Hailey Morgan, Abbey Hansen, Veronica Ontiveros Grand Island

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Grand Island Senior High 2124 N. Lafayette Ave Grand Island, NE 68803 (308) 385-5950 (308) 385-5966 fax www.gips.org/senior Total Students 2134 Total Staff 232 Seniors 524 Juniors 467 Sophomores 571 Freshmen 572

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Pepped Up

Cheerleaders stand in front of the crowd at the Girl’s Golf and Fall sports pep-rally shouting their rehearsed cheers for everyone to hear, with Trisha Towne (12) in front and Courtney Kunzman (10) on the top of the pyramid. “Cheer is best for me because it challenges me and it pushes me past my comfort zone

Pointed Toes

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Landing on que , Cheyanne Hansen (11) dances along to their routine for the Halftime show. “I am proud to be able to represent such a great school and be there to support it,” said Hansen.

Play-ful

Students can participate in several plays, spring play, fall play, One Acts, and Student Directed One Acts (SDOA). The play Tarzan included actors, mucisians, directors, and make-up artists. “I ike being able to portray someone different than who I am, and if I can make the aduience suspend their belief for just a moment, then I’ve done my job,” said Andrew Brott (11) standing by Abbey Kutlas (12).

in a good way,” said Kunzman.

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Those Memories Have Spoken

With two groups that capture the school year and events, Newspaper member Abbey Kutlas (12) finishes her story in the Journalism room for the paper’s deadline. “I joined newspaper because I love to write, and it was another opportunity to hone that craft,” said Kutlas. Newspaper creates 12 different papers, one for each month.

It Took Seven

There are several all female sports, but seven seniors took state for girls’ golf. The champions stand behind all of the year’s earned trophies. Golf coach Kelli Jeffries gave a speech at the pep rally for fall sports. “I teach students because I like teaching to students who are willing to be passionate about golf,” said Jeffries.

One Kick, Two Kick, Three Kick More

Standing in anticipation after hearing the rules, Trevor Wojtalewicz (12) and Abbie Otto (12) the winners of the competition, have their shoes off as several football players were called down to join the Girl’s Golf players. “I love going out and making a fool out of myself at the expense of my classmates. My goal is to make you smile,” said Wojtalewicz.

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When students were asked why they loved representing our school, they would say, ‘Because I like being a part of the Islander nation.’ A label, our label, the Islanders. An Islander represented many things, a mascot, a player, a student, a teacher, but most of all a combined school. The label ‘Islander’ represents the scholars of the present, past and future. We had Artists who created words, paintings, and sculptures that decorated our halls. Athletes that went onto fields and earn titles to pass on to underclassmen. The Islanders were creative students and teachers working together to improve the school. The theme Labeled represented more than an individual or group; it represented our growth as a school, learning from each other. The Islanders, a respectful learning facility that produced leaders, teachers, friends, and champions, leaving a mark on everything encountered.

Page by H. Morgan Photos by H. Morgan

Opening

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For Ourselves

Fired Up in Red

Shouting chants to the crowd, Clancey Hinkle (12) captures the attention to start up a newly designed cheer. “I like to do the Frisbee Chant at football games because everyone repeats after me and it sounds cool,” said Hinkle.

Let the Banner Wave

Holding up the victory banner, students send the lengthy black tarp with the words “We Own Kearney” up towards the top of the student section to show off their pride.

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There were 14 sports played throughout the year, and fans participated as much as possible. Seniors are the leaders of the crowd, as was tradition. While leading the student section was what they did best, several seniors took charge and created new chants. “Being a part of something, and sharing passion is exciting,” said Jaden Johnson (12) who stands at the front of the student section during Varsity Football games. The year had severeal enticing added changes to the game’s themes and atmosphere, the seating was changed so parents and students face the east. This was restoring an old tradition, which had brought about a new tradition. Whenever there was a touchdown in football, seniors boys (depending on who was available) carried flags that were created with the letters that spelled out “GO GISH.” The seniors also had the cheerleaders involved during the rivalry games against Kearney. “I love supporting

Letting the Dust Fly

At the most anticipated game of the season, the crowd of fans band together to out-cheer the opposing team’s fan section. Gathering baby powder in their hands the coordinated seniors included as many people as possible to cheer on our team. The baby powder was thrown into the air on the first kick-off of the game. The front row included Braedon Root (12), Jaden Johnson (12), Libby Norvell (12), and Austin Morgan (12). “At the Kearney game it was really fun getting everyone pumped up, it was a tremendous atmosphere,” said Morgan.

our school’s team and being a part of the best student section in the state,” said Lane Uhing (12). The student section had seniors in the front leading the crowd, followed by juniors, sophomores, freshman, and even the parents that came out to cheer on their kids. Standing in the front on red out day, Olivia Mejia (12) showed her spirit while cheering beside Sarah Splattsoesser (12). “What I like most about the student section is the atmosphere. Everyone is so pumped and excited to be there cheering on our schools teams,” said Mejia. Although seniors took control of the student section there were juniors who were participating in the senior action in anticipation for their takeover in 2014-15 season. William Thompson (11) said, “I can’t wait to be a senior next (year) and lead the student section with my class.”

Get Wacky, Get Tacky!

Black Markers Align with our Spirit

Standing at the varsity volleball game against North Platte Brian Nejera (12), Kody Switzer (12), and Jacob Mayer (12) stand in their costumes waiting for the next set to start. Najera said, “I love going and supporting (our teams) because we are all part of that Islander Nation and if we aren’t there for each other, who is?”

Signing his name for a crowd member, Kasey Townsend pulls on William Thompson’s shirt to maximize quality. The fans stormed the field with the players after the first home game was won. Townsend said, “The fans were a huge help into our success this season. Without them it would have been a lot harder to acomplish what we did.”

Great Expectations

Posing for the camera, several seniors hold up the number one sign in hopes of defeating the Kearney Bearcats at a varsity football game. Included are Taran Schmidt (12), Joe Huston (12), Colin Appel (12), Evan McGowan (12), Clancey Hinkle (12). “I like leading the student section because it is a lot of fun and I like being involved in the games,” said McGowan.

Amped Up Cheers

Using pom-poms that the cheerleaders tossed up to them, Sarah Splattstoesser (12), and Olivia Mejia (12) chant a few words of enthusiasm to specific players on the team. Splattsoesser said, “It was a lot of fun being in the student section as a senior! It was a long four-year wait to be in the front, and we rocked it!”

Page by H. Morgan Photos by T. Chuariyakul, M. Thompson

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“Here is a chance to remember the people who made America what it is today! This is a list of any family who fought,” said Mrs. Bev Pop .

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We got Spirit, Yes we do

Spirit week was a week where you could be goofy, cozy, creative, but mostly “You”. The week leading up to homecoming was a week of school you didn’t want to miss! Students saw different ways to rock one topic. “I think spirit week was a great way for students to get out of their everyday routines and have a little excitement in their day,” said Abby Meister-Grondin (10). Monday was Merica’ day; Tuesday was twin day; Wednesday was pajama day; Thursday was Disney day; and on Friday it was islander/luau day. “School spirit week was fun and a way for students and staff to show Islander Pride,” said Deb Lawson. She was right! Spirit week was a week to show you are proud to be an Islander, a student at Grand Island Senior High. “I’m normal,” said Mrs. Cronin. There were many off the wall outfits, but many were normal costumes which still went with the theme for the day. Costumes shown up and down the hall all week. It looks like we got spirit. Yes we do.

“Spirit week is my favorite week because it lets you express yourself and be as crazy as you want to. It seems like during that week, judgement is at its low point so I seize each day and show people who I really am,” said Hope Houtwed (10).

Twin Day

Seeing double, Brogan Vahle (11) and Andrew Brott (12) stop in the hallway to admire the signage. On Tuesday, many twins were spotted in the hallways. “We are basically soul mates,” said Vahle.

Triplets

A twist from previous years, Mr. Dave Woods, Mrs. Jeanne Cronin and the real Mr. Mike Cronin stop the crowd. Woods joined the Cronins for twins day this year. “A world with more Cronins is a good place,” said Woods.

Seeing Double

Rocking the tie-dye, Haley Findley (10) and Ariela Espinoza (10) prepare for lunch. “Best friends are people you don’t need to talk to every single day. You don’t need to talk to each other for weeks, but when you do its as if you didn’t even stop talking,” said Findley.

Mulan

Golden

With fan and sword in hand, Kellee Nguyen (11) sports a beautiful Disney outfit. “I did Mulan because she’s very authentic and Asian,” said Nguyen.

Disney

Enjoying spirit week, Haley Friesen (12), Brianna Menagh (10), and Abigail Kutlas (12) show off their Disney costumes. “I enjoy dressing up for spirit week! This morning, there were construction workers outside my neighbor’s house. I got the weirdest looks- but I love it!” said Kutlas.

Comfy and Cozy

“PJ day is an all time favorite for spirit week. Who doesn’t love to go to school comfy and cozy?” said Abby MeisterGrondin (10).

Out shining them all, Jasmine Ott (11) goes all out on Disney day. Many students took the opportunity to go outside their comfort zone during spirit week when students were less likely to judge what other’s were wearing. The costumes were creative expressions of the individuals and it was always a surprise to see what walked down the halls.“I’m taking advantage of the fact that Disney bought out Marvel,” said Ott.

Curled Perfection

‘Dressed’ to learn, Katherine Kovanda (12) and Mrs. Deb Lawson rest in the hallway. “School Spirit week is fun and a way for students and staff to show Islander pride. Plus the outfits are comfortable,” said Lawson.

Jammie Time

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Outside on a warm day, Mackenzie Ahlman (11) waits her turn for class. “I had been waiting to wear those jammies for forever! Supa Comfy!” said Ahlman.

Rockin’ the Grass Skirt

‘Island’ in Islanders

Keeping cool, Bryce Emde (9) shows off his coconut bra and grass skirt. Many freshman took the opportunity to show school spirit during spirit week. “I wanted to be the hula girl of the school,” said Emde (9).

Dressed to learn, Lizeth Fraire (11) shows her school spirit by dressing for Luau day. Spirit week broke away from the traditional Jersey day on Thursday and Purple and Gold day on Friday to Pajama day on Thursday and Luau day on Friday. “I have lots of cute clothes. So I put them to use,” said Fraire. Page by V. Ontiveros Photos by S. Llamos; M. Veach; and courtesy photos.

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Rising Egyptians

Creating an all female pyramid, the Varsity Cheer team stands firm in front of the crowd at the Kearney Game.

Face of Concentration

Stretching for Glory

Preparing to send the tennis ball flying, Austen Lamborn (11) sets his eye on the opposite side of the court.

Vertically jumping to reach the ball for a save against the Columbus Discovers, Sierra Peterson (11) reaches above the net.

All Green

Swinging away, Sydney Dowding (12) practices for her best shot while trying to become as accurate as possible before the final swing.

Get Past Me, I Dare You

Keeping the opposing player back, Brady Anderson (9) holds his stance in order to block the opponent.

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Path Ahead

Running to the finish line, Samantha Enck (11) puts on a smile and a thumbsup for the camera.

Running Buddies

Leading the Islander Boys, Machol Chol (12) and Colin Appel (12) run together to keep each other motivated.

Shouts of Joy

Showing off her emotion, Madison Huismann (11) cheers over a winning point scored against the opposing team.

Spike It Up

Bouncing the ball in routine, Megan Scheuler (12) gets ready to serve to the opponent.

Best Foot Forward

Charging for tackles, the JV players rush the opposing team to keep up their defensive position.

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High Quality H2O

Rehydrating, Pierce Almond (11) watches on the sideline as the defensive players take the field.

Page by H. Morgan Photos by T. Chuariyakul; S. Llamas; H. Morgan; M. Thompson;

Sports Division

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Hike

Warming up for the rivalry game against Kearney, the defensive line works against underclassmen. The whole football team came together to help prepare for upcoming games.

Taking Action

Getting into the action of the game against Lincoln Southwest, Kevin Cahoy (11) pushes through the crowd. “I will always remember in the second round of playoffs against Burke, I cought the 2 point conversion to win the game and go into the semi finals,” said Cahoy.

Time of our Lives Captions should be more than one sentence. Each caption should identify the photo. They should state the who, what, where, when, why and how.

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Celebrating after a play against Omaha Burke, Adan Redwine (10), Brendan Wentling (12), Seth Roberg (12) and Tyler Shriner (11) prepare for the next play. Shriner said, “I’m going to miss playing with my best friends.”

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Play Together, Stay Together Varsity football had an exciting season with a 8-1 record, winning all regular season games and only falling once to Omaha Westside. The wins lead them right to the 2013 State Championship playoffs. There were some cosmetic changes this year for the Islanders; the varsity team sported new uniforms this season and the home side of the stadium switched over to the west side. The Islanders had two stunning games in the first two rounds of the state playoffs. The first, against Bellevue West when the Islanders intercepted a pass in the last seventeen seconds, winning game. The second, against Omaha Burke when they scored a touchdown with one second left on the clock, then went for two points to win the game by one, and finally taking them to round three of the playoffs and losing in a tough battle with Omaha North by less than a touchdown.

Many exciting and heart stopping plays were made for the Islanders in this years playoffs. Lucas Van Wie said “Great moments are born from great opportunities.” Andrew Rojas (12) summed up the season by saying, “Coming together was the beginning; keeping together is the process; working together has lead us to success.” Along with having an exceptional season, the guys came together as a strong team and made many friendships along the way. Jake Meyer (12) said, “My favorite part of football is just hanging out with all my best friends in the locker room before practice. Some of my favorite high school memories happened in there.” Each player had a favorite memory from the season. Brendan Wentling said, “My favorite memory is when we embarrassed Kearney”. Kearney has been Grand Island’s biggest rivalry for many years. Charging Forward

Ready to Go

Preparation

Fighting off the Lincoln Southwest player while watching the ball, Trevor Wojtalewicz (12) looks for the pass. “ We may get knocked down... but we will never quit!” said Wojtalewicz.

Running toward the action to help get a touchdown, Kody Switzer (12) plays as the offensive line gets ready to score against Lincoln Southwest. Switzer said, “It has been an awesome year on the field for this team!”

Prepared to take on whoever comes his way, Seth Roberg (12) plays in the nail bitting game against Kearney on September 27th. Roberg said, “ One of my favorite parts of practice is when we key the ball on defense and Matt Kaslon (10) yells ‘Definately!!!’ to destract us.”

Page by A. Hansen Photos by H. Morgan, M. Thompson

Throwing High

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Drawing back to send the football flying through the air, Pierce Almond (11) plays quarterback in the game against Lincoln Southwest. Almond said, “Best group of guys I have ever been around. So many memories, it’s like we’re brothers. Favorite memory will be coming back and beating Burke.”

Varsity Football

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