FOOTBALL SENIOR NIGHT — FINAL GAME OF THE SEASON
By Leah Kastner and Berley Schwartz, freshmen, staff writers
Friday night, Oct. 18, marked the last time the Panorama Panther football seniors would step on the field for a game. There were 10 players and their manager, totaling 11. The seniors consist of Joel Cooper, Sawyer Simmons, Emmett King, Gabe Wagner, Jaysen Stagg, Will Knapp, Rylan Boeker, AJ Draper, Connor Love, Landon Kirtley and the manager, Jolynne Roeder. Most of the Panther seniors have played since they were in youth football as a Panther. Thank you, seniors, for all you have done for the Panther community and football team. The community loves to come to watch you leave it out on the field. Good luck with the rest of your year and, as always, Go Panthers!
The theme for the football game was Pink Out. The student section was decked out in pink, and the football team wore blue jerseys with pink lining the letters. They played against Riverside.
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UPCOMING BASKETBALL SEASON
By Nerea Gimeno-Perez, sophomore, staff writer
The boys basketball team at Panorama High School has been showing incredible dedication, putting in extra work with open gym practices every Thursday, as long as the coach’s schedule allows. The team is under the leadership of the new head coach, Josh Beardsley, who comes highly recommended. There’s a palpable sense of excitement among the boys as they eagerly await the start of the season. Their goal is to not only win as many games as possible but also to demonstrate their skills and teamwork to the community. The boys are looking forward to an exciting and successful season ahead. .
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ELA TAKES FIELD TRIP TO IOWA CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
By Berkley Schwartz, freshman, staff writer
On Oct. 16, Mrs. Gafkjen and Mr. Shorey took some high schoolers to the Community Garden play at Iowa Central Community College. The play was written by Justin Borak and directed by Teresa Jackson. It was two hours long and very meaningful. The meaning behind it was that the garden was a special place where people could come together and grow as individuals. If you get the chance to attend one of these field trips, sign up and have a great time.
Students in attendance: Front row: Meredith Arganbright, Ruth Fett, Ashley Crees, Elle Reynolds, Hannah Dishman, Berkeley Schwartz, Emma Walker, Hunter Kline, Brody Steenblock, Nolan Sheehy, Brayden Galvan and Cobyn Snyder; Back row: Mr. Shorey, Marlee Herring, Evynn Stagg, Kasey Michaelson, Savannah Matthias, Norah Hermann and Heaven Copeland. Not pictured: Mrs. Gafkjen.
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REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL
By Leah Kastner, freshman, staff writer
Monday night, Oct. 21, the Panorama Panther varsity volleyball team took on Pocahontas in the first round of regional volleyball play. The Panthers hosted the match at Panorama High School. The volleyball team was nervous about the game, but the Panorama community showed up for the girls to hopefully make it to the next round. The Panthers won the first set, but Pocahontas took the next two. The girls really had to focus and win the next two to move on to the next round. The Panther girls won the fourth set, and it all came down to the tie-breaking fifth set and the last serve by Pocahontas. The serve had too much power and went out of bounds and brought the Lady Panthers the victory.
Wednesday, Oct. 23 marked the end of the 2024 Panorama Panthers volleyball season. The girls fought hard but fell to No. 2 ranked Grundy Center. The Panthers ended their season 11-12. Panorama lost the first three sets of the game, which just happened to end their season.
The Panther Volleyball girls had a good season and an unlucky game. We are proud of you, girls. Thank you, seniors, for all your hard work and dedication to the team. Congrats on a great season, Panthers, and, as always, Go Panthers! .
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WHY SPORTS ARE IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS TO ENGAGE IN
By Emma Walker, freshman, staff writer
Sports play a crucial role in the development of students, and this makes their inclusion in school curriculums essential. First, sports promote physical health, which is increasingly important in an era when sedentary lifestyles are common among young people. Regular physical activity helps prevent obesity, disease and other health issues, fostering a generation of healthier individuals.
Moreover, sports instill important life skills such as teamwork, discipline and leadership. Participating in a team sport teaches students how to work cooperatively toward a common goal and supports their peers. These skills are transferable to academic and professional settings.
Lastly, sports provide a sense of community and school spirit. This brings students together, creating a shared identity and pride in their institution. This sense of belonging can enhance students’ overall school experience, boosting morales and encouraging attendance and engagement.
Therefore, engaging in sports in school programs is necessary for the crucial development of students.
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VOLLEYBALL SEASON CONCLUDES
By Nerea Gimeno-Perez, sophomore, staff writer
This volleyball season has been a remarkable journey filled with unforgettable moments and invaluable lessons for our team. We faced a myriad of challenges, from intense practice and fierce rivalries to triumphant victories and heartbreaking losses, allowing us to grow closer and solidify our bond as a family.
Our season reached its bittersweet conclusion when we faced Grundy Center, losing in all three sets. The disappointment was palpable as players hung their heads, but, deep down, we knew that we had given our absolute best effort on the court. Each serve, dig and rally was a testament to our hard work and dedication.
As we reflect on the season, the impending loss of our nine extraordinary seniors weighs heavily on our hearts. They have not only contributed their skills and leadership on the court but have also left a lasting impact on the younger players, showing them what it means to be part of a team. Despite the sadness of saying goodbye, we are grateful for the moments we shared with them alongside our juniors, sophomores and freshmen, creating bonds that will endure beyond the volleyball court.
Our last game was indeed an emotional culmination of our season, filled with tears and embraces. Yet, what stood out most was the unwavering strength of our camaraderie. No matter the outcome of a single game, we will always carry the knowledge that our volleyball team is more than just a collection of players; we are a family, united by our passion for the sport and our support for one another.
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MAJOR PROMOTION TO HEAD GIRLS SOCCER COACH
By Henry Kalloff, sophomore, staff writer
It was announced on Oct. 17 that Paul Kautzky, who has had an influential part in the girls soccer team and program, has been promoted to head coach. Coach Kautzky has become incredibly respected by the girls on the soccer team, and athletes and fans are excited to see how Coach Kautzky will perform in his new role.
The team is getting prepared ahead of the season with their first game on April 14 when Panorama will face Greene County. The game will be a testament to the hard work and dedication that Coach Kautzky and the girls on the team have done in the off-season. All of us at Panorama are proud to see the promotion of Paul Kautzky, and we can’t wait to see how he will do as head coach.