Good luck to this awesome BCHS senior at state speech tomorrow. @The_Megakracken is the voice we hear to start our school day with the morning announcements. #KindnessAwesomeness
Bond Election - UNOFFICIAL RESULTS: 448 For and 442 Against. Passed by 6 votes. https://www.madisoncountyne.com/county-offices/elections/
Paytyn Kennady Taake, daughter of Brian and Wendy Taake, attended Christ Lutheran School for grades preschool through first before coming to the Battle Creek Public Schools for the remainder of her education. She is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Paytyn participated in volleyball, basketball, and track during all four years of high school. In volleyball, she earned several honors including All Conference, Norfolk Daily News Elite Eight, and Norfolk Daily News Super Six. She also broke the record for most digs in a game, most digs in a season, and most overall career digs. Paytyn also served as a volleyball team captain during her senior season. For her efforts in basketball, Paytyn was named to the All Conference honorable mention squad. She also served as a team captain this past winter. She is a two time state qualifier going into her senior season of track and took home hardware from last spring’s state competition, including a sixth place medal in the long jump and a fourth place medal for her leg of the sprint relay.
Aside from athletics, Paytyn was also active in school activities while at BCHS. She has served as a Trailblazer during the past two years, and she was a member of the one act play cast as both a freshman and a sophomore. For her efforts in the classroom, Paytyn has been on the A Honor Roll throughout high school, and she was selected into National Honor Society.
Looking back on her time at BCHS, Paytyn listed state track as one of her favorite memories. She said, “I got to spend a weekend with some of my favorite people doing something that I love.”
Paytyn plans to attend Wayne State College in the fall of 2022. She is still undecided as to what she wants to major in, but two of her top choices are elementary education and business.
Landon Scott Olson, son of Scott and Beth Olson, attended St. Leonard’s Elementary School in Madison until he was a third grader. He came to the Battle Creek Public Schools when he was in fourth grade and has been here ever since. He is a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
Landon participated in football, basketball, and track and field during all four years of high school. In football, he and his teammates made the playoffs during all four seasons, and individually, Landon was named to the Academic All State squad and the All District First and Second Teams. In addition, this past fall he served as one of the team captains. In track and field, Landon has been a three time state medalist, including a state championship finish in 2021 in the long jump. Landon currently holds the school record in both the long jump and the high jump.
Aside from athletics, Landon was also very active in activities while at BCHS. He has served as a Trailblazer for the past two years, and he has been a member of quiz bowl throughout high school. Landon has been on the A Honor Roll throughout high school, and he is a member of the National Honor Society; he currently serves as president of the organization. In addition, Landon has served as president of his class over the past four years, and he is a four time recipient of Student of the Month honors.
When asked to name a favorite instructor at BCHS, Landon listed Mr. Ryan Heller, stating “his style of teaching keeps me engaged.” Landon listed math as his favorite subject because he “loves problem-solving and numbers.”
Outside of school, Landon enjoys playing sports and spending time with his two brothers and his friends.
After graduation, Landon plans to attend the University of South Dakota at Vermillion where he will compete as a member of the track and field team. He plans to work toward a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Madeline Bernice Oltmanns, daughter of Heather and the late Joel Oltmanns, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of her education. She is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
Maddie has participated in cross country, basketball and track during all four years of high school. She served as one of the team captains for the cross country squad as a senior and was a two time state qualifier in track and field.
Aside from athletics, Maddie was also very active in school activities. She has served as a Trailblazer for the past two years, and she participated in student council and quiz bowl for three years. In student council, Maddie currently serves as the student council president. Her success in the classroom includes being on the A Honor Roll during all four years of high school as well as being selected to the National Honor Society. In addition, Maddie was chosen by the student body as the Homecoming queen this past fall.
Outside of school, Maddie works part time at Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch, a job she has had for the past two years.
Haley Regina Hrabanek, daughter of Andrew and Barbara Hrabanek, attended Battle Creek for all thirteen years of her education. She is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Battle Creek and attends a discipleship group every Wednesday.
Haley was active in speech and one act play production during all four years of high school, and she participated in robotics for two years. For her efforts onstage, Haley earned multiple outstanding actor awards and was the lead role in the play her senior year. In speech, Haley earned her way to state as a junior where she placed sixth for her informative speech. As a senior, she finished as district champion and qualified for the Nebraska State Speech Championships.
Haley is a member of student council, National Honor Society, and FCCLA, activities she has participated in during all four years. In addition, she has served as a Trailblazer for the past two years. In FCCLA, Haley qualified for State FCCLA STAR as a sophomore, and she currently serves as the secretary for both FCCLA and student council.
When asked to name a favorite subject in school, Haley mentioned art because she feels relaxed and stress free in there. She listed her favorite teacher as Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, saying, “I could always talk to her about anything, and she would just sit and listen. She inspires me to work hard and to get better at everything I do.”
Haley’s favorite memory from high school was placing sixth at state speech as a junior. She mentioned that it was extra special because her older brother listed her name on the placing board.
Outside of school, Haley is a nanny for three little boys. In her free time, she enjoys frisbee golf, tennis and embroidery.
After graduation, Haley plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney to major in K-12 art education.
Hunter Redhawk Oestrich, son of Rhonda and Mark Oestreich, Sr., has attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education.
Hunter participated in basketball and track during all four years of high school, and he ran cross country for three seasons. He was a member of the football squad for one year. Hunter was selected to serve as a team captain in basketball this past winter, and he was a cross country team captain during both his junior and senior seasons. He is a two time state qualifier in cross country, and he was named the Most Improved Runner, The Hardest Working, and The Best in Battle. In addition, Hunter was a state qualifier and medalist for his efforts in track and field.
Outside of school, Hunter enjoys disc golf and basketball.
When asked to name a favorite teacher, Hunter listed Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, stating, “She lets us learn and have fun, she is relaxed in her teaching, and she shares criticism in a good way so people learn from their mistakes.” He mentioned that, in addition to teaching art, Mrs. Nelson is also his fitness class instructor, and he enjoys that class because “she has high expectations . . . and pushes them to their fullest potential.” He listed his favorite class as art because he learned more than he ever thought he would.
Looking back on his time at Battle Creek, Hunter listed the 2021 district track meet at West Holt as his favorite memory. He stated that during the 4x800 meter relay, he and his teammates had the lead when at the handoff, Titus Tillman passed Parker Clausen the baton and they dropped it. It almost rolled off the track, but luckily they got it in time to keep the lead. The Braves won the race and finished with a personal record of 8.36.42.
After graduation, Hunter is contemplating continuing his running career at either the University of South Dakota or at Wayne State College or he will study graphic design at Northeast Community College.
Hunter Neil Kreikemeier, son of Neil and Amy Kreikemeier, attended Milestones Preschool before coming to Battle Creek Public Schools in kindergarten. He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
During high school, Hunter was active in cross country, wrestling, and golf. When asked to name a favorite class, he mentioned that he enjoys his weights class because he gets to “push [himself] every day”. Hunter listed Mr. Taylor Baumert as his favorite staff member, stating, “As long as you get your work done, he is an extremely chill teacher.”
After graduation, Hunter will continue his training in the army and then come back to attend Northeast Community College. While at Northeast, he plans to study automotive technology.
Izabella Jean Foulk, daughter of Jasmine Gasper and Curt Foulk, came to Battle Creek Public Schools when she was in eighth grade.
Izzy participated in choir for three years and served as a trailblazer as a senior. When asked to name her favorite instructor at BCHS, she listed Ms. Laura Johns. Izzy listed art, choir, and English as her favorite subjects. One of Izzy’s fondest moments from her time at BCHS was during post prom when the hypnotist performed his act and made the students do funny things.
Outside of school, Izzy enjoys drawing, watching TV, and playing on her phone. She is employed at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Norfolk, a job she has held for the past six months.
Izzy is still undecided as to her plans following high school.
Boston Chad Reeves, son of Tammi and Chad Reeves, attended St. John Lutheran School through eighth grade before transferring to the Battle Creek Public Schools as a freshman. He is an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Boston participated in football for three years, golf for two, and wrestling during all four years of high school. He was a three time state qualifier in wrestling.
When asked to list a favorite class, Boston mentioned his building construction course with Mr. Mike Couch. He stated that he loved this class because he learned many things that he could use later in life.
Outside of school, Boston farms with his dad.
Following high school, he plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln to pursue an agribusiness degree.
Carter Wade King, son of Tom and Rhonda King, attended the Stanton Public Schools before coming to Battle Creek as a freshman.
Carter was active in wrestling during all four years of high school, placing sixth at the Nebraska State Wrestling Championships as a sophomore. He played football for three seasons, and he participated in track as a freshman.
When asked to mention a favorite memory from his time at BCHS, Carter listed state wrestling because it was great fun. Outside of school, he enjoys hanging out with friends.
Following graduation, Carter plans to attend Northeast Community College where will study plumbing.
Carter Jacob Wattier, son of Cassie and Randy Wattier, attended Norfolk Catholic Schools until he came to Battle Creek High School at the beginning of his senior year.
Carter played football during all four years of high school, and he enjoys riding dirt bikes and working at Courtesy Ford in his time outside of school.
When looking back on his short time at Battle Creek, Carter mentioned that his favorite memory from his time here will be building deer blinds in shop class. Carter listed his building construction class as his favorite course, and he mentioned that Mr. Mike Couch is also his favorite instructor.
After high school, Carter plans to attend Northeast Community College to study welding.
Madison Marie Kudera, daughter of Brandy and Scott Kudera, attended preschool at King’s Kids in Norfolk before coming to the Battle Creek Public Schools for the remainder of her education. Madison was baptized and confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Norfolk.
Madison participated in volleyball for three seasons, and she has been a Trailblazer for the past two years.
Outside of school, Madison loves to hang out or go shopping with friends, and she likes to take her dog on walks. She also loves the fun times she spends every year camping with her family in Yankton and Okoboji. In addition, Madison plays softball during the summer months.
When asked to name a favorite teacher at BCHS, Madison stated that she has enjoyed all of her instructors at BCHS. She indicated that it’s too hard to list a favorite, but she did state that her favorite classes have been Food and Nutrition and Life and Career Readiness with Miss Kelsey Reiman. Madison stated that she learns something new every day.
After school hours, Madison works as a CNA at Sunny Meadow Medical Clinic, a job she started in January. She also works for the Shift Key Nursing Agency, a traveling nurse organization.
Following high school, Madison plans to attend Northeast Community College to complete her general education courses. Afterward, she hopes to attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center to pursue a career in radiology or sonography.
Korbyn Lloyd Battershaw, son of Gina and Randy Battershaw, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education. He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
Korbyn participated in football and wrestling during all four years of high school. For his efforts on the mat, he was a three time state qualifier and a 2022 state medalist, earning sixth place. Korbyn served as a wrestling team captain this past season and has helped with many youth camps over the years. Korbyn also received honorable mention two times for the most improved athlete his sophomore and junior years.
When asked to name a favorite instructor at BCHS, Korbyn listed Mr. Ryan Heller who “always starts the day off with something different and helps get our minds in the right place.” Korbyn listed math as his favorite subject because it’s what he’s best at.
Outside of school, in his free time, Korbyn enjoys hanging out with friends, working out, and listening to music. He also plays American Legion baseball during the summer months.
Looking back on his time at BCHS, Korbyn’s favorite memory will always be winning the home football playoff game his senior year because it was in front of the home crowd and the team they played had beat them during the regular season.
After graduation, Korbyn plans to attend Midland University where he will be a member of the football squad. He plans to study exercise science or pre-physical therapy.
Kaden William Warneke, son of Anthony and Lisa Warneke, attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Battle Creek for grades preschool through eighth grade. He came to Battle Creek High School at the start of his freshman year. He is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Kaden was active in football and wrestling during all four years of high school, and he participated in track for two seasons. For his efforts on the football field, Kaden was named the Defensive MVP this past fall, and he was selected to the All District defensive squad. He was a state qualifier in wrestling as a senior.
Aside from athletics, Kaden also participated in FFA as a junior and as a senior. When asked to list a favorite teacher, he mentioned Mr. Mike Couch because “he tells funny jokes.” He listed weights as his favorite class because it was a good way to let out his frustrations during the school day.
When asked to name a favorite memory from his time at BCHS, Kaden stated that wrestling at state and state duals will be something he will always remember. He said these were his favorite memories because both events showed all the work he had put in during the off season and during the regular season.
Outside of school, Kaden enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and farming. After high school, Kaden plans to continue the family business, Warneke Pasture Clearing, where he has already been employed for two years.
BC Track and Field Store will o close on Tuesday, March 15th at 10AM! Here is the link : https://battlecreektrackandfield2022.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
BC Golf Store will close on Wednesday, March 16th at 10AM! Here is a link : https://battle-creek-golf.itemorder.com/
Tait Jeffery Heimes, son of Jeff and Jenny Heimes, attended Norfolk Catholic Schools in Norfolk before coming to the Battle Creek Public Schools in kindergarten. He is a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
Tait was active in one act play production, basketball, and golf during all four years of high school. He also participated in football for two seasons. Tait has been a two time captain for the golf squad and qualified for state in the sport as a junior. He decided to give competitive speech a try this year, and he and his teammates recently qualified for the Nebraska State Speech Championships in the event Oral Interpretation of Drama. Tait has been on the A Honor Roll throughout high school and was selected for the school’s character award as well as student of the month on multiple occasions.
Outside of school, Tait enjoys golfing with his friends and family, attending CYO on Wednesdays, and redoing gym floors with his dad in their business called Court Floors.
When asked to name a favorite teacher, Tait mentioned Mrs. Angela Gray, stating, “She always helped me, and she is the nicest person I know.” Tait listed his favorite subject as Mr. Heng’s digital media class because he has learned how to use iMovie and graphics for the big score board located in the gym. He mentioned that he enjoys creating videos for his peers.
Looking back on his time at BCHS, Tait stated that his favorite memory will always be winning the sub-district final game during his sophomore year.
After high school, Tait plans to attend Wayne State College. He will get an education degree and then he plans to major in school counseling.
Kaitlyn Ann Pochop, daughter of Matt and Sara Pochop, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of her education. She is a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
Kaitlyn participated in volleyball during all four years of high school. She earned several honors, including being named to the All-State Honorable Mention squad by the Omaha World- Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star; she was also listed to the third team by the Mid-State Conference. Kaitlyn broke multiple records during her senior volleyball season, including assists in a game, assists in a season, and career assists. Her hard work in the classroom earned Kaitlyn Academic All-State honors for volleyball. She currently sits first on the Battle Creek High School record board for career assists, seventh for career digs, and ninth for career ace serves. During her senior season, Kaitlyn served as a volleyball team captain.
Aside from athletics, Kaitlyn was also active in Trailblazers for two years, and she was a wrestling statistician for one season. She has been a member of National Honor Society for the past year and is currently ranked third in the senior class. Kaitlyn served as the class secretary during her sophomore and senior years. For her efforts in the classroom, Kaitlyn has been on ‘A’ honor roll throughout high school and has been awarded the school’s character award several times.
When asked to name a favorite instructor at BCHS, Kaitlyn listed Mrs. Jenni Frey who “always made Spanish class fun and enjoyable and always wanted her students to succeed not only in her classroom but when they go off to college.” Kaitlyn listed math as her favorite subject.
Outside of school, Kaitlyn works at Hy-Vee West. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and walking her dogs.
After graduation, Kaitlyn plans to attend Northeast Community College to major in nursing. She plans to minor in Spanish.
Cameron Douglas Blain, son of Tonia and Troy Blain, attended Our Savior Lutheran for preschool and Westside Elementary in Norfolk before coming to St. John Lutheran School in the fifth grade. He came to Battle Creek High School at the start of his freshman year. He is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Cameron was active in football and basketball during all four years of high school, and he participated in track for two seasons. He lettered in football for three years and in basketball for one. Cameron was named Player of the Game in football two times during his football career.
Aside from athletics, Cameron was also active in Trailblazers for two years. For his efforts in the classroom, he has been on ‘A’ honor roll throughout high school, and he has received the school’s character award three times.
When asked to name a favorite instructor at BCHS, Cameron listed Mr. Andrew Carlson who “always pushes [him] to be his best in the weight room and sports.” Cameron listed history as his favorite subject.
Outside of school, Cameron works as a farm manager for Robert Schmidt. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with the guys, bowling, and playing golf.
After graduation, Cameron plans to attend Northeast Community College to study agronomy.
Kase David Thompson, son of Diane Kruse and Mark Thompson, attended Creighton Elementary School before moving to Battle Creek in 5th grade.
Kase participated in football, wrestling, and track during all four years of high school. In football, he was chosen as one of the team captains this past fall. He was also named honorable mention for the 2021 season. Kase will be participating in the Northeast Nebraska All-Star Game in Norfolk in June, and he was also invited to play in the 64th Annual Shrine Bowl. In wrestling, Kase was a three time state qualifier. As a senior, he finished in 4th place at 220 pounds.
When asked to name a favorite teacher at BCHS, Kase listed Mrs. LeAnn Frauendorfer. He mentioned that his favorite class is weights because he likes the physical challenge. Kase’s fondest memories of his time at BCHS were the four years of playing football. He stated, “[Football] has taught me so much and has given me life-long relationships.”
Outside of school, Kase enjoys hunting, fishing, and hanging out with his friends. When he’s with his friends, Kase enjoys playing XBox and watching movies.
After graduation, Kase plans to further both his athletic and academic careers at Midland University. He has accepted a football scholarship and plans to study secondary education.
