Upcoming Medicare Seminar in Exeter

 

Exeter-Milligan Update: Crabs, Dolphins, and Rockets. . .Oh My?

 

Crabs, Dolphins, and Rockets… Oh My?

 

By Matt Nicholas

 

Ask any high school student what they look forward to most about senior year and you may get answers like: Homecoming, Prom, Last Day of School, or Graduation. But if you ask an Exeter-Milligan student, you have to add Senior Trip to the list. As the senior sponsor it is one of my responsibilities to plan and supervise a multi-day excursion to parts unknown with EM’s graduates to be. Every year the students pick a destination, a rental house and a myriad of activities to be paid for by the money they have earned as a class over the years. Aside from working hard in the classroom and on their various extra curricular activities, they also work the concession stands at ballgames and participate in several other fundraisers to earn money for prom and eventually the Senior Trip.

The Class of 2024 decided to travel to Galveston, Texas, a popular destination lately. At 6:00 AM on April 10th, we piled into a van and drove south. We drove for 14 hours with a few stops here and there for meals and the occasional bathroom break. As day turned to night we reached the end of the road, literally. Interstate 45 south out of Houston heads straight to Galveston Island, and as the numbers on the mile markers count down the anticipation builds. (Unless you are napping in the back of the van.) Then comes the bridge over Galveston Bay and Exit 1A into The City of Galveston and quick right onto 61st Street. A few more blocks of palm tree lined streets and then it happens, the end of the road. Nothing but a sea wall and a few dozen yards of beach separate you and the Gulf of Mexico. 

For many in this class and others before, this is their first glimpse of salt water or any body of water that you can’t take a pontoon across. For me, the feeling never gets old. We made it. Finishing the long drive brings on a sigh of relief, but also a jolt of energy. What will we do first? Answer: Go to Walmart! Yes, one of the many perks of renting a beach house is that you can make your own food, and for that you need supplies. Plates, cups, milk, fruit, sandwich and taco fixin’s, and don’t forget the sunscreen! (I did, I forgot the sunscreen.) After thirty minutes and a few hundred dollars we were back in the van, Yay! This time it is a much shorter trip down Seawall Boulevard to our home for the next few days.

As we pulled in, there were “ooh’s and ahh’s” and at least one “Oh the house is so cute!” After a quick unpack and tour of the house (tour = calling dibs on beds), the shoes were off, the toes were in the water, and you know what was in the sand. The kids had been cooped up in a van for well over half the day and were ready to play, but I was ready for bed! They eventually went to bed as well, and in the morning they were bright eyed and bushy tailed for the adventures that awaited them. 

Our first item on the agenda was a quick trip back up I-45 to Johnson Space Center just outside of Houston. We checked out the museum, the gift shop, and the rockets! Sorry NBA fans, no Yao Ming jerseys for us…I mean the Saturn V rocket. The very type of rocket that put man on the moon in 1969. The enormity of that space vehicle is hard to describe, but I think our group made up entirely of people born after we last set foot on said moon would agree that it was ‘like really big!’ We also were able to tour the mission control center where hundreds of people worked behind the scenes to make sure that Kevin Bacon and Tom Hanks got home safely during Apollo 13. (Shoutout to Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert for making that excellent film possible!)

After the space center, the next few days were filled with fun in the sun, crashing waves, nighttime crab hunting, a tour of Galveston Bay, dolphins included, and lots of good food. The sunburns were few and the crab cakes were awesome! Several of our more adventurous foodies tried fried calamari and chicken parmesan made by the EM foods class. We had great conversation and plenty of time to recharge our batteries for what lay ahead…the drive home.

Before we could leave, it wouldn’t be a senior trip without a trip to Pleasure Pier. Jetting out into the gulf and shining with vibrant colors at night, we played everyone’s favorite game: How Many Times In A Row Can Andrew Do The Log Ride Before Everyone Gets Cold And Wants To Go Back To The House? Answer: 3. Two of them with his classmates, and 1 by himself for good measure! We also tried to get my co-pilot, who shall remain nameless (Mrs. Myers) on at least one ride…we failed, but she took a lot of great pictures of Tyler nearly passing out on the Cyclone. When all was said and done we made some late night tacos and headed off to bed. 

The drive home went as planned and other than that smell in Wichita (origin unknown) was uneventful. I think that the Class of 2024 had a good time, I know I did. There may not be too many times left for this group to be together before they walk across the stage in May and turn their tassels, so I hope they will cherish the memories. From the Saturn V sized ones to the crab sized ones, and everything in between. Go Timberwolves!

 

Taylor Pribyl, Savana Krupicka, Malorie Staskal, Dravin Birkes, Andrew Vavra, Draven Payne, Tyler Due, Devin Harrison, and Troy Kallhoff.

 Andrew Vavra, Troy Kallhoff, Tyler Due, Draven Payne, Devin Harrison, Malorie Staskal, Savana Krupicka, Taylor Pribyl, and Dravin Birkes

 

 

EMF results at the Del Wicks Invitational, Deshler

 Boys

Breckan Schluter - 3rd place 100 M, 2nd place 200 M, 2nd place long jump, 3rd place triple jump

Adrian Mueller - 1st place 400M, 5th place 110M hurdles

Zach Vossler - 3rd place 400M, 1st place high jump

Jacob Weber - 5th place 800M, 3rd place high jump

Keltyn Kirchhoff - 4th place 1600M, 2nd place 3200M

Christian Conley - 2nd place 110M hurdles, 1st place 300M hurdles

Carver Kanode - 1st place pole vault

Hunter Svehla - 3rd place pole vault

Mark Milton - 5th place pole vault

4 x 100 relay - 4th place Mark Milton, Zayde Arp, Christian Conley and Hunter Svehla

4 x 400 relay - 2nd place Mason Vossler, Adrian Mueller, Zayde Arp and Carver Kanode

4 x 800 relay - 2nd place Mason Vossler, Chase Paulsen, Evan Brahmstedt and Jacob Weber

Girls

Kiley Oldehoeft - 5th place 200 M

Aniston Meints -5th place 200M, 4th place 100M hurdles, 5th place 300M hurdles

Sophia Weber - 5th place 800M

Babe Weber - 1st place 1600M, 1st place 3200 M

Kyler Sladek - 5th place 3200M

Reagan Bartley - 5th place pole vault

4 x 400 relay - 5th place Sophie Weber, Reagan Bartley, Malorie Lawver and Selah Petersen

4 x 800 relay - Reagan Bartley, Sophie Weber, Malorie Lawver and Brooklyn Oldehoeft

Exeter-Milligan Update: Middle School Language Arts

 Literary Journeys

By Sara Pella, Exeter-Milligan Middle School Language Arts Instructor

 

In the world of middle school English, students across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades have been diving deep into a diverse array of literary journeys. Sixth graders recently wrapped up their exploration of "Esperanza Rising," the compelling tale of a young Mexican girl's resilience in the face of adversity. They completed the unit with a character analysis; identifying pivotal moments that shaped their development, whether it's overcoming personal challenges, showcasing resiliency, or grappling with internal conflicts. By dissecting these elements, the 6th graders gained a deeper understanding of the character's journey and the themes of the story. 

Meanwhile, seventh graders have traversed the pages of "Maniac Magee" and are currently honing their narrative skills through the art of storytelling, crafting their own fictional tales. Eighth graders have tried to hold back their tears as they immersed themselves into the gritty world of "The Outsiders" and a unit on the Holocaust.  They completed this unit by drafting their own poem, 8th graders stepped into the harrowing shoes of Holocaust victims, weaving verses that echo the plea of "never forget," ensuring that the memory of those who endured such atrocities endures through the power of their words.  

 

Pictured are the 8th-grade “I Can Not Forget” poems

 

Exeter-Milligan Update: Underwater Art Adventure

 Family Art Night: Underwater Art Adventure

By: Lisa Kanode Date:

Many families in our communities come out yearly and enjoy a night of creating art with family. This event is an activity that HS art students organize every March in recognition of Youth Arts Month. Family Art Night is quickly becoming a beloved tradition in our community, offering a space where parents and children alike can unleash their creativity and forge lasting memories.

 

Held on Tuesday, March 19 from 6:30-8:00 in the EM High School gym, Family Art Night transforms the traditional sports gymnasium into a vibrant hub of activity. Upon entering, families are greeted with a kaleidoscope of colors and a medley of artistic supplies. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as the kids eagerly explore the possibilities before them.

 

The activities offered at Family Art Night are suggested by art students in my 6th-12th grades and then organized into a well-rounded event. We start with a theme to go off of so every year has been different. The students help get their activities ready for the night and offer directions for the families as they arrive while fostering a supportive environment where creativity can flourish.

 

This year's theme was "Underwater Art Adventure" So naturally we wanted the kids to have an ocean-like experience. One of my classes decided they would build a paper mache shark which led to 6th and 8th graders building 3D sea creatures that could also hang with the shark. A wire was stretched between the basketball hoops and volleyball standard to hang these creatures. The families then could navigate through the stations while being "underwater".

 

Among the most popular stations included face painting, aquariums made with rock, sand, and pipe cleaners, suncatcher jellyfish and marbleized seashells. The photo booth area had a submarine, shark cut out and Ariel and Flounder along with a coral reef that featured the 1st grade coral sculptures that were made from wire and nylon and painted in bright colors. The kids also had projects on display, which included snorkeling self portraits by the 2nd grade and flip a clip animations by the 3rd grade. These are just some of the wonderful things that the families experienced at this years E-M Family Art Night, "Underwater Art Adventures".

 

Indeed, the impact of Family Art Night extends well beyond the confines of the gymnasium walls. Research has shown that engaging in artistic activities as a family can strengthen bonds, boost self-esteem, and improve communication skills. Moreover, the benefits of creative expression extend to mental health, providing a therapeutic outlet for stress and anxiety.

 

After all, as Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

 

 Kaylynn Harding helping Laura Kroll and her granddaughter Anna with a project.

 

Cora Foutch and Charlie Vejraska pose as Flounder and Ariel

 Kyler Oldehoeft and Bowen Brandt “fishing” at Family Art Night

Breckan Schluter signs with Hastings College

 When you are the top running back in the state you are bound to get offers to play in college, but for Breckan Schluter the decision to sign at Hastings College wasn’t too difficult.

Schluter clocked 3155 yards this year with a career total of 7408.  He ended as the fifth highest career rushing yards in state history.

He is taking those records to Hastings where he will join the Broncos as a running back.  He did a game day visit in October and went on a lot of football visits this fall leaving his options open.

When he went back for an official visit he claims he just had a “gut feeling” it was a good fit for him.

Head Coach Matt Franzen also coached Schluter’s older brother Kyle Jensen (an Exeter-Milligan graduate) when Franzen was head coach at Doane so Schluter was familiar with him.  Franzen got a call from the Sandy Creek coaching staff the day after they played EMF and was told “you have to do everything you can to get this guy. That put the EMF team on the top of our radar.”

A few things stood out to Schluter at Hastings.  First, he saw underclassmen playing and second the Broncos are “on the upward trajectory. I believe in Coach Franzen and I felt like it was the right time to jump on that ship.”

Schluter also noted that their starting running back was graduating and felt like he could “fit into a role there and win the next four years.”

This season Schluter felt like their team was overlooked by everyone outside of the EMF communities. He had a great time through the playoffs and the feeling after winning the games and “doing it all with my best friends.  The memories with those guys will be there forever.”

For Schluter the key moment that stands out to him was “when Tyler (Due) took a knee at Crofton. The feeling was indescribable. . .having a goal and it being so far fetched.  We knew we could do it.”

Coach Kory Kahlandt sees Schluter “having a really good career at Hastings. Usually they are limited in playing time as freshman but I hope he can use those moments to show what he can do.”

The coaching staff at EMF depended on the senior for leadership in games and at practice.  “He led by example through and through. The effort that he put in and his ‘want to’ elevated the team.  He just elevated the whole team by showing what he could do and how he practiced.”

Schluter made some of their coaching easier.  “We would call a play and have a whole offensive series planned and Breckan would break six tackles and score a touchdown. We took that for granted, he was a special player to coach and a great kid.”

Kahlandt talked about how driven Schluter was and how he was so focused on the next game that they had to remind him to celebrate sometimes.  “I had to stop and make him realize how special this season was.”

EMF Co-Head Coach Jim Pfeiffer echoed Kahlandt’s thoughts on both Schluter and teammate Draven Payne, “They were leaders in our program and through their hardwork they were able to raise the level of play for our entire team.  Their ability to be willing to meet every challenge head on, the not being afraid to work hard to reach a goal, and their coachability prepares them well for the next level.”

“I enjoyed the heck out of their never give up, mental and physical toughness, as well as their ability to have fun with the game.  Hastings College with Coach Franzen leading the Broncos is a program on the rise and Breckan and Draven are two kids who can become leaders like they were for us at EMF.”

Schluter plans to pursue a degree in Business at Hastings.

Draven Payne signs with Hastings College

Draven Payne signs to play football at Hastings College seated with his mom, Tara Due.  Behind are Payne's siblings from the left Grady, Finley and Maddox.  In the back row from the left are his dad, Anthony Due, EMF Assistant Coach Jordan Pella and Hastings College Head Coach Matt Franzen.
 

Draven Payne inked his name on the dotted line to play football at Hastings College next year in a ceremony on Thursday, March 21 in the Exeter-Milligan commons.

The EMF senior return team member had a big season for the Bobcats in the safety position but also playing end Payne has been a versatile player for the Bobcats as he spent part of his junior year in the fullback position.  

Payne is well known for his speed on the field and hopes to convert some of that speed as a safety at Hastings College.

He really liked the campus and the coaches at Hastings and looks forward to playing with EMF teammate Breckan Schluter.

His senior season was one of highlights for the Bobcats and for Payne.  Their underdog trip to the state championship formed “bonds that will last forever,” according to Payne.

One of the highlights for Payne in that game was his interception at the State Championship game in Memorial Stadium.

He had 454 total return yards this season and with 17 kickoff returns for 323 yards and 12 punt returns for 131 yards.  Payne notched three interceptions for the season including the highlight reel worthy snatch against Stanton.

The biggest challenge that Payne noted was the transition from eight man football to 11 man.  He also realizes that college players are a lot bigger than high school and plans to spend a lot of time in the weight room this summer.

EMF Co Head Coach Kory Kahlandt has full confidence that Payne will make the transition to college football without too much trouble. “I think Draven is a very coachable kid.  All the teachers and his past coaches will tell you the same thing. You tell him to do something and he will go do it.”

He saw a lot of growth in Payne this year especially in leadership.  “He would come off and try to get the guys fired up.  Knowing he is a quiet kid normally. . . He would come off the field and be amped up.  He would just get his teammates fired up.”

EMF Co-Head Coach Jim Pfeiffer echoed Kahlandt’s thoughts on both Schluter and teammate Draven Payne, “They were leaders in our program and through their hardwork they were able to raise the level of play for our entire team.  Their ability to be willing to meet every challenge head on, the not being afraid to work hard to reach a goal, and their coachability prepares them well for the next level.”

Attending the signing was Hastings College head coach Matt Franzen. He emphasized the change in direction that Hastings has taken in the past three years since he took the helm, “We want to recruit well close to home, to have a presence in your own backyard.”

For recruiting he is trying to “bring a balanced class every year.” 

He is meeting his goals of a balanced class of recruits with the two Bobcats he has signed.  He hopes to use Breckan Schluter for offense and for Payne is “to play on defense, a perimeter position, possibly outside linebacker or safety.”

So while they have been teammates for the last six years, often playing side by side, next year they will be playing on opposite sides of the ball.

Pfeiffer added,”I enjoyed the heck out of their never give up, mental and physical toughness, as well as their ability to have fun with the game.  Hastings College with Coach Franzen leading the Broncos is a program on the rise and Breckan and Draven are two kids who can become leaders like they were for us at EMF.”

 

Kahlandt summed up his thoughts on Payne, “It didn’t matter what position he played he just made the team better.”

Exeter-Milligan School Board approves consolidation with Friend

 

It’s been 24 years since the last consolidation vote in the Exeter-Milligan school district and Monday evening in Milligan the school board took another historic vote.

In a 15 minute meeting, just minutes after the Friend school board approved the consolidation 6-0 the Exeter-Milligan board gave it’s stamp of approval.

Nearly 30 individuals attended the meeting but no one chose to comment on the vote or anything else.

The board opened with the consensus agenda before Superintendent Paul Sheffield gave a brief review of the petition to consolidate that would be submitted to the state committee. 

There were no discussion items so the board moved right into action items.  Board president Adam Erdkamp read the motion and asked if board members had any comments.  When no one spoke up Erdkamp did, “I appreciate all the work the board has done.  It’s been a long process.”

The board voted 6-0 for the petition to consolidate.

The board tabled the agreement on the Milligan site purchase and the contract with DLR for the elementary remodel citing a need for the building and grounds committee to meet.

The board approved non-certified contracts, and a contract for a fifth grade teacher, Jarod Belden, a York University student who will graduate this spring.

The board set the next meeting for May 15.

 

 

 

Exeter-Milligan Hosts Prom in Milligan

Exeter-Milligan held their prom on Saturday, April 6 in Milligan in the historic Auditorium.  Their theme was Ballroom on the Back Nine and the junior class created a 9 hole mini golf course using decorations from past proms including an Eiffel Tower along with a Viva Las Vegas sign.  Most of the boys in the junior class are members of the EMF golf team.

After the students cruised main street in Milligan during the windy and rainy evening, they exited their vehicles (some needed umbrellas) and entered the Auditorium for pictures and social time with family and friends.

Exeter-Milligan Superintendent Paul Sheffield introduced the couples as they walked across Milligan's main street before entering Charlie's for their evening meal.

Later the students danced and golfed the night away before enjoying a post prom which included entertainer Gayle Becwar and ping pong and corn hole tournaments.

 

EMF Golf Tri with Centennial and BDS

Despite some extremely windy conditions the EMF golfers have had some success on the golf course already this year.  They finished in second at their invite.