Computer Wars II: The Saga Continues

Aminah's classroom. Photo by Colton Sierra '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Computer Wars II: The Saga Continues

By Colton Sierra ‘14

In my journeys across the land of which is Red Cloud High School a warrior computer triumphs over its toughest opponents (except for Room 228 which was the weakest link.)

Based on my exclusive survey of approximately 50 students, the “top dawg” computer in the school is The Chromebooks with 31% of students growing to love the little laptops in all their glory. In last place was the computer lab in Room 228 with zero votes. From my studies, 6% of students found themselves working best on Wendell’s iPads. Also, 18% of students found themselves in Aminah’s Room. Furthermore, The Downstairs Computer Lab (21% of students) and The Macbooks (24%) came in a close battle with The Macbooks edging by.

A couple of students had a few things to say about technology in our school. “We need to update Room 228 so that we can have two open computer labs if Aminah has a class,” said wise senior Melinda Bad Wound.

“If the Chromebooks aren’t open, then the Downstair Computer Lab is the best,” said senior Cece Two Lance. She is usually seen working in Aminah’s Room, but apparently she goes to the Downstairs Computer Lab for all of her work.

Senior Kirkland reports “The Macbooks are ugly and slow.”

“I like the environment in Aminah’s Room,” said senior Gabby Rodriguez, who only really likes Aminah’s Room for the feel of the keyboard.

There have been talks of the school getting new computers, but that has yet to be confirmed. As for the Computer Wars, The Chromebooks have prevailed, but if new computers come in for the next year, the battle will continue.

Photo of the Day: Student Art Gallery

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

Moving on to the Next Level

Moving on to the Next Level

By Shawnta’ Jones ‘14

Two Crusader student-athletes find themselves achieving their lifelong dreams of playing the sport they love at the college level. The month of April was huge for our seniors Scott Two Bulls and Christi Sioux Bob.

On April 16th, Sioux Bob signed to play basketball for the Chadron State Eagles. Christi was a four year starting point guard for the Red Cloud Crusaders and will be playing the point guard position in college as well. Chadron State’s head coach was able to attend a Crusader game this past season and saw Sioux Bob in action. After setting up a tryout, he was very interested and Sioux Bob kept in contact with him.

“Basketball is more than just a game, it’s my life,” says Sioux Bob. “I’ve been playing since I was four years old. I am happy because I’m still able to play the sport I love at a whole new level. Basketball never stops.”

Also on April 3rd, Two Bulls signed with Dickinson State University to play football. In mid- November he got a call back from the Defensive Coordinator. Two Bulls was very satisfied with this because he doesn’t have to play on offense anymore. After getting accepted into the school and keeping in contact with the coordinator, Scott was sent his letter of intent.

“I’ve been playing football ever since I was in first grade,” enthused Two Bulls. “I love football like the fat kid loves cake. I love how aggressive it is and I love hitting. I am more than happy with signing because it gave me a chance to do things I want to do.”

Congrats to these two student-athletes making their dreams into reality.

Young Guns III: The Girls Golf Team

Young Guns III: The Girls Golf Team

By Colton Sierra ‘14

Payton Sierra ‘18, Taylor Campbell ‘16, Kianna Whirlwind Horse ‘19, and Jordan Yankton ‘19- the four reasons why the course is wild.

Meet the girls golf team.

These girls are coached by Alicia Adams, a counselor in the high school, and she is working with three-out-of-four first time golfers. More than half of the girls are still in middle school, and Campbell is only a sophomore. This team mirrors the boys golf team back in 2012 when inexperienced golfers tested the waters.

Payton Sierra is the only golfer who has one year of high school golf under her belt. However, she has been playing golf amongst other sports throughout her young life. Last year, Sierra made it to state along with former golfer Leannah Vitalis.

“She can go to state and even win state,” said Coach Adams. “She improves each time.” 

In the past tournaments, Payton came in from the 18th hole posting these scores: 105 at Belle Fourche, 101 at Gordon, NE, and right now she is currently battling the golf course in Spearfish along with her teammates at the Pre-Region Tournament.

Four Crusaders Become Bison on the Soccer Field

 

Wendell commanding his troops. Photo by Clay Leonard. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 Four Crusaders Become Bison on the Soccer Field

By Jin Yup Jung '14

                                                          

This year, four Red Cloud students have joined a soccer team...for the Hot Springs Bison.

While there are main spring sports such as Track and Field and Girls Golf at Red Cloud, there are no other sports teams like soccer or baseball, whereas most larger schools around here have diversity with their spring sports teams.

“Nothing has been around. We tried to make a soccer team, but it didn’t work well.”  Red Cloud science teacher & Hot Springs Soccer Coach Wendell Gehman said. “I think people at Red Cloud High School know nothing about soccer. It’s a lack of understanding. Also, there are not enough people who could play soccer here.”  

Seniors Pedro Martinez and Jin Yup Jung and juniors Leonardo Martinez and Yoshiki Ueda have united with Hot Springs soccer players. Since Red Cloud doesn’t have a soccer team, the four players have to drive to Hot Spring three times a week. “I wish I could play soccer at Red Cloud.” Yoshiki said. “It doesn’t mean that I don’t want to play soccer at Hot Springs, but I just wanted to play soccer at Red Cloud.”

Meanwhile, the Hot Springs soccer team with the Red Cloud additions had a great game and earned its first win this season last Saturday against the Belle Fourche soccer team. “Well, I think we improved and played well against them,” Wendell commented. “We communicated a lot while playing soccer. In soccer, communication is the most important way to lead your team to win.”

Hot Springs (with the four Crusaders) also defeated Spearfish recently.

This reporter/ soccer players believes that Red Cloud needs to develop another sports team in addition to Track and Field and Golf.

The Night in Paris 2014

The Night in Paris 2014

By Shawnta` Jones ‘14

As you walked through the enchanting park set up with a tunnel of shining trees, you could hear the flow of water in the fountain and you were greeted by familiar faces who were resting on the benches. As you walked into the lit up gossamer, you saw the beautiful Eiffel Tower to your left and tables which had popcorn and candles. A very enclosed space filled with parents and elegant women and very classy men. The students of Red Cloud High school transformed from an everyday look to a breathtaking look on Saturday, April 12th.

Here are a few thoughts on the Night in Paris from some elegant students:

“For my first time going to a prom I thought it was super fun. It was really beautiful. The juniors did a good job decorating it, and in 10 years I’d definitely remember how it was set up, how good everyone looked and, post prom because it was a good time and I enjoyed it.” - Kayla Starr ‘16

“Prom was the funnest event I attended involved with high school. It was so positive and so much fun! In 10 years I will remember spending it with the best upperclassmen ever and the experience was unforgettable!” - Myranda Pourier ‘15

“I thought prom was amazing. It didn’t look like we were in the gym, mainly somewhere enchanting! I think I’ll always remember the fun I had with everyone at prom and post prom”

- Kylie Iatala ‘14

 

“For my first prom I had so much fun! Not only was my date fun but everything else was just perfect, especially the way they set it up. Also in 10 years I’ll remember when Claire and Maka danced together the entire time and it looked like they had so much fun! I’ll also remember riding in the limo because it made us look really cool!” - Trista Merrival ‘16

“I didn’t hear any of the songs written on the music list which sorta killed my dancing vibe. Also one thing I will remember from prom is that I didn’t get to act a fool on the dance floor like I was planning to.” - Brannon Cousin ‘14

“I thought this year’s prom was amazing. My prom class really came together and worked really hard to pull it off. I am so proud of them!” - Carlee Janis ‘15

“Prom was actually really fun having everyone dancing looking like royalty enjoying themselves. 10 years from now I’ll remember Brad Held and Mato dancing to Cotton Eye Joe for the dance competition the most.” -  Christi Sioux Bob ‘14

“Everyone was dressed beautiful. The way it was set up was amazing! The Night in Paris was fun! 10 years from now I’ll remember my date, Mato Hinton being a goof on the dance floor.” - Koty Janis ‘16

“Prom was very beautiful and elegantly decorated, I loved it! I had the best, last prom ever. I will remember the whole day for the rest of my life. Especially since I had the cutest prom date of all! It was filled with nothing but fun, dancing, eating, and laughter.” - Cece Two Lance ‘14

“Prom was amazing! I loved the atmosphere, I felt people were really into it this year! In 10 years I’ll probably remember doing the salsa with Leonardo.” - Myriam Rama ‘15

“I thought it was nice and I had a good time. I’ll probably remember getting ditched for a pineapple! Also, post prom was fun because it was sort of special because there were so many of us and I doubt all.. 16 of us will ever do that again.” - Jaycherie Little ‘14

“I thought prom, the decorations, and the food was great. I felt like I was on a date in Paris with bae. It was dope! In 10 years I will most likely remember the fun I had during prom and after prom.” - Brad Hunter ‘14

“The whole experience of prom was great! My family really did a lot for me. If I look back 10 years from now, I would remember that my date and I both got to drive my uncle’s 1970 Monte Carlo. It was amazing and funny because my date was 6’5.” - Gabriella Rodriguez ‘14

“Prom was fun Santana and I recorded a song there. Also I’ll always remember when we went midnight bowling and I beat Morgan in a bet.” - Colton Sierra ‘14

“In 10 years I’m going to remember Randy “Raptor” Hughes doing to the dance to the song “Grind on Me” by Pretty Ricky in Ihop and Shanique practically chasing him around the restaurant to chew him. Prom was very fun this year!” - Shania Janis ‘15

Red Cloud Computer Wars

Chromebooks in action. Photo by Colton Sierra '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Red Cloud Computer Wars

By Colton Sierra ‘14

Room 228, Downstairs Lab, Aminah’s Room, Macbooks, Wendell’s iPads and the Chromebooks: Who wins the students over in the search for the most efficient computer/laptop?

Room 228 has some of the oldest computers on campus. They have been there almost as long as Matt Campbell; in fact, they were installed during his 3rd year teaching here. “I can remember when they put those computers in. We all thought that they were the bees knees,” said Campbell. However, in recent times, these computers have been known to lower productivity in his classes.

The Macbooks and the Chromebooks now have teamed up to conquer what Ashley Boone would call “difficult availability” to all of the classes. Yet, these handy little laptops seem to never have their battery life up to par.

Wendell’s iPads are very useful in their productivity, but unfortunately they are just for his Chemistry classes.

The two labs full of Mac desktops, the Downstairs Lab, and Aminah’s Room seem to be the best bet right? Too bad they are always occupied, or you don’t have a teacher present to watch over you as you do your work (due to the printing incident earlier in this year.)

Some of the students reminisce when they were able to work off of their own laptops until the Red Cloud Wi-Fi password leaked to the public. So where will you complete your work online? I vow to search for the most popular usage of technology that Red Cloud offers. Check back next week for the final discovery.

Senior Retreat: Back For The Last Time

Senior Retreat. Photos courtesy of RCHS Photography Class. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Senior Retreat: Back For The Last Time

By Colton Sierra ‘14

The Class of 2014 experienced a bittersweet bus ride returning to the school from Storm Mountain on March 28th. The seniors just wrapped up their final retreat with their class here at Red Cloud High School.

The highlight was Thursday night during a candle-lighting ritual in which the students lit a candle and proclaimed and expressed their gratitude to whomever or whatever has helped them progress in their life. When this uplifting event was finished, the students went around and exchanged hugs and handshakes to their fellow classmates. The rest of the night was spent reading letters that the students sent to each other in their makeshift “mailboxes.” That night students also began to bond more, laugh together, and they even persuaded their chaperones to allow them to stay in Allison Hall (the main building) for one more hour.

The retreats serve a purpose for each class, and the purpose is tied into a theme that the students can relate to. Every senior class has two retreats, one in the fall and one in the spring. The theme for the retreat in the fall was “Hopes, Dreams, Prayers, and Goals” and the theme for the spring retreat was “Wopila: Gratitude for where we come from and where we are going.”

“Having gone on Junior Retreat, Fall Senior Retreat, and Spring Senior Retreat with you, this retreat had depth,” said Spiritual Formation Depart Chair Brad Held. On the retreat, Held took notice of the growth that the seniors had as individuals and says that “It was great to be with you on retreat as you let that growth show.”

Upon arrival, the students were seemingly in awe from the beautiful scenery that they weren’t able to see when it was October. The first day weather was almost too good to be true, and so it was. When they went to Matho Thipila (Devil’s Tower) the next day, they were taken aback by the cold winds that surrounded this spiritual site.

Prayer was a big factor in the travels around Matho Thipila. After everyone had caught up and caught their breath, the class stopped to pray four times with the prayer flags that were made the night before. After the final stop, a couple of students let the adventurer in them come out as they ventured off into climbing the boulders that rest beside Matho Thipila.

“The food was really great,” said super senior Jin Yup Jung. Jin was seen devouring each plate during each meal. Terra Garnier & Kirkland were seen saying, “Our favorite dish was the baked potato,” yet they claim that they loved all the food that they served.

Shortly after, Kirkland Ross, Jin Yup Jung, Garrett Waters and Clare Huerter took on Pedro Martinez, Brannon Cousin, and Marco Starr in an intense soccer game that mostly revolved around Pedro and Jin Yup.

Among soccer, there were basketball games, volleyball games, and the occasional sleigh ride. There were also games of table tennis, dodgeball, carpetball, and games of foosball on a broken table.

Seniors were seen around Allison Hall (the main building) bonding, laughing, and showing no signs of wanting to return home. There were seniors scattered everywhere either snacking or drinking tea (or hot cocoa).

This class has had its problems, and they sometimes weren’t always as close. This all changed when the bus finally returned the students back to Red Cloud High School. You see the seniors, both as a group and as individuals, in a new light. As they all await graduation day, the seniors spend their time mastering their new friendships, as well as fixing old ones. Their graduation day is May 24th, but they are all looking forward to May 14th, which is the final day of their journeys through halls of Red Cloud. 

Why is this here?

Pre-Prom Parisian Preparations

The outside of Paris. Photo by Colton "Colteau" Sierra '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Pre-Prom Parisian Preparations

By Shawnta’ "Shawnteau" Jones ‘14

This intrepid reporter snuck into the Paul "Dizzy" Trout Fieldhouse Monday afternoon to get an exclusive sneak peak on the “Night in Paris” prom decorating. After secretly taking a couple snapshots of pre-prom, this fearful reporter was chased out of the fieldhouse by Red Cloud’s Student Activities Director Shenique Monique. Shenique then trapped the reporter in a corner and interrogated her. Therefore, the exclusive pictures cannot be published until after prom.

The junior class started decorating the fieldhouse to transform the gym into a magical Paris setting last Saturday. They have spent many hours and put a lot of effort into making this year's prom an enchanting experience.

“Prom decorating is going great!” said junior Shania Janis. “Decorating is pretty fun because a lot of my classmates are in the gym everyday and we just laugh, joke around, and have a good time with each other. We want this year’s prom to look close to perfect.”

The game plan for the juniors is to have a great looking prom, and their number one goal is to make this year's prom looking better than the years before. With motivation, creativity, and the help of Red Cloud’s awesome activities director and other staff, a “Night in Paris” will become the night to remember.

“I got a sneak peak of the decorating and it looks amazing, like you’ll forget you’re even inside of a gym!” exclaims volunteer Brittany Weidel.

Prom begins tomorrow at 5:30 PM. 

Dr. Who? Dr. Kay.

Dr. Kay. Photo by Jin Yup Jung '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 Dr. Who? Dr. Kay.

                                                           By Jin Yup Jung ‘14

Historically and traditionally, Red Cloud School has recruited lots of volunteers from other states. While most volunteers are young and fresh out of college, Kathryn Reisdorfer is the only volunteer this year (and possibly ever) who has been a college professor and holds a Doctorate degree.

Kathryn ("Kay") teaches US Government, Personal Finance, and Sociology at Red Cloud. She used to teach history and humanities as a professor in Yavapai College in Arizona. Kay has now retired from college and devoted her life to Red Cloud this year. 

“I felt wonderful after I retired from teaching college because I worked really hard in college, and I was so excited to do new things since I really didn’t have enough time to do what I wanted when I was teaching in college,” Kay said happily.

“I have had an interesting life. Fun and rich,” Kay added. “I was born in southwestern Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota.” Subsequently, she moved to San Francisco at the period of the Summer of Love, which occurred during the summer of 1967 and was an event when hippies gathered together in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco.

“Four years later, I moved back to Minnesota and married,” Kay added. “After I spent my time with my family, I started teaching in a community college in Arizona. I met wonderful people and was having a great time while I was teaching in college.”

Believe or not, Kay used to live in Germany for about four months to learn voice and she actually was a singer for a while in her life.

Some might have wondered at one time or another why a college professor came to the Pine Ridge Reservation when she could spend her time in another city or by doing more fun activities. “After I retired from college, I was doing some volunteer work because I feel people should give of themselves,” she said. “While I was doing volunteer work, I heard about Red Cloud on Pine Ridge Reservation, so I came here.”

Kay’s future plan is to come back to Red Cloud next year. Then she will go to Germany and then spend time in the city of Bisbee, Arizona to hang out.

The transition between teaching college and high school students is not always easy. “It’s really hard to say the difference, but there are still differences about maturity level,” Kay added. "Since college students went to college because mostly they wanted to study further beyond high school, whereas high school students are usually kind of forced to stay at high school by their parents or some other reasons. However, I believe that kids at Red Cloud are fantastic and great!”

Crusaders Invade Hoosier-Land

Red Cloud at Indiana University. Photos courtesy of Nicky Belle. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

     Crusaders Invade Hoosier-Land     

By Jin Yup Jung '14

Too much snow on Wednesday. Too much fog on Thursday.

But that didn't stop the intrepid group of Crusaders on their mission to Hoosier-ville.

It seemed like they were never going to make their journey from Rapid City to Indiana University (IU) for the college visit.

Nevertheless, five Red Cloud students along with two teachers got in a van to go to Rapid City to be on time for a flight early Thursday morning. They finally arrived at Indianapolis at about 6 pm.

The college trip was planned by Nicky Belle, who worked at Red Cloud for three years from 2009-2011. The purpose of the trip was to give students a chance to be prepared for their college experience.

During the trip, senior Jin Yup Jung and juniors Demcie Mesteth, Austin Big Crow, Randy Hughes, and Brandi Davis were able to meet people from the Native American Student Association: Vice President McCrory, who is an Associate Professor of Business Law, the Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs (DEMA), the Vice Provost for Educational Inclusion, and current students of IU. The students also spent time in a Lakota Language classroom and toured the IU Athletic Facilities. Students went on a tour around campus and went to a pow-wow on Saturday night.

 

“My favorite part of the trip was meeting everyone who went to school there because they seemed very passionate about Indiana,” Randy Hughes said.

Yoshiki Ueda’s "Pop Over" Due Experience

Yoshiki's historic first bite. Photo by Colton Sierra '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Yoshiki Ueda’s "Pop Over"Due Experience

By Colton Sierra ‘14

A newly acquired taste landed atop of junior Yoshiki Ueda’s tastebuds last Thursday the 3rd. With the help from his classmates, Yoshiki was inspired to try one of Pine Ridge’s most beloved on-the-go dishes: The Popover.

Tim Big Crow ‘15 and his cronies all assisted in gifting Yoshiki his first ever Popover. Ryan Hussman ‘14 was behind the wheel as he transported two other seniors on the voyage for a new experience for Yoshiki. The lunch hour was nearing its end when the car finally appeared in the parking lot. Yoshiki hustled outside exclaiming “Where’s my Popover?”

“This is the best thing I have ever tasted,” said Yoshiki in mid-bite. “This is a new taste.” We can believe it too. In many other places you will not find a single Popover. “Up in Minnesota, you won’t find any Popover,” said Bailey Pourier ‘14.

During a post-Popover meet up, Yoshiki explained that he would “definitely try it again.” So whoever has $3.50 that they would want to offer for this noble cause of helping Yoshiki get another Popover, come forth. We would love to treat Yoshiki to more Popovers before he departs.