Jaelynn Jean Wilken, daughter of Jeanie Wilken and the late Randy Wilken, attended Sherry’s House Preschool in Norfolk, Park Avenue Christian School for kindergarten through 2nd grade, and Trinity Lutheran School for part of 3rd grade before coming to St. John Lutheran School for the remainder of her elementary education. Jaelynn has been at Battle Creek High School since seventh grade. She is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Jaelynn participated in one act play production for three years and choir during all four years of high school. For her efforts in the classroom, she was recognized as Student of the Month, and she also received a Brave Award.
Outside of school, Jaelynn enjoys drawing, singing, having movie nights, and volunteering for Vacation Bible School at her church.
Jaelynn listed her favorite staff member as Ms. Cati Witzel, stating, “She’s always ready to listen if I need to talk.” Jaelynn’s favorite class this year was Workplace Communication with Mrs. Angela Gray. She said she enjoyed having the opportunity to improve her writing skills. Her fondest memory from her time at BCHS was getting to participate in one act play because it made her feel more confident.
After high school, Jaelynn plans to attend Northeast Community College to pursue a career in graphic design.
Jaelynn participated in one act play production for three years and choir during all four years of high school. For her efforts in the classroom, she was recognized as Student of the Month, and she also received a Brave Award.
Outside of school, Jaelynn enjoys drawing, singing, having movie nights, and volunteering for Vacation Bible School at her church.
Jaelynn listed her favorite staff member as Ms. Cati Witzel, stating, “She’s always ready to listen if I need to talk.” Jaelynn’s favorite class this year was Workplace Communication with Mrs. Angela Gray. She said she enjoyed having the opportunity to improve her writing skills. Her fondest memory from her time at BCHS was getting to participate in one act play because it made her feel more confident.
After high school, Jaelynn plans to attend Northeast Community College to pursue a career in graphic design.
Aspen Raelynn Elizabeth Greve, daughter of Donita and Brian Summers and Matt and Amber Greve, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all 14 years of her education.
Aspen was involved in multiple activities at BCHS including being a four-year member of speech, band, one act play production, and cheerleading. In one acts, she held the position as stage manager and crew chief for one year. She was also served as cheer captain her senior year. Aspen was additionally in student council for two years and was a member of the dance team for one year. For her efforts, Aspen received varsity letters in one act play production, speech, cheer, and dance.
For her efforts in the classroom, Aspen has been on honor roll and received Student of the Month honors on one occasion. She received Character Student of the Month awards on three occasions. When asked to name a favorite teacher at the school, Aspen mentioned Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, stating that she is really funny even when the class annoys her sometimes. Aspen listed her favorite subject as math because it will help her with her future, and art because she is very artistic and enjoys using her talent. Her fondest memory during her time at BCHS is when she was working on the mural in the park for art and accidentally spilled a whole can of pink paint on her legs.
Outside of school, Aspen holds a job at Goody’s Grille as a busser and hostess, a position she has held for two years. In her free time, Aspen enjoys drawing, reading, playing pickle ball, and spending time with her family.
After high school, Aspen will attend Northeast Community College where she will study nursing. She later plans to study in the University of Nebraska Medical Center nursing program.
Aspen was involved in multiple activities at BCHS including being a four-year member of speech, band, one act play production, and cheerleading. In one acts, she held the position as stage manager and crew chief for one year. She was also served as cheer captain her senior year. Aspen was additionally in student council for two years and was a member of the dance team for one year. For her efforts, Aspen received varsity letters in one act play production, speech, cheer, and dance.
For her efforts in the classroom, Aspen has been on honor roll and received Student of the Month honors on one occasion. She received Character Student of the Month awards on three occasions. When asked to name a favorite teacher at the school, Aspen mentioned Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, stating that she is really funny even when the class annoys her sometimes. Aspen listed her favorite subject as math because it will help her with her future, and art because she is very artistic and enjoys using her talent. Her fondest memory during her time at BCHS is when she was working on the mural in the park for art and accidentally spilled a whole can of pink paint on her legs.
Outside of school, Aspen holds a job at Goody’s Grille as a busser and hostess, a position she has held for two years. In her free time, Aspen enjoys drawing, reading, playing pickle ball, and spending time with her family.
After high school, Aspen will attend Northeast Community College where she will study nursing. She later plans to study in the University of Nebraska Medical Center nursing program.
What a great day for Battle Creek 7th grade! Teamwork in action, friendships being built, and memories that will last a lifetime. Classmates today, friends forever. 🔥
#BlazeDay2026
Ethyn Frank Murphy, son of Tonya and Frank Murphy, attended Battle Creek for all fourteen years of his schooling. Ethyn is also an active member of First Christian Church in Norfolk.
When asked to name a favorite teacher at BCHS, Ethyn listed Mr. Kobe Lade, stating, “He can take jokes most of the time. Even though he tries to act nonchalant, he does get over-stimulated and annoyed very easily, which is always a good laugh.” Ethyn named Technical Math as his favorite class. Ethyn stated that his favorite memory from high school was his junior Blaze Day trip.
Outside of school, Ethan enjoys hanging out with his friends and family and working. He has owned a landscaping and lawn care business for four years. For his work-based learning placement this year, Ethyn is employed at Clausen Heating and Air.
After high school, Ethyn will attend Northeast Community College to pursue a career in HVAC.
When asked to name a favorite teacher at BCHS, Ethyn listed Mr. Kobe Lade, stating, “He can take jokes most of the time. Even though he tries to act nonchalant, he does get over-stimulated and annoyed very easily, which is always a good laugh.” Ethyn named Technical Math as his favorite class. Ethyn stated that his favorite memory from high school was his junior Blaze Day trip.
Outside of school, Ethan enjoys hanging out with his friends and family and working. He has owned a landscaping and lawn care business for four years. For his work-based learning placement this year, Ethyn is employed at Clausen Heating and Air.
After high school, Ethyn will attend Northeast Community College to pursue a career in HVAC.
Battle Creek 7th graders are enjoying a day at the YMCA for their Blaze Day. Thanks to the great junior and senior trailblazers for their leadership.
As we approach state testing, our school is preparing students to do their best and show what they have learned this year. State assessments help us understand student progress and guide future instruction. Families can support their children by encouraging a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a positive attitude on testing days. We are proud of the hard work our students have shown all year and look forward to seeing their efforts reflected during testing. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students succeed!
March 23rd: PreACT (10th Grade
March 24th: ACT (11th Grade)
March 26th-April 21st: NSCAS (3rd-8th Grade)
NSCAS Testing Calendar
BC fans .... here is the link to order state speech attire in support of the qualifiers who will be competing next Friday in Kearney. The shop will close down at 10 AM on FRIDAY so do not delay!
https://bc-state-speech26.itemorder.com/shop/home/
https://bc-state-speech26.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Here are the official results from yesterday's C1–5 District Speech Tournament. BC finished the tournament as runner‑up and qualified seven individuals in a total of nine entries for next week's state tournament in Kearney. Congratulations to all!
JH Speech Shirts are available again! The store closes March 30th and shirts will be in before the first meet. Don't miss your chance to support!
https://bc-jh-speech-26-2.itemorder.com/shop/home/
https://bc-jh-speech-26-2.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Reminder that the Jr High Dance has been rescheduled for Friday, April 10th. BC Public and BC St. Johns students currently in 7th & 8th grade are invited to attend.
Team Standings
Battle Creek finishes as district runner-up!
OID
5th Ali Korth, Rachel Rudloff, Brynn Schmidt, Claire Schmidt, Brynn Bishop
3rd Brody Maurer, Braxton Merlenbach, Tristan Ray, Kolby Kummer, Natalie Long
Duet Acting
5th Braxton Merlenbach, Tristan Ray
4th Presley Wolf, Brody Maurer
Extemporaneous Speaking
3rd Claire Schmidt
Informative Speaking
3rd Claire Schmidt
2nd Macey Moore
Oral Interpretation of Humorous Prose
4th Presley Wolf
Oral Interpretation of Poetry
5th Jaiden Ertzner
3rd Kolby Kummer
Oral Interpretation of Poetry
3rd Macey Moore
2nd Brody Maurer
Persuasive Speaking
4th Aspen Greve
3rd Macey Moore
Serious Prose
5th Jaiden Ertzner
4th Presley Wolf