last things when you get impatient or get activity before they start the next. Parkinson’s disease, he knows that it
time the school won a state title in excited and start yelling at the driver. Hagerman has to tell himself to fin- isn’t the worst thing that could have
wrestling. You also have to make sure you let ish what he is doing sometimes. happened.
It was in his 30 years of teaching the students know ahead of time His typing skills have deteriorated,
Drivers Ed, that Hagerman had sev- what you want them to do and don’t his posture has worsened, and his
eral scary experi- surprise them,” Hagerman said. speech is a little slurred.
8 | FEATURE ences. Hagerman said he uses similar “One notable thing that is different

9. the
Graduation, ECHOES
SIMPLIFIED
staff
editor-in-chief | KARIN SHEDD
news editor | SCOUT WILSON
news writer | RYAN MEISTER
A tip of 197 red and white mortar board caps to the
changing of the policy of students speaking at graduation feature editor | MEGHAN PRITCHARD
feature writer | RACHEL CLEMENS
With the 2011 graduation cer- hand, offers the opportunity to speak sponsible for this change. No longer feature writer | ASHLEIGH SMITH
emony edging ever closer, we here at at the commencement to every mem- will audiences at Bearcat Stadium be
The Echoes would like to offer a hearty ber of the graduating class. subjected to the boring rants of over-
congratulations to the administration Seniors with any GPA may prepare achieving valedictorians who could center section editor | GABRIELLE CARLIN
for changing the policy regarding a speech and audition in front of a se- put drying paint to sleep with their center section writer | ETHAN HUGHES
students speaking at the commence- lect group of student senate members, mundane talk of goal-setting and
ment ceremony. teachers, parents, and administrators dream-reaching.
Traditionally, the school has al- to win the privilege of taking over the How about some light, refresh-
entertainment editor | RUSSELL MORGAN
lowed each and every class valedicto- podium for a few minutes at the com- ing reflections on the past four years
rian and salutatorian to address their mencement ceremony. packaged and presented by students entertainment writer | VICTORIA BRAVO
fellow graduates in a brief speech With all due respect to the students with proven ability in public speak-
given at some point during the ing?
sports editor | KELSEY EMPFIELD
commencement ceremony. It just makes sense – would the
However, it does not matter The views expressed school ever send the starting quarter- sports writer | MADDIE HOLSCHER
how succinct each individual’s back on the football team to a math sports writer | MICHAEL MILLER
speech is. in this editorial were competition unless said quarterback
supported 15-0 by
Every year, this factor is over- was indeed the best math student?
ridden by the number of speeches Probably not, so why not put our ad manager | CASEY SIGRIST
given: the school averages roughly
five to ten valedictorians and The Echoes staff best foot forward at graduation in the
form of a showcase for the school’s
adviser | TERRY PITKIN
salutatorians total for each graduat- titans in public speaking?
ing class, which adds up to quite a This move in no way diminishes The Echoes is a tri-weekly
bit of time listening to them discuss, who slave away for four years to keep the accomplishments of the valedicto- publication printed by the
recollect, and muse over the last four their grades perfect, recognition in the rians and salutatorians. Maintaining Business Farmer. The Echoes is a
years of their lives. form of being announced and wearing a perfect 4.0 GPA for four years is no member of the Nebraska High
Unfortunately, a pristine grade special sashes and/or medals should small task, and they should and will School Press Association and the
point average (GPA) does not imply suffice. still be recognized for having done so. International Order of the Quill
prowess in the field of public speak- We are of the firm belief that peo- However, only allowing them to and Scroll.
ing, which condemns everyone in at- ple in attendance at the 2011 gradu- speak does ignore the talents of other The Echoes encourages read-
tendance at any given commencement ation and every ceremony hereafter members of the graduating class. ers to write letters to the editor
ceremony to the harrowing abuse would rather listen to two or three The skills of SHS students are in response to a story, but does
of listening to those few inevitable raucously entertaining speeches given not confined to inside the classroom reserve the right to publish said
speeches that are either awkward, by the school’s finest public speakers walls, and those who are brave and letter.
cliché-ridden, or just plain bad. than what has been the traditional savvy enough to entertain a crowd of The Echoes also encourages
The new policy, enacted starting alternative. hundreds with words should have the all readers to submit their ideas
with the class of 2011, on the other Kudos are in order to those re- opportunity to do so. for story coverage, feedback on
stories, and any other input.
Heard in the Hall - the voices of Scottsbluff High School The Echoes
Scottsbluff High School
“
313 East 27th St.
“
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Letters with obscene, slander-
Yeah, I was a pretty terri- ous, libelous, or false information
ble prom date last year.” So...is France the will not be fun. The letter must
also be signed to be run. Content
capital of Italy?” may be edited due to grammati-
“Oh, I’m sure you cal or content needs. A signed
copy must be presented to the
weren’t. Was she?” “I thought that Scottsbluff High School journal-
was Paris...” ism department, room 130. Also,
“Uhh...yeah, pretty bad.” please check out Echoes Face-
book.com group and MySpace
- two geographically-
“HA HA HA HA HA HA!!” challenged junior girls
page online!
- conversation in a senior homeroom
OPINION | 9