Mackert Elementary Cheerleading Club

Red Cloud Cheerleaders. Photo by Tashina Rama. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Mackert Elementary Cheerleading Club

 By Sierra Concha '13

The Red Cloud cheerleaders have been in charge of a cheerleading club since the beginning of the 3^rd quarter for Mackert elementary students. Many young girls attend the games and can be seen in the stands watching the cheerleaders and attempting to imitate the cheers. Cheerleading is an incredibly popular sport for elementary and middle school girls, and the club has opened the door to these young girls that dream of being a cheerleader someday.

The club occurs every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:45, and the cheerleaders have been teaching the students cheers and parts of the LNI dance routine. The girls have expressed their love for the club to the cheerleaders and teacher, Matthew Rama. This club has been giving the eager girls an opportunity to learn well-known cheers as well as kicks and jumps. The club ranges from about twelve to fourteen students each week, and they’re always ready to learn something new. The club will continue until the end of the quarter when track season begins.

This experience has exposed the Red Cloud cheerleaders to how many young girls look up to them. Hopefully, the club will continue in the following years because it is a positive and good learning experience for both the high school students and Mackert elementary girls.

Q & A with Student Activities Director Carla Jasso

Carla Jasso. Photo by Sierra Concha '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Q & A with Student Activities Director Carla Jasso

By Andre Starr '13

Q: How is it working at Red Cloud?

Carla: I like working with students, how they are positive, respectful, and caring young people. I like how they are full of hope. They inspire me to come to work everyday. I like the faculty and administration.

Q: What is your daily routine?
Carla: I do morning announcements, go back to my office to plan things ahead, maybe 2-3 weeks ahead. I organize different events like dances, pep rallies, or just ideas to get the whole school involved.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
Carla: I love teaching the students how to do things on their own. Showing them how much they can do without help. I love seeing it all go as planned.

Q: Hobbies?
Carla: Watching sports, loves soccer, hanging out with friends, going to different places and meeting different people, and being with family.

Q: Favorite color?
Carla: Green.

Q: Shoe size?
Carla: 6.5

Q: Favorite food?
Carla: Grandpa's carne asada.

Q: Favorite celebrity?
Carla: Ronaldinho.

The Last Stand of a Strong Man

Jin, up close and personal. Photo by Tobie Little Finger '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

The Last Stand of a Strong Man

by David LaDeaux '13

As the winter sports come to an end for the 2013 school year, Red Cloud has had a strong season in not only basketball but in wrestling as well. Jinyup Jung went to Aberdeen, SD last week to wrestle for not only a state title but bragging rights for a foreign exchange student from South Korea. Even though Jin was only 186 lbs, he had to wrestle two really big guys in the 220 lb weight class.

When Jin stepped onto the mat, he was unsure of the other contender that he would have to wrestle to advance into the next round. The first person Jin had to wrestle was Brady Reiff, a huge sophomore from Parkston. Reiff finished his season with an amazing record of 45-0. Reiff was last year's state winner. Reiff beat Jin by a pin in the first match.

After the disappointing loss to Reiff, Jin went to wrestle Derek Wiebers, a 220 lb junior from Beresford. Jin only lost this match by five points. Wiebers came into the state tournament with a record of 38-13. Jin had come into the tournament with a record of 28-14. 

“I was only 186 pounds and they was over 210,” recounts Jin. He reflected on his season: "It went really great," he said. "I wrestled to show how Koreans are strong."

Leader of the Pack: Principal Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson hard at work. Photo by Dani Steele. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

  
 Leader of the Pack: Principal Robin Johnson

By Jennifer Brave Heart '14

As the new year started, new rules were put into place and changes were made to our school. While Jim Mattern was preparing to lead Red Cloud to new heights, he suddenly left the school due to unforeseen circumstances. Robin Johnson, our former dean of students, had to take over the role as principal. Last week, Robin took the time out of her busy schedule to let me interview her.

When you came to Red Cloud did you ever see yourself being the principal?  

“When I came to Red Cloud, nine years ago, the thought had not come into my mind, at that time, to be a principal. I was a young mother and had recently moved to western Nebraska, where I knew no one. I was still getting my 'feet wet' with meeting new people and adapting to the Red Cloud community and culture. It was actually past administrators at RC that put the thought into my head to begin an administration degree. From then on, I began studying to become a secondary administrator.”    

How do you feel about taking on the new role as the principal of Red Cloud High School?

“Taking on the new role as RCHS principal is exciting and challenging! I definitely would not have been able to do it without the guidance of God and the support of the staff, students, and parents.”  

What are some of the duties that you face as a principal opposed to being the dean of students?

“As the dean, my responsibilities were dedicated to mostly student day-to-day issues. As the principal, my duties have switched to more staff responsibilities, the school budget, working with other administrators on campus and also continuing to work with the students to provide a safe and successful school environment.”

Are there new or different pressures of being principal? If so, how do you deal with them?

"There are new and different pressures of being a principal and as my roles and responsibilities have changed, I am constantly learning and adapting to my new expectations. However, I thank God everyday for the opportunity to work with such an amazing staff and student body.”

Last Game at Paul "Dizzy" Trout

The Crusaders, earlier in the season. Photo by Christopher Ives. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Last Game at Paul "Dizzy" Trout

By Cully Pourier '13

Last night, February 25th, 2013 the Red Cloud Boys Basketball team played their last game of the season at the Paul "Dizzy" Trout Memorial Fieldhouse. It was the last ever game at the home arena for myself and the rest of the class of 2013. The Crusaders went head to head against the district opponent Hill City Rangers, winning 70-25. Red Cloud had beaten Hill City twice earlier this season by an average of twenty points.

There were a lot of mixed emotions heading into the last game at Paul "Dizzy" for the seniors. I caught up with senior point guard Andre Starr before the game and asked for his thoughts.“I think it’s exciting, and I cannot wait to play, but at the same time I am down because it is the last time that I will be able to represent Red Cloud at home," Andre stated.

Red Cloud will be facing Hot Springs for the district championship this Thursday, February 28th at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

Go big blue!

7th Generation Designs Taking Flight

Poster by Tristen Long '11.

 7^th Generation Designs Taking Flight

By Sierra Concha '13

Red Cloud alumni Tristen Long '11, Kiley Weston '11, and Lyle Jacobs '12 have taken the groundbreaking and brave path of entrepreneurship as they have begun the process of creating a new business. Their talents shined through in Photoshop and Multimedia classes while they attended Red Cloud, and their skills have only improved since they graduated. Tristen Long currently has a Suicide Prevention Billboard that is shown throughout the reservation, which was his first exposure to the impact posters and billboards could have.

Their business is called “7^th Generation Designs,” with Tristen Long as head designer, and Lyle Jacobs and Kiley Weston as business partners and business promoters. They have already been selling and creating incredible posters that have become incredibly popular in such a short amount of time. Tristen began making small posters, but eventually saw potential. “I saw an opportunity to make something a lot bigger out of it so I did,” he said. “Once I made the first Red Cloud poster, everyone started asking about print. After more and more requests poured in, I figured it’d be easier to make a business out of it.”

They currently have two posters that are shown on the blog already, the girls varsity Red Cloud poster and the Red Cloud vs. Pine Ridge boys basketball poster. Poster requests have been increasing and will only get bigger as time goes on. These three alumni men have created a brilliant business that is destined for success. Please contact either three and visit their Facebook page 7^th Generation Designs to place an order.

‘Sader Victory

Red Cloud Girls Basketball: District 15A Champions. Photo courtesy of Red Cloud Indian School. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

‘Sader Victory

By Sierra Concha '13

 

Last Thursday, the Red Cloud girls basketball varsity played against Hill City for the District 15A Championship. Throughout the game, Red Cloud remained in the lead. By the third quarter, Hill City had managed to only be six points behind, but the Lady 'Saders were determined to win. Red Cloud finished the game with the win, 56-37. Red Cloud was led by Samantha Weston '14 and Shaylene Zimiga '13. They are this season's District 15A Champions. They’ll be playing Spearfish tomorrow night in Rapid City. You can read about the girls' victory over Hill City in the Rapid City Journal.

Last Friday, the Varsity boys basketball team also had an intense game against St. Francis. That was their last regular season game, and they were losing the entire first half. St. Francis and Red Cloud had the same season record of 15-4, so this game was intense from the moment the boys stepped on the court. Cully Pourier ’13, had 15 points in the third quarter and sparked the comeback. Red Cloud beat St. Francis 79-65, leaving the Crusaders with a 16-4 record to finish their season.

The Varsity boys District Basketball game will be held tonight at Red Cloud against Hill City at 6 PM.

Another Zimiga Athlete: Q & A with Shaylene Zimiga

Shaylene Zimiga '13. Photo by Phillip Zimiga '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School

Another Zimiga Athlete: Q & A with Shaylene Zimiga

By Phillip Zimiga ‘13

Q: How was your senior year here at Red Cloud? 
Shaylene: It was awesome. Loved every minute of it. The best feeling in the world knowing you made this far.
Q: Who inspires you to be who you are you? 
Shaylene: My parents and friends. Throughout this year, they’ve helped me through everything.
Q: Do you think you have a great impact on your basketball team? 
Shaylene: Everything went swell. We all get along, are always hanging out, and we work well together.
Q: Where are you planning to go after high school? 
Shaylene: The army for sure. I think it's the best thing for me.
Q: Who inspired you to go? 
Shaylene: My dad and two brothers who have went through it. This is something I really plan on doing for my next four years.

Photo of the Day

Bryan Pipe on Head '13 after reading one of his poems. Photo by Justina Bagola '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Photo of the Day

Red Cloud Girls Basketball District Champions. Poster by Tristen Long '11.

 

Check out 7th Generation Designs.

JINYUP ON THE LONG ROAD TO STATE!

The scene from Aberdeen. Photo by Tobie Little Finger '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

JINYUP ON THE LONG ROAD TO STATE!

By David LaDeaux '13

This is a very exciting year for wrestling coach Clay Leonard- Jinyup Jung is going to state. 

After being at Red Cloud for only two years, foreign exchange student Jinyup Jung is now in Aberdeen, SD going to the state wrestling tournament. Jinyup is at a weight class of 180lbs and he is wrestling Brady Reiff, a 220 lb beast from Parkston, SD. Jin is currently at a record of 29-9, most of which are pins.

         Jin’s been ripping up the mat from the start of his season, taking first in the Red Cloud Invite, first in the Hot Springs JV tourney, second in the Mullen Invite, and third in the Custer Invite and LNI.

         Jin wrestled last year as a junior with a record of only 20-28 but this year he has stepped up his game on the mat with a nice record of 29-9. Jin has worked hard all season and has reached his goal of making it to state.

What Is Your Favorite Movie?

What is Your Favorite Movie?

By Sierra Concha '13

Randy Hughes '15

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Brennon Murdock '15

Saving Private Ryan

Kylie I'Atala '14

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Anpo Star Comes Out '15

Shooter

 Mickie Hudspeth '13. 

How to Train a Dragon

 January Tobacco '13 and Amanda Standing Bear '13

Rise of the Guardians

Shane Star '13

More Than a Game

Christian Phelps '13

Beasts of the Southern Wild

 Matt Campbell

Black Hawk Down

All photos by Sierra Concha '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 

Savannah Jensen: The Ultimate Lakota Student-Athlete

Savannah Jensen '14. Photo by Sierra Concha '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Savannah Jensen: The Ultimate Lakota Student-Athlete

 By Sierra Concha '13

“My culture is my ultimate guidance” -- Savannah Jensen ‘14

Savannah Jensen is a 5'9'' basketball player as well as a runner and the top-ranked student in her class. Her genuine smile is always showing, and she is more focused than ever on her academics due to her senior year approaching. “Right now I’m working hard so I have a bunch of opportunities and more of a chance of getting into the colleges I want,” she said. She is ambitious and intelligent, and no one has any doubt in her as she pursues her goals. “I like helping people without getting anything back, which is why I want to be a doctor,” Savannah said.

She says her hobbies are mainly sports and schoolwork, but once she has time to herself she finds herself lost in literature. Reading is what she loves to do most. “I love to read,” she said. “I can just go home, get my homework done and finish my chores, then turn on my lamp and just read until I fall asleep.” She is a well-rounded and talented student, but she doesn’t give herself all the credit, “My culture is within everything- my sports and school so it makes everything better. I also have my family,” she said.

She believes being Lakota has helped her in many ways throughout her life. She plans on keeping her culture and traditions close to her heart as she continues on her path to success. Being Lakota is who she is, and she makes sure her culture is intertwined within all her activities. High school is just the beginning for her, and she plans on achieving great things after she graduates in 2014.

Sophomore Retreat Brings Class Together

Class of 2015 on retreat. Photo courtesy of Russ Cournoyer. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 Sophomore Retreat Brings Class Together

By Sierra Concha '13

On Valentines Day, the sophomores went on their class retreat just outside of Chadron. Red Cloud has retreats for their students and staff because it’s a great opportunity to bring the school closer as a whole. Red Cloud is a very small school and it’s a better environment if the students and teachers act as a family. 11th and 12th grade spiritual leaders accompanied the sophomores on this retreat also. 

“It went really well, " said senior leader Tatiana Stands. "The sophomores were pretty fun to work with and they actually participated.” The spiritual formation leaders had the sophomores participate in multiple icebreakers to bring energy and excitement amongst the students. Eventually, it was quieted down as the boys and girls were separated to hear their elders speak about the importance of maturing into adults.

Sophomore retreat is meant for students to cross the line they have been straddling between a kid and adult. This was their chance to take the leap as a class and grow together. Shania Janis '15 enjoyed the day away from school with her peers. “I thought it was fun and it was a good way to interact with my classmates," she said. "I think it brought my class closer together.” It was a day full of laughter, fun, and helpful lessons.

Red Cloud Hand Games Takes Second Place at Porcupine Pow-Wow

Native Tacoja's Hang Games team. Photo by Christopher Ives. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Red Cloud Hand Games Takes Second Place at Porcupine Pow-Wow

By Phillip Zimiga '13

Last Friday, the Red Cloud Hand Games teams strolled into Porcupine ready to take on any team that got in their way. 

In the first round of the tournament, Horse Clan and Native Tacoja’s defeated St Francis. After the first round, the two Red Cloud teams had to go against each other. Sadly, Horse Clan was defeated by Native Tacoja’s. Horse Clan had another chance of keeping their spot on the charts, but once again they folded. They lost to Little Wound and were out of the tournament

Now they were all depending on Native Tacoja’s to make it all the way. Mariah Poor Bear, the captain of the team, was pretty confident in her team. They made it all the way to championship and won the first round. Luckily for the other team it was double elimination and the Native Tacoja’s folded. However, at least they got second place. “Red Cloud had a good run, but once again Pine Ridge beat us to the punch,” said team sponsor Roger White Eyes.

Girls Basketball in District Championship

Myriam Rama '15. Photo courtesy of Red Cloud Indian School. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Girls Basketball in District Championship

By Michael Sunderland

The girls basketball team advanced to the District 15A Championship, where they will face Hill City on Thursday night in Rapid City. The girls took care of the Custer Lady Wildcats on Monday night by a score of 75-16. 

The win boosted the team's record to 13-8. The team is coached by Amanda Carlow. The assistant coaches are Dani Steele and Roberta Hernandez. You can read more about the game in the Rapid City Journal. The regular season results for the team are on the SDHSAA website.

Photo of the Day

Photo by Amanda Carlow. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Video of the Day: Scatter Their Own

Scatter Their Own perform "Earth and Sky." Featuring Juliana Brown Eyes '09 and Scotti Clifford.

Photo of the Day

Photo by Hollie Black Feather '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Photo of the Day

Brent Herman '13 working hard. Photo by Hollie Black Feather '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Girls Basketball Districts Set for Monday

Shaylene Zimiga '13. Photo by Christopher Ives. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School. 

 

 

Girls Basketball Districts Set for Monday

By Michael Sunderland

The girls basketball team wrapped up their regular season last night with a big win over Hot Springs. The win closed out the Lady Crusaders' regular season record out at 12-8. They will face off against Custer (1-19) in the first game of districts on Monday. The game will be at six at Red Cloud.

Meanwhile, the boys basketball team won two games in as many days on Thursday and Friday. They eked out a close win over the Chadron Cardinals on Thursday night before winning big over Hot Springs last night. The boys (15-4) have one more regular season game against St. Francis (15-4) next Friday night in St. Francis. 

The wrestling team is competing today at Regions in Rapid City. Good luck to the wrestlers.

Photo of the Day

Jakira and Tatiana. Photo by Hollie Black Feather '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

A Look at Biology II

A Look at Biology II

By David LaDeaux '13

In the new semester, the Biology II class is starting with a new teacher and new lesson plans.

David Waliser, straight out of Rapid City, came to Red Cloud this school year to educate the youth in Physical Education, Health, and Biology II. He is also helping the Red Cloud Track team in the throwing events by recruiting Red Cloud's biggest and strongest high school students. 

On Monday February 18th,  the Biology II class will be starting to dissect worms. The class will continue to explore larger animals as the semester progresses. After a week or so into the labs, the 8th graders from the middle school will come over to the high school. The high school students will be paired up with them in order to teach them some tools of the trade of Biology II. 

Video of the Day: Autumn White Eyes '10

"A Letter to Urban Outfitters" by Autumn White Eyes '10. Video made by Savage Media at Dartmouth College.

Photo of the Day

Andre Starr, '13. Photo by Hollie Black Feather '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Meet Our New Dean

Luann Werdel, Dean of Students. Photo by Andre Starr '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Meet Our New Dean

By Andre Starr '13

The new assistant principal and dean of students at our school is Luann Werdel. Werdel first heard about the job opportunity from superintendent Ted Hamilton. "I was up here in early December visiting with Ted and delivering funds from a grant that Red Cloud is in," she recounted. Hamilton mentioned that there was a job opening and that she should apply. Werdel missed working for a school. It was her first passion so she was excited to come to Red Cloud.

Werdel really enjoys being in school and working with kids. She also started the Rodeo Club and took them to the recent stock show up in Rapid City. She loves being involved with the students.  She was familiar with Red Cloud because she had a TRIO office here with the University of South Dakota. She knew we were a small school with a good reputation.
    
Werdel really likes working at Red Cloud. "Wakes up going yes!" she exclaimed. The last time she worked in a school was at Pine Ridge High School, where she was the freshman principal from 2003-06.
   

Red Cloud Gives Back

Student Council members Santi Yellow Horse, Mickie Hudspeth-Belt, and January Tobacco. Photo courtesy of Rapid City Regional Hospital.

 Red Cloud Gives Back

By Sierra Concha '13

The Red Cloud Student Council was aware of the large number of cancer patients in Rapid City Regional Hospital. Student Council members had a meeting earlier this year and decided to create a fundraiser for cancer patients. Several members, including myself, baked a large amount of cupcakes to sell in the elementary, middle, and high schools during lunch. Many students were supportive and even donated money without buying any cupcakes. 

The Student Council decided to donate all of the earnings to the Walking Forward Program. The Walking Forward Program was created to research cancer and try to find ways to increase survival rates for Native Americans in South Dakota. The Student Council raised $233. 85.

You can read about this story on the Rapid City Regional Hospital website. You can read more about the Walking Forward program here.

Photo of the Day

RCHS Art Class. Photo by Hollie Black Feather '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Colton Sierra: The Legend

Colton Sierra '14. Photo by Phillip Zimiga '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Colton Sierra '14. Photo by Sierra Concha '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Colton Sierra: The Legend

By Phillip Zimiga '13

“The pen is in the hands. Write your own future.” -- Colton Sierra

Colton Sierra '14 is rapping his way to the top. When Colton Sierra was six years old, his mom put a chanchega (drum) in his hands. He already knew what to do and started banging on that drum. As he grew up, he went to sundances and his mom and all his other relatives taught him some ceremony songs and prayer songs at a very young age. When he was twelve years old, he started rapping. The reason he started out at that age was because he had it in his heart and also he just wanted to get all the girls. 

Colton has had some great years so far in high school. “They were memorable and so far I’ve had nothing but fun," said Colton. When asked who he is inspired by, Colton had an immediate answer. “My parents. They were teen parents and now have master degrees,” he said. Colton values his friends and all the good times he has had at Red Cloud.

"Never Thought" by Colton Sierra '14 with Santi Yellow Horse '15