Glaser, Shelby Leigh

by alexis beiermann

Shelby Glaser has been attending the district since her freshman year. Before she became a part of the district, she previously attended Columbus Public Schools up until eighth grade, and transferred freshman year. Glaser is the daughter of Brante and Nichole Hayes. She is the younger sister of Gavin, and older sister of Khyler and Gage. Her activities this year are cheerleading and viking voices. This will be her fourth year participating in both.

"It is pretty scary but exciting. I’m scared to leave my friends and start over in a different town and school. But I’m excited for my future career,” admits Glaser. Even though Shelby is a little timid leaving her friends and moving into a bigger town, she is eager to get started on her career. The hardest transition into senior year for Glaser was, “Having to fill out financial aid and scholarships. Also, getting on the right track for college.” For the seniors, there are more important things to be focused on compared to other years in high school.

“I'm just looking forward to spending time with my friends and enjoying cheer and music.” It seems Shelby really enjoys spending quality time with her friends, cheer and music while being in high school with the time she has left. She is making the most of it by getting herself involved with the activities she loves the most.

Glaser’s plans after high school are to attend the two-year program at Xenon in Omaha for cosmetology and esthetics. There, she will first learn all the basics in cosmetology and esthetics, and go more into depth about the two.

Schaad, Andrew Michael

by jessica kapels

Seniors of Lakeview High School only have one semester left before they go their separate ways and begin the rest of their lives. Drew Schaad is one of the many seniors who is preparing to to start the rest of his life.

“It is a little nerve racking, but I am excited to move on to college and begin my career,” said Schaad. He has always been part of the Lakeview District starting at Shell Creek Elementary. His parents are Kelly, who is a teacher at Lakeview,  and Bob, who works at BD’s. He also has a younger brother named Cody who is a sophomore, and younger twin sisters in 7th grade named Carly and Emily.

Schaad’s high school experience has been quite busy. He is involved in FBLA and is an officer in FFA. Both groups are good at getting students involved and teaching them valuable lessons. Schaad also participates in track and has been a state qualifier in wrestling and cross country. As his final wrestling career is in progress, he has been doing well and set himself a goal of qualifying for state once again.

“Though I will miss the teachers and classmates that I have gotten to know, I will be ready to continue my education and start my career,” said Schaad. “I do not fret over this being my last year in high school, I try to see it as a new opportunity ahead of me.” Schaad is planning to work towards his career as a veterinarian and will enter the pre-vet program at UNL next fall. From there, he will enter a 2-2 program for vet school in which he will do the first two years at UNL and the last two at Iowa State. After getting a degree in Vet Med. and his license, Schaad plans to open his own clinic.

Schaad, Andrew Michael

by jessica kapels

The seniors of Lakeview High School are finishing their final semester before they go their separate ways and begin the rest of their lives. Drew Schaad is one of the many seniors who is preparing to to start the rest of his life.

“It is a little nerve racking, but I am excited to move on to college and begin my career,” said Schaad. He has always been part of the Lakeview District starting Kindergarten at Shell Creek Elementary. His parents are Kelly, who is a teacher at Lakeview, and Bob, who works at BDs. He also has a younger brother named Cody, a sophomore, and younger twin sisters in seventh grade named Carly and Emily.

Schaad’s high school experience has been quite busy. He is involved in FBLA and is an officer in FFA. Both groups are good at getting students involved and teaching them valuable lessons. Schaad also participates in track and has been a state qualifier in wrestling and cross country. As his final wrestling career is in progress, he has been doing well and set himself a goal of qualifying for state once again.
“Though I will miss the teachers and classmates that I have gotten to know, I will be ready to continue my education and start my career,” said Schaad. “I do not fret over this being my last year in high school, I try to see it as a new opportunity ahead of me.” Schaad is planning to work towards his career as a veterinarian and will enter the pre-vet program at UNL next fall. From there, he will enter a 2-2 program for vet school in which he will do the first two years at UNL and the last two at Iowa State. After getting a degree in Vet Med. and his license, Schaad plans to open his own clinic.

Cooper, Carley Raeann

by sierra heesacker

For Carley Cooper, along with many other seniors, this is their last semester at Lakeview High School. All of their years or preparing, is coming to an end, where they will be sent on their separate paths. In just three short months, they will be walking down the aisle to accept their diplomas.

“It’s bittersweet, I’m excited to finally begin ‘adulting,’ yet it scares me. I’m most excited for the freedom,” replied Cooper when asked how she feels about only having less than a year left at Lakeview. For her it will be a big change, for she has attended the Lakeview district through all her years of schooling. For grade school she attended Shell Creek, and then she transitioned to Lakeview for her high school years.

Cooper was raised by her mother Ramona, as her father passed away when she was just seven years old. Cooper also grew up with her two brothers, Preston and Travis, along with her one sister, Lindsay. At Lakeview she was a part of FBLA, cheerleading, and soccer, until she got a full time job which limits her participation now. She hopes to finish her last year of high school by making memories with her friends and family.
“Having to apply for scholarships and to colleges, it takes up a lot of your time and adds so much pressure,” adds Cooper when responding to what the hardest transition to senior year is. With her scholarships, Cooper plans on starting out her college experience by attending Central Community College for her first two years. There she plans to get her generals. Then Cooper plans on transferring to the University of Nebraska Kearney, where she could possibly pursue a medical career.

Tworek, Rebecca

Kaitlyn Kleinheksel

"Scary!" is how one Lakeview’s senior, Rebecca Tworek thinks of finishing her senior year. She said, “It is exciting but sad. High school has been pretty fun, as much as I hate waking up early, I am going to miss it. Although, it is exciting to be going out into the real world and starting a life.”

Tworek has not went to Lakeview throughout the years. She has also attended St. Isidore’s elementary, Lost Creek elementary, and also Columbus Middle and High School. She transferred into the district her sophomore year of high school. Tworek states “It wasn’t really hard to transition into the year. It was just normal but when second semester got here it was getting hard to accept the fact that I am almost done with it all.” She has been involved in FBLA for 2 years, FFA for 1 year, and St. Isidore’s youth mission for 4 years.

Tworek is the daughter of Krystal and Ken. She has two younger siblings, Faith and Matthew. Tworek plans on going to Central Community College while she figures out exactly what she wants to do for a career. One thing Tworek mentions she is looking forward to is graduation!

Lueders, Ryanne Madison

For some seniors leaving high school is exciting and for others it’s terrifying. But senior Ryanne Lueders says, “It still hasn’t hit me that I am a senior, honestly. It’s crazy to think I won’t be coming back next year.” Lueders is the daughter of Josh and Melanie and has one younger brother,Colter.

Lueders first joined the Lakeview district in first grade where she attended Shell Creek until her transfer to Pierce in fourth grade. She attended Pierce until the middle of seventh grade but then made her way back to Lakeview her sophomore year.

Each senior has his and hers struggles, but Lueders told us that her hardest transition into senior year was, “Having to balance sports, scholarships, and my college classes while still enjoying my last year with my classmates.” She is involved in basketball, soccer FBLA, FFA, FCA, and NHS. Lueders says, “I’m excited to see all the amazing things out class will do in the future with how intelligent and competitive we are.”
After high school Lueders plans to attend Northeast Community College to play soccer, then transfer to Wayne State to get her undergrad in pre-chiropractic. After that she hopes to go to either Northwestern Health Sciences University, or Palmer College of Chiropractic to receive her doctorate of chiropractic. The future for Ryanne is looking big and bright and we wish her luck on her journey to the future.

Raitt, Dallas John Charles

by alexis beiermann

     If you were to ask how many of the seniors wanted to be done already with high school, you would get a vast majority would say they can’t wait. Senior, Dallas Raitt would say otherwise. “High school has gone by super fast and as a kid I wanted to be done with school but now it’s sad because it’s my last year and the friends I have made I may never see again,” Raitt said. 

Dallas is the son of Monique and Jeff, and the brother to Syanna and Miranda. He is involved is involved in FBLA and has been for the last three years. He has wrestled for 12 years and played soccer for two. Raitt came to Lakeview in eighth grade, before that he attended Richland District. #1 in Schuyler, Nebraska."The hardest transition to senior year is the actual thought of high school being over,” admits Dallas. He thinks teachers expect more out of him because it is time to buckle down and get more serious. All in all, being a senior has more responsibilities.

  Raitt knows how he wants to proceed in life after high school. He plans on going to Central Community College to get his generals done. After those courses, he wants to go to University of Nebraska Kearney to major in business. 

Johnston, Gauge Nickalus

by alexis beiermann

     Gauge Johnston has been attending the Lakeview District since fifth grade. He transferred to Platte Center coming from West Park. Gauge is the son of Jesse and Karlene Johnston. He is younger brother of Blade and older brother of Taley. Johnston has been a three-year member FBLA. In his high school years, Gauge participated on the Columbus bowling team starting one year on junior varsity and two years on varsity. He played football for two years as well.

“Stressful and relieving at the same time. I’m not ready to move on in life. It’s stressful on my part because 12 years of school has flew by too fast. It feels like my high school career was gone in the blink of an eye,” Johnston admits of his final months as a Lakeview Viking. Although Gauge is a little anxious about moving forward with his life, he is still relieved for it to all be over.

“I am really pumped for graduation. This will be a great change for me.” Gauge is looking forward to graduation so he can experience new surroundings around him and make new friends. He plans to get his associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development at Midland University and join the Marine Corps. “Joining the marine corps is a family tradition,” he says. “Every graduate joins the Marines right after high school so I almost feel obligated to keep this tradition going.” It is pretty cool to pursue something as interesting as the Marine Corps, and it makes it even better it being a family tradition.

Casanova, Emily Nathalia

by taylor brewer

photo by dylan arends

The start of a new year means that Lakeview High School gains a new set of seniors. One of those seniors in her last year of high school is Emily Casanova.

“I’m in Band, One Act, Mock Trial, Speech, Jazz Band, and YFC,” says Casanova. “All of these activities help me lead in different ways.” Activities make a student involved in their school, and it is highly honorable to be in many activities like Casanova. Getting involved is a great way to stay busy and looks good for future things, such as college.

People tend to treat seniors differently when they actually become seniors. The teachers usually treat them as they would any other student. Underclassmen seem to look up to seniors and run away. “People don’t even know I’m a senior,” Casanova states. “But if they do know, they kind of just stay away and avoid me.” Emily lives with her parents Jaime and Guadalupe and is the youngest of her siblings, who also graduated from Lakeview: Jamie, Jeremiah, Annabel, and Joseph.

“The hardest transition from being a junior to a senior is how much everything costs,” adds Casanova. “The college classes, senior pictures, and the looming threat of college haunt me everyday.” Casanova plans to go to college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and wants to major in Broadcasting or AV Tech. She hopes to produce or direct an awesome movie that makes a mark on the world. Good luck during senior year, Emily!

Soltero, Reyes Abraham

by alexis beiermann

Meet another one of Lakeview's finest seniors: Reyes Soltero. He has spent his high school years attending Lakeview High School.

“I try my hardest in every sport, whether it be being on the bench, or out there doing the things I love,” says Soltero. He participates in football, wrestling, track, and baseball. With one year left at Lakeview, he said, “It feels amazing. I want to get the heck out of here already.”

“It's (being a senior) not any much different. It just feels the same pretty much. I’m being treated like everyone else, so there really is no seniority.” Soltero says the underclassmen were, “pretty scared. They’re just intimidated by me a little bit because since I’m a senior now, they don’t want to make me mad or do something they shouldn’t be doing, like losing focus, like in football."

Transitioning to his senior year, he said he is, “Probably becoming more responsible with all my homework and sports. Homework is very important, and the lazy person I was, I fell behind. So do your homework and try hard in sports.” Attending Lakeview High School, every student tries hard in everything they do, and it’s just a bonus with them working hard in athletics. It really is great to see everyone working hard and pushing themselves to their full potential.

As for plans after high school are to go into the Air Force. He is unsure on where he wants to settle down, but he is for sure enlisting after high school. He says he doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into, but it has always interested him.

Sigala, Hailey Anne

by kathleen howland

The thought of leaving high school can sometimes be a scary thought, but senior Hailey Sigala says, "I’m ready to leave high school and enter the real world.”  Sigala knows she has great memories to look back on, but also knows the change will be hard.

Sigala’s family members include Gabby who is a freshman at Lakeview, Ellena a fourth grader, at Shell Creek, her mom Amber, and her dad Asher. “My role model is going to be leaving, and I won’t have anyone to look up to,” says her little sister Gabby, when she thinks about her sister leaving.

Only transferring to Lakeview as a sophomore,Sigala quickly became active as a Viking. She participates in cheerleading, soccer, FFA, and FBLA.

“Probably realizing that I have less than a year left to really make it count.” Sigala plans to attend community college in Omaha and receive her business associates degree. She has no specific career path in mind.

Loseke, Erika Layne

photography by goc's photography

by alexis beiermann

Before she started school at Lakeview, senior Erika Loseke was a student of Christ Lutheran School in rural Columbus. Loseke is the daughter of Ryan and June. She is the younger sister of Elisabeth Loseke who is a student at UNL and has been accepted into veterinarian school. Erika is the older sister of freshman Carsten and seventh grader Cort.

Loseke participates in volleyball, basketball and track. She has also been involved in FFA and FBLA for four years, NHS for two years, 4-H for 10 years, and Lynette’s Dance Studio for 12 years.

“I’m definitely going to miss the people and the sports and activities in which I’m involved, but I’m also looking forward to being on my own and start working toward my future career.” Transitions are hard, and it's no different for Loseke, “Trying to figure out what I’m going to do with my life next year is hard." Although she is a bit nervous moving on into the big world, she feels prepared.

“Sports and making memories with my classmates,” is what Erika will remember most of all She loves spending time with her teammates and making memories with her classmates. This is something she is going to miss about high school, but also looking very forward to it. Loseke’s plans after high school are to study at K-State or UNL. She decided on majoring in Ag Marketing or Interior Design.

Rochholz, Noah

by Kaitlyn Kleinheksel

     When the school year first started, many seniors were already counting down the days till graduation. Although Noah Rochholz may be one of these seniors, he said time has gone by too fast. This is Roccholz's first year attending Lakeview High School as he has recently moved here from Watertown, South Dakota. Rochholz stated “Moving to Nebraska has been my hardest transition into my senior year."

     Noah is the son of Robert Rochholz and Cindy Limberg. He is the brother to his sister Allison Czapla and his brother Matt Rochholz. Throughout his senior year at Lakeview, he participates in wrestling and choir. Rochholz is unsure of his plans after high school. He knows he is going to go to work right away and wants to go to college someday.

Wemhoff, Sumithra Claire

Being a senior in high school brings out many different emotions. Like after high school changes as colleges start. Students are tiring to figure out a major program of study to prepare for their futures

     ”Now that she is a senior, she gets treated a little differently. The teachers, Wemhoff realizes, “Have a different type of respect now that they know I want to do something with my life and I’ve proven it by my three years of success. It is a big transition from junior to senior year. Her overall toughest transition was “knowing that I can’t procrastinate anymore, I have to realize every decision I make this school year in or out of school affect me more than any decision I’ve made the last three years.”

     Sumithra participates in volleyball as an extracurricular activity, and does her best to be a leader by “walking the walk.” After high school, she plans completing her general education requirements at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, after which she plans to transfer to Wayne State to complete a bachelor’s degree in Family & Consumer Sciences. Sumithra says, “ I can’t wait to move on with my life and start the next chapter to see where that takes me.” 

Franzen, Caleb

photography by kim's

by shelby berger

Meet Caleb Frenzen, a senior at Lakeview High School. Frenzen is involved in football, golf, FBLA, FFA, and Viking Voices. Outside of school Frenzen is in 4-H and Revolution. Frenzen lives with his mother Kim, father Craig and has two older sisters, are Emily and Ashley.

“My last year is pretty good, but it's a shame it is ending tho, there are some great memories made here in this school.” Before coming to Lakeview, Frenzen attended Immanuel Lutheran in Columbus for elementary school then made his way to Lakeview in Junior High. Frenzen mentioned.“Knowing it's my last year with sports, and last year with my class is probably my hardest transition to senior year.” As graduation is this year for Frenzen. His plans after high school is to study a couple years of agriculture and then come back to takeover the family farm.

Iverson, Morgan R

by shelby berger

Introducing one of the graduates of the class of 2017, Miss Morgan Iverson, the starting middle hitter of the Lakeview varsity volleyball team. She is a three-year starter on for the team. Other than volleyball, she is involved in FBLA, Circle of Friends, Student Council, Student leader for Youth for Christ, and Track & Field.

“I have mixed emotions about being at Lakeview for only one more year. Although I am very excited and scared, because I’m not sure yet what I'm doing after high school yet,” said Iverson. Coming from Silver Lake with her parents, Mike & Corenna, she started attending Shell creek in third grade, and Iverson has been at Lakeview since. Iverson sees a different respect from the teachers she said “they expect more from me, and they know I can accomplish more now then when I was a freshman.

Iverson is not sure yet where she will decide to go to college, she says, “Coming into senior year has been pretty easy, but when I start looking into colleges I feel as if it’s going to be a challenging decision.”

Kouma, Kayleen Sue

by morgan iverson

photography by christine kouma

Seems like yesterday the school year was starting, but now we are already moving close Thanksgiving. Time is moving forward quickly for senior class secretary, Kayleen Kouma.

“Senior year is not very stressful if I manage my time right,” Kouma says. She is very successful in school and is ranked fourth in the senior class. Some students can find it intimidating to become a senior, but Kouma is very confident with the transition. “I feel like now that I am “top dog,” I can stand up for what I believe in instead of getting shot down by people who don’t agree with my ideals. Now I just care about the important stuff instead of what other people think.”

“I’m excited about college, but I'm not so tired of high school that I just want to get there.” Kayleen is firms in her own ideals and plans to attend the University of Kearney next fall to major in speech pathology. Her older brother Brandon has already moved on to college at CCC. She will be leaving her parents Christine and Steve with her younger sisters Britney and Jessica Kouma.

Whitmore, Rayna Lyn

by kathleen howland

“Scary, but awesome,” that’s how senior Rayna Whitmore describes her having one year left at Lakeview. Whitmore transferred to Lakeview her junior year from CHS. She quoted, “It was probably one of the best decisions I have made. I am more than happy I made it. It has changed me for the better.”

Whitmore’s family members include her mom Tonja, dad Greg, two step-brothers Zach and Kaylob, who also attend Lakeview, and two half brothers Trey and Tanner who attend CMS. “I don’t want her to leave because I won’t have anyone to buy me Mcdonald's. I won’t have anyone to talk to about my personal life and no one to make fun of,” said her sophomore brother Kaylob.

Whitmore told us that senior year has been the easiest year. She is involved in softball, FBLA, and track. This school year she is looking forward to lots of activities and freedom.

After high school Whitmore plans to attend CCC and play softball and earn a degree in criminal justice. After that she will be full time air-force MP. With her feisty attitude and determination, Whitmore is sure to do great things.

Barnett, Alexa Janyse

by sierra heesacker

courtesy photo

As the first quarter of this year's school years nears its end, many of the seniors are starting to realize how little time that they have left to spend at Lakeview High School. One of these seniors is Alexa Barnett. Barnett attended Columbus Middle School up until eighth grade, where she then transferred to Lakeview High School for her freshman year. This is where she will remain until graduation.

At Lakeview, Barnett has a part in the Future Business Leaders of America, track and field, and she is also a wrestling student manager. She has been involved in many other activities throughout her high school career.

When asked how it feels to only have one more year left at Lakeview, Barnett responds, “It’s bitter-sweet. I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life and to meet new people, but I know that I’m going to miss home.”

Barnett lives with her mom Kim Ruger and brother Dominick Henk, who is also a graduate from Lakeview High School. Barnett’s dad and step-mom are Nathan and Megan Barnett, and step-sister is Fayth Pate. After high school graduation, Barnett plans to go to the University of Nebraska at Kearney or Southeast Community College. There she will receive her masters degree in accounting.

Thatcher, Charlie Nichole

courtesy photo

by zach kobza

Meet this senior, Charlie Nicole Thatcher. She has attended Lakeview High School for all four years. She is a member of the Lakeview cheer squad, viking voices and FBLA.

She says the hardest part about being a senior is trying to figure out what she wants to do after high school. She plans to go to a four-year college “Somewhere away from here,” but she isn't quite sure where yet.

Thatcher lives at home in Columbus with her mother and step-father, and with her little brothers, Lucas and Timmy. Her expectations for underclassmen are that they respect seniors. They could be helpful if you ask them. The one thing she doesn't want to happen is them to be scared to come and talk with the seniors if they ever need anything. She says she can relate to most high school problems and loves to give advice on anything she can as long as it helps. Charlie looks forward to graduation, but is unsure of any specific plans.