Coltin Lane Smith, son of David and Suzi Smith, attended Woodland Park Elementary School, Norfolk Middle School and Norfolk Junior High before coming to Battle Creek High School during his eighth grade year.
While at BCHS, Coltin has been active in golf and chess club for two years.
Outside of school, he spends his free time gaming and doing archery.
When asked to name a favorite staff member at BCHS, Coltin listed former math instructor Dexter Hanzel, stating, “He always knew how to talk to me, and he was a very nice guy.” Coltin named math as his favorite subject because he enjoys solving complex problems with numbers.
Recalling one of his favorite memories, Coltin explained how transferring to Battle Creek High School in eighth grade was so memorable because everyone was very nice and welcoming to him.
After graduation, Coltin plans to attend Northeast Community College to study in the HVAC program.
Best wishes, Coltin!
Dylan William Hamilton, son of Shane Flanagan and Jessica Goden, has attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education.
Dylan was a member of the choir during all four years of high school, and he golfed for one season. When asked to list a favorite class, Dylan mentioned that choir was what he most enjoyed because of the positive energy and because of the instruction by Miss Johns, his favorite instructor.
Outside of school, Dylan enjoys playing frisbee golf and hanging out with his friends. Dylan has also worked at Pizza Hut for the past year.
After graduation, Dylan plans to attend Northeast Community College to study auto body mechanics.
Best wishes, Dylan!
Jace David Meinke, son of Jeff Meinke and Kristi Meinke, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education. He is an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Jace participated in football and basketball during all four years of high school, and he was a member of the track and field squad for three. For his efforts, he received an All State Honorable Mention award. He was a three year letter winner in football and one year letter winner for basketball.
Jace received perfect attendance in 2018, and he listed Mr. Ryan Heller as his favorite instructor. When asked to list his favorite class, Jace mentioned shop class. When asked about his fondest memories from his time at BCHS, Jace stated that his favorite times were on the football field.
After graduation, Jace plans to attend Southeast Community College to get his generals. He hopes to transfer to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln to study toward a career in cybersecurity.
Best wishes, Jace!
Life Skills class competed against each other today for the Cupcake Wars! Please vote for your favorite!
https://forms.gle/d2Pibtb3KUehBDCv5
Zoey Belle Reeves, daughter of Chad and Tammi Reeves, attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Battle Creek for grades preschool through eighth grade. She came to Battle Creek High School at the start of her freshman year. She is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.
Zoey was active in volleyball and basketball during all four years of high school, and she participated in track for three seasons. She served as one of the team captains for the basketball squad as a senior.
Aside from athletics, Zoey was a member of the student council for four years, FCCLA for three, speech and trailblazers for two, and she has been a member of National Honor Society for the past year. For her efforts in the classroom, Zoey has been on the ‘A’ honor roll throughout high school, and she has been named Student of the Month and Outstanding Art Student of the Month.
Zoey listed her favorite staff member as Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, stating, “She shares the same passions as I do, and I can always count on her if I need someone to talk to. She cares a lot about every one of her students.” Zoey named art as her favorite class because she gets to be creative in her own way and enjoys the relaxation that comes with creating art.
Looking back at her time at BCHS, Zoey’s favorite memory will always be how much fun the student section was her senior year and getting to experience the thrilling atmosphere of cheering on her friends.
After graduation, Zoey plans to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln to major in interior design. She plans to minor in drafting and textiles.
Best wishes, Zoey!
Payton Katherine Kersten, daughter of Matt and Connie Kersten, attended Woodland Park Elementary in Norfolk and the Bloomfield Public Schools in Bloomfield before coming to the Battle Creek Public Schools in eighth grade. She is a member of First Christian Church in Norfolk.
Payton was active in volleyball and FCCLA during all four years of high school, and she participated in one act play production and track for two years. As a senior, Payton was a member of the girls’ wrestling squad. In FCCLA, Payton held the office of Vice-President of Competitive Events during her sophomore year, and she was Chapter President during both her junior and senior years.
Besides her activities, Payton has also been successful in the classroom. She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she currently serves as the chapter's treasurer. In addition, Payton has served as a Trailblazer for two years and was the recipient of a Trailblazer Character Award. She has also been selected as Student of the Month at BCHS.
Outside of school, Payton enjoys reading, being outdoors, babysitting, and volunteering at her church. She also works as a cook at Goody’s Grille in Battle Creek.
When asked to name a favorite teacher and subject in school, Payton named Mr. Ryan Heller’s math class. She stated, “That class is always a positive environment” and “Mr. Heller genuinely cares about all of his students and what’s going on in their lives.” One of Payton’s favorite activities from her time at BCHS was shadowing midwife Jen Weinandt on Fridays. Payton had this to say about the experience: “I have learned my purpose and what I want to do with my life. I am so glad BCHS has added this opportunity for seniors; it has changed my life.”
After graduation, Payton plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha to study biology. She plans to become an OB-GYN.
Best wishes, Payton!
Chase Anton Oltmanns, son of Heather and the late Joel Oltmanns, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education. He is a member of St. Pat's Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
Chase was active in football and basketball during all four years of high school and, he participated in track for three seasons. In football, Chase served as a team captain and made the all-district team twice.
When asked to list a favorite staff member at BCHS, Chase mentioned Mr. Andrew Carlson, stating, “He's fun to be around.” Chase named English as his favorite class.
After graduation, Chase plans to attend Northeast Community College to work on his generals. He hopes to either become a teacher or an electrician.
Best wishes, Chase!
Ashton Michael Toupal, son of Becky Daily and the late Michael Toupal, attended Independence Public School in Independence, Wisconsin, before coming to the Battle Creek Public Schools in fourth grade.
Ashton was active in football during all four years of high school, and he took part in track and golf for one season.
Aside from athletics, Ashton was a member of one act play production during all four years, and he participated in speech for three years.
When asked to name a favorite teacher at BCHS, Ashton listed Mr. Ryan Heller. Ashton’s favorite class, though, was Foods with Mrs. Colvey.
Outside of school, Ashton holds a part time job at Goody’s Grille, and he enjoys spending time with his friends when he is not working.
After graduation, Ashton plans to attend Northeast Community College to study business.
Best wishes, Ashton!
Just a reminder that the BC Track online store closes down this Wednesday, March 24th at 10 AM: https://nebraskascreenprinting.com/product-category/team-apparel/battle-creek/battle-creek-track/
BriAnna Elizabeth Zohner, daughter of Kevin and Joleen Zohner, attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Battle Creek for grades preschool through eighth grade. She came to Battle Creek High School at the start of her freshman year. She is an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.
BriAnna was active in volleyball, basketball, and track during all four years of high school and served as team captain of the volleyball and basketball squads as a senior. For her efforts in volleyball, she was named to the First Team All Area squad and to the Omaha World Herald All State Honorable Mention roster. In basketball, BriAnnna was honorably mentioned by the Midstate Conference, and she was a state track qualifier as a sophomore, placing sixth in the 100 meter hurdles.
Aside from athletics, BriAnna was a member of the student council for three years, and she was part of FCCLA, Trailblazers, and National Honor Society for two. For her efforts in the classroom, BriAnna has been on the ‘A’ honor roll throughout high school and was selected as Student of the Month on several occasions.
When asked to name a favorite teacher, BriAnna listed Mr. Jim Hardt, stating, “He taught math and science so well, and even though science wasn’t my favorite subject, he made going to class fun. He . . . made sure that we all understood everything.” BriAnna listed math, specifically algebra, as her favorite subject because Mr. Heller makes class fun with his kahoots and yoga exercises.
Looking back on her time at BCHS, BriAnna’s favorite memories will always be qualifying for state in volleyball. She remembers how fun it was to spend time with her team in that setting and what it was like to get to experience the state tournament.
After graduation, BriAnna plans to attend the University of South Dakota to study nursing.
Best wishes, BriAnna!
Alexis Nicole Campbell, daughter of Eric and Jessica Rogat, attended the Norfolk Public Schools before coming to Battle Creek High School in eighth grade.
Alexis was a cheerleader for four years where she served as co-captain as a senior. She also participated in FCCLA, speech, and drama for two years and FFA for one year.
When asked to name a favorite staff member from her time at BCHS, Alexis listed Mr. Billy O’Brien because “he is chill.” When asked to mention a favorite subject in school, Lexi said it is a tie between art and ag. She said she likes art because she can put her creativity to the test, and in ag, she loves learning about farming.
Outside of school, Lexi works part time at Community Pride Care Center as a dietary aide, and she has played softball for the past three summers. She also likes to work on her pickup.
After graduation, Alexis plans to attend Northeast Community College to study in automotive technology.
Best wishes, Lexi!
Payton Katherine Kersten, daughter of Matt and Connie Kersten, attended Woodland Park Elementary in Norfolk and the Bloomfield Public Schools in Bloomfield before coming to the Battle Creek Public Schools in seventh grade. She is a member of First Christian Church in Norfolk.
Payton was active in volleyball and FCCLA during all four years of high school, and she participated in one act play production and track for two years. As a senior, Payton was a member of the girls’ wrestling squad. In FCCLA, Payton held the office of Vice-President of Competitive Events during her sophomore year, and she was Chapter President during both her junior and senior years.
Besides her activities, Payton has also been successful in the classroom. She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she currently serves as the chapter's treasurer. In addition, Payton has served as a Trailblazer for two years and was the recipient of a Trailblazer Character Award. She has also been selected as Student of the Month at BCHS.
Outside of school, Payton enjoys reading, being outdoors, babysitting, and volunteering at her church. She also works as a cook at Goody’s Grille in Battle Creek.
When asked to name a favorite teacher and subject in school, Payton named Mr. Ryan Heller’s math class. She stated, “That class is always a positive environment” and “Mr. Heller genuinely cares about all of his students and what’s going on in their lives.” One of Payton’s favorite activities from her time at BCHS was shadowing midwife Jen Weindant on Fridays. Payton had this to say about the experience: “I have learned my purpose and what I want to do with my life. I am so glad BCHS has added this opportunity for seniors; it has changed my life.”
After graduation, Payton plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha to study pre-nursing and biology. She plans to become a certified nurse midwife.
Best wishes, Payton!
Payton James Frederick, son of Gary and Jami Frederick, attended St. John’s Lutheran School until the third grade when he came to the Battle Creek Public Schools. He is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.
Payton was active in football, basketball, and golf during all four years of high school. As a senior, Payton served as a team captain for both the football and basketball teams. For his efforts in athletics, Payton has numerous awards including being named Most Improved Athlete, All-Conference in basketball, and All-District Honorable Mention in football. In addition, he holds the school record for most three-pointers in a season and career three-pointers.
When asked to mention a favorite staff member at BCHS, Payton mentioned Mr. Taylor Baumert, stating, “He always asks how I’m doing and how sports are going, and he makes class fun and interesting by telling jokes. When you’re around him, he makes you smile or laugh.” Payton named government as his favorite class because Mr. Baumert makes the class enjoyable.
When asked to list a favorite memory of his time at BCHS, Payton mentioned a moment during basketball season when the team was down by 14 points and came back and defeated Ainsworth.
After graduation, Payton plans to attend Northeast Community College to get his generals. He hopes to transfer to Wayne State College.
Best wishes, Payton!
Ashlynn Maggie Schwartz, daughter of Amy and Brian Schwartz, attended Woodland Park Elementary School in Norfolk before coming to the Battle Creek Public schools in third grade. She is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Ashlynn is a member of the newly formed FFA program at BCHS. When asked to list a favorite staff member, Ashlynn mentioned Mrs. Stephanie Nelson, stating, “She always pushes me in art and in fitness. She was persistent in bettering me and always knew I could do better.” When asked to list her favorite subjects in school, Ashlynn named art and her animal science class. She said, “Art let me be creative and challenge myself, and Animal Science taught me new and intriguing things.”
Outside of school, Ashlynn likes to spend her time riding horses, working with cows, and hanging out with her friends. During the summer months, Ashlynn was active in softball from fifth through eighth grade, and she has been active in 4H, where she has won many trophies and awards for showmanship.
After graduation, Ashlynn plans to attend Northeast Community College to earn a degree in Animal Science. She would like to work in a feed center or sale barn after she graduates.
Best wishes, Ashlynn!
Tanner Charles Oestreich, son of Mark and Rhonda Oestreich, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education.
Tanner was active in basketball during all four years of high school, he played football for three seasons, and he golfed for one year.
When asked to name a favorite staff member at BCHS, Tanner listed Mr. Ryan Heller, stating, “He makes class fun.” In addition, Tanner named math as his favorite subject.
Outside of school, Tanner likes to spend his free time playing disk golf, cruising around town, and hanging out with friends. He is also employed at Ricardos, a job he has had for the past nine months.
After graduation, Tanner plans to attend either Wayne State College or Northeast Community College.
Best wishes, Tanner.
Riley Joseph Forman, son of Tamara and Jeff Forman, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education, where he was an active member of the football and track teams for two seasons.
Riley listed his favorite staff member as Mr. Ryan Heller, stating, “He always makes class fun, and he lets quiet kids, like me, speak up and use my voice in class.” Riley named math as his favorite subject because he enjoys using numbers.
Outside of school, Riley enjoys spending time with friends as well as hunting and fishing. He also works at Ricardos as a cashier.
After graduation, Riley plans to attend Wayne State College to study business.
Best wishes, Riley!
Reece Daniel Bode, son of Brent and Tanya Bode, attended Battle Creek Schools for all thirteen years of his education. He is an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
Reece was active in football, basketball, and track during all four years of high school. As a senior, he served as a captain on both the football and basketball squads. As a freshman, he was named Newcomer of the Year, and as a sophomore, he was selected as Most Improved Athlete. This past fall, Reece was selected to the All State squad for football.
Aside from athletics, Reece has served as a Trailblazer and is a member of the National Honor Society, where he has served as president this past year. He has been chosen as Student of the Month on six occasions.
When asked to list a favorite instructor, Reece mentioned Mr. Taylor Baumert, stating, “His energy each class period pumps me up. I [also] enjoy him as a coach, and he really motivates us to get better each day.” Reece named science as his favorite subject because he enjoys the lab observations and learning about the organ systems in Anatomy class. When asked to name a favorite memory from his time at BCHS, Reece mentioned state track during his freshman year. He said it was fun because of the group of guys he was with and the atmosphere at Omaha Burke Stadium was unforgettable.
Outside of school, Reece likes to spend his free time hunting, running, and playing baseball, where he was a Junior American Legion state tournament qualifier.
After graduation, Reece will leave for the Air Force where his job will be Aerospace Medical Service. He also plans to take online classes to study psychology.
Best wishes, Reece!
Jeston David Hassler, son of Chris and Melinda Hassler, attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Battle Creek before coming over to Battle Creek High School. He is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.
Jeston was active in wrestling throughout junior high and then again as a senior. He also participated in golf for two seasons.
Aside from athletics, Jeston was a member of one act play production for four years and speech for three. He has been a part of the band since fifth grade. In band, Jeston served as vice president during his junior year and president this past year.
Outside of school, Jeston likes to spend his free time fishing, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. He has been employed at Goody’s Grille for three years.
When asked to name a fondest memory of his time at BCHS, Jeston mentioned that “being in the student section at football and basketball games” was what he enjoyed most.
After graduation, Jeston plans to serve in the South Dakota National Guard, and he will attend South Dakota State University where he plans to study Fisheries and Wildlife.
Best wishes, Jeston!
Tristan Scott Korth, son of Chad and Tara Korth, attended Christ Lutheran in Norfolk before coming to the Battle Creek Public Schools for the remainder of his education.
Tristin was active in football during all four years of high school, and he wrestled for one season.
When asked to name his favorite teacher from his time at BCHS, Tristin mentioned former science teacher Mr.Tucker Teijkl who left Battle Creek to enter administration.
Outside of school, Tristin likes to spend his free time hunting and working on his family’s ranch out west.
After graduation, he plans to attend Northeast Community College.
Best wishes, Tristan!
Battle Creek 7th graders enjoy their Blaze Day at the YMCA.
