Ram Write-Up - Maple Valley Community Schools

June
Ram Write-up Staff:
Editor-in-Chief:
Sylvia Pedersen
Technical Editor:
Nick Buth
Layout Editor:
Sylvia Pedersen
News Editor:
Devon Hieber
Display Editor:
Courtney Hahn
Transfer Editor:
Sylvia Pedersen
Historian:
Steffany Treiber
Class List Controller:
Ashley Mullicane
Photographer:
Nick Buth
Maple Valley-Anthon Oto’s
2006
Staff Reporters:
Jeff Koithan, Shane
Erlemeier, Devon Hieber,
Kayla Dose, Austin Bettin,
James Brouillette, Aaron
Bechen, Courtney
Venteicher, Jessen Nielsen,
Sara Dose, Lindsay
Carothers
Ram Write-Up
501 South Seventh Mapleton, IA
By Lindsey Carothers
After a combined 64 years of teaching
in the Maple Valley School District,
Mr. and Mrs. Bill McKenny are retiring.
Mr. McKenny is one of MVAO’s
language teachers, while Mrs.
McKenny currently teaches Elementary
Special Education.
In their years as teachers, the
couple has enjoyed working at track
meets and helping with prom. Mr.
McKenny was also involved in the
Quiz Bowl program, speech, and
school plays.
Mr. McKenny graduated from
Northwest Missouri State University
and obtained his Masters Degree. He
was also in the Army for two years
and worked on a small town newspaper
staff in Missouri for about a year.
While there, he wrote news, features,
sports, and sold ads.
Mr. McKenny has been employed as a
teacher at MVAO for his entire teaching career.
In the past, he taught English III and IV
and Mass Media. He started MVAO’s Spanish
program. German was the only foreign
language class previously available.
In addition, he has been an adjunct instructor
at Morningside College for more than
fifteen years, teaching college writing, English
methods, and literature classes.
“My favorite part about teaching has been
reading student essays,” said Mr. McKenny.
Mrs. McKenny graduated from Dana College
and obtained her Masters Degree from
Morningside College. She taught fourth
grade in Nebraska for two years before coming
to Mapleton. She has taught both fourth
grade and Special Education at the elementary
level.
Both of the McKenny’s have been members
of the MVEA since arriving in Mapleton.
Mrs. McKenny has been president twice and
worked on negotiations many times. Mr.
McKenny has also served as president and
was secretary for many years.
They are both graduates of the Iowa Writing
Project. Mr. McKenny has facilitated summers
sessions for teachers from many districts.
Because the McKenny’s have taught for so
many years, they have touched the lives of
many staff members and students, spanning
three generations.
Board member and 1981 graduate Mrs.
Tammy Flanigan reflected, “When I was a
student of Mr. McKenny’s, I, like most students,
took Mr. McKenny for granted. As I
went through college, I began to appreciate
him because the writing and literary tools he
Issue # 9
McKennys retire after 33, 31 years
Big shoes to fill at high school, elementary
passed on to me were extremely helpful.
As a parent, I really appreciate that
he still sets the bar high for his students.
As a school board member, I am very
concerned that his retirement will leave
a huge hole in our English Department.
He will be missed.”
“I love Mr. McKenny’s sense of humor.
I learned many things from him
and I’m glad I got the opportunity to be
one of his students,” stated Senior Erin
Vermeersch.
Mrs. Conover also had this to say
about her colleague: “Working with Mr.
McKenny has been a privilege and an
honor. I will miss his humor, his expertise,
and his kind support.”
“Mrs. McKenny is a dedicated, caring
teacher. She is willing to go above
and beyond what is expected of her,”
expressed Elementary Principal Mahlon
Carothers.
“She helped us with our work when we
didn’t know how to do it,” stated one of Mrs.
McKenny’s students.
“She’s a wonderful teacher with the students’
best interests coming first,” stated Elementary
Secretary Mrs. Banks.
“ Mrs. McKenny is lovely in every since of
the word--a dedicated professional with an
abundance of skill and expertise, added Mrs.
Conover.
So far, the McKenny’s have no special plans
after retirement.
“I love Mr. McKenny’s sense of
humor...”
--Erin Vermeersch

Bruning and
Flanigan win
prestigious
awards
By Devon Hieber
Two Maple Valley-
Anthon Oto students
recently received prestigious
honors.
Amy Bruning was recently
awarded to the Des
Moines Register Southwest
Region Academic All-State
Top 10. Amy has scored a 32
on her ACT, ranked first in
her class. “It was quite an
honor to be the school’s
nominee to the Des Moines
Register Academic Team,
and it was wonderful to be
named to the Southwestern
District Top Ten Team,” Amy
quoted. Amy has also been
Page 2, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
involved in yearbook, class
officer, drama, Quiz Bowl,
trumpet, choir, 4-H, BPA,
DI, and church lector. Amy
is the daughter of David
and Sharyl Bruning of
Mapleton.
Alex Flanigan was recently
declared Academic
All-American. The requirements
to receive this honor
are to maintain a 3.5 GPA or
higher, play on the varsity
level for any athletic sport,
and demonstrate leadership
qualities. These students
are nominated by
their coaches. Alex is the
son of Mike and Tammy
Flanigan of Mapleton.
Trip to Houston
proves to be
successful for seven
MVAO students
By Austin Bettin
On March 10-12, seven
Maple Valley Anthon Oto
high school students participated
in the Space Settlement
Design Competition held at
the Johnson Space Center in
Houston, Texas. The Space
Settlement Design Competition
is sponsored by Western
Hills Area Education in Sioux
City.
The students involved in
the trip were Seniors. Adam
Bernard, Chelsea Finkbeiner,
Emily Henrickson, Kristine
Kueny, and Sine Chinakat;
Juniors Greg Blunk and
Jacob Malloy were also involved.
While at the competition,
the Midwest students joined
by 24 students from six
schools in the Houston area,
formed four aerospace companies.
Each company
elected a president and
formed a corporate structure.
Each student found a job
within the structure and received
training in order to
work for their company.
Each company was given a
Request for Proposal that
outlined what exists in space
in the year 2056 and defines
exactly what they are to design.
In less that twenty-four
hours, the task for each of the
companies was to craft a 50page
presentation, create a
35-minute oral presentation,
and prepare to answer questions
from a panel of judges.
The final proposal from each
company included a detailed
budget. This year the goal
was to plan for a space station
orbiting the planet of
Mars.
The purpose of Space
Settlement Design Competition
is to give talented high
school students the opportunity
to understand the work
done by engineers by involving
them in a highly realistic,
but compressed, engineering
tasks. This year
marked the ninth trip to
Houston by area students.
Front row: Greg Blunk, Adam Bernard, Jake Malloy, and Jim
Christiansen Back Row: Mrs. Cox, Emily Henrickson, Chelsea
Finkbeiner, Kristine Kueny,and Sine Chinakat

Students attend Annual
Conference Art show
By Sara Dose
Students at Maple Valley Anthon Oto
show off their artistic talent not only to get a
good grade in that particular art class, but
also in hope that one of their art projects could
be chosen to represent MVAO at the annual
conference art show.
This year, seven students’ projects received
awards while being judged at the
Skate Palace in Ida Grove and competing
against other students’ projects from surrounding
schools.
While the judges were deliberating, watercolor,
ceramics and lampworking workshops
were held at the high school in Ida
Grove.
In each category, there was one blue ribbon
given for first place, two red ribbons for
the two second place finishers and three
white ribbons for three projects receiving
third place. Students receiving awards in each
of the following categories and the ribbon
they recieved are: Jewlery- Steph Allen, red;
Seth Anderson, red.
Computer Graphics- Joe Chessey, blue. Textile/Fiber-
Stacia Sorenson, red. Printmaking-
Sam Marsh, white. Ceramics- Travis, white;
Jacy Jochims, red.
Art teacher Mrs. Dirksen stated, “It was
really great Joe recieved a blue ribbon for his
computer graphics project. That is the first
blue ribbon MVAO has received in a long
time.”
Silent Hill will give silent chills
By Jeff Koithan
A place of bone-chilling horror. A place
of pure evil and heart-pounding adventure.
Welcome to Silent Hill.
The director of this thrilling film is
Christophe Gans and was written by Roger
Avary. The movie is actually based on the
Silent Hill video game.
The movie begins with a girl who has
sleep walking problems and is always talking
about the place Silent Hill. The mother
of the daughter finally decides that it is time
she took her to Silent Hill to see if they could
figure out her problem.
That’s when the nightmare begins! They
get stuck in the lonely ghost town. They
keep trying to find the answers to the problems
while trying to avoid all the sinister
creatures and insane beasts that continue to
cross their path in the film.
The stars of the film are Jodelle Ferland,
who plays Sharon, a young girl looking to
solve her problems and nightmares that deal
with Silent Hill.
The next star of the film is Radha Mitchell,
who plays Rose, a mother trying to help her
daughter overcome her problems , and trying
to find the connection between Silent Hill
and her daughter.
The last star of the film is Sean Bean, who
plays Chris, the father and husband of both
Sharon and Rose. He tries looking for his family
when he hears the news of them going to
the town.
This horrific thriller will keep you scared
through the whole movie. “The movie is
pretty Awesome!” stated Dillon Cloud.
I gave Silent Hill three out of four Ram
Heads.
“This horrific thriller will keep
you scared through the whole
movie.” -Jeff Koithan
Page 3, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
BPA attends Nationals
Members of the BPA attending Nationals are: McKenzie Sauser,
Amy Bruning, Jen Chwirka, Lisa Ortner, Noelle Uhl, Kelsey Clark,
Lindsey Carothers and Alex Flanigan
By Sara Dose
Students from the Maple Valley Anthon-
Oto Business Professionals of America chapter
had their sunscreen, shorts and swimwear
packed a week a head of time in anticipation
of leaving for Orlando, Florida early, May 9th
for the National Conference.
While there, they had a great time taking
in the many attractions in Orlando and the
surrounding area. They spent each of their
days there spending time in Disney World,
Daytona Beach Universal Studios, Typhoon
Lagoon, and Cocoa Beach. The last night in
Orlando thestudents could attend a dance if
they wished to boogie. Lisa Ortner stated, “I
thought the best part was meeting new
people from our own state and around the
country”.
Between the constant distractions of the
beautiful weather andthe many attractions in
Orlando, students from the MVAO BPA
chapter did very well in each of their competitions.
Only students who placed first, second,
third, fourth or fifth in their individual
By Steffany Treiber
Freshmen
Allyson Lloyd-June 4th
Jordan Ingram-June 12th
Mac Seuntjens-June15th
Bryan Livermore-June15th
Elias Else-June 18th
Sam Hanson-June 21st
Justin Hazard-June 27th
Joseph Collins-June 28th
Sophomores
Alex Wimmer-June 5th
Laci Huck-June 6th
Tyler Walsh-June 13th
Hallie Seuntjens-June 22nd
Tucker Bieler-June 24th
Steven Gotto-June 30th
contests at the state conference were eligible
to go. Students could also be eligible to go
travel to Florida with the rest of the group if
they completed Torch Awards, a special BPA
achievement.
Students final standings at the National
Convention in each of their contests were: out
of 62 participants in Advanced Accounting,
Alex Flanigan placed 60th, and Lisa Ortner
placed 25th. Out of the 67 people competing
in the Advanced Office Systems and Procedures
contest,Hallie Seunjtens placed 61st,
Kayla Waterman placed 60th, Courtney
Seuntjens placed 57th and Laci Huck placed
29th. McKenzie Sauser particiapated in the Extemporaneous
Speech contest, and out of the
53 contestants, McKenzie placed 11th. Amy
Bruning placed 11th out of 56 in the Interview
Skills contest. Out of 78 participants in the
Keyboarding Production contest, Samantha
Timmerman placed 65th. Alyssa Salsburger
participated in the Prepared Speech contest
and placed 13th out of 53 participants.
Happy Birthday, June arrivals!
Juniors
Jesse Nielsen-June 6th
Grege Blunk-June 19th
Angie Flanigan-June 30th
Seniors
Nick Schrunk-June 6th
Lindsey Carothers-June 7th
Austin Bettin-June 11th
Josh Wimmer-June 13th
Rheannon Schoenfeld-June 18th
Kevin Perkins-June 19th
Chelsea Finkbeiner-June 21st
David Koithan-June 22nd
Jesse Gigaroa-June 26th

First State Bank
representatives show
students the importance
of saving money
By Aaron Bechen
“A penny saved is a penny earned.” This
is a slogan commonly quoted and that’s what
Angie Shrank and Tammy Flaningan from
First State Bank in Mapleton came to prove
to MVAO High School students.
With all the concern of social security being
dissolved in future years, they showed
kids what the outcome could be in the future--if
they started saving now.
On April 29th, Tammy Flanigan and Angie
Shrunk came to the high school and went to
several classes. They showed how significant
a person’s later years and retirement
could be if they started putting money away
today.
They discussed a number of accounts that
money could be placed in for a number of
years to gain interest and grow without doing
a thing to it. “Let your money work for
you,” stated Tammy. Other options to make
By Jesse Nielsen
This month’s heap has one big advantage,
it’s for sale! Yes it’s none other than Jared
Hagemann’s 1985 Ford Ranger. Powered by
the still carbureted 2.3 four cylinder motor,
this little truck will run forever.
The Ranger is mostly in good order but
has its problems. The blinkers don’t blink
but they stay on. The dash is duck taped together
because it was so cracked up (with
camouflage tape). The door panels are loose
and the passenger door won’t open from the
inside. The radio is gone, the plastic piece
that surrounds the temperature controls is
broken, and the exhaust is currently gone.
The problems he has already fixed are putting
new sheet metal on the floor because it
had a hole, replacing the stock bench seat
money that were presented to the classes
were stocks and bonds.
Students were shown that stocks and
bonds were investments that would return
dividends, but they take more money to get
started and there could be a risk of losing
money.
Tammy and Angie brought to the students
attention if they put $2000 dollars into savings
every year after they start working, by
the time they were 50 or 60 years of age, the
amount of money would be enormous.
They explained that if a person were to
practice some of the things they presented,
and if social security were to dissolve, there
would be nothing to worry about because we
would have enough money to retire.
People would be able to live the kind of
lifestyle they wanted to have after retirement.
They wouldn’t have to worry about working
the rest of their lives to support themselves.
Page 4, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
FFA holds annual banquet,
auction, petting zoo
By Jesse Nielsen
The FFA held
its awards banquet
on April
25th. The money
was given out for
awards and
prizes. Students
were given
awards for all of
their hard work.
“ It was a pretty
fun time. Lots of
awards were
given out. It was
good to be acknowledged
for all of the hard work,”said Senior
Craig Riesberg who won $175 through a
combination of awards.
The awards vary in type. There are leadership,
proficiency, star, senior, and adult
awards. There were five adults recognized
for different things in the community. All of
the cash prizes were donation but the awards
were from the FFA account. This year they
saved money by making the plaques themselves.
The FFA barbeque was held on May 16th.
The barbeque is held annually to thank all of
the FFA members for their hard work and to
thank the teachers for letting the students out
of class. In previous years it was held outside
Mr. Miller’s old shop. This year it was
held outside the new shop by the greenhouse.
The food was cooked by Mr. Berkenpas
and Mrs. Benson. It was served by the FFA
Heap of the month
members. After
they served, they
got to eat.
There were
hamburgers and
pork chops for
the main course.
There were also
two kinds of
chips and pork
and beans as
sides. Tang was
served to wash it
all down.
The FFA Slave
Auction was held
May 13th. The auction is held to raise money
for the FFA account. This account is used for
various things, including the banquet, the
awards, the lazer engraver, etc. One of the
most important things it is used for is trips.
“I want all students to be able to participate
in all events, regardless of their financial situation.
That way, we have the money beforehand
and are not in a rush to get it,” said Mr.
Benson.
The auction is held every two years and
FFA members are auctioned off to do work
for a preset amount of time. Students do not
have to be present to be sold and can be sold
in groups or individually. The shifts are two,
four, six, or eight hours long. Students have
been sold for up to $200 In the past. All
togeather the FFA made about $2000! This
year the highest was $125. This goal was hit
by Jeff Bruning, Korey Rotnicke, and Kelsey
Rotnicke.
with Grand Am seats, and replacing the wheel
bearing. He also had new tires put on it.
The funniest time in the Ranger was when
it was raining and he ran out of gas. Jared had
to get out in his socks and push it to Sinclair.
The dumbest time in the Ranger was when
the exhaust started to drag so Jared tied it up
with a shoe string because he was close to his
destination. After that, it broke off by the muffler
but the shoe string held and dragged the
rest of the way there.
Jared’s future plans are to sell the Ranger
to buy a college vehicle. Before he decided to
sell it, he was thinking of having a hood scoop
put on.
He’s had some good times and some bad
times with the Ranger but Jared can say he
will never forget it.

By Austin Bettin
Jesse Gigaroa is
the son of Anthony
and Dianna Gigaroa.
This senior’s favorites
are listening to
Rock, Metal, Punk,
and Rap music. He
also likes the movies
Road Trip, Euro Trip,
American Band Camp,
Caddy Shack, Van
Wilder, and Hitchhikers
Guide to the Galaxy.
His favorite holiday
is Christmas and enchiladas
are his favorite
food. He also
likes the saying,
“Why buy the cow
when you can get the Jesse Gigaroa
milk for free?”
Jesse’s best
memory of high
school was when
Mrs. Peterson was still teaching and Michael
Searls was doing his poetry. Michael and
Jesse went to the front of the room and sang
“On the Cover of the Rolling Stone” while
Mrs. Peterson played the acoustic guitar.
His most embarrassing moment was when
James Moody
Page 5, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
Senior Spotlights
he was doing pull-ups
in Physical Fitness and
just as he was pulling
himself up for his twentieth
pull up his leg
started twitching. He
wants to be remembered
for his messy hair.
Jesse has participated
in wrestling during high
school.
Jesse’s mom, Dianna
Gigaroa, has been the
most influential person
in his life because when
Jesse doubts himself, or
is unable to do something,
she is always
there to push him to do
better. His biggest ambition
is to finish school,
get married, have children,
and own his own
business.
Before Jesse heads off to Western Iowa
Tech to take courses in Computer Science, he
plans to have as much fun as he can.
By Kayla Dose
James Moody is the son of Loann Moody.
Throughout high school he has been involved
in cross country and golf.
His best high school memory is going on
the choir trip to Colorado because Mr.
Bliven told them a story about how he set
his car on fire when he was a kid.
Some of his favorites include pizza, the
band Linkin Park, and the saying “you have
one shot in life, so make it count.”
James’s biggest ambitions are to start his
own game design company and try to become
a drill Sergeant. He wants to be remembered
as the senior that voluntarily
decided military over college.
The most influential person in his life is
his grandpa, because he was the one that got
him interested in the army when he was a
little kid.
His summer plans are to hang out at the
pool, and head to training for the next three
months learning how to shoot missiles.
By Sylvia Pedersen
Courtney Lynne Venteicher was born on
January 9th,
1989 at St.
Luke’s Hospital
in Sioux
City, Iowa.
Her parents
are Shelly
Venteicher of
Oto, Iowa
and Ken and
D e b
Venteicher of
Castana,
Iowa.
During
high school,
Courtney has
been involved
in
Quiz Bowl,
Future Farmers
of
America
(FFA), Talented
and
Gifted (TAG),
band, and concert choir. Her favorite
memory during high school was the FFA Nationals
trip to Louisville, Kentucky during her
sophomore year. It is her favorite memory
because it was her first time flying. Her favorite
activity is barrel racing.
Courtney has many influential people in
her life. They include all of her friends and
family members because she has gotten to
Courtney Venteicher
By Devon Hieber
The senior who’s biggest ambition is
proving people wrong is Jamie Hanson. He
is the son of Deb Welte of Anthon. Jamie
has been racing motocross for the last four
years and he is also a pit crew member of a
stock car.
Jamie’s most embarrassing moment was
when he wrecked his 50 in front of a group
of people. Jamie plans to go to Wyotech in
June and start college in July. When he graduates
college he plans to open his own business
out west.
You can find Jamie saying his favorite
quote “don’t be stupid” or listening to any
kind of music, but mostly rock. He also likes
eating frozen pizza and sonchos. Jamie also
likes Christmas and Thanksgiving.
The most influential person in Jamie’s life
up until now has been his mom because she
works hard and has faith in him. He wants
his high school legend to be “don’t be stupid.”
Jamie plans to move to Wyoming and
going to college.
make memories with them and gotten to
learn from them as well.
Courtney’s favorite foods
include Subway, orange
chicken and crab rangoon,
and double cheeseburgers.
Her favorite movies include
8 seconds, Without A Paddle,
and Sweet Home Alabama; her
favorite music artists are
Chris LeDoux, Dierks
Bentley, and Billy
Currington. She likes
Christmas because of all the
great food and presents.
Her last year’s summer
plans include going to rodeos,
horse shows, and the
Cheyenne Frontier Days in
Wyoming. She plans on
spending a lot of time on the
lake boating and tubing.
Her future plans include
going to Western Iowa Tech
next spring for two years,
then transferring to Casper
College in Wyoming.
Courtney isn’t interested in having a “high
school legend” but when being remembered,
she hopes people remember her as the first
to graduate an entire year early. Courtney’s
biggest ambition is to own a ranch in Kaycee,
Wyoming. She wants to raise Quarter horses,
Paints, and Limousine cattle. She hopes to
never work indoors.
Jamie Hanson

By Shane Erlemeier
Falling up the stairs in
the old school is this seniors
most embarrassing
moment in high school.
Clint Nixon is the son
of Mike and Leann
Nixon. During high
school Clint has been involved
in football, track,
golf, FFA, choir, Iowa
High School Rodeo, and
4-H.
Having winning seasons
in football his
sophomore and senior
years is his best high
school memories.
The most influential
person in Clint’s life is
his dad because he
works the night shift at
Tyson and he farms during the day. He has
taught Clint most of what he knows.
You can find Clint listening to AC/DC,
Chris LeDoux, Garth Brooks and Lynyrd
Skynyrd or watching “Super Troopers,” “The
Senior Spotlight
By Devon Hieber
Senior Spotlights
Clint Nixon
The senior who was most embarrassed
when Kevin Perkins “depantsed” him in
front of the office when the bell had just rung
is Cody Holton. Cody is the son of John and
Kyla Holton of Mapleton, Iowa. Cody has
been involved in football, wrestling, track,
pals, and co-ed drill team.
He plans to go to college and play football.
Cody is undecided what he wants to
major in or where he is going. His favorite
food is pizza.
The most influential people in Cody’s life
up until now have been his mom and dad
because they have always been there for him.
His secret talent is working on cars. Cody’s
biggest ambition is to work hard and have a
lot of money so he can buy whatever he
wants. Cody plans to hang out with his
friends and work during his last summer.
Longest Yard” and “8 Seconds.”
He likes to eat
prime rib. His favorite
holiday is Christmas.
His biggest ambition is
be a world champion bull
rider in both the
PRCA(Professional Rodeo
Cowboy Association) and
the PBR (Pro Bull Riders).
He wants to be remembered
as the kid who was
always willing to have
fun. His secret talent is
that he can play the guitar.
This summer he plans
to go to rodeo’s hang out
with friends, and go to the
fair.
Clint’s future plans are
to attend college at either
Iowa Central Community College or South
Dakota State, raise a family, have his own
ranch somewhere out west, and raise buck-
ing bulls.
Cody Holton
Page 6, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
By Kayla Dose
Riding in Kelsey’s car with nine other
people during volleyball camp is Senior
Rheannon Schoenfeld’s best memory of high
school.
Rheannon is the daughter of Deb and the
late Larry Schoenfeld. Throughout high
school she has been involved in volleyball,
basketball, track, softball, BPA, FFA, band and
FCA.
Some of Rheannon’s favorites include the
song The End has No End, Halloween because
she can dress up as something she isn’t,
and she loves to say “I so excited.”
Her biggest ambition is to graduate from
college, possibly get married, have fun with
friends, and be successful.
Her future plans are to go to college and
get into graphic design. She plans on going
to Iowa Western Community College.
During the summer, Rheannon plans on
hanging out with friends and working a lot.
Rheannon Schoenfeld
Congratulations,
Class of 2005-2006!
May you make all
your visions reality!

SPORTS: Baseball team downs Sioux City teams
By Aaron Bechen
The Rams started off the Spring League
in Sioux City, on April 16 at West High.
The upperclassman players were given the
opportunity to play in Sioux City. The team
mostly consists of seniors, juniors, and a mix
of sophomores.
There are a number of differences between
regular high school baseball rules and the
spring league rules.
One: Innings are played with six outs and
bases are cleared after three outs.
Two: When going to the plate, the count
is 1-1.
Three: Each pitcher is only able to pitch
two innings.
Four: Tthe head coach from the team’s
high school cannot coach the team.
Alan Bruhn stepped up and made it possible
for the boys to be able to play in the
spring league the last several years by coaching
and paying the fee for the Rams.
“Its a very fun and efficient way to start
out the season. It helps to prepare for the
exciting upcoming season,” stated Senior
James Brouillette, who plays in the spring
league.
The Rams beat West High, North High,
and Westwood.
Due to the uncooperative weather, the
Rams have only played two out of the four
dates.
Even with the conflicting weather the hard
work put forth by the team earned them a 4-
1 record when the spring league season concluded
on May 7th.
By Steffany Treiber
The girls’ golf season has been tremendous
so far with many first place finishes
including the conference meet and the district
meet. Now, they are off to state.
Along with first place finishes, four of the
girls received all conference honors. After
the Rams won the conference meet, the all
conference teams were announced. Kristine
Kueny resolved 1st team, Angie Flanigan,
Erin Vermeersch, and Laura Hoaglund were
picked for 2nd team.
Coach Tim Hupke has been very proud
of the Rams season so far. “The girls have
been working hard this season during practice
and out of practice, which is paying off
in their 1st place victory at the district meet,
hopefully it will continue during their journey
to state,” quoted Tim Hupke.
Seniors Kristine Kueny and Erin
Vermeersch have played a large role in the
Rams great season with many first and second
place finishes.
Kristine led the Rams with first place fin-
in scrimmage
Right: Travis Brown hurls one to the batter
during the early morning practices.
Golf girls win Regionals, going to State
ishes at
Westwood,
Woodbury
Central,
a triangular
at
Westwood,
and at
the conferencetournament.
At
W e s t
Monona
she received
2 n d
place.
During
the
Woodbury
Central meet Erin Vermeersch and Kristine
Kueny tied for first place. They had to have
a playoff which Kristine came out on top and
Page 7, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
Erin received
2nd place.
Angie
Flanigan
tied for
2nd at the
Westwood
Triangular.
She
also received
2nd team
all conference.Districts
were
May 15th
at Red
O a k .
S o m e
dedicated
members visited the golf course before the
meet to look at the course. This must have
helped the Rams because they came out on
Left: Todd
Heizelman slides
into second base
during a practice
session earlier in
the year as
Darren Brown
covers the bag.
top. The girls played 18 holes of golf around
10:00 Monday morning and finished 1st with
a team score of 396.
Kristine Kueny placed 1st individually
with a score of 95. Erin Vermeersch received
3rd place with a score of 99. Angie Flanigan
and Laura Hoaglund tied for fourth place
and shot a 101.
The girls traveled to Greenfield Monday
the 22nd. for Regional Play. The team
qualified for state with a team total of 387.
The top two finished teams and top five individuals
advance to state. Angie Flanigan
tied for 2nd place medal with BCIG’s Annie
Hayes with a score of 90.. State will take
place May 30 at Granger, Iowa and at Otter
Creed near Ankeny on May 31.
“The season has been good and we have
done a lot of things that we weren’t
expected to do. Our seniors helped us out
a lot this year but next year still looks good
with some experienced juniors coming
back,” stated Junior Golfer Angie Flanigan..

Three qualify for state track
These athletes qualified for state track. They are:
Rheannon Schoenfeld (shot put) Travis Hazard (long
jump) and Travis Cameron (800m)
By Shane Erlemeier
Two of the MV-AO boys are off to state, to
qualify in the long jump was Junior Travis
Hazard. Also qualifying in the 800 meter
run was Junior Travis Cameron. These juniors
have been outstanding this year, Travis
Cameron has run a 2:05 in the 800 meter run
and Travis Hazard’s best jump this year is
20’9”. That also got him the school record.
The past three weeks the Rams have had
a meet at Ida Grove, the Ram Relays in
Mapleton, Kingsley Pierson, and in Sloan.
At the track meet in Ida Grove, Maple Valley
placed 5th. Travis Hazard got 1st place
in the long jump, with a jump of 19’9”. MV-
AO got 2nd in the 400 meter relay with a time
of 47.54. In the 800 meter relay they had a
time of 1:41.32 to get them a 2nd place finish.
Matt Boyle placed 2nd in the 400 meter
hurdles with a time of 62.31. In the medley
relay MV-AO placed 3rd with a time of
4:10.96. Travis Cameron ran the 800 meter
with a time of 2:10.09 to get him a first place
finish. MV-AO also got 2nd in the 400 meter
relay.
The next track meet was the Ram Relays
which was held in Mapleton. MV-AO placed
3rd at this meet. In the 400 meter dash Travis
Cameron placed 2nd with a time of 55.29. In
the 110 High Hurdles Robbie Gustin placed
3rd with a time of 18.02. In the 400 meter
hurdles with a time of 1:02.14 and a 1st place
finish was Matt Boyle. Robbie Gustin also
placed in the 400 meter hurdles, second place
with a time of 1:03.55. Travis Cameron got
1st place in the 800 meter run with a time of
2:08.92. MV-AO also placed 3rd in the 800
meter relay with a time of 1:40.10 and a time
of 3:53.81 in the 1600 meter relay for a 3rd
place finish. MV-AO placed 3rd in the 3200
meter relay with a time of 9:25.57 and also
placed 3rd in the 1600 meter medley with a
time of 4:07.19.
Next the boys were off to Kingsley to run
on their new track. Maple Valley dind’t fair
so well at this track meet with a 7th place fin-
ish, but there was a lot of good competition
there. Travis Cameron placed 2nd in the 800
meter run with a time of 2:07.92. Matt Boyle
placed 2nd the in the 110 high hurdles with a
time of 1:02.20. Travis Hazard placed 1st in
the long jump with a jump of 20’9” which
would also break the old record for the long
jump of 19’11.5” previously held by Kyle
Hamman and Alex Brown.
Next MV-AO was off to Sloan where 10
teams were going to be. MV-AO placed 5th
in the 400 meter relay with a time of 48.12. In
the 400 meter hurdles Robbie Gustin had a
time of 1:01.88 to get him a 4th place finish
and also Matt Boyle had a time of 1:02.40 to
get him a 5th place finish. Travis Cameron
ran the 400 meter dash in 56.40 to get him a
6th place finish. Robbie Gustin also ran the
110 High Hurdles and got 6th place with a
time of 17.52. Justin Hazard ran the 2 mile
and had a time of 12:02.38 to get him a 6th
place finish. MV-AO ran the 1600 meter relay
and had a time of 3:49.79 for a 4th place
finish. Travis Cameron ran the 800 meter run,
his time was 2:09.34 to get himself a 2nd place
finish. Travis Hazard jumped 19’5.5” to get
himself a 1st place finish.
Maple Valley was now off to conference
where 12 teams were going to meet. Travis
Hazard was in the long jump again, he
jumped 20’3” to get 2nd place in the conference
track meet. Travis Cameron placed 5th
in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:10.90.
Robbie Gustin placed 6th in the 110 High
Hurdles with a time of 17.70, he also placed
5th in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of
1:02.05. Matt Boyle placed 6th in the 400
meter hurdles with a time of 1:02.71. MV-
AO placed 6th in the 400 meter relay with a
time of 47.46, they also placed 6th in the 800
meter relay with a time of 1:39.46, and they
placed 6th in the 1600 meter relay with a time
of 3:46.52. MV-AO placed 6th in the 3200
meter relay with a time of 9:22.42.
While none of the three athletes
moved on into the finals at state, they
represented their school proudly.
Page 8, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
Girl’s softball team
ready for season
By Kayla Dose
Since the pitchers and the catchers starting
practice several months ago, and hitting
practice starting two months ago, the softball
team plans on being much stronger this year.
The first real practice is on May 15th.
“I think the season is going to be fundamentally
stronger and our hitting will also
be stronger.” stated Coach Bliven.
The first game is on May 30th, the second
game is on May 31st, they are both home
games. They have a game everyday during
month of June except for seven days. The
conference tournament starts in June. There
are also games in July.
We are also hosting the Championship
part of the conference tournament.
“I think this season is going to be awesome
and we will be really good! We’ll be stron-
Junior Steff Treiber
is back in form
after her sidelining
surgery last season.
ger this year in hitting along with everything
else because of the extra practices. We lost only
two players and we are returning with many
letter winners,” commented Tammy Kafton.
This year the Ram’s softball team got a new
batting cage. It doubles the size of the old one
and it is designed for both live and machine
pitching.
The shed is approximately 12x40. There is
also a new concrete sidewalk going from dugout
to dugout, and bleachers are on top of new
concrete. “It’s HUGE!,” exclaimed Bliven.
“We’re going to be studs, and I can’t wait
until it starts. This year we have a good chance
of making it to state with all of the returning
letter winners and our coach this year is going
to push us harder to make us better,” said
Jaime Oberg.
Left: Junior Michele
Pierce drives one hard
during practice as Catcher
Laura Hoaglund gives the
sign.

Bliven, Smeltzer hold music, band awards
By Jeff Koithan
Music filled the air on the night of the
Maple-Valley Anthon-Oto Band and Choir
Awards.
The night began with Dustin Bliven announcing
awards for the members of band
and jazz band. The John Pilip Sousa award
went to Zach Else. The Louis Armstrong
award went to Jared Hagemann and the
Rams Musicianship award was presented to
Amy Bruning. Each class voted for the top
band student for each grade. The results
were: Freshmen Bryan Livermore and Laura
Maynard; Sophmore Chris Sadler; Junior
Travis Hazard; Senior Tammy Kafton.
Brian Smeltzer announced all the awards
for the choir, chamber choir, and jazz choir.
Each class voted for the top student in each
grade like the band. The results were: Freshman
Janna Dose; Sophmore Jessica Bruning;
Junior Jeff Koithan; Seniors Leslie Mcbride,
David Koithan, and Noelle Uhl.
The jazz choir started the night off with
two upbeat songs called Longest time and Kiss
him goodbye that they have been working on
all year.
Bryan
Livermore
The next performance was by Leslie
Mcbride, who sang a very soothing song. Her
voice touched us all.
The third performance of the night was the
jazz band. They played two songs called
Splanky and What is hip? One song that they
have been working on all year, and one new
piece of music. All in all, they rocked the
house down!
After the jazz band played it was time for
the choir to perform. They did a very awesome
job. They sang Kyrie,Lean on the wind,
and I will stand. The voices sounded incredible.
The fifth gig of the night was the band.
They played two very beautiful songs called
Variation Overture and the Devonshire Overture.
It was an orchestra of pure magic.
The last performance of the night was the
chamber. They sang Come to the music and the
Awakening. The singing was amazing and a
great way to end the show. The seniors all
also received flowers at the end of the concert.
Freshmen Sophomore Junior Senior
Laura Maynard
Seniors opt to have fun day at Lewis Bowl instead of Skip Day
By Courtney Venteicher
Monday May 8th was Senior
skip day. The Seniors
made a class trip out of it and
traveled to Lewis Bowl in
Sioux City.
The senior class was planning
on having a skip day
without the school’s consent,
but in the years past, the seniors
found themselves in a
little bit of trouble for skipping
school without permission,
so this year the whole
senior class voted on which
day the trip would be
planned. They also decided
what they would do on their
day off. There were many
ideas about where to go; such
as traveling to Omaha to the
zoo or the Old Market, shopping
at the mall, having a fun
day in Mapleton with a
barbeque and games, or going
to Lewis Bowl-which
Chris Sadler Travis Hazard Tammy
Kafton
won the majority of the votes
with flying colors! After the
students voted, the plan was
then taken up with Principal
Dougherty by student body
president, Lindsay
Carothers, to get his permission,
which he approved.
Mr. Cary Conover made
the arrangements with Lewis
Bowl and got all of the seniors
a package deal. The
trip cost each student $20 for
one round on the go-karts,
all-day bowling, sand volleyball,
mini-golf, a round in the
batting cages, along with
pizza and a pop!
The trip seemed to be a hit
with the senior class. “I think
it’s a good tradition to start
with every class” commented
Senior Courtney
Hahn, commenting on the
senior outing!
Page 9, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
Amy Bruning
Outstanding Musician
Jared Hagemann
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
Zach Else
John Philip Sousa Award
Rx impresses
senior reader
This is a story about a girl named Thyme
Gilcrest. She is a junior in high school and is
feeling pressured to do well in school. Those
pressures for Thyme were getting straight
A’s, staying on the honors list, and chosing
the right classes for her career choice.
Soon after school began and ACT’s came
up, Thyme had had enough and needed
something not only to help her study, but to
also keep her from going insane. She began
taking Ritalin, and like everyone else, became
dependant on it. Her friends had problems
of their own and were too busy to notice
Thyme’s new lifestyle.
Later on other kids at school started asking
her for all kinds of pills such as Prozac,
Ritalin, and Adderall. Because of the peer
pressure, she ended up stealing pills from her
parents, friends and anyone else she could
think of.
This is a book called Rx by Tracy Lynn. I
think it is a good book because it shows kids
how easy it’s to become hooked on drugs
even if they are perscription drugs.
I would give this book four Ram heads
for its great details on how scary high school
can become for kids if they make bad choices.
Above: Kayla Bleil, Sara Dose, Lisa Ortner,
Lindsey Carothers and Chelsea Finkbeiner are
excited to depart for their organized Skip Day.
Above left: Mr. Dougherty gives last minute
instructions to the students before they leave.
Left: In charge of the day-long expedition, Mr.
Conover reads the roll call.

Page 10, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
‘Round the Valley...
Senior McKenzie Sauser helps fill the May baskets in Mrs.
Moser’s room. Over 20 baskets were filled and delivered to the
residents of Maple Heights Nursing Home in May.
Right & Below: Students lined the streets
with their tractors as a group joined in
Tractor Day on Monday, May 15.
Tyler Walsh makes giving blood look easy, as he reclines and
“saves three lives.”

2006 graduates make plans
By Ashley Mullicane
As the school year is coming to an end,
and all of the seniors will be heading off to
college soon, each of them filled out a survey
saying what they plan to do after high
school and what advice they give to underclassmen.
Aaron Bechen- University of Northern
Iowa (construction management)
- Work hard and do your best on everything
so you don’t have any regrets, and be as
involved as you can. Also, high school, or
anything for that matter, can be a lot more
fun sometimes without a girlfriend.
Mandi Bendixen- plans to work at Midwest
or at the nursing home in Mapleton.
-Stay out of trouble. Don’t skip school, and
don’t graduate early; stay with your classmates.
Also, have fun!
Adam Bernard- Iowa State University (Mechanic
engineering)
-Don’t procrastinate.
Austin Bettin- Iowa Western Community
College
-Have fun because high school goes by fast!
Don’t worry about what others think about
you, just do what you want to do.
Nick Bieler- Western Iowa Tech Community
College (heating and cooling)
-Keep your nose clean.
Kayla Bleil- Iowa Western Community
College (Forensic Investigation)
-Enjoy every minute of it because it goes by
so fast.
Dustin Boyer- Western Iowa Tech
-Enjoy your four years. They go by fast.
Logan Boyle- Ride bulls professionally and
raise PRCA and PBR bucking bulls
-Be yourself; don’t get caught up in all of
the glamour and spotlight because it doesn’t
last forever. Who you are is what you will
always be.
James Brouillette- Morningside College
(play football)
- Don’t cheat and stay out of trouble.
Travis Brown- Iowa Lakes Community
College (play golf and basketball)
-Go hard as long as you can and coast to
the finish.
Amy Bruning- Briar Cliff University (nursing)
-Have fun during school, but keep up with
your classes.
Lindsey Carothers- Wayne State College
(Business Human Resource Management)
- Enjoy high school because it goes fast and
get involved in as many activities as you
can.
Jen Chwirka- University of Northern Iowa
-Be nice to teachers and don’t gossip or fight
with friends about stupid things.
Kelsey Clark- Northwest Missouri State
University (elementary education)
-Always have fun and be yourself!
David Dirksen- Iowa State University
-Only V8’s can have straight pipes.
Sara Dose- Iowa Western Community College
-Always be yourself; don’t care about what
everyone thinks; regret nothing. In the end
you did what you wanted and that’s all that
matters.
Zach Else- Iowa State University
-Live today like you won’t get to see tomorrow.
Chelsea Finkbeiner- Grand View College
(nursing)
-Don’t waste time fighting with any classmates.
It’s not worth it. Live your senior year
to the fullest and have a lot of fun!
Alex Flanigan- University of Northern
Omaha (business and engineering)
-Make sure you apply yourself all four years
and get all you can out of your time here.
Cody Forch- Iowa State University (civil/
construction engineering)
-Never pass up a chance to be with friends
because the four years will be gone before you
know it.
Kent Fredricksen- Western Iowa Tech Community
College (green house construction)
also plans to work for Nexus or MDM
-Live everyday like it’s your last.
Jesse Gigaroa- Western Iowa Tech Community
College
-Don’t cheat. Do your own work.
Jared Hagemann- Iowa State University (engineering)
-Enjoy the time you have.
Courtney Hahn- Medical Seceratary
-Have as much fun as you can.
Jamie Hanson- WYO Tech (restoring cars)
-Don’t be stupid.
Emily Hinrickson- Northeast Community
College (agribusiness)
-Have fun while your here because it goes
by faster than you think.
Cody Holton- work for Kurt Heinse and
maybe play college football
-Work hard in school and out of school and
have fun doing it. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.
Jen Holton- Western Iowa Tech Community
College (graphic design)
-Have fun through out your high school years
because senior year is over with in a blink of
an eye! Make new friends and try new things
because you’ll never get another chance like
high school.
Andrea Kafton- undecided
-Have fun. Time goes by so fast.
Tammy Kafton- Iowa Western Community
College (Athletic training)
-Have as much fun as you can and keep your
friends close.
David Koithan- “moving to Hawaii and
starting my own surf shop..just kidding. I am
going to Morningside College.”
Kristine Kueny- Dana College or Briar Cliff
University (accounting or business)
-Have fun and live everyday to the fullest because
it goes by fast.
Leslie McBride- University of Northern Iowa
-Live these last years together to the fullest
and don’t hold anything back because they
are gone before you know it!
Phil McGrain- Iowa Western Community
College (sports medicine)
-Have fun when you can. It goes fast, so take
your time through school.
Kylee Miller- Iowa Lakes Community College
- It’s not cool to drive a Pontiac.
James Moody-military training
-Don’t wait until the last minute to turn in
your government projects.
Page 11, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
Clint Nixon- Iowa Central Community College
(on the rodeo team)
-Nothing is more painful than regret, so don’t
regret anything.
Lisa Ortner- University of Iowa (major ing
in accounting, minoring in Spanish)
-Have fun and enjoy high school while you
can because it goes by fast.
Kevin Perkins- Iowa Lakes Community College
(environmental studies)
-Enjoy it while it lasts because it goes by fast.
Craig Riesberg- Iowa Lakes Community
College (ag production)
-Do your homework and have fun while you
can.
Mckenzie Sauser- University of Iowa
-Don’t try too hard because it goes really fast.
Have as much fun as you can and don’t worry
about small things.
Rheannon Schoenfeld- Iowa Western Community
College (graphic design)
-Work hard and play harder. The years go by
extremely fast.
Nick Schrunk- Iowa Lakes Community College
(mechanic)
-Try to experience everything life has to offer.
Michael Searls- Western Iowa Tech Community
College
-Know how to tie your shoes before you’re a
senior. If you don’t, people will laugh at you.
Shawn Smith- Western Iowa Tech Community
College (ag business)
-Don’t cheat in Mr. Clark’s class.
Jessica Uhl- Northwestern Iowa Community
College (get LPN and RN degree)
-Pay attention in any class with Mr. Stodola
and Mr. Cary Conover and try not to fall
asleep. Don’t have gum around Mr. Stodola
or he will give you a detention.
Noelle Uhl- Ancient Wisdom College for
Massage Therapy
-Have as much fun as possible and don’t let
other people’s opinions keep you from being
yourself.
Courtney Venteicher- Western Iowa Tech
Community College, then Casper College
-Try to make everything enjoyable. Keep your
friends close and your enemies closer!
Erin Vermeersch- Drake University (running
and business)
-Don’t worry about what other people think
of you. Just be you.
Josh Wimmer- Western Iowa Tech Community
College
-Do your best...nothing is impossible!
Chelsea Wolf- University of South Dakota
(dental hygiene)
-Don’t care about what other people think of
you; do your own thing and never give up!
God will never give you more than you can
handle.
Brad Wright- work for uncle for a few years,
then go to college
-Try to stay on teachers’ good sides because
if you make them mad, your time in that class
will just be harder.
Justin Wulf- Western Iowa Tech Community
College
-Have a lot of fun.
**Royd Reid and Matt Schleis were not available
for the survey.
Above: Lindsey Carothers
gives the Senior Address
Above: Sine Chinakat shakes
Principal Dougherty’s hand as
she proudly graduates from
MVAO.

Page 12, The Ram Write-Up, Maple Valey Anthon-Oto Schools
Fifty-nine graduate from MVAO
Erin Vermeersch and Courtney Hahn walk into the gym excitedly anticipating
the ceremony, as Lisa Ortner and Chelsea Wolf follow closely behind.
Left:
Junior Ushers:
Brad Petersen,
Laura Hoaglund,
Travis Hazard,
Kelsey Bruhn,
Adam Petersen,
Janessa Rhode,
Travis Cameron
(head usher),
Tabby Allen
(head usher),
Jesse Garule,
and Steff Treiber
Senior Choir Members
Alex
Flanigan
Jessica
Uhl
Lisa
Ortner
Amy
Bruning
Mr Dougherty¡
Leslie McBride and Kelsey Clark are all smiles
as they march in to “Pomp and Circumstance.”