Exeter-Milligan Students Participate in Honor Bands

Jordyn and Trystan Brandt, of Exeter-Milligan High School, have had busy schedules this winter, as they attended several college honor bands.  Jordyn, a Senior flutist, attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Winter Festival for Winds and Percussion, held Jan. 23- 25, on the UNL campus.  Students attended from several states.  Activities during the festival included: music scholarship auditions, masterclasses with professors, lectures, faculty and student recitals, and chamber ensemble workshops.  On Saturday night, a Festival Banquet was held at the Holiday Inn.  Following the banquet, a chamber ensemble recital was held.  Each festival participant was assigned to play in a quartet or quintet group.  Jordyn performed flute with the top ranked finale ensemble, the Great Plains Woodwind Quintet, which also featured an oboe, a clarinet, a bassoon, and a French Horn.  They were coached by Dr. John Bailey, professor of flute.  Afterwards, a reception was held with the faculty.  The final concert was held, on Sun. Jan. 25, at Kimball Recital Hall.  The conductor was Carolyn Barber, Director of Bands at UNL.  In addition to performing with the Honors Wind Symphony, the high school students also combined with the UNL Wind Ensemble and played together as the Festival Symphonic Band.  Jordyn was honored to hold the first chair, Flute I position.  On Mon. Jan. 26, Jordyn and Trystan traveled to Kearney to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney Honor Band and Choral Festival.  Three choirs and two bands performed during the concert.  Both Jordyn and Trystan performed in the Honor Band which was directed by Dr. David Bierman, Director of Bands at UNK.  Students attended the festival from Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa.   Next, Jordyn and Trystan went to Wayne State College, on Sat. Jan. 31, for the Wayne Festival of Honor Bands.  Three honor groups perfomed during the concert, including a Jr. High Honor Band.  Trystan, a Sophomore,  performed trumpet with the Symphonic Band, directed by Brad Weber, professor at WSC.   Jordyn performed flute with the Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. David Bohnert, Director of Bands at WSC.  Jordyn has been selected to play with this group all four years of high school.  This year, she held the first chair, Flute II position.  The festival also featured a performance by WSC students.  Participants attended the festival from Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.  Feb. 5-7, Jordyn attended the Hastings College Honor Band Festival.  Participants had the opportunity to take part in masterclasses with professors, meet with faculty, and attend faculty and student recitals.  The concert included performances by the Honor Choir, Honor Orchestra, and Honor Band.  The Honor Band was conducted by Dr. Michael Knight, professor at St. Norbert College in DePere, WI.  Jordyn was honored to hold the first chair, Flute I position.  Finally, Jordyn attended the Nebraska Wesleyan University Honors Festival, Feb. 12-14.  Jordyn was chosen to also perform on piccolo.  Participants had the opportunity to audition for music scholarships and attend a luncheon and a reception with faculty.  The concert included performances by the Honor Choir, Honor Orchestra, and Honor Band.  The Honor Band was conducted by Dr. Jermie Arnold, professor at the Bob Cole Conservatory in Long Beach, CA.  Students attended from Nebraska and Iowa.  Participants for all of the honor festivals were selected by recorded auditions.

Congratulations to the Class D All-State band members: Jordyn Brandt, Alexis Uldrich, Ella Wilkins, Kaitlyn Vavra, Ashley Benorden, Amber Pribyl, Trystan Brandt, Haylee Sheffield, Samantha Horne, Maitlyn Thomsen, and Patrick Murphy.

Congratulations to the band members who were selected to the CRC Honor Band!  They are:  Jordyn Brandt, Ella Wilkins, Alexis Uldrich, Ashley Benorden, Kaitlyn Vavra, Madison Horne, Katherine White, Hannah Horne, Trystan Brandt, Amber Pribyl, Trever Zelenka, Caitlin Murphy, Haylee Sheffield, Samantha Horne, Maitlyn Thomsen, Nick Hayek, Patrick Murphy, Joel Klemm, Jack Dinneen, and Janey Due.

 

E-M's Horne Chooses Concordia

Exeter-Milligan Senior Madison Horne signed a letter of intent to play college volleyball at Concordia University on Friday, February 13^th.  She is surrounded by her parents Jim and Kristi Horne.  Behind her are Concordia Head Volleyball Coach Scott Mattera and Exeter-Milligan Head Volleyball Coach Darcy White.

Exeter-Milligan three sport standout Madison Horne is ready to take her volleyball skills to the next level at Concordia University.

The Timberwolf senior signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for Coach Scott Mattera on Friday, February 13^th. “I really liked Coach Mattera and am looking forward to playing with Claire (White) again.” 

Horne has a volleyball state championship under her belt, along with a runner-up and third place finish at the state meet.  “Our team plays really well together and I hope to bring that to the college level.  I think it will be a lot harder but hopefully I am prepared for it,” she explained.

Coach Mattera saw Horne at the volleyball camp Concordia hosted last summer, “She has great athleticism and versatility.  We really saw her step up in leadership and maturity.  Part of our attraction to athletes like Madison is her ability to play multiple positions.  She will be a defensive specialist for us but she can play libero if we need her to.”

“Horne comes from a good program.  She has been well coached by Coach White,” Mattera continued.

Coach Darcy White, whose daughter Claire plays for volleyball for Concordia is very familiar with the program, “Madison is going to be a fantastic addition to the Concordia team.  Her all-around skills will give her an advantage right away.  She is able to play any position, but her passing and setting skills will make her invaluable to their defensive scheme.”

White looks forward to watching Horne in the future, not only on the volleyball court but in life, “Young adults who have the ability to continue playing their sport enter college with a definite focus.  Not only are they going to get an education, but they have a built in family support system in their team.  As student athletes they not only have to learn to manage their time wisely but they have something more to motivate them.   Playing college volleyball (or any sport for that matter) is a huge commitment, and it takes a person with lots of determination and passion for the game to make it work.  I think Madison will be a huge success!”

Horne also looked at the option of an academic scholarship at UNL but decided that she wanted to take the opportunity to attend Concordia.  She has not decided on a major yet.

 

Exeter-Milligan School Board Takes First Step Toward Addition

Exeter-Milligan School Board met Wednesday, February 11 in Milligan taking the first step in approving an addition to the Exeter school building.

The board met without Treasurer Jim Zeleny who was excused.  The board began the meeting with a presentation on marketing bonds in the local arena from Geneva based Edward Jones representative Vern Kendell.

Kendell noted his recent success in selling school bonds, “When a local bond opportunity comes up my clients are chomping at the bit to have the opportunity to support something local.  We aren’t asking for the major part of the bond that is coming up, just 15 or 20 percent to be able to sell locally.”

School Board President Sharon Kuska thanked Kendell for the information and started with the rest of the agenda.  She read the treasurer’s report and the board also reviewed the minutes from the regular January meeting and the special meeting that was held to discuss the proposed addition.

President Kuska asked Superintedent Paul Sheffield to elaborate on the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Associaiton  (NRCSA) line item that was paid. Sheffield explained that membership in this association is tied into some of the funding that the school receives.  In the past this item was approved by a board vote, but Sheffield explained, “Since the funding is tied to this membership I went ahead and included it on the bills.”

The board approved the bills, treasurer’s report and the two sets of minutes.

Under the old business, the building project update item was discussed.  Sheffield explained, “After we had the special meeting the next step we are at is the point of passage of a resolution.  The school board approves the Joint Public Agency to issue bonds.”

Moving on Kuska noted that a report on Superintendent contract negotiations will be given next month and then she announced the committee assignments.

New business was addressed next and the first item discussed was a change in the daily schedule.  Superintendent Sheffield presented information to the board on what they call a “second chance breakfast.   We have about five kids who eat breakfast every day but on Mondays we have a break between first and second period when our  7 -12 graders can get a grab and go breakfast.  We have found that about 65% of our students are taking advantage of this.  We want to make this a daily occurrence.”

The board discussed how offering a daily late breakfast could change the school day.  Sheffield explained, “We would go to one lunch for the 7 – 12 graders which is about the same amout of kids in one lunch period we had when the schools first combined.  We could build 13 minutes into the day and allow the kids to eat breakfast by just adding two minutes to the end of the school day.  Anyone that qualifies for free or reduced lunch would also get the free or reduced breakfast.”

Sheffield went on to elaborate on some additional scheduling changes, “It has been recommended that we do recess first and then lunch for our elementary grades.  The Milligan campus has tried that this year with some success and so next year in Exeter recess would be at 11:00 and then lunch would follow.”

The board passed this change in the school day unanimously.

The next item on the agenda was the resolution authorizing the JPA to issue bonds to finance the school addition which would include “a recreational, wellness and multi-purpose facility for the benefit of the District and the Village of Exeter,” according to the resolution.

It was noted that the full cost was not to exceed $1.6 million and Sheffield explained, “This resolution just starts the process in what I would call a five step process.  Second, the JPA passes a resolution, then advertises a hearing, holds a hearing and issues the bonds. By agreeing to this doesn’t mean that it is going to happen, this is just the first step and it can’t get started until we take this step.”

The board discussed the project briefly.  Board member Adam Erdkamp stated, “I think it’s a good project and it makes sense.”

The board voted unanimously to pass the resolution and it was recorded that the JPA will meet on Wednesday, February 18^th.

The board noted there were no applicants for the separation incentive program.  They discussed the upcoming NRCSA Legislative Forum and Spring Conference before setting the next board meeting for March 11^th in Exeter at 7 p.m.

E-M's Kyle Jensen signs with Doane

Pictured with Exeter-Milligan student Kyle Jensen are his parents, Melanie Schluter and Aarik Jensen.  Behind are Doane head football coach Matt Franzen (left) and Exeter-Milligan head football coach Dean Filipi.

Exeter-Milligan football and basketball standout has made his decision, he’s not going to be far from home at Doane.

Kyle Jensen looked mainly at schools in the state of Nebraska, especially looking at Concordia, Wayne State and Nebraska Wesleyan but found his choice was even closer to home in Crete.

“Doane has a real team unity and the coaches were what I was looking for.  Plus, my brother goes there and it’s close enough to home but I still have some space,” explained Jensen.

Jensen anticipates joining the team as a running back and Doane head football coach Matt Franzen is looking forward to having Jensen, “His leadership and work ethic attracted us.  He is not going to shy away from hard work.”

Franzen also added that Jensen has the size, strength, ability and speed that they are looking for in a good football player.  “Kyle understands what it is to be a competitor.  He is a championship caliber player and competitor.  We were impressed after meeting him after the football season.  His demeanor and confidence is what we look for in recruiting, not just talent.”

Exeter-Milligan coach Dean Filipi looks for Jensen to have continued successes, “He started his freshman year on defense and shared duties on offense with Jimmy (Sluka).  Kyle’s just gonna keep getting better with work.  His work ethic and willingness to play will make him a good asset.  He has been a good leader for his.  He leads by example and has shown our team what you can do with hard work.”

Franzen noted that Jensen’s hard work has already paid off, “He is physically ready to play college football.  A lot of guys we get need a year to get in shape physically to play for us but we will be able to play Kyle right away.”

Jensen is looking forward to Doane College off the field as well.  He plans to major in business and is exploring the option of a minor in computers.

Jensen will be a member of the 57th Annual Shrine Bowl team.  He was chosen as one of the 70 best senior players of high school football in Nebraska. The game will be played on Saturday, June 2nd at the University of Nebraska-Kearney at 2 p.m.

E-M Takes a Big Lead Versus Cross County

 Derek Luzum gets the ball in the tip off start.  The Timberwolves won 49-40

 Kyle Jensen passes the ball away from Andrew Peterson.

Broc Mueller is denied a basket by #34 Brady Langemeier.

Last Home Game for E-M Girls a Big Win

The

The Timberwolves met up with Cross County on Friday night in their last home game of the season.  It was a big win for the ladies as the came out on top 53-25.  The Timberwolves will meet Meridian in Sub-districts Tuesday night at 7:45.