The Eagle Talon

Back to School Means a Few New Faces at CHS

By Derek Barazza

It’s mid way through August and that means it's back to school time. A new school year means new beginnings and with that a few new teachers. Colby High School has six teachers that are either new or returning to the school district. Additionally, Mr. Matt Sims is now the high school principal after teaching in the math department.

He was replaced by Mrs. Megan Gaede, one of the new teachers at CHS. Ms. Gaede attended MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS and finished in three and a half years. Her favorite part about teaching math goes back to a quote from Larry Martinek that says, “Students don't hate math. What they hate is being confused, intimidated, and embarrassed by math. With understanding comes passion, with passion comes growth - a treasure is unlocked."

“I believe this statement is so true,” stated Gaede, “I love being a part of the process where students stop hating math and come to the realization that it is useful. Surprisingly enough, when you understand it, it can actually be fun!”

As can be seen in many cases, Ms. Gaede came to Colby High School in search of a change. She had begun looking for jobs that were outside of education, but after interviewing for her current position, she decided that a change from the elementary level to the high school level was “just what I needed.”

“I have always enjoyed math, and my first few weeks here have confirmed for me and my family that I made the right decision. Colby Schools have been very welcoming and the students and staff are great to work with.”

The English department has a new face, as well. Mrs. Brittney Wininger, the new sophomore English teacher, comes to CHS from Winona. She graduated from Washburn University and she teaches English because she wants to help shape the leaders of tomorrow.

“Through teaching, I have the privilege to connect with each individual through reading, writing, and engaging discussion.”

When Mrs. Wininger isn't at school, she enjoys listening to music, audiobooks, and coloring.

Mrs. Megan Gaede

Mrs. Brittney Winiger

The 2023-24 Colby High School National Honor Society sponsored by Mrs. Shelley Myers and Mrs. Trish Starbuck. Photo by Monica Kane.

NHS Holds Inductions

By Tucker Wark

Colby High School inducted a large group of new junior members into the National Honor Society Monday evening. There were 25 students inducted into the school’s chapter.

The National Honors Society (NHS) recognizes the hard work of students who excel in four areas. National Honor Society (NHS) was established to recognize outstanding high school students. It is more than just being on the honor roll, NHS students demonstrate excellence in four areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.

The National Honor Society recognizes students in high school who meet high academic standards. It was founded in 1921. Today, the NHS has over one million students who are involved in the society.

The current chapter already had 16 senior members. They are sponsored by CHS teachers Mrs. Trish Starbuck and Mrs. Shelly Myers. THe 2023-2024 New NHS Officers are the following.

Anna Starbuck - President

Anna Stramel - Vice President

Avery Seiwert - Secretary

Baylee Alexander - Treasurer

Hali Booi - In School Liaison

Zoe Krohn - Community Liaison

Mrs. Myers said, “Senior NHS members can work on their Fall 2023 service hours during the summer months. Some chose to help with the Summer Youth Program at the United Methodist Church.” NHS members have to complete ten hours of community service every semester.

Current member Zane Betz said, “I thought the induction went very well. I am excited to have this junior class join the NHS. The new inductees will bring a lot of good to the community.”

In School Liaison, Hali Booi wrote, “These students are recognized in the community and have demonstrated high standards of honesty, reliability, and respect for others. It is a huge honor to be a part of this organization.”

This year's induction was a great success for all the juniors and seniors that had a 3.75 Grade Point Average (GPA) and were able to apply to NHS. Congratulations to all members.

Student Council Stays Busy Throughout the Summer

By Taylor Andreason

The Student Council has been busy to start the school year. The members helped with freshman orientation, which is designed to get the freshman prepared for school. They also chalked the entrance to school to welcome the students on the first day. Recently StuCo held presentations for each class’ homecoming float and some grades have started working together to get them started.

“This summer we had multiple work days to start getting ready for homecoming,” said senior Jullian Hastings. “We planned our biggest fundraiser for the year, and started all the preparation for the dance and parade and everything else we do during homecoming week.”

According to Senior Anna Starbuck, they also had a social day that was designed to help them connect with their fellow Student Council members. In her words, they “had a lot of fun that day.”

StuCo is currently working on homecoming since that is the first major event that they do each year.

“The Student Council is in charge of planning everything for homecoming so we do the homecoming parade, the dance, the class competitions and many other things as well,” mentioned Starbuck.

Once homecoming is finished, they start planning for regional StuCo. That will be something that is good for the community since it is being held in Colby this year.

The Student Council has been working very hard and putting so much work into getting this school year started. Even though they have a ton of work on their hands they have still fit in time to bond with each other and have fun.

FCA Chapter Restarts at CHS

By Talon Andreason

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has started at Colby High School. The CHS chapter is sponsored by Mr. Hans Krohn. He chose to do this because he loves to see when there are a lot of people there encouraging others to go. He said that FCA could change people’s lives but that he wants it to be their choice to attend.

FCA has grown tremendously over the years and has changed plenty of lives. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high, and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. And, if a student hasn’t gone, but is wondering, it wouldn't hurt to try it out.

FCA meets on Wednesdays in the morning before school. Many students who attend the FCA meetings say that it helped improve their life and gave them a better outlook on life. In short, this is a group of young athletes that come together to praise God as well as learn their sports with a Christian attitude.

Mr. Krohn has more details for those interested, but they base what they do on the following ideas.

Integrity; we will demonstrate Christ-like wholeness, privately, and publicly. Proverbs 11:3. Serving; we will model Jesus' example of serving. John 13:1-17. Teamwork; we will express our unity in Christ in all our relationships. Philippians 2:1-4. Excellence.

Everyone is welcome to go and they love when there are new people.

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