Why do you DM?

Kelsey Owen

The seventh annual Plymouth High School Riley Dance Marathon is one of the biggest fundraisers to take place at PHS. PHSDM is a fundraiser that has taken place annually since year 2012. PHSDM raises money for Riley Hospital for Children. The dance marathon individually supports the palliative care unit and the Magic Castle Cart at Riley Hospital. Both of the things that PHSDM funds provide the kids at Riley Hospital with smilies so that they forget for a second that they are in a hospital room.

PHS Dance Marathon was originally started by graduate Hannah Jacobs, who was and still is a Riley Kid. Jacobs started DM at PHS because she wanted kids to have a success story just like hers.

Senior Bryce Carmichael said, “I have participated in Dance Marathon since my freshman year. I participate because the kids that are in the hospital fighting for their lives are going through a lot more than many of us could ever imagine. For that, I think it is important to support and help them and their families in any way I can.”

Over the past seven years, PHSDM has raised $186,645. This year, the goal is to raise $40,000.

Sophomore Emma Cook said, “I set a personal goal for myself, it was to raise $120. However, so far, I have raised $185.”

As evidenced by Emma, members of PHSDM are continually going above and beyond to reach and exceed their goals. This is one of the reasons why reaching the goal of $40,000 is possible.

In addition, raising money for Riley Hospital for Children is near and dear to people's hearts.

Junior Graci Holm said, “I DM for the babies who were born prematurely, as well as their families. My brothers, Fitzgerald and Kavanaugh Holm, were both born prematurely, but thankfully their conditions weren’t severe enough to be sent to Riley. However, for many families this is not the case, and I know Riley will do whatever it takes to make their situation just a little bit better.”

One of the biggest traditions at a dance marathon is telling Riley stories. Not only this, but if a person does not have a Riley story, they explain why they DM.

Knowing this, PHSDM Advisor, Ms. Wezeman said, “I’m a founding board member of an organization called Malawi Matters. We do HIV and AIDS education in Malawi, Africa. There’s a huge Malawian immigrant community in South Bend, and as we made friends with many in the community, it became clear that we needed to act together. One of the Malawian friends I made gave birth to twins very prematurely. Arthur and Agatha were each just over one pound at birth. Arthur died after a few days. Agatha pushed through, then was taken to Riley for intense care as she developed. Without Riley, we wouldn’t have Agatha. And without all the amenities that Riley can offer because of the generosity of donors, I don’t know if Aussie would have survived the experience of waiting for her little girl to get better.”

Nevertheless, #FTK.

Stunts at the Pep Rally

Chloe Garner

The first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Homecoming are the school dances, the basketball team, and who’s going to win Homecoming Queen. Where’s the recognition for the girls who spend weeks working on a two minute routine to showcase their sport?

The cheer squad spends hours coming up with a homecoming routine to perform for students at the pep session. This routine is generally under appreciated for the amount of work that the cheerleaders put into it. The two varsity captains, Seniors Rachel Bockman and Makena Carmichael, and the brains behind the music for basketball homecoming, Morgan Stevens, answered a few questions about the newest dance.

Stevens said, “I usually get my music ideas from...spotify playlists and I get my dance ideas from YouTube...and Insta[gram] videos. It makes me feel confident and good about myself.” Morgan says that her favorite homecoming dance she’s performed is the one from 2017’s football season, with a song called “Here Comes the Boom.”

Bockman said, “It is very cool to see the crowd react to our dance since we spent weeks working on it.”

The homecoming dance usually consists of an interesting stunt/tumbling to start, a dance section, then ends with a fascinating stunt. These stunts are always harder than they look, but the cheerleaders rise above that struggle and perform with smiles on their faces, no matter how tired they are.

Carmichael said, “I get my music and dance ideas from collaborating...and watching videos. Cheerleaders perform a dance to showcase what we are capable of!”

Each dance is created using popular music in order to make the students engage and be more interested with the routine. At the 2018 basketball homecoming, the dance included songs titled “Low” by Flo Rida, and “Gucci Gang” by Lil Pump.

Carmichael said, “We aren’t just girls who cheer on the sidelines, we can have fun and and dance and stunt, too!”

Valentines Day for Veterans

Nicole Keller

When the phrase “Valentine’s Day” comes to mind most people might think of the love they have for their families or friends, but what about the love people have for their country, specifically, the veterans who have so proudly served?

Key Club members will participate in the January project of sending notes of gratitude and prayer cards to 300 veterans in the state of Indiana. This activity was originally sponsored by Alpha Delta Rho in 2015, but since the project was discontinued by that school organization, Key Club sponsored the project for the 2019 year, with financial support from the American Legion Auxiliary of Plymouth.

The purpose of the project “Valentines for Veterans” is to send notes of gratitude, a small stick American Flag, and a prayer card to veterans residing in the Indiana Veterans Home, the South Bend Veterans Center, Millers Assisted Living, Pilgrim Manor, and the Maria Center.

American Legion sponsor for the project, Jayne Roahrig said, “The Auxiliary is supporting this project because we believe in our veterans and what they have done for us. This is just another way to show them they are appreciated.”

Valentines for Veterans has individualized meanings for those in Key Club, such as Vice President, Julia Patrick.

Patrick said, “Many veterans are lonely during a loving time of the year, it is important to remind them that they are valued.”

Student Government member Jack Garner said, “The project is important because even simple nods of recognition can boost a veteran’s morale, especially at the time of a holiday that they may not have someone to spend it with.”

The Key Club members will be writing notes, addressing the envelopes, and packaging the envelopes to send to the 300 veterans by Valentine’s Day.

The valentines being sent to the Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette and the Veterans Center in South Bend will be mailed, however the valentines being sent to local nursing homes will be hand delivered by Key Club members the week of Valentine’s Day.

Individuals who have a specific veteran family member residing in a Veterans Home or Nursing Home can reach out to the Plymouth Key Club to have a valentine personally addressed to them.

PHS investigates the FBI

Rosemary Szalay

What do you imagine when you think of an FBI agent? Is he a faceless man in a dark suit? A tech wiz with 50 ounces of coffee and the best comebacks? Well, whatever you imagined, you are probably right!

On Tuesday, January 15, Plymouth High School hosted two FBI Special Agents. Unfortunately, they weren't there to investigate the infamous pen thieves who terrorize the school. No, the agents were there to discuss what it took to become a part of the FBI.

Agent X summarized it best when he said, “Do what makes you happy… we take everybody.” He continued, ”We focus on diversity.”

Between the two agents there were a plethora of differences that lead them to the same career. Agent X graduated as an mechanical engineer, then moved on to a business degree, and he even owned a small business for two years. But when his investor passed away, he was jobless, with a newborn and a wife to take care of. A friend recommended the FBI and after completing the process, he became an agent.

Agent V, on the other hand, studied criminal justice. After encouragement from his college professor, he joined the FBI as an intelligence analyst. He became an agent five years later.

The two discussed their time in the FBI training course, also known as the Academy, which takes place for 21 weeks in Quantico. The course covers everything from firearms to analysis of evidence.

Agent X admitted that prior to the course, he had never even touched a gun. They told stories of their classmates. Some went on to become agents like themselves. But others moved into a different part of the organization. They emphasized that the FBI has a place for everyone.

As for the stresses of the job and the strain on personal relationships? The agents told the students the pros and cons.

Agent X said that while he is now stationed with his family during the time of his training he, “Saw his (son’s) first steps on video.”

Agent V commented on the dangers of the job when he said,”Some of them will do anything not to be found.”

But, the men also said that they were lucky to be able to serve their country and do the work that they do. As the agents put it, “The FBI is a family…. Things get personal, but that is what motivates us.”

Building Bridges

Sydney Cochran

Bridges built by students are taken to Purdue University every year to show off which team’s bridge busts last. Plymouth High School students Juniors Meghan Ankney and Sydney Cochran, and Sophomore Warren Sullivan are participating in the Bridge Bust Competition set on February 22nd.

“My favorite part about Bridge Bust is going to competition and seeing all the different types of bridges”. said, Ankney who has participated in Bridge bust for three years.

Bridge bust is an event where students from Illinois and Indiana miss one day of school to attend Purdue, to register their balsa wood bridges. Bridges are judged on how it looks structurally and whose bridge can withstand the most weight. Before the students bridges are judged, they have to present their poster of why they chose to create the design. 1st place winners receive a 100 dollar cash scholarship, 2nd place winners receive a 50 dollar cash scholarship, and 3rd place winners receive Purdue apparel.

When asked what are you most looking forward to in this year’s competition Sullivan said, “Seeing how our bridge is gonna do.”

Plymouth High School hosts a club every year for students who want to participate in Bridge Bust. Mrs. Lori McClellan has been the advisor of the club since it started, but new to Plymouth High School teacher Mr. Joshua Fender stepped in and took the advisor job.

Ankney said, “It’s definitely different working with Mr. Fender compared to Mrs. McClellan because we used to have meetings during advisory and not on a specific day after school”

Klotz: Golfing for Grace

Bo Meadors

Brittney Klotz, a senior, prepared her whole high school career for this one moment, the moment she will be able to sign with Grace College, and play golf for four more years. Brittney will sign with her friends, family and coaches by her side.

Brittney first picked up a golf club when she was eight years old when her dad took her out to the Rock to play her first round.

She said, “I was really bad and I think we only played four holes.”

She usually just tells anyone who asks that she began golfing her freshman year.

Brittney enjoys getting to meet new people on the golf course and swinging the clubs.

She chose to sign because over the last four years her love for the sport has grown, and signing to Grace College, she said,, ade the most sense to me.”

Brittney said she always wanted to continue golfing at the collegiate level. When she met Grace College head golf coach Denny Duncan, she knew golf at Grace College would continue to be her focus.

Coach Waymouth, the head coach of both the boys and girls golf team, says Brittney “As a freshman she came to all Varsity weekend invitationals, not to play, just to soak up the atmosphere, be around the girls, hang with coach, and see what this sport was all about.”

Coach Waymouth says “She was positively influenced by the seniors and their level of play” and “I will really miss her confidence, her toughness, and smile next fall!”

Wrestling Sectionals

Cristian Quintana

Without a doubt, the sectional tournament was one to remember for Rockie wrestlers.

Leading up to the sectional, it seemed that there were some big expectations of junior Graham Calhoun. Calhoun created that expectation by earning a sectional title at 170lbs. This accomplishment was expected because of Graham’s 31-0 season record. He was definitely a favorite. Other performances included junior Andrew Himes finishing in second place at 285 lbs and freshman Nate Derifield placing 4th at 120lbs.

Freshman Salvador Rhoads said, “If the tournament was cancelled, I would be partially happy because we could get more practice time and be better prepared for it.”

WIth that being said, it seemed that some wrestlers could have used the extra time to practice.

The team placed 4th at the sectional.

Rhoads said, “This year I haven’t done the best, but I have learned from my losses and will bring that with me to next year’s season.”

WIth many underclassmen wrestlers, it seems that this was the thoughts of most of the wrestlers. So with that said, PHS can expect to continue a large development of young talent. Now that that the Sectional has ended, Andrew Himes, Graham Calhoun, and Nate Derifield will advance to the Regionals in February.

McKenzie places 2nd at State

Logan Faulstitch

Five students were picked from Plymouth High School to go to the IHSFA State Debate! These competitors, which included Liam Fort, Brenna Large, Jack Garner, Emma Kruyer, and Trent Mckenzie, traveled to Southport High School in Indianapolis for a two day competition.

After coming back from the long and exciting trip, Sophomore Brenna Large described it as “It’s very surreal. You know how important the tournament is, but it doesn’t feel quite real.”

Plymouth finished seventh place in the overall scores, with Trent Mackenzie finishing in second place in Student Congress and also winning the William S. Hicks Congress Award. Jack Garner, along with Trent Mackenzie, were finalists, and Liam Fort won the semi finalist Presiding Officer. Along with becoming a finalist and winning second place in Student Congress,

“Watching some of these people I had become close with over the year make it to finals was amazing” Brenna Large said.

Overall, the Plymouth Speech and Debate Team has had a pretty good season. They finished first place in the at the John Oliver Invitational and the Northeast District Congress. They also landed in the top four for all of their other tournaments. But as the season came to the finals,

Freshmen Liam Fort described it as “[It was] honestly fun but exhausting. Once we got to semifinals and then finals, you could almost feel the tension in the room. Everyone was giving in their best. At awards, the tension of the day leaked out as people were rewarded for their work.”

We are really proud of your work and all your effort! Congratulations Plymouth Speech and Debate team!

Indiana Rising Stars

Alexa Orozco

How do you make it to the top three of 252? If you would ask juniors Hugh Smith, Fernanda Cortes, and Mary Kate Flynn it takes binders full of notes, late nights, and a whole lot of caffeine.

Junior year is well known as the “make-it-or-break-it year” and Smith, Cortes, and Flynn have managed complete half of it so far with more than just excellence. Enough to catch the eye of the school administration team that motivated them to nominate the trio as Indiana Association of School Principals Rising Stars of the Indiana Class of 2020.

Flynn said, “I realized I was nominated towards the end of first quarter when Mrs. Portteus emailed me about it. I was pretty happy that I got this achievement. It was like seeing an award for all my hard work paying off.”

Plymouth School Corporation released a statement in which they said, “The Plymouth High School administration congratulates Cortes, Flynn, and Smith on all they have already achieved, and offers all three of these students support and encouragement as they expand their accomplishments, knowledge, and leadership skills in the future.”

All there students have a GPA well over 4.0. Flynn holds third in her class with a 4.062, Cortes takes second with a 4.064, and Smith tops the class with a 4.082. How is it that they do it?

Cortes said, “At times it does get very stressful with managing a heavy workload, but what has definitely helped is taking necessary breaks when needed. If I feel overwhelmed and I know that I won’t be able to focus on more school work, I allow myself to de-stress and relax.”

Not only do these students excel in academics, but also tackle life outside of school just as well. Flynn manages basketball and Dance Marathon, Cortes juggles clubs and her job, and Hugh balances swimming and student government.

Flynn said, “I’ve been this driven to perform well in school because in my experience school is the one thing you have complete control over how well you do. I focus my attention in academics and extracurricular activities like riding horses and playing basketball.”

As a whole, Indiana has 1,008 high school juniors from 258 schools who were recognized. All will receive an official IASP Certificate of Achievement. Later on in March, the IASP will announce which of the 1,008 nominees are chosen to be the Indiana Academic All-Stars of 2020.

Cortes said, “I think what has really pushed me to perform well in school are my parents and also my drive to want to be successful. I have always wanted to make my parents proud by doing well in school, but at the same time, I know that it also makes me happy to know that I’m doing well in school. I was very excited to be named a Rising Star because it allows for the time and effort I have put into my academics to be recognized. “

While Cortes, Flynn, and Smith eagerly anticipate invitations to the luncheon in April that will celebrate selected Indiana All-Stars, they will continue to take copious notes and study late into the night.

PHS takes on ISSMA

Lauren Schumacher

While other PHS students slept in and stayed indoors, music students gathered at the school this past Saturday to compete in Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA)’s solo and ensemble competition. Separated into different levels, or ‘groups’, certain students earning a gold on their performance will now be moving on to compete at the state level later in February.

Band and orchestra members have prepared for months on their solos or group pieces, with junior Mitchell Dickson explaining that “every time you get practice time you take advantage of every second, practicing until you can’t get it wrong.”

Working hard up until the day of performances works for some, but Gabby Ruiz, a senior in orchestra, chose to “relax the day before so [she] wouldn’t be stressed,” and this method obviously worked for her as she managed to earn a gold in her solo and her two ensembles.

As for the actual day of competition, Dickson shared that “The day is stressful and always nerve-wracking, but once you’re in the performance room it’s like everything stops.”

Senior Julian Schwenk shared a similar experience, saying beyond his own hard work and performances, he “loved listening to other classmates as they competed for gold.”

While state is still approaching, this competition was a memorable and sentimental last for many seniors, with Schwenk saying he was “sad it was [his] last year.”

State is in Indianapolis, but students interested are invited to support orchestra members headed there on February 18th at a free Honors Recital, held at the First UM Church at 7 p.m.

Flipping into gymnastics

Topanga Deon

The Pilgrims have had many exciting adventures this season such as Junior Kyla Heckaman breaking the school record; their coach, Amanda Bender, having a baby;and exchange student, senior Mia Rachenzentner joining the team.

Heckaman broke the school record on the balance beam with a score of 9.6 during the Pilgrims home invitational.

Heckaman said, “Breaking the school record is a really great feeling that is difficult to explain. I was very excited when I saw my score. It was even more exciting that the recent record holder, Cassie Quissell was there with me when it happened. As soon as she saw the score she ran and gave me a big hug. It was the best feeling ever during a competition.”

Rachenzentner came from Austria and is staying with Kyla Heckaman and her family. The Pilgrims are excited for Mia to be a part of the team.

Rachenzentner said, “I went to my first ever gymnastic practice in America with no idea on how it would be because we do not have the same high school gymnastics in Austria. It was really fun and all of the girls are so good in their element as well as so nice. I also think they are all so welcoming and nice to each other. I really enjoyed it.”

In the midst of all the fun, Coach, Amanda Bender has surprised the Pilgrims with a baby.

Coach, Amanda Bender said, “I think having a child in the middle of the season has forced us to make some adjustments as to how I approach coaching. I have to be a lot more hands off with all the gymnast and can’t demonstrate or choreograph the way I normally would. I think it made my returning girls stronger leaders as they have to step up when I can’t.”

Even though the sport can be tough sometimes, it’s these moments that make all the bumps and bruises worth it.

The Pilgrims, Kyla Heckman, Dorothy Karris, Cait Davidson, Brooke Singleton, Topanga Deon, Jenna Abberger, Mia Wojick, Mia Rachenzentner, and Mariana Solis were invited to the Lakeland invitational Saturday, February 2nd at Lakeland High School.The meet will begin @11:00a.m.

Unfortunately the Pilgrims will have to perform without their head coach due to her having a baby.

Coach Bender said, “I think Saturdays set back won’t be me not being there, I think it will be the fact we haven’t been in the gym all week due to the weather. I think you all competing know what to do and always go out to perform well especially at a big meet like this.”

Plymouth vs. Warsaw

Cam Weidner

One team that Plymouth has not liked for many years when it comes to sports is the Warsaw Tigers.

Former player and current assistant coach Bobby Girten explained why this became such a rivalry.

He said, “It all started because of the battles in the conference for the number one spot for the conference title.”

He also included that the rivalry has been going on since he was in high school and he said “It must have started before I even played, so we are talking about a very long time”. He also implies that “Warsaw has always been at the top of the conference and always a very tough and environment and physical game. But either home or away I still see many pilgrim fans coming out and supporting a great game that they will never forget”.