PANORAMA SPEECH: ON TO STATE!

By Holliday Mertens, freshman, staff writer

Congratulations to Panorama Speech’s Reader’s Theater, Choral Reading, and Musical Theater for making it to State! Students moving to State in Reader’s Theater include Avery Bahrenfuss, Riley Gibson, Hadley Klein, Maddox Nunn, Noah Poldberg, Gracie Richter, Jaysen Stagg, Meredith Woodworth and Taylin Woolheater. Students competing in Choral Reading are Piper Godwin, Emme Hardisty, Sabrina Huitt, Evelyn Hummel, Aubrey Lincoln, Anna Thompson and Nick Turner. Finally, Musical Theater students are Emme Hardisty, Noah Poldberg, Jaysen Stagg, Anna Thompson and Taylin Woolheater. Also, a huge congratulations to coaches Mr. Helm, Ms. Wooldridge and Mrs. Gafkjen. State Speech will be on Feb. 3 at Ankeny Centennial.

The Musical Theater team sang three songs from “Avenue Q” by Jeff Whitty. Choral Reading read “Telltale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. Finally, our Reader’s Theater team read “The Norse Mythology Ragnasplosion” by Don Zolidis. Once again, congrats to everyone who made it to State Speech! Go, Panthers!

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PANORAMA FFA SUBDISTRICTS

By Maddy Carstens, junior, staff writer

This year, Panorama FFA members competed in the annual Subdistricts competition. Fifteen members went in person to compete in their group or singular competitions. Along with the 15 attending members, three other members submitted quizzes hoping to be awarded placings. The event was held on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Anita. Subdistricts are a string of competitions consisting of four different competition levels. Subdistricts are first, following Districts, then State. Sometimes, depending on the competition, the competitor(s) might even move on to National Convention, which is the highest competition. Each different competition has different dates. The next competition, Districts, is March 2 at Clarinda. The results are in for the subdistrict competitions.

Cody Kastner competed in individual Ag Sales, receiving a gold rating, along with being an alternate for districts. Danica Isom competed in Creed Speaking, receiving a bronze rating. Ella Carico, Taylor Fronapfel, Zach Hayden, Evelyn Hummel and Abby Zaruba competed in Parliamentary Procedure, receiving a bronze rating and moving on to districts. Alexis Olson, Bridget White, Cora Fluharty, Jamie Fronapfel, Ella King, Emma Johnson and Reece David competed in Conduct of Meetings, receiving a bronze rating. Sawyer Simmons competed in Arc Welding, receiving a gold rating and advancing to districts. The three members who submitted quizzes also received placings. Abby Zaruba took the Chapter quiz, receiving a gold rating and placing fifth. Sam Hansen took the Discovery quiz, receiving a gold rating and placing first. Malia Jacobson also took the Discovery quiz, receiving a silver rating and placing ninth.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: KAITLIN KENT 

By Hailey Hellman, freshman, staff writer

Kaitlin Kent’s plans after high school are to attend the University of Iowa or Northern Iowa to major in criminology. She participates in soccer, basketball, FCA, NHS, student council and Panther Pride Service Club. Her biggest advice to underclassmen is to remember that freshman grades do matter. The most challenging part of high school for Kaitlin was trying to juggle classes and activities.

Kaitlin grew up at Lake Panorama. She loves to watch “Gilmore Girls,” play with her dog, hang out with her boyfriend, and jet skiing. Coach Boettcher has made the biggest impact on Kaitlin. After she graduates from high school, she wants to look back and be remembered as a passionate woman.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: HANNAH HARDISTY 

By Mason Halling, junior, staff writer

Hannah Hardisty plans to go to college for childhood education and then become a kindergarten or first-grade teacher. She grew up in Panora and is the founder of GSA. She has participated in IYC Theater and Art Club. Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Perez, and if she could describe her last four years in three words, she would say “could’ve been worse.” In her free time, she plays video games, draws, writes and makes jewelry. In 10 years, she sees herself living with friends, being a teacher and, hopefully, still drawing.

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BEING A POSITIVE INFLUENCE

By Baylyn Herring, sophomore

Sometimes in our day-to-day lives, finding something positive can be a difficult thing to do. We all have stressful days and bad days, but sometimes we forget that other people have bad days, too. Too often, we think not about how we affect others but only how they affect us.

In order to be a kind, caring and positive person, we need to be able to put ourselves in other people’s shoes when they have hurt us and pause for a second before we say something hurtful and think. We need to think about all the things we do not know about. We do not know if they just lost a loved one or a pet. We do not know if they have had a stressful day and just failed their math test, or if money is tight at home. Whether you think you know or not, the likelihood is that you probably do not know what another person is going through.

You could be self-absorbed and choose to ignore the fact that you are most likely hurting someone who is already hurting. (People do not act harshly for no reason.) On the other hand, you could be a bigger person and react with kindness or, at the very least, ignore their harsh words.

When being a kind person, sometimes we need to look around and not be so focused inwardly that we forget that we are all human. We all have good and bad days, and we need to remember to be kind and gracious to our fellow human beings.

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HABITS OF SUCCESS 

By Jessy Randol, freshman, staff writer

Do you want to be successful in life? Most people would say yes. There are many different ways a person can be successful. Not all people have the same perspective of success. Success to one person may be getting a scholarship to college but, to another person, it may be getting food on the table for their family. The definition of success can vary from children all the way to adulthood.

Success is definitely a hot thought for teenagers looking into their own future. Teens know that the future is coming soon with increased difficulties, and they still want to be successful. Teens should learn to master some important skills in order to benefit them in their successful future.

The first skill one may need to obtain to be successful in high school is active listening. In order to learn anything in life, you need to learn from the wiser people who already have the knowledge. Active listening can be used with teachers, family, friends and coaches. There are a lot of things going on in high school that require learning a new skill. For example, in order to be successful in volleyball, you need to go to practice. People cannot just expect to be flawless the first time they do something. A person would need to listen to his or her coaches and other teammates to improve the ability to play the game successfully. Success does not come easy; it takes time and hard work.

Another skill that is needed to be successful in high school is communication. Communicating is such an important skill in life. A teenager may use this skill to ask a teacher for help, tell a coach you are hurt, or even telling your parents that you love them. High school students are not able to be absent without letting their own teachers know. If they don’t communicate with their teachers, they risk getting behind in work, which will perform negatively on the student.

Lastly, an important skill is time management. Time management is a huge skill for a teenager to obtain. Many teens are overloaded with things and don’t know how to manage everything properly. That causes them to break down. For example, young freshmen try to get involved in as many extracurricular activities as they can. They end up being in Student Council, FFA, NHS, volleyball, basketball, soccer, track, dance team and also have an outside job. All of these activities are on top of a packed schedule at school, which they have already spent eight hours at, with extra homework to do as well when they get home. This could go either really well for a teen or extremely bad. If teens do not know how to manage time wisely and efficiently, they could crash. Their grades could go down, lose positions and roles in their extracurriculars due to bad grades, lose a bond with friends or family, or even lose sleep. On the other hand, if teens know how to properly manage their time, this could be extremely beneficial. When students are applying to different colleges, this will help them out tremendously.

In conclusion, despite the different definitions of success, the skills of each one are the same. If they properly know how to listen, communicate and manage time, this will assist them in being successful. Gaining these skills will not only give teenagers success in high school but will also give them three important skills to bring to their adulthood.

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TEACHER FEATURE: MR. BRUCE DAHLHAUSER

By Miranda Laabs, sophomore, staff writer

Mr. Bruce Dahlhauser has been teaching at Panorama for seven years. His favorite part about teaching is that he continues to live out his passions. Another one of his favorite parts is that he can create a positive culture and build relationships with everyone in the district. Mr. Dahlhauser has been trusted with many positions, including running the strength and conditioning program through the school. His biggest drive for building up this program has been the positive impact of building strength within not just an individual, but as well as athletic departments and the community. Getting people to start, and stay consistent, has been one challenge for Mr. Dahlhauser. Building strength takes time and only happens if you are willing to put in effort and stay consistent.

When asked what his “ideal” day was, Mr. Dahlhauser had said starting the day with a workout and breakfast before the students come in to lift. Throughout the school day, it consists of tons of smiling faces and seeing kids who are excited about what they are doing. After the school day, Mr. Dahlhauser goes home to spend time with his family. One thing that Mr. Dahlhauser wished he could do more is spend time with other relatives. As a teacher and running extra programs through the school, he doesn’t get much time to see other family members.

LEGO LEAGUE COMPETITION 

By Taylin Woolheater | sophomore, staff writer

Panorama LEGO League competed at Johnston Regional’s FIRST LEGO League Competition. FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams are preparing all season to compete and perform at regional tournaments. At regionals, judges will give valuable feedback to the competitors about their robots, codes and overall inventions. The final challenge of the team’s work takes place at the Robot Game table. Students race for a personal best score and the opportunity to compete at a local championship. Panorama’s team, Panther1, received 245 points at the Robot Game table, becoming the second-highest score for a Panorama team. Congratulations to Elizabeth Lopez, Clint Isom, Mason Crees, Grace Tripple, Miyah Small, Norah Grove and Julianna Schroeder on the fifth and eighth-grade team.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: SETH SHAFFER 

By Aden Rochholz | sophomore, staff writer

 Seth Shaffer is a senior at Panorama High School who grew up in Woodbine. Seth moved to Panora in 2015. Seth has been in the band since he was in sixth grade. Seth’s advice for lower classmen is that they should “quit messing around the whole class period.” His favorite teacher is Mrs. Randel because she would help him with any problems he had. Seth’s parents have had a great impact on his life. Seth wants to be in a nice, calm home with a dog. Seth will remember spending quality time with his friends in 10 years. Seth’s favorite quote is: “Life is like a box of chocolates” by Forest Gump. As a senior, Seth’s biggest challenge is getting through the year. We wish Seth a bright future after he graduates from Panorama.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: JOSEPH PERRIGO 

By Jadyn Lawrence | freshman, staff writer

Joseph Perrigo is a senior at Panorama. Throughout his four years of high school, he has been involved in baseball, trapshooting and FFA. Joseph describes his high school experience as entertaining, interesting and exhausting. His favorite teacher is Mrs. Perez because even though he was not the best at Spanish, he learned a lot and enjoyed her class. His biggest challenge in high school was trying to schedule classes. If Joseph could go back and tell his younger self something, it would be hard work that would eventually pay off. After high school, Joseph plans on going to college for an agricultural business degree, while helping out on the family farm. He plans to achieve these goals by working hard and being dedicated. In Joseph’s free time, he likes to hang out with friends and fix many different things. When he looks back on his school years, he will remember most working in the school shop. Overall, Panorama wishes great luck on Joseph Perrigo’s new chapters in life.

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ACT PREPARATION INFORMATION 

By Taylin Woolheater | sophomore, staff writer

Students at Panorama have the opportunity to apply for ACT testing. The testing will occur on April 13 with a March 8 registration deadline, June 8 with a May 3 registration deadline, and July 13 with a June 7 registration deadline. Iowa colleges and universities do not require SAT or ACT scores for admissions, however, merit scholarships often do. There are printable ACT practice tests and online practice tests available for test-takers. To register, talk with Chris Webner.

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TEACHER FEATURE: MR. BRIAN BAHRENFUSS

By Maddy Carstens | junior, staff writer

Mr. Brian Bahrenfuss is a high school teacher at Panorama High School. He came to live in Panora in 2001, the same year he began his teaching career. Brian grew up, however, in Sheldon. He has been teaching for a total of 23 years. He says he was inspired to become a teacher by the teachers he had when he was a student.

Mr. Bahrenfuss teaches history classes, such as American Government, U.S. History, and World History. He says that his favorite class to teach is U.S. History because he likes to study the struggles our nation faced after the Civil War, also known as Reconstruction. Mr. Bahrenfuss also enjoys teaching history classes because it helps others understand how the world has developed over time. Mr. Bahrenfuss not only teaches but also coaches. He teaches high school boys baseball. He also attends the different school functions held at Panorama. He says some of his favorite activities held at Panorama High School are baseball games, speech competitions, homecoming and the Iron Games. He says he enjoys the students and staff he is able to work with at the school. Give it up for Mr. Brian Bahrenfuss.

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PANORAMA DANCE TEAM CLINIC 

By Maddy Carstens | junior, staff writer

The Panorama Dance Team has hosted an annual dance clinic in previous years. This event is for the younger generation of dancers at Panorama Community Schools. Every year has a specific theme tied to the clinic. This year, the theme is “Snow Day!” So, everyone, get your dancin’ pants on!

The choreography is being taught on Jan. 26, a no-school day. At 8 a.m., students preschool through kindergarten, and fifth through 12th will be learning the main dances. Then, from 10 a.m. to noon, first grade through 12th grade will be learning more dances. Finally, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., fifth grade through 12th grade will learn their final performances. Once all the kids have learned the dances for their certain age group, they will perform twice. The first time will be at the Panorama Dance Team’s “Show of Shows” performance at Panorama High School. The next and final performance will be at the boys basketball halftime on Jan. 29. “Snow Day!” is upon us in this annual tradition.

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SNOW DAYS FOR PANORAMA

By Bryce Dawes and Aden Rochholz | sophomores, staff writers

Panorama had the first two snow days of the school year when classes were canceled on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10. About 7 inches of snow fell in Panora. Other schools around Iowa also received snow and were canceled as a result. These snow days occurred at the end of the second term, which caused some hassle, but the school figured everything out.

School at Panorama was canceled because the weather conditions made it difficult to drive. If school had not been canceled, the roads may have been a hazard to students driving to school or riding a school bus to school. The school has snow days for the safety of the students and workers who go to the school.

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SNOWCOMING WRAP UP

By Jessy Randol | freshman, staff writer

The week of Jan. 8 was our 12th year of the annual Snowcoming at Panorama. This year, all of the donations received during the week will be headed to Tori’s Angels, Team Gafkjen, Alpha-1, United with Liberty: Childhood Cancer, School Food Pantry, and Perry Schools. During the week, dress-up days were held for each charity.

On Monday, students wore pink to support Team Gafkjen. On Tuesday, students were supposed to wear yellow for United with Liberty: Childhood Cancer, but school was canceled due to inclement weather. On Wednesday, students were also supposed to wear white for the School Food Pantry, but, once again, school was canceled. During the entire week, students collected money, toilet paper, shampoo, women’s and men’s deodorant, bar soap, laundry soap, and tissues for the School Food Pantry. On Thursday, students wore blue for Tori’s Angels. Many community members supported this in the stands at the girls and boys varsity basketball games at Nodaway Valley. Panorama came home that night with two big victories. The girls had a close game of 56-43, and the boys won with a score of 84-60. On Thursday, the high school student council members went around during lunch to collect money for the winter formal tickets. Then on Friday, students were going to wear purple for Alpha-1, but it ended up that all activities had been canceled for the day due to weather. Lastly, students collected money at the winter formal. The students’ payments to get into the formal will all be included in these donations. Overall, $537 was raised, not including Venmo or extra donations from the day of the formal. The support throughout the week was appreciated. Go, Panthers!

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: ISAAC MONRROY-NUNEZ 

By Jadyn Lawrence and Jessy Randol | freshmen, staff writers

Isaac Monrroy-Nunez is a senior at Panorama. He has been active in wrestling and football during his high school career. During his four years of high school, Isaac’s favorite teacher has been Mrs. Lindstrom because she is “a fun and vibrant teacher.” His biggest challenge has been math. With that, Isaac struggled to get to class as a senior because he was “unmotivated.” Isaac describes his last four years as “interesting.” When he looks back on this school year, he would remember homecoming the most. During high school, Coach Johnston has been the most impactful to Isaac.

If Isaac could give any advice to underclassmen, it would be to have fun. Through all the ups and downs of high school, Isaac wishes he would have told himself to trust the process. When he looks back at his senior year, Isaac is going to remember homecoming the most.

Isaac grew up in Guthrie Center and Panora. After high school, he plans on working. In Isaac’s free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends, and his favorite food is Chinese. Something not many people know about him is “he is Batman.” In 10 years, Isaac sees himself living very comfortably. Overall, Isaac will be remembered as a funny, energetic, social and good person. All of us from Panorama wish Isaac the best with his next chapters in life.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL MARTINEZ 

By Mason Halling | junior, staff writer

Michael Martinez is a senior at Panorama. He plans to get a degree in culinary arts. He is currently taking classes with Iowa Central Community College to achieve this goal. His most challenging task as a senior has been his college class. If he could go back and tell his younger self something, it’d be, “Just be you and do not care what others think of you.” He doesn’t have a favorite teacher; he thinks they all are great. His advice to underclassmen is “Do your work and keep up.” His go-to song is “Amen” by King and Country.

In the next ten years, Michael sees himself living in his own place and he wants to visit the state of Texas. His greatest accomplishment is almost being done with the start of his life. He has participated in yearbook, golf, football, baseball, and basketball. Michael said that though there’s been pain and suffering through his high school years, he’s still grateful. When he looks back on this school year in later years, he will remember that he did it!  Good luck to Michael as he pursues his dreams!

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TEACHER FEATURE: MR. RANDY MILLER

By Jadyn Lawrence | freshman, staff writer

Mr. Randy Miller is one of many teachers at Panorama Secondary School. He started teaching at Panorama in 2007. Mr. Miller decided to accept the job to teach at Panorama because it gave him a chance to be closer to his wife’s family. Ron Swartzendruber (Mr. Miller’s old teacher) inspired Miller to teach not only because his class was fun but also very engaging. Mr. Miller’s favorite part about teaching is that it is something new every day and never gets boring. Miller is also a middle school football and basketball coach at Panorama.

Mr. Miller grew up in Kalona (by Iowa City). After he graduated high school, he went to Central College in Pella. There he double majored in elementary education and exercise science. Some of Miller’s favorite hobbies are puzzles, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and watching sports. Mr. Miller’s ideal Christmas break would look like sleeping in till 10 a.m., spending time with family, and eating lots of food. As of right now, Mr. Miller does not have any plans for after teaching and plans to teach for many more years. Overall, Panorama Secondary School is truly grateful that we have Mr. Miller in our community and cannot wait for more years to come.