EMF Junior High Track Team

 

Photo courtesy of Leesa Bartu. Fifth Row L-R: Assistant Coach Katherine White, Ethan Bartels, Liam Capek, Braxton Harre, Tommy Kallhoff, Corbin Stutzman, and Assistant Coach Jarod Belden. Fourth Row L-R: Head Coach Lisa Kanode, Dante Salnicky, Archer Kanode, Corban Fennell, Archer Engert, Kaden Haney, Devin Anderson, Brock Bruntz, Camdyn Kenney, and Peyton Zirkel. Third Row L-R: Blake Bruntz, Natalie Files, Kambryn Kirchhoff, Josie Johnson, Charlee Stutzman, Brooklyn Gomez, Landri Johnson, Kora Havel, and Sergio Alarcon. Second Row L-R: Trigg Svehla, Mav Files, Harley Hardesty, Rylee Rohren, Val Spohn, Adalyn Meints, Paxin Meints, Saydee Kassik, and Landon Bartley. First Row L-R: Zach Zirkel, Gracelyn Becker, Hannah Shonerd, Carlee Bresson, Sailor Lloyd, Ava Svehla, Maliyah Burchett, and Grady Arp.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

 

What's New on the Library Shelves? | Non-Fiction Edition

 Check out these new books at the Exeter Public Library.

Red Platoon Chronicles: A Soldier's Memoir by Boyd Jones

Explore the terrifying and inspirational experiences of troops sent into the heart of battle in Red Platoon Chronicles: A Soldier's Memoir. This engrossing biography explores the struggles and victories of Red Platoon in great detail, providing an unvarnished story of their journey from the front lines of combat to their introspective times back home.

The author leads readers on a captivating journey through friendship, selflessness, and the enduring human spirit, all while describing the story in vivid detail and with genuine passion. Every page conveys the deep effects of war on the lives of those who serve, from the tumultuous, adrenaline-filled madness of battle to the serene moments of companionship around the campfire.

Red Platoon faces dread, loss, and the unbreakable connections of brotherhood that get them through the worst of times as they negotiate the difficulties of war. They create ties that go beyond the confusion of combat when they have moments of clarity and connection through the fog of war.

Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor by Clinton Romesha

The only comprehensive, firsthand account of the fourteen-hour firefight at the Battle of Keating in Afghanistan by Medal of Honor recipient Clinton Romesha, for readers of Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden and Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell.
 
“‘It doesn't get better.’ To us, that phrase nailed one of the essential truths, maybe even the essential truth, about being stuck at an outpost whose strategic and tactical vulnerabilities were so glaringly obvious to every soldier who had ever set foot in that place that the name itself—Keating—had become a kind of backhanded joke.”
 
In 2009, Clinton Romesha of Red Platoon and the rest of the Black Knight Troop were preparing to shut down Command Outpost (COP) Keating, the most remote and inaccessible in a string of bases built by the US military in Nuristan and Kunar in the hope of preventing Taliban insurgents from moving freely back and forth between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Three years after its construction, the army was finally ready to concede what the men on the ground had known immediately: it was simply too isolated and too dangerous to defend. 
 
On October 3, 2009, after years of constant smaller attacks, the Taliban finally decided to throw everything they had at Keating. The ensuing fourteen-hour battle—and eventual victory—cost eight men their lives. 
 
Red Platoon is the riveting firsthand account of the Battle of Keating, told by Romesha, who spearheaded both the defense of the outpost and the counterattack that drove the Taliban back beyond the wire and received the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Death Notice: Leonard J. Chlup

A Memorial Mass will be held for Leonard on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Ann Catholic Church in Burleson, Texas. 

Leonard's Memorial Mass will be livestreamed. Click the link below to be directed to the livestream.
Facebook livestream link: https://www.facebook.com/SaintAnnCatholicChurch

EMF Boys Fall to Yutan at State Tournament

 Photos courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

What's New on the Library Shelves? | Fantasy Edition

Check out these new books at the Exeter Public Library.

Powerful by Lauren Roberts

Set during the events of the New York Times bestseller Powerless, this captivating novella gives fan-favorite Adena a story all her own as she attempts to survive on the streets of Loot…and falls for a mysterious—and dangerous—Elite.

Adena and Paedyn have always been inseparable. Fate brought them together when they were young, but friendship ensured they would always protect each other and the home they built in the slums of Loot. But now Paedyn—an Ordinary—has been selected for the Purging Trials, which means almost certain death.

Now alone in Loot, Adena must fend for herself. After attempting to steal, she’s rescued by a mysterious man from the market. Mak’s shadowy past and secretive power set him apart from the other low-level Elites of Loot. And as the pair team up to see their loved ones before the Trials, the quest tests their loyalty, their love, and their lives.

Reckless by Lauren Roberts

Paedyn and Kai battle with duty and desire in this highly anticipated second installment in the sizzling and epic romantic fantasy trilogy that’s packed with spicy tension and edge-of-your-seat betrayal.

The kingdom of Ilya is in turmoil…

After surviving the Purging Trials, Ordinary-born Paedyn Gray has killed the King and kickstarted a Resistance throughout the land. Now she’s running from the one person she had wanted to run to.

Kai Azer is now Ilya’s Enforcer, loyal to his brother Kitt, the new King. He has vowed to find Paedyn and bring her to justice.

Across the deadly Scorches, and deep into the hostile city of Dor, Kai pursues the one person he wishes he didn’t have to. But in a city without Elites, the balance between the hunter and hunted shifts—and the battle between duty and desire is deadly.

Fearless by Lauren Roberts

Paedyn and Kai are reunited but face a terrible decision in this thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling romantasy trilogy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and The Red Queen.

Paedyn Gray and Kai Azer return to the Kingdom of Ilya…

And Paedyn has a life-altering choice to make. Whatever she decides will determine her fate—and the fate of those around her—forever.

In the ultimate battle of love and loyalty, who wins?

FFA Officer Feature | Gracie Vyhnalek, Vice President

Gracie Vyhnalek, a junior, serves as a vice president of the EMF FFA Chapter, helping guide and support members while encouraging involvement in chapter activities. As an officer, Vyhnalek helps plan activities, run meetings, mentor younger members, and motivate members to participate in FFA opportunities.

Vyhnalek became an FFA officer to challenge herself and make a positive impact on her chapter. “I wanted to become an FFA officer because I knew it would be a great opportunity for me to grow as a leader and make an impact on my chapter,” she said. Inspired by her own experiences in FFA, Vyhnalek wanted to help other members gain the same confidence and opportunities she has received.

What Vyhnalek loves most about FFA is the personal growth and shared passion within the organization. She values being surrounded by others who care about agriculture and self-improvement, as well as the chance to compete, serve others, and build lasting life skills. Through her leadership, Vyhnalek continues to help create a supportive and encouraging environment for all EMF FFA members.

Bobcat Cheer and Dance Team Place at State

The EMF Bobcat Cheer and Dance team battled more than just the competition floor on their way to the state stage on Saturday, February 20th. 

A winter snowstorm created an uncertain start to the day as it rolled through the area, forcing school to be canceled and initially putting the team’s trip to the state competition in doubt. After a change in the call later that morning, EMF administration approved travel, allowing the Bobcats to make the journey to Grand Island and compete.

Despite the rocky start, the team made the most of their opportunity.

Competing at the state competition in Grand Island, the Bobcats earned a 5th-place finish in Game Day cheer, marking the program’s first time competing in the category at the state level. The team also secured 5th place in Hip Hop dance, showcasing their versatility and performance skills.

This season has been a new chapter for the program. With the previous cheer and dance teams joining together into one combined team, the athletes have spent the year learning how to work together, adapt to new styles, and build chemistry.

Throughout the season, the Bobcats have continued to grow both on and off the court, developing stronger skills, teamwork, and confidence along the way. Their success at state reflects the dedication the athletes have shown while navigating the changes that come with building a unified program.

From a snowy and uncertain start to a strong finish on the state stage, the EMF Bobcat Cheer and Dance team proved their resilience and determination, setting a promising foundation for the future of the program.

Bobcats Advance to State Tournament

 On Saturday, February 28, 2026 the EMF Bobcats defeated Alma in the C2 District Finals. The Bobcats will be competing in the state tournament the week of March 8. Photos courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

FFA Officer Feature | Cohen Harre, Vice President

Cohen Harre, a junior, serves as a vice president of the EMF FFA Chapter, focusing on leadership and member involvement. His responsibilities include helping plan activities and serving as a positive role model for fellow members.

Harre decided to become an FFA officer because of his love for the organization and desire to be more involved. “I wanted to become an FFA officer because I love FFA and I wanted to be more involved in this chapter. I also wanted to help make this chapter even better than it is now,” he said.

What Harre enjoys most about FFA are the friendships formed through the organization. The relationships built through shared experiences and teamwork continue to be a meaningful part of his FFA journey.