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Channel 97 News: January 16

Paw Print Staff — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:05:10 +0000

Find out more about how BRFHS eases the transition for freshmen. The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message is explored, and we find out a little more about this spring’s musical.

Corporatism in the pink ribbon

Joshua Hanson — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:30:38 +0000

Pinkwasher: (pink’-wah-sher) noun. A company or organization that claims to care about breast cancer by promoting a pink ribbon product, but at the same time produces, manufactures and/or sells products that are linked to the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Go to many major retailers, and you’ll find a pink product… somewhere. These products will basically market off the color pink. “Buy me, and $.05 will go to breast cancer research!” It seems like a good cause– and generally, it is. However, companies are cashing in on the pink ribbon campaign in ways we can’t even imagine.

To be blunt, the color pink has become a marketing tool for many major corporations. The pink ribbon campaign is arguably one of the most successful branding campaigns of the last 100 years. To corporations, it seems irresponsible not to cash in on such a successful campaign.Recently, however, the Breast Cancer Action association has started a campaign of itself. The campaign is called ‘Think Before you Pink.’ Their ultimate goal is for people to critically ask themselves when they buy a pink product where the money is going, how much of it is going there, and if there is a cap on how much the company will donate.Not only do they ask people to look critically at the donation, but they also want people to examine the product.

Does the product have known carcinogens? Is this company knowingly producing products that only add to the cancer pandemic? Cosmetic and car companies often sell pink ribbon products, but at the same time, sell cancer producing products. This practice is wrong and hypocritical. It is referred to as pinkwashing, a term coined by the Breast Cancer Action Association.

As a consumer, you have to question what you’re being sold. You have to look critically at what a corporation does to get you to buy their product. No doubt, products that donate to any type of cancer research are good. However, the corporations that are using it as a marketing scheme seem to be becoming more and more prevalent. Companies do realize that by identifying themselves as a company that fights breast cancer, they will improve their public perception, and therefore, sport more profits.So, what can you do? First, be smart. Understand that not all corporations are good, and not all corporations are bad– you just have the task of distinguishing between the two. Remember to critically ask yourself questions when buying a pink product. And, don’t be afraid to speak up. If you’ve done your research, and know that a company is pinkwashing, tell people. The fight against breast cancer has been, and will continue to be, long and hard. But, it could be made easier if we were all able to identify the pinkwashers.Please, ‘Think before you Pink.’

Teacher Spotlight: Paul Rykken

Audra Schjeldahl — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:38:57 +0000

Paul Rykken has been a social studies teacher at BRFHS for 22 years and has received many awards for his teaching abilities. Rykken teaches AP American History, American Politics, 21st Century World and Law and Society.

Beside teaching, he is also the head of the Falls History Project and directs the student senate.

“He’s a good teacher because he knows what he’s talking about, he cares about his students and he doesn’t give us busy work. Instead, he makes sure we understand what he’s teaching,” said junior Mara Ransom.

The Law and Society class focuses on the different types of law and how they function. A lot of the class time is spent in the computer lab doing research on cases.

“We didn’t really have a lot of homework assignments, we just spent time learning. We learned about our legal system and we spent the whole term doing case research,” said Ransom.

Rykken started the Falls History Project in 2000 in the effort to document the history of the area. Last year’s concentration was on the Native American-European American relationships in the area.

“I’m really excited to get started with the history project. I think it’s going to be a really good opportunity for me and I’m really interested in the project itself. Mr. Rykken really finds a way to keep everyone interested and involved and I think his styles and strategies keep everything open for discussion,” said senior Joshua Hanson.

This will be Rykken’s eleventh year being involved with the project.

“He’s really into what he teaches. He’s always very thorough,” said senior Tim Nortman.

With Class: Intro to Business

Joshua Hanson — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:51:09 +0000

“I would really recommend taking Intro to Business, or any classes that Mrs. Finch or Mrs. Byrns offer because they’re both really great teachers,” said former Intro to Business student, senior Kaitlyn Dvorak.Intro to Business is a class that provides students a wide array of projects and activities while also giving them a base into the business world. The class is taught by Mary Byrns, a second year teacher here who enjoys providing students a variety of subject matter.

“[The kids really enjoy] the variety they get–they seem to really like the current event quizzes,” said Byrns.

To be successful, people have to be aware of what is happening in the world. Being offered the current event quizzes, as well as the variety of projects is, to many, enjoyable and beneficial.

“I really enjoyed the types of ownership of businesses, creating projects and running your own business,” said Dvorak.

Not only do students enjoy those portions of the class, but Byrns believes those portions of the class are important and worthwhile. These subjects help prepare students for the business world, and can help to explain the complexity of business.

“[The reason I teach Intro to Business is] to give some introductory concepts about business and explain the many facets of business,” Byrns said.

If you’re interested in Intro to Business, the class is a one term elective offered to grades 9-12. It generally includes students from many grades– so seniors are just as welcome as freshmen. Intro to business can help build a solid foundation for future BRFHS business classes.

“I mean, let’s be honest,” said Dvorak, “business is a part of everything.”

Dig for a cure: Volleyball girls fundraise for breast cancer

Joshua Hanson — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:57:37 +0000

A big win was accomplished for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization by community members, high school students and the volleyball team at a ‘Dig for a Cure’ event.

“[We raised] $1456.50, and we’re still selling shirts, so it could be ongoing,” said senior Holland Hogden, who helped coordinate Dig for a Cure.

Tracy Hoeschele co-organized the event with Hogden. Organizing took a lot of time and effort from both of them–but they came through.

“It was pretty awesome. It took a lot of organizing, but Holland Hogden and Tracy Hoeschele did really great,” said senior Emma Erlandson, member of the volleyball team.

Hogden and Hoeschele worked together to have a smooth, successful event. They each took on separate tasks that were more suited to them. According to Hoeschele, she worked on ordering and just generally giving ideas, while Holland was able to take care of all the high school things.

“I basically gave them [Hogden and Hoeschele] a little bit of information, and they took care of everything,” said volleyball head coach John Thurow. “ Without them, it probably wouldn’t have happened.”

The drive to do a benefit came from Thurow.

“I went to the Wisconsin State Volleyball Clinic, and they had a representative there who was giving information, trying to promote it [a ‘Dig for a Cure’ type event] in high schools,” said Thurow.

Thurow was extremely impressed with the community support, as well as the high school student support.

“Seeing all the people there in pink, and all the high school kids that painted pink, it was really great to see that support,” said Thurow.

Everybody was involved in the effort. Volleyball team members, parents– even the opposing team participated.

“Coach Thurow told GET [Galesville-Ettrick-Trempeleau] that we were doing this and they wore some pink shirts,” said Erlandson.

The success of the first ever Black River Falls Dig for the Cure event has made many people excited to see what will happen in the coming years. There will be more Dig for the Cure type events in the future, says Hoeschele, “Oh yeah– we definitely plan on doing this again. I mean, we raised a lot of money– $650.00 just in t-shirts.”

Area businesses stepped up to the breast cancer fighting plate as well. According to Hogden, Studio 107 donated $360.00 from the pink hair extensions you could see many of the volleyball members sporting.

“I was very happy with the businesses that stepped up,” said Hoeschele.

Between the organizing and community and high school support, the night was a success. Hopes are high to continue the event into the future. And the Lady Tiger’s 3-1 win capped off an event-filled night.

“It was fantastic,” said Hoeschele. “Just fantastic…”

JWL: The league

Tyler Bue — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:27:27 +0000

A group formed in Black River Falls, the Jackson County Wiffle Ball League involves numerous students from the high school.

Crack! You hear a smack as you see a bright, yellow bat make contact with a white ball with holes in one half.

Can you guess what sport that is being described? If you guessed wiffleball, then you’re correct.

Jackson County has a wiffleball league, the Jackson County Wiffle Ball League. The league is made up of many high school students.

“I play wiffleball because it is just a great, fun time with your pals,” said junior Jordan Millis.

“You’re just swingin’ bats and hittin’ balls.” Senior Alex Johnson said, “[I play wiffleball] to win by dominating other teams. And to be the best that ever stepped on the field.”

“Why wouldn’t you want to play wiffleball,” junior Nathan Helstad said.

The league held strong in its first years running, but the attendance of players during the recently past season decreased largely.

“It was a real downfall from the previous year,” said Millis.

Former Black River Falls High School student Eric Helstad was the commissioner of the JWL in the previous seasons. Now, with him going to college, the league has potential to fall apart.

Nathan Helstad says he plans to co-commission the league this year with senior Alex Johnson. “I plan to reinstate some rules about a player skipping a wiffle ball game to go and hang out with his girlfriend, so that we can have more dedication to the league,” said Helstad.

The JWL calls their field the Paul Helstad Memorial Wiffleball Field, and it is located out at the Helstad household–in their backyard.

Alex Johnson doesn’t plan to on a new field go with the new commissioners with the upcoming season. “ Absolutely not. There is nothing wrong with the Paul Helstad Memorial Wiffleball Field.”

If you have any interest in joining the JWL, the next season will not be until spring/summer of 2012, but be sure to communicate with the commissioners Alex Johnson and Nathan Helstad.

Seniors experience the first waves of the lasts

Kristin Getter — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:50:28 +0000

To most, the first day of school is an annual event– nothing to make a fuss over. But for the seniors, September 1 marked something more than just the first day of school. It marked the beginning of the end.

Before the first day of school, the last of the beginnings officially began with the last first day of practice.

“I wasn’t even thinking about it being the last year,” said senior Micayla, “but at the first game it felt weird not having last year’s senior girls and that made me think that I will be gone next year.”

Senior Jordyn Hilts agreed with Micayla.

“It’s hard to know that I’ll never have a chance to play these sports again,” said Hilts.

Hilts joined the tennis team this year, and she is finding it enjoyable. “It’s sad to know that this is my first, last and only year of tennis.”

Once the first day of practice was tackled, the seniors then had to face the first day of school.

“I thought I would be a lot more stressed over it [the first day],” said senior Leah Pennekamp, “but I was actually very calm and relaxed about the whole thing.”

The first day of school passed and the seniors are starting to get used to the fact that they are seniors.

“Thinking of my class as seniors is surreal and sobering,” said senior Desireé
Shawley.

Being a senior means superiority. They are the oldest and have the most experience of the school. They rule the school, as they would say.

“I am definitely looking forward to my last year,” said Cork.

Something that many seniors are looking forward to is freedom. As they transition from getting a license, to becoming an adult, they begin to experience the freedom they have wanted since childhood.

“I’m pretty excited to leave the nest and be a free bird,” said Hilts. Hilts wants to attend a tech college in La Crosse or Eau Claire to get her general credits, then later transfer to a university and pursue a career in health.

Though senior year is exciting, new and greatly looked forward to, it also requires huge responsibilities. Seniors are busy filling out applications for colleges and scholarships, and they are meeting with the counselors to further map out their futures.

“I’m excited to move out, go to college and start the rest of my life,” said Pennekamp.“But at the same time, I’m not [ready to leave the school and graduate]. It’s scary to think about leaving my friends and family.”

Some seniors don’t have their futures mapped out as well as they hoped. They have all year to make concrete plans. Cork is not 100% sure where she wants to go to college in her future; she is still looking into different options. Right now, Cork plans to live her last year to the fullest.

“I just want this year to be awesome.”

Athlete Spotlight

Aaron Miles — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:33:17 +0000

Senior Savannah and sophomore Kate Hegna recently became conference champs at number one doubles. They are the Lady Tiger Tennis players that have doubled up to created a dynamic duo.

Both started playing tennis at young age. Savannah’s mother was a tennis athlete and all of Hegna’s sisters played tennis, so it’s no surprise that the two would someday play tennis themselves.

They first started playing together at the start of this season, but have always been friends.

“We are great friends on and off the court, so that helps…and our communication is great,” Savannah said.

The girls spend a lot of time together and consider each other sisters.

“We do just about everything together,” Savannah said.

The two have really enjoyed their season together and only expect to go up from here.

“To State!” Hegna said.

The two had practice almost every day after school for the season, but besides that are very active in the school and community. Both participate in band, Savannah as a student director, and Hegna as section leader for the clarinets. Besides that, they are in other groups like Peer Educators, choir and are active in church groups. They also keep high grades in school and display leadership quailities.

Savannah and Hegna had subsectionals October 3. Like any game this was a challenge for the two but they both put in the practice for chance to compete. The two ultimately went down in three sets, but Savannah had only positive things to say about the season.

“The season was extremely fun,” said Savannah . “I love all the girls and will remember the memories we made for the rest of my life.”

18 year old political junkie

Audra Schjeldahl — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:32:21 +0000

: Senior Joshua Hanson

This summer senior Joshua Hanson had the opportunity to work for Organizing for America (OFA), a democratic political organization. Hansons’s job in OFA this summer was titled “Acting Canvassing Coordinator.”

The position title can be explained as: serving temporarily for the persuasion of voters in a political campaign. His task was to see that work gets done promptly and efficiently. One of his main duties was to run an OFA phone bank. Phone banks are put together by establishing lists of registered voters, developing a call list, making and providing volunteers with scripts, and finally, setting the calls into motion.

OFA, also known as Obama for America, strives for the re-election of Obama, and the passing of his legislation. Its summer programs are intended to be for people who want to become politically involved, and for those with a strong pride in the country’s constitution and the rights that come with it.

Hanson said, “It’s fun! Everyone else should do it.”

Hanson worked especially close with August’s recall elections, which his calls, and the directing of people to door-to-door areas, were majorly based upon.

“Because the Republicans that were in office were elected in a year that was deemed a ‘democratic year,’ they were either very well liked or very well represented by the Republican areas. Therefore the ejection of them was a major score for the Democrats. In addition to that, three Democratic leaders were able to sustain their spots,” Hanson said.

How could he possibly have come to all this at such a young age? That’s a question that is more commonly asked than not. The answer would be that he began his interest in politics in 2008 (which he says was furthered after taking both American Politics and 21st Century World) and really began to get involved in 2010.

Before he took his position, he attended OFA training in Milwaukee. His house contains his own “office” which is covered in political quotes and ideas, and he even entered and became a finalist for a summer essay contest that if won, would have led to him having dinner with Obama.

Hanson said, “I hope that my work with OFA and with politics in general will help me gain success in my future career, and influence two colleges (Georgetown and William and Mary) to accepting me.”

Senior Jordyn Hilts calls Hanson “devoted, enthusiastic, and a future political leader” and senior Tim Nortman says, “Oh, I think he’ll definitely accomplish his goals.”

Hanson explains he is going to continue his political involvement during the school year by “trying to make a difference in any way I can.” He will be participating in OFA’s “Fall Fellow” Program which concentrates on sustaining and building his team and in his own words: “taking it one step at a time.”

Tiger teams make tracks through season

Sam Ripp — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:30:05 +0000

Volleyball

The Black River Falls volleyball team is underway in their 2011 season. Most of these girls have been playing together for a long time and have a lot of good chemistry as a team.

“We started off to a rough start, but now were starting to put it all together,” said senior Jessica Bere.

Though the Tigers have a losing record, it isn’t stopping them from working hard and setting goals.

“Some of our goals are to beat GET, Luther and Viroqua,” said Bere. With some goals, the Tigers look to turn this season around and get ready for the postseason.

Football

The Black River Falls football team has been hitting hard since August and now they’re in the middle of the season. The Tigers lost some players from last year, so now it’s time for some young stars to show their talent on the field.

“There’s been a rough start to the games, but the team chemistry is very good and we’re improving,” said sophomore quarterback Ethan Young.

The Tigers are still winless on the year, but look to bounce back for the second half of the year, with conference play just around the corner. The players and coaches have some goals, but one big one will take a hard road to get.

“We want to be conference champs,” said Young. “You gotta believe.”

Cross Country

The Black River Falls cross country team is in mid-season form with some nice races under their belts. With the team losing some key runners, the Tigers have to rely more on the team aspect.

“Our guys’ team is having a pretty good season with a young team,” said senior Brady Gartner.

The Tiger runners are training hard and getting ready for conference and sectionals, which both are held in Black River at the Skyline Golf Course. Since both girls and guys teams have young teams, they are trying to focus on how to get their top five runners as close as possible for better points.

“We are trying to get our 1-5 split down to 30-45 seconds,” said sophomore Taylor Dalbec.

Tennis

The Black River Falls tennis team is already wrapping up their season soon. These girls have been playing since August and have had a good season.

“We have won all our conference meetings except one,” said senior Lindsey.

With the season winding down, they have a big tournament coming up this Saturday in Black River, it’s the conference tournament.

“We are hoping to do really well at conference,” said senior Emily Rodenberg.

The team also added a new assistant coach, which is Jenny Teeples.

“She is a really great asset to the team, she has a lot of knowledge of the game and she really helps us,” said Lindsey.