Catchin' up with Clay Leonard

Clay Leonard. Photo by Jin Yup Jung '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Catchin' up with Clay Leonard

By Jin Yup Jung '14

RCHS students and staff often need something in the morning to give them extra energy during the day. In addition to RCHS offering breakfast every morning, Math teacher Clay Leonard sells burritos, which are usually sold out every day

There are two reasons that Clay sells burritos. First, he wanted to offer a good breakfast for students. Secondly, he sells burritos to earn wrestling funds since RCHS cannot pay as much as it takes to run a great program.

Clay teaches Integrated Math, Trigonometry, AP Calculus, and Algebra. Clay has working for 26 years in RCHS and he is the person who has stayed at RCHS for the longest time now. He is also the wrestling head coach at Red Cloud. He looks for students to qualify for state this year. He thinks that this year wrestling will be more improved than past years since Jin Yup Jung, who is a senior now, started the revival of RC Wrestling by qualifying for state last year, the first to qualify in five years.  

Vets Visit RCHS Science Club

Vets and RCHS Science Club members. Photo by Wendell Gehman. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Vets Visit RCHS Science Club

By: Jennifer Brave Heart ‘14

   

“What’s my favorite animal? Well, horses are kind of scary so I’m always alert around them, and I’ve been attacked by a bird before, so I would have to say dogs. They’re always so happy to see humans and always have a lot of energy. They’re fun to have around!” These were the exclamations of a veterinary technician who came to visit Red Cloud all the way from Iowa.

To start this week off, our Science Club invited three incredibly nice and talented individuals to come share information about their professions with our Science Club members and other individuals that were interested in what our guests had to share with us. Each Monday afternoon, our Science Club gathers in the Chemistry room where we discuss upcoming events, project ideas, and engage in numerous relevant activities.

This Monday we were joined by three individuals that are a part of a group called the Christian Veterinary Mission. Our Science Club members introduced ourselves and were asked what studies we wished to pursue after high school. The answers ranged from Psychology to Biological Engineering. When they introduced themselves, Wes, a veterinarian from E.W. Parry Equine Services in Alabama, introduced himself first. “I was always the kid in the principal’s office,” explained Wes before he stated that he studied and graduated from Cornell University. “What you really need is your spirit,” advised Wes on how he has made it from “poor to having everything I wanted.” He enjoys his job because he gets to help the animals and that makes their owners happy; therefore it’s a “win-win” job for him. 

Second to introduce herself was Shawna, a vet tech from Southern Hills Veterinary Clinic in Iowa. Shawna explained that she loves her job because she gets to help not only the animals but the people too. Shawna also said that she did not go to school to become a vet tech but she was just looking for a job and they hired her. Of course now, schooling is required to become a vet tech. “I enjoy my job because my co-workers and clients are nice, and also because of some things that happen on the job. I got attacked by a bird and had an 18 gauge needle go through my thumb. I almost fainted,” recounted Shawna. 

Last to introduce himself was Kenny, a farrier (specialist in horse foot care) also from Alabama. Originally Kenny was just supposed to be the driver, but when asked to speak he quickly said yes. Kenny stepped to the front of the room and started to explain how he loves his job as a farrier because, “It’s not something I chose, but it’s something that chose me.” He also stated that other people’s work have influenced his work and how he got to be where he is now.

   

After listening to what Wes, Shawna and Kenny had to say, the students asked numerous questions and engaged in conversations with each of our guests. Our Science Club members appreciated the time they took out of their busy schedules to come visit and tell their stories. We were also highly encouraged to strive for excellence so that we may pursue our dreams and become what we want to be. After it was time to head home, we exchanged hugs, handshakes, and said our thank yous and goodbyes. We truly appreciate the group's kindness and generosity to help the animals and their owners here on the reservation.

Book Review: Paper Towns by John Green

Odessa and Paper Towns. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Book Review: Paper Towns by John Green

By Odessa Star Comes Out '14

Teenage love? Teenage runaways? This is what John Green seems to love writing about and it’s what I love reading. For a while now, I’ve always wanted to read his books. Everyone on Tumblr talked about how great of an author he is. I wanted to see for myself.

A couple of weeks ago, I finally went to the bookstore and bought two of John Green’s books, Paper Towns and Looking for Alaska. I am currently reading Looking for Alaska. I either read a book in 2-3 days or throughout 4 months. There’s no in-between. It just depends on how good the book is. As for Paper Towns... it is fantastic! I could not put the book down. I would read on the bus in the morning and in the afternoon or in classes when I should’ve been doing my work.

Quentin Jacobsen has always loved the beautiful and adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she shows up at his bedroom window with the intention of getting revenge on people she knew around the neighborhood, Quentin decides to join her on the quest. After an all-nighter, Quentin goes to school expecting Margo to show. He would not be surprised if she was late. But she never did arrive. But the cool thing is that she left clues for him. It takes him awhile to figure out where all the clues pointed. Along the way, Q realizes that she isn’t the girl he thought she was...

Homecoming Royalty

Red Cloud Homecoming Royalty: Pedro Martinez and Christi Sioux Bob. Photo courtesy of Viki Eagle. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Homecoming Royalty

   By Jin Yup Jung ‘14

Being named Homecoming King and Queen is always an honor and a great feeling. Two wonderful people became King and Queen last Friday for the class 2014 on Homecoming at Red Cloud.

As some expected, senior transfer Pedro Martinez received the honor to be the new Homecoming King. “I don’t think I’m going to be a King on Homecoming,” Pedro said before learning of the results. Then he heard the good news. He looked like he was really happy and excited after he was crowned. Christi Sioux Box was named Homecoming Queen. They received crowns and sashes for their honor and stood on the stage in the Little Gym with the rest of the Homecoming royalty. Congrats Christi and Pedro!

Red Cloud Football Falls to BC on Homecoming

Red Cloud Football versus Bennett County. Photos courtesy of Jin Yup Jung '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Red Cloud Football Falls to BC on Homecoming

                                                        by Jin Yup Jung ‘14

Last Friday was sad because the Red Cloud football team lost against Bennett County, which is one of the best football teams around this area. Before the game started, Red Cloud tried to fire up themselves and then saluted the Lakota flag. The Lakota flag song was sung by Colton Sierra '14. Red Cloud defended first and they tried to block the attack from Bennett County.  Although they defended really hard, Sam Ireland, who was a running back for the Warriors, made a touchdown to start the scoring; Bennett County missed their extra point.

Sustaining their momentum, Bennett County kept scoring with two more touchdowns; the kicker on Bennett County missed the extra points again.  However, Red Cloud finally scored, when Bailey Pourier '14 brought back a turnover for a touchdown. Unfortunately, our kicker, Pedro Martinez, who was named homecoming king earlier that day, missed the extra point. After that score, Bennett County scored another touchdown.

The game ended with a score of 24-6 with Bennett County on the winning side.  I believe that it was really a tough game. Red Cloud did a really great job despite the score. So now, the Red Cloud football team is shooting for a win against Saint Francis in two weeks.They have a bye this week.

Batman vs. Superman Movie

Jeremy Lays Bad '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Batman vs. Superman Movie

By: Jeremy Lays Bad ‘14

Director Zach Snyder is going to make a movie about the two superheroes colliding with each other following his recent film Man of Steel. Warner Brothers intends to announce this movie where Batman and Superman meet up and team up on the big screen for the first time.

      

Actor Ben Affleck will be playing the role of Batman. From the movie Man of Steel, Henry Cavill will play the role Clark Kent, or Superman. There are rumors saying that Justin Bieber wants to play the role of Robin, Batman’s sidekick.

The release date for this movie is July 17, 2015. Batman’s friends will be in the movie including Alfred, who is Batman’s housekeeper. We don’t know about Commissioner Gordon. It’s hard to tell how the storyline will be. Not only Superman will be in the movie, but also his friends including include Lois Lane, Perry White, and Martha Kent.

Two students at Red Cloud shared their opinions on who would win between Batman and Superman.  "Batman has a lot of weapons he could use against Superman. But Superman would most likely win because of his God-like power," said Floyd Brings Plenty. However, Scott Two Bulls favors Batman. Only time will tell what this movie has in store.  

Lakota Phrase of the Day: Aŋpétu Záptaŋ kiŋ wačhípi kte.

Featuring Jennifer Brave Heart '14 and Rhiannon White Eyes '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Sports Statistics

Campbell in front of Cargo. Photo by Marco Starr '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Sports Statistics

By Marco Starr ‘14

One of the most unique classes at Red Cloud is Sports Statistics. Matt Campbell teaches his students about the stats of players in the NFL, NBA, and MLB.

Matt Campbell is in the Social Studies department. He teaches U.S. History to the sophomores and Sports Statistics to those seniors who have chosen it as an elective. This class is all about the statistics behind sports. Students learn about probability and statistics in real-life situations. Campbell can calculate all the stats of two teams and estimate who will be victorious of the two teams. This is usually done by using the Pythagorean Winning Percentage. Campbell is a huge sports fan. He enjoys watching the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college football.

In this class, Campbell has created a fantasy football league for his students, where they can test out their statistical knowledge. His students include a group of seniors: Ryan Hussman, Lorrell Goings, Colton Sierra, Joshua Black Feather, Floyd Brings Plenty, Marco Starr, Brannon Cousin, Caine Ghost Bear, Jaycherie Little, and Scott Two Bulls.

Floyd Brings Plenty is a student of Matt Campbell. “My favorite thing about this class is that we get to participate in a fantasy league, which I have not done before,” said Brings Plenty. Most of the students really enjoy this class. “I enjoy this class because we get to learn a bit more about sports, mainly football and basketball,” added Brings Plenty. So far the students have learned how to use the Pythagorean Winning Percentage to predict a winner of two teams. “We learned how statistics can help a team get better, and how you can use the Pythagorean Winning Percentage to predict how teams will do in the playoffs, and who will win,” said Brings Plenty. “ I like that Matt enjoys teaching this class. He said it was his favorite class. I’m really enjoying the fantasy league so far. Hopefully I do well, and I can’t wait for the NBA fantasy to start up,” Brings Plenty stated.

Powder Puff Football Recap

Powder Puff Football leaders. Photo by Kylie I'atala. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 Powder Puff Football Recap

by Kylie I’atala ‘14

On Tuesday September 17, some of the football players coached the girls in the annual Powder Puff Football game. The seniors and sophomores teamed up and were coached by Marco Starr, Manny Munoz, and Kobey O'Rourke. The juniors and the puppies teamed up and were also coached by Randy Hughes, Chris Knutson, and Aaron Thompson. The refs were Josh Twiss, Percival I'atala and Austin Big Crow.

The seniors and sophomores came together in the first half, dominating with three touchdowns by Shawnta', Christi, and Savannah. The juniors and the puppies came back with two touchdowns and a sneaky play throwing the seniors and sophomores off guard, gaining a lot of yards.

The second half came around and the seniors and sophomores made one more touchdown until the juniors and the puppies caught up to them and were only down by one score. Marco, Manny, and Kobey came up with a play for their players, making it work. The score was now 4-3. All the seniors and sophomores needed was two more touchdowns to call it a game while the juniors and puppies needed three more to go. Koty Janis (sophomore) was QB for the Seniors and Sophomores team and threw the ball to Savannah Jensen (senior) who was in the end zone. Savannah caught the ball, giving them another point.

Then, it was the Juniors and Sophomores ball and Shania Janis (junior)  was the QB. She threw the ball but it was caught by Christi Sioux Bob (senior) who had an interception and scored the last touchdown, calling it game. The score was 6-3. The seniors and sophomores  won the game. The sophomores are undefeated so far…  until next year.

Homecoming Week is Here!

The upper hallway. Photo by Odessa Star Comes Out '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Homecoming Week is Here!

By Rhiannon White Eyes ‘14

Homecoming is the best week of school! The students in all of the classes participate in hallway decorations for a chance to win a pizza party. They also participate in the pep rally on the final day of homecoming. The students dress up and show their pep according to the different days of the week.

The weekly schedule is full of activities for all the students:

• Monday-

Gender Bender day.

Talent Show Auditions at lunch.

Hallway decorating from 3-5pm.

• Tuesday- Class colors day.

Seniors wear blue.

Junior wear purple.

Sophomores wear white.

Freshmen wear black.

Hallway decorating from 3-5pm.

Powder Puff Football game from 5-7pm

• Wednesday-
  Pajama Day
  3-5pm float decorations in garage.

• Thursday-

Music theme day.

Volleyball vs St. Francis 4pm.

3-5pm bonfire set up.

Junior Barbeque.

7-8:30pm bonfire, pyramids and dances. 

• Friday-

School spirit day! Wear blue!

8-9:40 am- float decorations in the garage.

9:40-10 am activities at the garage.

10-10:25 am- Parade.

10:25-10:35 am- Clean up garage.

10:25-11 am- Tug-a-war.

11-12 pm- Talent Show.

2 pm - Homecoming Game vs Bennett County.

5-6:30 pm- Set up for dance.

7-10 pm - Homecoming dance.

10-10:30 pm -Clean up.

I hope that all the students have a great homecoming!

Photos of the Day: Homecoming Hallway Decorating

Photos by Odessa Star Comes Out '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Homecoming Football Game Preview

Photo by Scott Two Bulls '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 Homecoming Football Game Preview

By: Scott Two Bulls '14

Tomorrow the Red Cloud Crusader football team will be taking on the Bennett County Warriors for Red Cloud’s homecoming. Red Cloud will be coming into the game with a 1-2 record. Red Cloud beat Eagle Butte 42-22 for the Crusaders' season opener. The next week Red Cloud lost to Pine Ridge 22-8 in a hard fought battle. Last week, Red Cloud was highly outmatched by the Custer Wildcats and lost 46-7. This week the Crusaders are preparing hard for a dogfight against the Bennett County Warriors.

It’s been a long time since the Crusaders beat Bennett County and this year we are preparing to break that long losing streak. The Crusaders have made some changes in their offense lately. Bailey Pourier and Marco Starr will be the Quarterbacks, Austin Big Crow will be the new Center replacing Scott Two Bulls, and Scott Two Bulls will be the new Right Offensive Tackle. Pedro Martinez has been added to the Crusader roster as the new kicker. Pedro has come to Pine Ridge from Puerto Rico and has a soccer background. “It’s going to be fun playing homecoming,” said quarterback Marco Starr.

Album Review- Capital Cities: In A Tidal Wave of Mystery

Columnist Odessa Star Comes Out '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Capital Cities: In A Tidal Wave of Mystery

By Odessa Star Comes Out '14

Capital Cities is considered an American Indie Pop group. They originated in LA, California. Their recent album, In A Tidal Wave of Mystery, dropped back in June. They are famously known for their song, "Safe and Sound." It charted #1 in on the US Alternative Songs chart.

I’m a hipster when it comes to music. I first heard this song on Spotify, BEFORE IT WAS ON THE RADIO! I freaked out and almost blew out the speakers when the song came on the radio. I was singing on the top of my lungs. I could not stop listening to the song. It was my theme song for the summer. It wasn’t until later when I said to myself, “Maybe I should take a listen to the rest of the album.” So I did. I’m glad I did. It has the sound of both 80s new wave and 70s disco music. This album is a good one, if I do say so myself. These songs will make you sing along when you're driving down the road with your windows down and you feel free. Or maybe just listening to the album with good headphones. Either way, you are going to love it if you’re into indie, dance, pop music. Also, I would like to add that some of the songs have a “Passion Pit” kind of a vibe to them. Good vibes.

This is a classic album. Definitely worth purchasing. Some might disagree, but I have faith in this duo. I just hope they don’t become a one hit wonder.

Meet Our New Student Activities Director

Shenique Monique Milton. Photo by Rhiannon White Eyes '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 Meet Our New Student Activities Director

By Rhiannon White Eyes '14

As we kick off the new school year, we would like to welcome our new student activities director. Shenique Monique Milton came all the way from Eutaw, Alabama. It took her three days to get here from Alabama. Shenique attended college at the University of Alabama A&M.

Shenique is interested in helping kids and she is also interested in learning more about the Native American culture and way of life. She came across the position at Red Cloud for the new activities director by searching for employment on the B.I.A website. Shenique wanted to come to Red Cloud to help the kids and also learn new things from the students themselves. Shenique has enjoyed her time so far at Red Cloud a lot. She came with no expectations, and she wants to learn more and grow as a person.

Some of Shenique’s goals for this year are to have a good after-school program, where the high school students can have fun and learn in a positive environment. Another one of her goals is to get the freshmen class more involved into activities. She also wants to get to know the students more.

Shenique hopes to learn more in every way possible and to grow as a person spiritually. She also wants to be able to learn from the students.

Shenique is slowly adjusting. Being here is different for her than being at home. Shenique is adjusting to the landscape, as she is not used to being able to see hundreds of miles of landscapes and different terrain. Shenique is getting to know the staff and students more, and hopefully all of us at Red Cloud can make it feel like home for Shenique. 

“I am taking it one task at a time,” said Shenique Monique Milton.

The Return of Ping Pong

Ping Pong in action. Photos by Michael Sunderland. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 The Return of Ping Pong

By Jin Yup Jung '14

Tomo is gone. Everyone knew it. Last Tuesday, many students had a dream to become a new ping pong champion this year when they came to school in the morning. Right after school, challengers for ping pong champion rushed to Michael Sunderland’s classroom, known as a hot humid cave. They set up the table and began to seek out the great ping pong paddle. More than 16 players and some onlookers from other clubs were in the class room; they were excited and looking for a menacing ping pong partner for the double play. They kind of looked disappointed because they all wanted to play with Tomoaki Shirataki, who was Red Cloud’s greatest ever ping pong champion from last year, as a partner. Before the first game started, all players breathed the hot air that was like a hot humid breath. Suddenly, the class was with hot humid air, but only the table was cold as ice.

A new exchange student from Japan, named Yoshiki Ueda, came to the club and featured some ferocious hits.  He was a good player but not quite as dominant as Tomo. Two brothers from Puerto Rico, Pedro and Leonardo, challenged for the double plays as soon as other players gave a sigh of relief from Yoshiki.

Amazingly, the two brothers began to dominate one team after another. They were ready to win game after game. Raising their paddles, the two brothers hit the ping pong as hard as they could. While they continued winning, Mike Sunderland and Christian McGhee organized a team themselves to stand against the brothers. Christian was the player who lost against King Tomo in the championship match last year and Sunderland was the Christian’s best partner ever. They looked nervous, but they tried to pretend to be calm. The game started, surrounded by the burning air in the class. No one could expect where the ping pong would go, but also they couldn’t even see the ping pong because it was as fast as a bullet.   

Before taking about half an hour, the game was over and the victory of the game went to the new challengers, Mike Sunderland and Christian, who sweated like a bull after the game. 

The Ping Pong Club will be on every Tuesday and Thursday. If you want to join this Ping Pong Club, you can come anytime. Guess what? The next champion could be you. Do not miss it.

Sioux Bob and Garnier Explore Australia

Christi Sioux Bob and Terra Garnier. Photo by Kyle I'atala '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Sioux Bob and Garnier Explore Australia

By Kylie I’atala '14

Over the summer break Christi Sioux Bob and Terra Garnier went to a basketball camp in Australia. These two girls were selected to play with a group of students from across the world to be on a basketball team.

Where did you all go in Australia?

Christi: “Surfers Paradise and P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sydney."

Terra: “I went to Surfers Paradise in Australia which was really cool because we could see the beach from our hotel. I also went to Miami, Australia, which seems weird. After Australia, I went to Honolulu, Hawaii and it was so beautiful. I want to live there someday. The beach was so amazing because the sea was clear there and the sand is so fine and

pretty.”

What did you do in Australia?

Terra: “I played basketball, met some Australians, went to the zoo and pet kangaroos and held a koala. I also swam at the beach although it was their winter. The tides were really high. I went to a lot of Australian stores and they have a very different style. Christi and I ate ice cream everyday and it was delicious."

Christi: “Played basketball, met people from different states, fed some kangaroos and held a baby koala bear named Slater.

What did the basketball camp do for you two players?

Terra:  “It helped me to know how other coaches off the reservation are. I also noticed a lot of other teams have the same plays as our team. It helped me to realize that there are a lot of other girls who want to go to the next level as much as I do.”

Christi: “It made me want to work harder because of the competition level was so high and those Australian girls were really good.”

Christi and Terra both said they met a lot of really nice people and most of them lived in the U.S.A. Terra believes they can be lifelong friends, and they hope to see them around.