Plainville High School hosts Significant Senior Dinner

 

USD 270 hosted the second annual Significant Senior Citizens Dinner, December 13. The day consisted of a free meal and entertainment provided by both high school and elementary students.

The meal was served by members of the PHS FCCLA chapter at 11:30, with the program beginning at 11:45.

The program began with a welcome from Superintendent Don Grover. The entertainment was kicked off with a reading by senior Kayla Fisher. The High School Choir sang next, followed by the kindergarten class singing three Christmas carols. The seventh and eigth grade mixed ensemble also performed.

Both the junior high and high school cheerleaders performed dances, as did the high school Dance Team. There were a total of four vocal solos, sang by senior Heather Ulrich, sophomore Michelle Reishus, freshman Stephanie Tarbet, and senior Janell Darnell. Senior Christ Peavey also performed a song with senior Jason Lindsey accompanying on the guitar. Peavey also performed a reading. There was a presentation put on by the Resource Room students. Senior Audrey Bjornstad and junior Heather Hrabe also performed three songs in a flute duet. The day ended with four numbers from the High School Jazz Band. Door prizes were given away in between each performance.

According to coordinator Connie Reishus, at least 225 senior citizens attended.

"Everybody did a super job," Reishus said. "I received a lot of compliments from people who enjoyed listening to and viewing all the entertainment."

 

Christmas Concert

The High School and Junior High School choirs put on their annual Christmas Concert December 3. The High School sang a total of seven numbers, beginning with"Christmas Fanfare" to open the concert. The sixth grade chorus then took the stage for three songs, "Elves Work Out!" "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and "My Star Wish." The seventh and eighth graders then performed "Stars that Twinkle and Shine" and "Holiday Hand Jive."

The High School performed its numbers last. They sang "Calypso Clapping Carol,: :Winter's song," Bell Carol of the Kings," "In December" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" The Junior High choirs joined the High School for the evening's closing song, "Silent Night."

Four members of the High School Choir also participated in the yearly KMEA Northwest District Honor Choir later that week, December 8. The students were Lauren Hemphill, Michelle Reishus, Heather Ulrich and Christ Peavey. The students spent a full day practicing several songs, as well as auditioning for the State Honor Choir. Reishus, Ulrich and Peavey were all called back to do live state auditions. Hemphill, being a freshman, wasn't allowed to audition until next year. The results of the auditions were not available at press time.

Eighteen participate in Midnight Madness

Eighteen FCCLA members participated in the first Midnight Madness on November 20. Members included seniors Rhiannon Becker, Junnifer Bland, Stacy Dreher, Kayla Fisher, Heather Plante, Renee Post and Michelle Rath; juniors Ashley Becker, Morgan Fellhoelter, Carissa Fredrickson, Alexandra GarvinDanielle Moos, Abby Stagner, Naomi Thompson and Colleen Veatch; sophomores Makenzi Rempe and Jordyn Wilkents; and freshman Kelcee Meitler. Sponsors for the event were Vicki Becker, Brenda Koehler, Eileen Plante and advisor Shari Tucker.

The evening began at 11:45 p.m. in the PHS gym. Members participated in games on every hour until 7 a.m.

Some of the games played were balloon tag, peanut butter pass, super hero dress-up, a scavenger hunt, a talent show and chubby bunny. All members were given make-overs and A. Becker was crowned queen of the fashion show.

"It was tons of fun! I especially like the fashion show. It was a riot!" Fisher said.

Throughout the night, card games, glow-in-the-dark volleyball and movies were continuously played. At 6 a.m. the members created Thanksgiving food baskets from the food that was collected during the food drive. At 7 a.m. they were allowed to go home.

"I had a lot of fun. My favorite part was the card games and the glow-in-the-dark volleyball," Rempe said.

 

FFA hosts annual hog roast before play

The Plainville High School FFA held their annual Hog Roast before the Friday night performance of the play, November 16.

They served many different varieties of food such as pork, baked potatoes, rolls, salad, corn, cake, tea and water. Biggie's Catering Service supplied the pork, and the FFA members and their parents provided the rest of the food and served it as well. FFA made over $300 from the roast after paying all of the bills

The FFA members also sold Fruit and Cheese from October 15 to November 5. They raised over $7,963 with Seth Brin as the top seller raising $1,789.70.

The FFA members have many activities planned for the new year such as the Denver Stock Show from January 12 to the the 27; FFA week is February 17 to the 23, and then they look forward to the numerous livestock, horse and many other judgings.

 

December Boosters

Megan Becker and Chris Keas

The Cardinals Boosters for the month of December are freshmen Megan Becker and Chris Keas.

Becker has been involved in volleyball, basketball, band and Pep Club. In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her friends. Her favorite food is chicken fajitas. Her favorite song is "My Sacrifice" by Creed, and her favorite movie is Love and Basketball. Her most memorable moment while attendidng PHS so far was freshmen initiation.

Keas has been involved in football, wrestling and the All-School Play. In his spare time, he likes to hunt. his favorite food is cheeseburgers, and his favorite movie is Behind Enemy Lines. His most memorable moment while attending PHS is yet to come.

Peace on Earth. Or as close as it gets around my family.

By Chris Peavey

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It's one of the few times when you can see me full of joy and goodwill towards men. Okay, maybe not full. But at least packing a half tank. My mileage on the joy and goodwill is pretty lousy. Anyway, I absolutely love this time of year. There are Santas on the corner asking for money, causing children to think that the North Pole is going out of business. These kids simply aren't that sharp. I mean, they don't realize that the Santa they saw in the Mall is nothing like the Santa at Wal-Mart who's nothing like the new "multicultural" Santa down the street. Like I said, about as sharp as a wet noodle.

It's also a time for family to come together. Usually to fight, but every once in awhile they're capable of a nice, quiet dinner. (This load of utter bull is brought to you by Wishful Thinking. Wishful Thinking, it's lying to yourself, but in a good way!) My family never fights, though. We sit down and the table is quiet, save for the low sound of heavenly carols playing over the stereo The food is passed reverently, with exactly one minute elapsing between passing from each place. The conversation doesn't begin until after the prayer is returned, usually by me. I recite and entire Psalm before the food is slowly eaten, with each bite being chewed the recommended number of times. We talk lovingly of how much we love each other, how much we are thankful, and how much we love our home.

And if you believe that, you're nuts!

Christmas dinner for my family is a lot like a street brawl. Grandpa grabs the turkey whole and begins to gnaw. The cousins corner the market on mashed potatoes. Grandma snatches an entire basket of rolls Then the screaming begins, as all of the less fortunate Peaveys leap from their chair to attack those with food. I really can't go into any more detail on family dinner, as some of those lawsuits are still pending.

But nothing can compare to the sheer chaos of the annual present race. As the oldest participant who's still a "kid" (meaning I don't have any of my own), I'm able to easily guard my stash from the hordes of children after my hard-earned stuff. Actually, they've mostly lost interest in me. As you get older, your presents get smaller (but more expensive) and clothes cease to be something you want to throw in the trash with the wrapping paper. However, I do still tear into my packages with a reckless abandon, a lot like a rabid dog who's found a gopher. And I have been known to remove tape with God's Bowie knife, my teeth. I do keep the bows safe though, as per standing orders of the clan elders, so that they can be reused every year. Some of the bows at our Christmas celebration are older than the town of Plainville. We're not sure where they came from exactly.

I'm kidding of course. (Except about the bows.) My family is quite civil at Christmas time. We really do get along very well.

Well, that admission pretty much tapped out my joy and goodwill. Next month we'll return to your regularly scheduled sarcasm.

What's It Mean?

The students of PHS were asked what they thought the word "boluliform" meant. Some of their responses were:

"A small, round lump or mass of food." -senior Mike Langholz

"A yellow-purple Amazon tree frog that eats yellow-purple Amazon flies." -senior Kayla Fisher

"The original name of the Butterfingers candy bar." -sophomore Ryan Lovelady

"A form of eating a soft mass of chewy food." -senior Libby Hrabe

"The uniform that the Umpa Lumpas wear in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." -sophomore Adam Meyers

The word "boluliform" means shaped like a sausage.

 

New Year's Resolutions

The students of PHS were asked what their New Year's Resolutions were. Some of their responses were:

"Get better grades in English and also to stop drinking so much pop." -senior T.J. Staab

"To graduate as valedictorian of my class! (Just kidding!) No, it is going to be to stay with Cole and have the best times ever since I graduate next year." -senior Linsey Weaverling

"If I was to think of a resolution, I'd say it would be to stay out of trouble." -senior Tony Dopita

"Study harder and make better grades, better myself in my attitude, manners, and to respect others." -sophomore Quintin Plante

"To try to always have a positive attitude." -freshman Kelsey Bjornstad

"I'm not going to be like some people and start rumors. They get pretty annoying after awhile!" -junior Tierra Fuzzell

"To find a boyfriend." -junior Danielle Rogers

"I'm going to try to not raise my voice at my own children." -teacher Deb Turnbull

 

Two new students arrive for second semester at PHS

This past month, two new students have joined PHS. They are senior Valerie Frasier and freshman Stephanie Tarbet.

Frasier moved here from Colorado Springs. She is currently involved in band and vocal music.

Frasier came to Plainville to live with her mom. She commented that PHS is much smaller than her old high school.

When asked what she likes and dislikes about PHS, she replied, "What I like most about PHS is that the classes are small and easier. I don't like how everyone knows your business though."

Frasier said that she did not have any fears coming to a new high school.

Tarbet comes to Plainville from El Dorado, KS. Her old school was much bigger than PHS. She is currently involved in band and vocal music.

When asked what she likes and dislikes about PHS, she answered, "I like PHS because it's small. I don't like how people follow you around and say 'Who is that?' and 'Is she new?'"

Tarbet said that her biggest fear of coming to a new high school was if there would be hot guys.

Cardinal Booster exclusive: A day in the life of Santa Claus

A day with the one and only, Santa Claus...

We, the writers of the Cardinal Booster, were curious about the mysterious Saint Nicholas. November 15 we decided to do a little investigating. December 1, we sent Rhiannon Becker to the North Pole to see what Santa is up to these days. When she returned we though we should inform the students at PHS that the story of Santa Claus is true.

Good ol' Saint Nick wakes up at around 10:30 a.m. just in time for Mrs. Claus's famous breakfast: milk and chocolate chip cookies. Santa savors every bite before he waddles out the door to his workshop. He enters into a magical place full of presents, candy and merry elves. The workshop consists of 100 different stations. Each station creates 100 different kinds of toys.

Santa proudly glides his way through the workshop, glancing at every station with the merriest of smiles. Towards the back of the workshop is a set of gold steps that shimmer in the light. At the top of the steps is a ruby red door that also has a slight shine to it. Santa slowly climbs the stairs, and when he reaches the third step from the top, the doors automatically open.

"I was all excited because I wasn't sure where Santa could be taking me. I thought that I had seen all of the workshop, but there was more," Becker said.

Through the doors was a whole other world. It was a room painted all white with an enormous green desk sitting in the corner. Behind the desk was a chair of abnormal size that had SC carved into the back of it. On top of the desk was a cup full of candy canes, a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a cup of milk. Santa sat down in the chair and went to work. An elf handed him his pen and a roll of paper. Santa opened it and started checking the columns, naughty or nice.

At around 12:30 Mrs. Claus entered his office with another plate of chocolate chip cookies and a tall glass of milk. After Santa filled his stomach, he went back to work checking the list.

"I sat there watching him smile at the nice kids and frown at the naughty ones. I was sure hoping that when he got to my name, he would smile," Becker said.

All afternoon Santa Claus sat there checking the list, eating cookies and drinking his milk. Around 5:30, Santa put his list away, and we left his office. When he got to the bottom of the stairs, he took a left into a long hallway. At the end of the hallway was another set of doors. He entered them and inside was another enormous table; only this one was round and was occupied by nine reindeer. Each seat had the name of the reindeer on it. Santa took his seat and they held a meeting discussing the route for the big night.

"While I was there, they were discussing the route for Los Angeles. It was quite interesting because they all had an opinion that helped them come up with the fastest route to get around the city in a matter of minutes."

The meeting ended around 7 and Santa wished all of his reindeer a goodnight. Following the meeting Santa proudly walked back through his workshop and out the large building to his little, quaint house. He entered to a jolly welcome from Mrs. Claus followed by the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. After Santa enjoyed his last meal of the day, he joined Mrs. Claus in their lay-z-boyz by a warm winter fire. At around 9:30 Santa was ready to call it a night.

Before Rhiannon left she was sure to ask if the newspaper staff would be visited by him. He giggled making his belly shake like a bowl full of jelly and said, "of course, because you are the best newspaper staff Plainville High School has ever had."

PHS Big Mouths

Here is the talk of the school, if you haven't already heard. The word is:

Last month's issue asked if a certain dance team member and a certain wrestler had the hots for each other. The answer is yes. Renee Post and Cody Pfaff are one of the newest items at PHS!!!

On the other hand, PHS has recently been cursed with numerous broken hearts. Always remember, relationships are learning experiences!

The PHS hippie has taken up botany (the study of Plantes)

Valerie Frasier feels right at home at PHS especially with the help from Chris Fogle!

Which lubky girl will be TJ's next flavor of the week?

PHS's former quarterback has been throwing touchdown passes to the Phillipsburg Lady Panters!

Seniors, there is only one more semester left for your high school career! Yippee!

Last but not least, PHS's big mouths would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lady Cards take on Natoma Tigers

The Plainville Cardinal girls' basketball team played the Natoma Tigers December 11. The Cardinals lost with a score of 43-56.

Leading PHS in scoring was Libby Hrabe with 20 points. Also scoring was Shanna Fellhoelter with 6 points; Lacey Hamblet, 5 points; Lacey Brin, 4 points; Danielle Kenney, 4 points; Jessica Casey, 3 points; and Heather Hrabe with 1 point.

The Lady Cardinals struggled in the first half causing them to fall behind. This made it difficult for them to come back in the third quarter and pull out a win.

"We need to execute our offense and do a better job of rebounding all four quarters. If we learn to play hard the first half, we won't have to work so hard to give ourselves a chance," coach Norma Finnesy said.

 

Cards drop a close one to the Tigers

The Plainville Cardinal boys' basketball team suffered a tough loss against the Natoma Tigers, 58-62.

Scoring for the Cardinals was Tony Dopita with 10 points, Ryan Williams with 16 points, Joel Hrabe with 8 points, MJ Klein with 4 points, Brad Lynch with 2 points and Josh Hrabe with 1 point. The leading scorer was Matt Renk with 17 points.

The Cardinals struggled to put points up on the first half causing them to fall slightly behind.

"I was very happy with our second half play, but I thought we came out at the beginning of the game sluggish and unfocused," Coach Buresh said.

The Cardinals were able to pull together and catch up during the third quarter, but they were unable to follow through with the fourth quarter.

"If we would have played four quarters of ball like we did the second half, I think we could have got the win," Buresh said.

Wrestlers place ninth in the Colby Dual Tournament

The Plainville Cardinal wrestling team competed in the Colby Dual Tournament December 7 and 8. The team finished with a 4-4 record.

Plainville lost their first two duals to Hoxie with a score of 16-53 and to Scott City with a score of 27-49. Plainville then wrestled against Kinsley and won 83-0. Adam Meyers (112), Mark Axelson (119), Chris Keas (125), Seth Brin (130), Catlin Zahorsky (135), Tanner Nelson (140), Luke Wise (145), Jason Rath (152), T.J. Staab (215) and Ben Ruder (275) all won due to forfeits. Paul Owings (103), Cody Pfaff (160), Alex Smetana (171) and Willie Ruder (189) all won with pins in the first period. Smetana recorded a 19-second pin in his match.

The last dual of Friday evening was against Quinter, with Plainville winning 78-3. Owings, Meyers, Axelson, Keas, Brin, Zahorsky, Nelson, Wise, Rath, Staab and B. Ruder all received forfeits. Wrestling for the Cardinals in the Quinter dual were Pfaff, Smetana and W. Ruder. Pfaff lost a tough match with a score of 2-6. Smetana and W. Ruder both pinned their opponents.

The first dual on Saturday morning was against Hays. Plainville defeated Hays with a score of 35-33. Owings received the only forfeit. Meyers lost by a decision. Axelson, Keas, and Brin all lost by a pin. Zahorsky won by a major decision, 16-3. Rath and Pfaff both lost by a decision. Smetana won his match in overtime with a score of 8-6. Ruder and Staab both pinned their opponents to win the dual for the Cardinals. Staab also recorded a 17-second pin during his match.

Plainville then lost a close dual to Oberlin with a score of 33-37. They also lost to Wray, 18-42.

Plainville then defeated TMP, 42-31, in their last dual of the day. For the Cardinals, Owings and Meyers both won by a pin. Axelson, Keas and Brin lost by a pin. Zahorsky won by a decision, 8-4, and Nelson and Rath both won by a pin. Wise received a forfeit. Pfaff lost by a major decision. Smetana won by a decision, 3-2. W. Ruder lost by a decision and Staab won by a pin, to finish the day for the Cardinals.

Overall, Plainville finished ninth in the tournament.

"It took the team a dual or two before they started wrestling up to their potential. Overall, we wrestled well, and we finished the tournament with a 4-4 dual record. This team is young and we get better with each match we wrestle," coach D.J. Basgall said.