True Grit Welcome back to the 27th year of The Eagle.

Enrollment: 306
September 18, 2014
Volume: 27 Issue: 1
What’s
Inside?
The
Eagle
Sometimes we’re bold, even italic, but never regular. One
thing is for sure— we’ve got issues.
True Grit
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The tale of one girl and her greenhouse
By Brooklyn Westenburg
Sam Teten is part of the diminishing residue of J-B
yesteryear. A time when JB students wearing boots
caked with a concoction of mud and cow feces gobbled
their last second PB&J before math class. In the hallways, these faithful farmhands ranted about how derivatives and tangents would never have anything to do
with Nemaha County’s Corn production.
Their country-boy confidence almost always insisted
they were right. Syrupy slang and cheap nourishment
gushed through the crevices of their mouths. Passing
townies would cock their heads with a sense of bewilderment.
The farm kids knew life beyond a high school
graduation and the family farm wasn’t what the good
Lord had in store for them, but they were never ones to
complain. To their teachers they would nod and hide
behind grins that could humble a Sunday morning pastor.
In pursuit of returning J-B to these down-home
roots, Sam became the force of nature behind the FFA
greenhouse project. Through the cracks of the rowdy
construction zone, one can observe the building that
stands north of the school, just beyond the tennis courts.
Although comparably smaller than most high school
greenhouses in the state, the arrival of the 8 by 24 foot
structure has got the students, the administration, and
the community looking at the big picture.
“It was needed,” says the FFA president, “It’s a visual thing. The greenhouse helps the community see
what we’re doing. Some people didn’t even recognize
we had an FFA chapter.” A fact that surprises and frustrates the senior.
In the six years since founding an Eagle FFA chapter, the focus of the program has shifted multiple times,
often with a Teten at the helm of the reconstruction.
“When my brother was in it, they focused a lot on the
tractor restoration part of it,” says Teten. “Then we had
Shannon that was into animal science and Stephanie
that was into food science.” For Sam, it’s plant science.
Seemingly born into the role, she and FFA director
Christy Hodges starting applying for grants that would
make the distant dream a reality.
Realizing the school’s budget wouldn’t be able to
fully fund a club project of this magnitude, Sam began
crunching numbers last fall. With the help of Mrs.
Hodges, she applied for four grants.
“I don’t think anybody really thought I was going to
get it done,” she said.
Gradually one by one the grants came in, only one
was unsuccessful. With word that the third and final
Food for All grant was through, the small town farmer
fantasy was on the fast track to becoming a tangible
asset that the Future Farmers of America could proudly
hang their hat on.
The final grant signified the storybook death of the
stressful money-crunch, but it was now time to get
dirty. Two weeks before the first day of her senior year,
Sam and 9 other volunteers first looked down at a barren cement slab, the previous home of a worn and torn
gazebo. Then, they looked at each other with discerning
eyes. There was no going back now.
As the blistering Nebraska sun moved from east to
west, volunteers of all ages shredded protective plastic,
assembled nuts and bolts, and laser-leveled uneven terrain. After the ten hour day, if the $5,000 building was
stable, it was good enough for them.
“To stand there and look at it and see it done was
very, very rewarding.”
Since the greenhouse’s birth, the FFA program has
filled the building 228 poinsettias. Giggling to herself
Sam admits that forty of the traditional Christmas flowering plants have already died. “At this rate, we may not
have any left,” she chuckled. “They may not bloom at
the right time. They may not bloom till after Christmas
or right before. They may completely fail but I think if
t h e y s u c c e e d i t wi l l b e i n c r e d i b l e . ”
hhhOne can almost feel the farm grads of days gone by
smiling at her spunk. The legacy may or may not
bloom, but the true legacy is to plant the initial seed and
wait for good things to grow.
Welcome back to the 27th year of The Eagle.
Page 2
September 2014
Feature
All The Right Moves
Nee transitions to JB life
By Terra Newman
“I can’t believe you are really transferring to Johnson Brock.”
Grudges will be held, enemies might be made, and the word
“traitor” will for sure be passed around. “Yes and I can’t wait,”
she replied to her former classmate. Tori Nee, an
ex-Auburn bulldog, decided at the beginning of
her freshman year she wanted to become an Eagle.
Her reasons for transferring though were not
what one might have expected. “If there was a
problem you had to figure it out yourself. Finding
help from a teacher about a topic not relating to
homework was almost impossible,” she said. That
frustration was also felt by her parents who wanted
Tori to be challenged. “I’m not a brainiac or anything but my parents wanted the best education for
me.” Tori said.
The transition from a C1 to a D2 school was noticeable for Tori
in and out of school. “Understanding eight man football is something I have failed in this year,” said Tori, “By the time I’m done
cheering at all their games, I should have a better grip on it.” During the school day Tori notices that her class size is often smaller
and teachers are always sparking up a conversation when passing
by in the hallway. She’s adapted to most of the teaching styles.
“The only one I haven’t quite understood yet is Mr. Leuenberger’s
because he’s just silly,” said Tori.
The pep rally was the first time the dark haired girl
with an easy smile was nervous. With two days notice the
cheerleaders put one together with the help of the sponsor
Brenda Clark and coach Janet Clark. Since this is the resurrection of cheerleading, the girls had a lot of pressure to
make a good first impression. “Right now we are just doing basic chants. We just want to take it step by step,” said
Tori, “We really want to get the crowd involved. We can’t
be eight different cheerleaders; we have to be as if we are
one.”
Making friends at JB was easy for Tori thanks to her
outgoing personality. She also knew a handful of JB students prior
to her arrival. So while it may be considered traitorous to opt to a
rival school, Tori thinks the payoff is well worth it. “Transferring
to this school is one of the best choices I have made.”
Opening the Barn Doors
Student teacher has multiple passions
By Krista Riley
A life changing event can be as simple as reading a book, at
least for Social Studies student teacher Mr. Barns. Throughout
high school, he mostly focused on football, like his brothers. During college though, he read a book about ancient civilization and
became fascinated. It changed his view on history and it remains a
subject he is passionate about.
Mr. Barns was inspired to become a teacher after working as a
naturalist at Mahoney State Park. The hands-on teaching made
him feel a connection with students. He is set to graduate in December from Peru State College and start teaching immediately if
all goes well. He also plans to enroll in a masters degree program.
Mr. Barns is trying to do all he can to make his students interested in learning. In the classes he teaches, he has gone from demonstrating karate to portraying Bob Ross. One of his main focuses
is trying to get them to think critically and problem solve instead
of just memorizing information. In college, his honor courses
made him do just that, and he credits those as what helped him
prepare most for teaching. He likes to see what they write on essay
questions since they are able to apply the knowledge they have
gained.
“It’s like a big family; everyone knows everyone here,” he said
about Johnson-Brock. Mr. Barns chose to student teach at J-B because of its size and proximity to his home in Nebraska City. He
was also impressed with the turf on the field, and he quickly volunteered to be part of the football coaching staff.
He grew up going to small schools as well, starting with a one
room schoolhouse in Murdock, the same one his wife went to. A
romance in the making. Both of them moved on to ElmwoodMurdock where they began dating their junior year. They married
this past summer and are now expecting a baby, which will soon
become Mr. Barns’ newest focus and passion. With his whole life
ahead of him, Mr. Barns will continue to follow his passions until
the next life changing moment comes around.
Rain or shine FBLA March Of Dimes run/walk fundraiser will be tomorrow.
What would make you want to go?
Brooklyn:
Terra:
Kacie:
“You get to see
Mr.L in shorts!”
Kendra:
“I’ll be there.”
“You could always lose
a little butt! Come
burn some carbs!”
“Save some babies, and
if you don't want to do
that you're sick..”
Page 3
Feature
September 2014
Nail In The Coffin
Volleyball team set to achieve goals
By Jaxson Balm
Coach Sondra Westenburg has always been known for saying it
like it is. But the volleyball team was clearly confused at the underlying message when Sondra handed each of them a charm. “Is
it a screw?” Kendra asked. “No, it’s a nail for the coffin.”
That’s the mission. After four years of coaching her daughter,
Sondra is ready for this team to accomplish what the others have
failed to do.
With veteran Brooklyn Westenburg running the offense, there
is an air of calm on the court, but with that comes a level of intensity, a Hallmark of the Westenburg Women.
The volleyball team has set high goals this season including a
fourth straight appearance in the conference championship, but
this year they plan on winning it all. They have a few obstacles to
overcome including just 14 girls on their roster. They also play the
majority of their games on the road. That is why becoming a family is such a key part to their success. “This season the team has
tried something new before each game,” Kendra said. “We stand
in a circle and just say what’s on our mind.”
So far the new method has worked, as the Eagles have started
with a strong 8-3 record, playing on the road in all eleven games.
“Playing on the road isn’t a bad thing because it gives you time to
have the volleyball mind set and I get to spend more time with the
team,” said Kendra. “Also it’s nice to beat people on their own
home court.”
As the vocal leader on the team, Brooklyn knows there is more
to this season than just winning. “I want to look at the big picture
and remind myself to learn from each game we play,” she said.
Despite the obstacles ahead, the volleyball team plans on using
their strength as a family to achieve a laundry list of goals and
finally “put the nail in the coffin.”
The Good
8-4 season start
The Bad
3 losses to Freeman
The Ugly
Playing late MUDECAS
games at SCC and
placing 4th to ExeterMilligan
Kicking Off New Changes
Football team changes it up
By: Kacie Hahn
It’s the second play after kickoff and quarterback Sophomore
Trey Stutheit is dripping beads of sweat. He has one job: pass to
senior running back Brody Clark. The Eagles line up facing the
Hampton defense. Junior Zack Andersen snaps the ball to Stutheit.
Seeing Clark in perfect position, Stutheit cocks his right arm back
and fires the pigskin. The catch is complete. Clark takes off down
the field, dodging purple. He’s at the 20, the 10,
touchdown Eagles! Clark pumps one fist in the
air, and cradles the ball in the other.
One pass not only changes the score but also
sparks a flame inside the boys. Sophomore Jaxson
Balm soon steps in to QB and with just 27 seconds left in the first quarter, he looks for Junior
Austin Griggs downfield. Griggs runs his route to
the sideline then jukes back in towards mid-field,
catches it, and takes it home untouched. A successful play that
brings out the smiles.
Unlike De La Salle’s well-known win streak, the J-B football
team has been working hard to collect W’s. With a 0-8 record in
2013, the early win marked improvement and changes made over
the past summer. The coaches implemented a new offense and
defense that compliments their short roster.
But the question still stands. What happened this year that didn’t in 2013? “We want to play,” Jaxson was quick to reply.
“Practices are even more intense.”
And bringing that practice intensity to the Hampton game
proved successful in boosting confidence levels. Even head coach
Brett Davis was pleased.
“As the confidence goes up, practices go better.”
Smaller numbers in the high school have dropped
JB to class D-2, which means Falls City Sacred
Heart is now on the schedule along with ExeterMilligan. But Coach Davis remains optimistic. The
frustrating Homecoming loss will test the resiliency
of the Eagle squad. The key is to know that the
changes implemented over the summer will be successful if the team stays focused and intense.
Senior Brody Clark feels his role is to motivate. “I just get the
guys pumped up for the game,” he explains. His CD of choice?
ACDC’s “Hells Bells”. That’s about as intense as it gets.
Page 4
September 2014
Feature
T.V.
Question
The Break Up
By Josh Andersen
Unneeded, unwanted, unloved. That’s how he
felt when she kicked him out. It’s not as if he hadn’t seen it coming. The friction between them had
been building for years. She constantly comIs there anything that
plained that he was “wasting her time”, “burning
would make you stop
through her money”, and “rotting her brain”. And
watching T.V?
he, well, he just wasn’t turned on by her like he
“Anymore Reality T.V. used to be. And now, Mrs. Johnson’s 24 inch
Magnavox TV feels unwanted, unneeded, and,
Shows.”
above all else, unloved.
-Brittany Stewart
The decision had been a long time coming for
veteran
art instructor Rhonda Johnson. “I’ve been
“Squirrels. Just squirrels.”
thinking
about this for at least a year now.” Be- Trinadee McCoy
tween the costs of keeping Dish and the
“increasing stupidity of shows” as Mrs. Johnson
“If they had more
puts it, it became too much for too little, and she
commercials”
decided to give the TV the boot.
-David Speckmann
“Getting rid of it has given me more time, and
I’ve
been way more productive.” Between ditch“Blindness, I suppose.”
ing
the
boob tube and dropping her ten year stint
- Mrs. Wolken
as sponsor of the junior class, she’s found more
time for herself. “I’ve been gardening, and purging my house of all the crap that’s been there since
my daughter Chelsea left for college.”
However, it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows since Mrs. Johnson went cold turkey. “I do
miss the news.” Of course, as with all things, she
has found ways to adapt to her new life style.
“Mostly I get news from the internet, or I get told
about it.” But even the internet might be getting
the axe, as she plans on taking down her Facebook
page as well.
She’s also found some time to work on art projects that have been on the back burners. “I’ve
been doing some sculpting and some photography.” Don’t expect to see those anytime soon. “I
might, maybe, share my photography, but not the
sculpture.”
Even though it worked out the best for her, it
has not been as great for her TV, who was unable
to be reached for comments. Although, we can
assume what he’s doing now. Right now he’s
sitting alone, her hurtful words still ringing in his
ears, waiting to be hauled off to St. Francis Thrift
Store, where he’ll sit some more, and have time to
reflect on exactly where he went wrong.
The Journey Continues
He wears bow ties
everyday.
-Rhiannon
No Comment.
-Karina
He named his cat Gigit?
That’s a weird name.
-Terra
He’s allergic to the
metal that’s on his belt.
-Scott
M
L
r.
w
e.
er
h
as
By Kendra Alberts
Approaching the stand, he knew all eyes were
on him. His confidence was booming, yet anything
could go wrong with just a flick of a finger. The
pressure was on; he had been waiting his whole
life for this moment. Okay – as good as that
sounds, it was the exact opposite.
“I got voluntold,” said science teacher Jacob
Leuenberger with a smirk on his face, “because
they knew I could conduct.” Although he had tried
out to be a drum major in high school, conducting
a professional Japanese orchestra on T.V. was not
on his bucket list; but, like always, he took on the
challenge. This summer Mr. Leuenberger took a
two and a half week trip to Japan where he learned
different teaching techniques that revolved around
the Education of Sustainable Development.
While in Japan he stayed a night with a family
where English was foreign. As he got situated, they
welcomed him with a tea ceremony (a common
practice in Japan) and several tea making utensils
as gifts. He also received gifts of Japanese trinkets
and a flag pole, items that made packing for home
complex. They even made him an origami bow tie
to add to his collection because everyone knows
that’s an essential part of his signature look.
Mr. Leuenberger is widely known for his quirky
personality, which often comes in handy. The language was unfamiliar to him, so his cartooning
skill proved quite valuable. “It was a way we could
communicate without words,” he stated. When it
came to street signs though, he was hopeless. Numerous scribbles of kanji left him lost and confused. Being illiterate was something new and frustrating for Mr. L.
Not only was the language foreign, so were
some of their cultural practices. The importance of
flags is something Mr. L found lacking. “They let
the American flag drag on the ground,” said the
dedicated Boy Scout. Instead of making a scene, he
and other American teachers just clenched their
teeth and moved on.
Currently, the modern biology class is conducting a project with two other schools in Seattle and
Oita. They’ll start off with an introduction video
and go from there. Someday he would like to teach
abroad for a year, but he is still hesitant to live
there because of his illiteracy. Most people wonder
what crazy thing he’ll take on next. His answer?
Mr. Leuenberger is going to take on the challenge
of publishing his comics in a book; but first, he’ll
have to learn how to make a book and figure out a
way to raise two thousand dollars. 氏ロイエンベ
ルガーでは、旅は続けています。