May 2013 - Brownell-Talbot School

Photo by Christina Fossum
verbatim
Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School
400 North Happy Hollow Boulevard Omaha, NE 68132
vol. V, issue 4
M a y 2 0 1 3

Verbatim
Class of 2013
Edition
2

May 2013
3

Verbatim
Madison Albers
Madison Albers, a graduating
senior, has been an asset to Brownell-
Talbot for the past seven years. Over
those years. she has worked hard to
maintain good grades, as well as
exhibit her passion for art. She has
been taking art classes for the seven
years that she has been at B-T, and she
enjoys creating drawings with charcoal
and other media. From people, to her
dog Pearlie, Albers always accepts a
challenge with drawing, and executes
her artistic vision flawlessly, all while
listening to her favorite artist, Eminem.
Along with art, Albers says that her favorite
school subject is English, and her
favorite class is AP Lit. However, she also
studies French. She always jumps at the
opportunity to succeed in language.
She has attended various conventions
and retreats such as L’Auberge de
Jeunesse, an overnight French retreat
for high school students at camp Carol
Joy Holling. The aim of Auberge is to
allow French students to practice their
speaking and language skills, all while
having fun. Albers is also one of the B-T
students what will travel to France for 18
days this summer, and she says, “I am
anticipating the family stay as that will
be new for me.”
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Page by Ally Washka
Where are you going
to college?
- Truman State
Favorite memory at BT?
- hanging out with my friends,
especially at lunch
What is your spirit
animal?
- The crow

May 2013
Alejandro Anderson
Where are you going to
college?
- Marquette University
Favorite memory at BT?
- I loved Homecoming
week and the bonfire.
What is your spirit
animal?
- A Penguin
Alejandro Anderson, a lifer a Brownell-Talbot School, has participated in many
Brownell-Talbot activities. From winning state champions in speech, to leading the football
team on the field, Alejandro Anderson is a well-rounded senior. He is a leader of the
Hitchcock House, and ran in the state track meet in 2013. Anderson is also a member
of the National Honor Society. Anderson will be attending Marquette University in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, in the fall. “I’ve been here my whole life,” says Anderson. “It is going to
be hard being away from here.”
Page by Sydney Woods
5

Arielle Bloemer
Where are you going
to college?
- Augustana
Favorite memory at
BT?
- Prom Night
What is your spirit
animal?
- Ke$ha
Arielle is a lifer at Brownell-Talbot. her spunky attitude has brightened
the halls for years, and this school is sure to be a little tamer without her presence.
At Brownell, she was a cheer captain for the cheer squad, leading the
raiders to their first state title in history. She also was the managing editor for
the yearbook staff. She plans on attending Augustana college next fall!
Page by Christina Fossum
6

Evan Bloemer
Evan bloemer could always be found around campus fixing his classmates’
computers and programming his state-qualifying robot. Bloemer’s aptitude
for technology and engineering is unparalleled by any other student’s.
He has been an important member of the BT robotics team, and helped his
team qualfy for the national tournament his sophomore year. He also succeeded
in the classroom as both a calculus and physics student.
Page by Christina Fossum
7

Verbatim
Alison Brockman
Where are you going to
college?
- Northwestern University
Favorite memory at BT?
- Winning the class C-1
championship in speech
What is your spirit
animal?
- A House Cat
Alison Brockman is a lifer at Brownell-Talbot, and she has defined the senior class
since her beginnings. In middle school she participated in every single activity, so it was
only natural that in high school she would follow a similar path. She is a varsity cheerleader
and dance captain of the 2013 state-champion cheer squad. She has experienced
similar achievements on the tennis team, academic decathlon team, speech
team, student council, and NHS....just to name a few of her activities. She was recognized
as a member of the 2013 All Metro Academic Team, and will be attending Northwestern
University next fall. BT will not feel the same without such a prominent student,
but she is sure to succeed and continue achieving as the furthers her studies!
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Page by Christina Fossum

May 2013
Max Buls
Where are you going to
college?
- Undecided
Favorite memory at BT?
- Senior Trip
What is your spirit
animal?
- A Parakeet / Sloth
Max rejoined the BT community
his junior year. You’ll see him walking
through the halls listening to music. I
wonder what he listens to...He was a
member of the swim and track teams.
A conversation with Max never lacks
wit, humor and sarcasm. Great with
comebacks, he is always enjoyable to
talk to.
Page by Mercedes Kent
9

Verbatim
Andrew Chen
Where are you going to college?
- Columbia University
What is your spirit animal?
- Pele
Favorite memory at BT?
- Senior Trip
You can find him on the soccer
field scoring goals, or hanging
out on the lake with his friends. This
former varsity football starter loves
being outside. Whether he’s jumping
into the lake on a hot summer day,
boating, or skiing, Andrew doesn’t
take a break. From piano lessons
to checking stocks, Chen refuses to
slow down. Next year he will attend
Columbia University. Chen is ready
to explore the Big Apple when he
isn’t studying for his major, Financial
Engineering. Chen is eager to
leave Nebraska but will miss all of the
friends and memories he has made
at Brownell-Talbot.
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Page by Wellesley Michael

May 2013
Denise Dantzler
Where are you going to
college?
- Drake University
Favorite memory at BT?
- House Olympics
What is your spirit
animal?
- Tina Fey
Denise is going to Drake University
to play soccer and because
they have a great chemistry program.
She will major in chemistry and minor
in Latin. Drake is in an awesome town
and has really cool school colors! Her
favorite memory at BT was the House
Olympics because you get to hang
out with and interact with people you
usually don’t get a chance to. She was
also a Yakking Raider, winning State
multiple times!
Page by Michaela Higgins
11

Verbatim
JB Davis
Where are you going
to college?
- UNL
Favorite memory at BT?
- Lower School Field
Days
What is your spirit
animal?
- A Lion
JB Davis has played a vital role in the class of 2013 since his preschool days.
Davis was a varsity tennis star, and state participant. He also is a member of the National
honor Society, and a leader of Dake House. Davis was voted “most likely to be
retweeted” in the yearbook, and this is no surprise. JB’s popularity and kind heart have
impacted not only Brownell-Talbot, but all of Omaha. And, Omaha will deffinately miss
him as he heads off to University of Nebraska-Lincoln next fall.
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Page by Grace Bydalek

May 2013
Where are you
going to college?
- American University
in Paris
Favorite memory
at BT?
- Discussions in World
Religions class
What is your
spirit animal?
- Prince
Beatrice Duncan
Bea Duncan, a senior returning to Brownell-Talbot
School, has a deep passion for writing and music. She
finds writing as an important art form that expresses people.
She believes that people can show who they really
are in writing. Her favorite class is World Religion with Mr.
Smith. She enjoys learning about the various religions,
and she enjoys the drawn out discussions that happen
in the class. If she could have done something different
in senior year she would have gone to space. When she
is older she wants to live on the moon. She is looking forward
to having less structure. She also likes that college
lets her study what she likes and not to study required
classes. To describe senior year in one word she says
“twerk”. Bea highly recommends to the seniors “to enjoy
and have fun,” and to “twerk while you can, enjoy when
you can.” On the last day of senior year she is just going
to drive and play some songs from Lana del Rey.
Page by Camilo Zapata
13

Verbatim
Nathaniel Halogen
Where are you going to
college?
- Metro
Favorite memory at BT?
- Senior Prom
What is your spirit animal?
- A Lion
Page by Christina Fossum
I first met Nathaniel
while working on a
robotics team together
last year. Every day after
school when I went down
to the dungeon to work
on the robot, he was
always already down
there, always striving for
perfection. He worked
harder and with more
energy than anyone else
on the team! And, all of
that hard work paid off
when, largely due to his
role on the team, we
qualified for the World
Championship Tournament.
We could not
have done that had it
not been for his dedication,
creativity, and aptitude
for engineering. He
has left a lasting legacy
Brownell-Talbot through
his incredible robotics
achievements, and I
know he will accomplish
even greater things in
the future.
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May 2013
Emma Hussain
Where are you going to college?
- Georgetown University
Favorite memory at BT?
- Being Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook
What is your spirit animal?
- A Deer
You can find her in the Journalism
room, perfecting the yearbook,
working her creative magic
making it the best one yet. Or perhaps
she is planning activities for
Gilmore House, or off accepting an
award for her test taking skills, even
sending reminders about the next
NHS meeting, as she is secretary
of the society. Whatever it is, she
always puts in 100%, and always is
wearing a smile. Emma is one of the
most hardworking people at BT, and
this place simply won’t be the same
without her! But, we can all expect
great things as she pursues a career
in Biology or English, and can’t wait
to see what she has in store next!
Page by Christina Fossum
15

Verbatim
NK Ibemesi
NK Ibemesi has made a lasting impact
of Brownell. From his leadership in the
“brotherhood” that is the BT football team,
to his basketball and track skills, NK was a
truely universal athlete. Traveling all the way
from Africa to study here, we sure are glad
he did! In addition to athletics, Ibemesi is
also a member of the National Honor society,
and the house leader of Patrick House.
Page by Grace Bydalek
16

May 2013
Where are you going
to college?
- Washington
University in St. Louis
John Jordan
Favorite memory at BT?
- Winning State Speech
senior year
What is your spirit
animal?
- Silvio Berlusconi
Here at Brownell, we have many multi-talented students. However, only John Jordan
is most likely to both scale a mountain and deliver a dramatic monologue... at the same
time. It seems that this senior is equally comfortable barefoot with a banjo as he is rocking
a suit and tie. A two-time state champion in speech, and an athlete extraordinaire, John
has been contributing to the BT community since his freshman year. There aren’t enough
words in this article to detail each victory, but John capped off his high school career this
year with a lead role in the fall play (again), state championships in two different forensics
events, and his third varsity track letter. When he’s not taking charge on stage, in the weight
room, or on the track, John is one of BT’s resident artists, and his paintings and sculptures
never fail to impress. Next fall John will be heading off to Washington University, where he
earned an impressive scholarship recognizing his prowess in all the various activities he participates
in. His presence here in Omaha will surely be missed, but it’s time for him to make
his mark in St. Louis.
Page by Emily Bergquist
17

Verbatim
Shannan Karibuhoye
Where are you going to
college?
- UNL or
University of Illinois
Favorite memory at
BT?
- Senior Trip
What is your spirit
animal?
- Either a tiger or a panther
When senior Shannan K isn’t
drinking coffee or pepsi, she’s trying to
channel Jasmine from Aladdin. The
last song that she downloaded was
“Heart Attack” by Demi Lavato. If you
don’t know Shannan personally you
can ID her by her blood red nail polish
from Cover Girl. Though this nail polish
cover implies being wild, like her style
icon Beyonce, who also “wears what
she likes,” Shannan has only gotten two
demerits after her time at BT and her
favorite teacher is Mr. Mayo in the science
department.
A typical day in the life of Shannan K
is “wake up as late as I can, get ready
for school. After school I go home and
relax (watching TV, listening to music,
or reading) before doing my homework.
Then I eat, sleep, repeat.”
Shannan left some parting words for
the road. “Our greatest fear is not that
we are inadequate, but that we are
powerful beyond measure. It is our
light, not our darkness that frightens us.”
Shannan is majoring in Chemical Engineering
and can be spotted at either
UNL or U of Illinois next year.
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Page by Eva Surbeck

May 2013
Madison Kelley
Where are you going to
college?
- UNO
Favorite memory at BT?
- Senior trip
What is your spirit
animal?
- The Butterfly
It’s obvious that everyone wants a countdown to their last day of school
posted every day. It’s a given that everyone, no matter their age, is looking
forward to senior year and the graduation it holds. The one thing that we have to
remember though, is that to graduate we have to look to past before looking to
the future.
Madison Kelley decided on the University of Nebraska at Omaha for her
future. Because of its excellent engineering program, Kelley decided to major in
Computer Science. Kelley says she did so because she wants to work with animation
and 3D modeling. One of Kelley’s fond memories of Brownell-Talbot was
actually a more recent one. She said it was because everyone “got along, even
more so than any other sort of retreat before.”
Page by Lauren Zimmerman
19

Verbatim
Linda Liu
Where are you going to
college?
- Princeton University
Favorite memory at BT?
- Sitting outside to eat
lunch, hanging out
backstage, and seeing so
many familiar faces in the
hallways.
What is your spirit
animal?
- A Wallow
A math wiz, speech state-champion, robotics fiend, and…. Homecoming
Queen? Only Linda Liu could possibly fit each of these titles on one resume. As an
academic juggernaut and a major contributor to the fine arts at Brownell-Talbot, this
Ivy Leaguer has had everyone jealous since her first day on campus as a timid eighth
grader. Linda most recently showed off her skills playing the protagonist in the spring
musical, “Into the Woods” and earning her second gold medal at state speech. This
year she finally earned her first varsity athletic letter for tennis, and is headed to the state
competition in yet another activity. Linda can also be seen around campus taking
charge as NHS president, and can carry just about any tune at the drop of a hat. Now
that she’s made a lasting mark here at BT, her beautiful voice and beautiful personality
will be gracing the hallowed halls of Princeton University this fall.
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Page by Emily Bergquist

May 2013
Chris Mathews
Senior Chris Mathews is a
jack of all trades. He enjoys playing
tennis, soccer and especially
loves to go skiing. When he isn’t on
the court he likes to listen to music.
Chris enjoys all types of music
except for country and “hard-core
dubstep.” But then again, is dubstep
even music anyway? Musically
inclined he is. He plays the
clarinet, saxophone and piano.
What can’t he do?! A favorite dessert
of his is brownies. The way to a
man’s heart is through his stomach
after all, so ladies pay attention!
He enjoys watching Top Gear and
spending time outdoors when the
weather is nice. We wish him the
best at Creighton.
Where are you going to college?
- Creighton University
Favorite memory at BT?
- Senior Trip
What is your spirit animal?
- The Eagle
Page by Mercedes Kent
21

Cami Oyler
Verbatim
Where are you
going to college?
- Colorado Mesa
University
Favorite memory
at BT?
- Senior Trip
What is your
spirit animal?
- 2 Chainz
22
Cami Oyler started her freshman year at Brownell-Talbot School, transferring
from Plattsmouth Middle school. Throughout her high school career, Oyler
participated in volleyball, volleyball managing, basketball, and track. Oyler
has a varsity letter in basketball and track. Oyler is also a member of the Hoyt
House, which won the house cup in the 2012 House Olympics. “I loved my time
at Brownell-Talbot School,” says Oyler, “I’ve made friends here that will last a life
time.” Oyler plans to attend Colorado Mesa University in the fall.
Page by Sydney Woods

May 2013
Alex Plambeck
Brownell-Talbot would not be the same without Alex Plambeck, a Raider
since the ninth grade. You can find him lounging around the senior hallway
or perhaps cocooned up in his Kansas State blanket at any given time. He is
an avid swimmer, competing at the state tournament multiple times for the
Brownell-Talbot swim team. Plambeck also swims outside of school. His ferocity
and skill in the water leaves me not to question his spirit animal being the Tiger
Shark, as I am sure it quite suits him. We will miss Alex next year, and all the energy
he brought to Brownell!
Where are you going
to college?
- University of
Nebraska at Omaha
Favorite memory at
BT?
- Having such a close
relationship with all of
my teachers
What is your spirit
animal?
- A Tiger Shark
Page by Christina Fossum
23

Verbatim
Lorenzo Rivera
Where are you going to
college?
- Chreighton University
Favorite memory at BT?
- Playing football under the
lights
What is your spirit
animal?
- A Stallion
24
Lorenzo is going to Creighton
because of their outstanding
medical program. He plans on
majoring in business, and minoring
in biology. He plans on taking
pre-med classes, and possibly
playing intramural soccer. His
favorite memory was when the
football game had lights for the
first time ever. He says it was a
great time, and to top it all off
they even won!
Page by Michaela Higgins

May 2013
Lydia Schieuer
Where are you going to
college?
- UNL
Favorite memory at BT?
- Senior Retreat
What is your spirit
animal?
- The Koala
Lydia arrived at Brownell-Talbot her sophomore year. She stays busy at school
amidst all of the activity and commotion that BT is known for, seeking solace in the library
or the coveted senior hallway. Lydia can always be found with a smile on her face
and kind words for everybody. She will be attending the University of nebraska-
Lincoln next fall to further her studies. Although all of high school is filled with greaat
memories, Lydia particularly enjoyed the Senoir Retreat.
Page by Christina Fosssum
25

Verbatim
Ryan Segur
26
Where are you going to
college?
- Brown University
Favorite memory at BT?
- All-State orchestra and
winning State Speech
What is your spirit
animal?
- Ryan Gosling
Ryan Segur has been making orchestra look cool since he first arrived on the
Brownell-Talbot scene in 2008. Playing three different instruments and with the voice of
an angel, Ryan is definitely the senior who dominates the performing arts here at BT. His
violin skills have consistently placed him in the top ensembles of Nebraska, and he’s been
a featured actor in the spring musical for the last three years. With these skills you might
expect him to be a stuffy and conservative music nerd, but Ryan greatly defies stereotypes.
His closet is undeniably the coolest on campus, and, if there’s a new trend in men’s
fashion, you’re sure to see it on Ryan first. However, this year he chose to go with the old
standby suit and tie to try his hand as a varsity speech competitor. Far from beginner’s
luck, it was his hard work and talent that earned him a gold medals on his first trips to Conference,
District, and finally State competitions. Ryan will be taking his love of the stage
to Providence next year to round out the trio of Ivy-League bound Raiders by attending
Brown University.
Page by Emily Bergquist

May 2013
Lauren Tims
This cheer captain can always be found with a smile on her face.
When she isn’t cheering on the Raiders she is at the mall or out to lunch
at Panera with her friends. You can find her in the choir room singing
with the sopranos, and cracking jokes in the commons with other Upper
School students. Lauren Tims, interested in biochemistry, plans to attend
college in Texas. Although it will be hard to pursue her love for skiing in
Texas, Tims wants to be close to her family and go back to the state
where she grew up.
Where are you going to
college?
- Southwestern
Favorite memory at
BT?
- Homecoming
What is your spirit
animal?
- Kourtney Kardashian
Page by Wellesley Michael
27

Verbatim
Dustin Waggoner
Dustin Waggonerarrived
at Brownell-Talbot his freshman
year. Through high school, Dustin
has contributed in many activities
such as golf, fundraising for
the class of 2013, and Clarkson
House. Dustin is attending The
University of Nebraska Lincoln this
fall, and plans to rush a fraternity.
Dustin is also an employee at Hollister
and Company, where classmate
of 2013, Lauren Tims also
works. “I have enjoyed my time
here,” Says Dustin, “It is going to
be hard to leave.”
Where are you going to college?
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Favorite memory at BT?
- The bonfire before Homecoming
What is your spirit animal?
- A Fox
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Page by Sydney Woods

May 2013
Aisha Yapp
Where are you going to
college?
- Loyola University of New
Orleans
Favorite memory at BT?
- Running State Track with Tab
Precious, and Taylor my freshm
year
What is your spirit
animal?
- A Leopard
Aisha has participated in many extra ciriculars in her high school career. Her
sports include golf, basketball and track. She also has been cast in several shows and
musicals. She has quite the sweet tooth-her favorite treats are brownies. Her favorite
singers are JT (who doesn’t love him?) and Miguel. When she’s not busy participating in
her sports or shows she works on her art work. My goodness this girl is talented! Seriously
though, get your hands on some now before she’s famous. You will see her chatting it
up in the hallway and laughing with her friends. We wish her luck as she heads down
South next fall!
Page by Mercedes Kent
29

Michael Zhong
Verbatim
Where are you going to
college?
- Emory University
Favorite memory at BT?
- Senior Trip
What is your spirit
animal?
- a Killer Whale
A foreign exchange student from China, Michael first arrived to Brownell-Talbot
his sophomore year. Since his arrival, Zhong has become involved in numerous school
activities including the robotics team, spring musical, choir, and competition math. He
is a talented mathematician,winning and placing at nearly every math competetion
he has attended. Zhong also enjorys robotics. He competed on team 1028-R this past
season, and used his mathematical expertise to help bring the team to success. Next
fall, Michael will attend one of the top schools in the nation, and it is no surprise!
Page by Christina Fossum
30

May 2013
Photo by Wellesley Lauren
31

verbatim
Photo by Christina Fossum