State speech didn't go the way any of us wanted, but we can't be more proud of our qualifiers and our whole team this season!! Thank you all for a great season!
Amber Rose Schurman, daughter of Dennis Schurman and Gail and Chris Ermels, attended St. John Lutheran School from preschool through eighth grade before coming to Battle Creek High School as a freshman. She is a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.
Amber was a member of one act play production for one year along with cheer and FCCLA. She was also active in volleyball for two seasons. For her efforts in the classroom, Amber has been on the honor roll during all four years of high school.
Amber listed her favorite staff members as Mrs. Bri O'Brien and Mrs. Leigha Kern, stating, “Mrs. O’Obrien always makes me feel safe in her room, and her class is always a fun time. Mrs. Kern makes class interesting and always includes everyone in discussions and lessons.” Amber also named English IV as her favorite class.
When asked to name a favorite memory on her time at BCHS, Amber stated that she will always remember her junior blaze day at Timberlake. She mentioned, “I made so many fun memories with my friends when we were at Timberlake. We were given a lot of freedom to do our own thing which helped us make the most of our time.”
Outside of school, Amber likes to hang out with friends, go on roadtrips, go shopping, and she also enjoys reading. Sometimes, she uses her free time to volunteer at Orphan Grain Train. Amber has been employed at Uncle Jarroll’s Pub-B-Que for three years and recently started a job at Kohl’s.
After graduation, Amber plans to attend Northeast Community College to study business administration. She will also be working toward receiving her real estate license.
Zoey McKinizie Watson, daughter of Mike and Tammy Watson, attended Woodland Park Elementary in Norfolk before transferring to Battle Creek Elementary in third grade.
Zoey was active in band, speech, one act play production, student council, and FFA during high school. In addition, she served as a trailblazer and was named Student of the Month.
Out of school, Zoey enjoys fishing, hunting, and competitive trap shooting. She has been employed at Hobby Lobby for two years.
When asked to name a favorite staff member, Zoey listed two, Mrs. Rebecca Anderson and Mrs. Brianna O’Brien. Zoey mentioned that Mrs. Anderson takes the time to sit with her and help her with homework, and Mrs. O’Brien is “just a really good listener.”
After graduation, Zoey plans to attend Northeast Community College to pursue a career in auto body.
Dane Edwin Kilday, son of Jay and Faye Kilday, attended Elgin Public Schools until third grade when he came to Battle Creek where he has remained ever since. He is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Dane was involved in track and field for one season and ran cross country for two years. In addition, he was an active member of FFA where he earned the greenhand degree.
When asked to list a favorite teacher at BCHS, Dane listed Mr. Mike Couch, saying that he always made class enjoyable. He listed his favorite classes as building construction and welding because both are hands-on classes, something he will use in his future. One of Dane’s fondest memories was going fishing with his classmates at his junior blaze day.
Outside of school Dane enjoys doing anything outdoors, including hunting, fishing, or hanging out with friends. Dane also spends a lot of time working for his dad and grandpa on the farm.
After graduation, he plans to get certified in welding. He eventually hopes to buy the family farm and have his own cow/calf operation. Dane will attend Northeast Community College in Norfolk.
FCCLA state shirt orders close tomorrow at 10 am!
https://bcstatefccla24.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
Addisyn Claire Taake, daughter of Brian and Wendy Taake, attended Christ Lutheran Preschool in Norfolk before coming to Battle Creek in kindergarten where she finished the remainder of her schooling. Addi is an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Addi participated in volleyball and basketball during all four years of high school, as well as track and field for three years, lettering in all sports. In volleyball, Addi was honorably mentioned by the Omaha World Herald. She was named to the Mid-State Conference All Conference Team and to the NSAA Academic All State Team. During her senior season, she was named the Team's Most Valuable Player and became the second overall leader in digs and the eighth overall leader for kills. On the basketball court, Addi was named to the NSAA Academic All State Team, and she was honorably mentioned by the Mid-State Conference. In track, Addi was a state qualifier as a sophomore. During her junior and senior years, she served as a volleyball team captain and as a senior, she was a basketball team captain.
Outside of athletics, Addi has been a trailblazer, and she is a member of the National Honor Society where she serves as treasurer. In addition, she served as the senior class secretary. She was selected as Student of the Month on four occasions.
Addisyn named her favorite teachers at BCHS as Mrs. Stephanie Nelson and Mrs. Angela Gray, saying “Mrs. Gray would always bring us snacks when we were working on the yearbook, and she was helpful and supportive of my endeavors.”. Addi mentioned that Mrs. Nelson always “kept it real and helped me grow as an individual.” She added that art and yearbook were her favorite classes because each allowed her to be with her friends and be creative. Addi mentioned that her fondest memory of her time at BCHS was her junior blaze day at Timberlake.
Outside of school, Addisyn enjoys hanging out with friends, taking trips to Omaha, and hanging out with her nephew, Riggs. In the past, Addi worked as a lifeguard at the Norfolk Country Club. She currently works as a CNA at Community Pride Care Center in Battle Creek.
After graduation, Addisyn plans to attend Bryan College of Health Science in Lincoln to pursue a nursing degree. She plans to eventually become a nurse practitioner.
Dakota James Hoffmann, son of Justin and Jodi Hoffmann, attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education. He is a member of Victory Road Church in Norfolk.
Dakota was involved in FFA throughout high school and was the highest seller all four years for the annual fruit sales fundraiser with approximately $8,000 in sales over his time in the program.
When asked to list a favorite staff member at BCHS, Dakota listed Mr. Mike Couch because he taught him useful technical and leadership skills needed for his future outside of high school. He also listed welding and shop as his two favorite classes.
Outside of school, Dakota likes to spend time at work or doing miscellaneous jobs and activities. He is involved in 4-H where he has completed welding projects and shown cattle. On the weekends, he helps around his grandparents’ farm, assisting with automotive repair and building construction.
Prior to his work-based learning on Fridays at Dietz Well and Pump, Dakota has worked at various feedlots around the area. He plans to go straight into the workforce following high school with hopes of owning his own farm one day.
Reminder to purchase your FCCLA shirts from the shop while you still can. The store is set to close THIS FRIDAY, March 22 at 10 am! https://bcstatefccla24.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
Before starting the foods unit in junior high FCS,, students learn the importance of handwashing through a soap lab!
Kade Larson, son of James and Stacey Larson, attended St. John Lutheran School before coming to Battle Creek High School as a freshman. He is a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.
Kade was active in basketball during all four years of high school, and he competed in golf and football for three years each. In addition, he ran track for one season. Aside from athletics, Kade served as a trailblazer for one year.
Kade listed his favorite staff member as Mr. Junior Aguilar, stating, “He is very relatable while being professional.” Kade named personal finance as his favorite class because he enjoys learning about how to manage future expenses.
Outside of school, Kade spends his free time golfing, mowing, hunting and toying with cars.
After graduation, Kade plans to attend Northeast Community College. His goal is to enter the study of auto body repair technology.
On Thursday, March 21st, Battle Creek Elementary School will be celebrating World Down Syndrome Day! In order to celebrate our friends with the extra 21st chromosome, we would love to see everyone in BLUE with crazy socks on Thursday! #CommittedToExcellence! #BCPride
Our Art Class days are numbered in the lunchroom! Always a good time with the 1st graders. Students are creating their own artwork based off of the book, "The Dot."
2010 State Champ Karl Bonner was back in town tonight! He paved the way for many, inspiring the youth and giving back at many youth practices. He was #BuiltDifferent! Great to see alumni doing so well and still supporting BC. #butwhytheveggieburrito
Tylar Lauren Humphrey, daughter of Travis and Mandy Humphrey, attended St. John Lutheran School in Battle Creek from preschool through eighth grade before coming to Battle Creek High School for the remainder of her education. Tylar is an active member of St. John Lutheran Church and the LIGHT Youth Group in Battle Creek.
Tylar was involved in volleyball and basketball during all four years of high school, and she participated in track for three seasons, lettering in all three sports. She spent her senior seasons serving as team captains for both the volleyball and basketball squads. Tylar broke into the BCHS Volleyball Top 10 leaderboard for both aces and set assists. She was also named Newcomer of the Year and Most Improved Athlete for her efforts in basketball. For her efforts on the volleyball court, she was honorably mentioned by the Omaha-World Herald and by the Midstate Conference.
Aside from sports, Tylar served as a Trailblazer for two years, and she has served as part of the Trailblazer Leadership Committee. She was selected Student of the Month on three occasions and Character Student of the Month one time.
When asked to name a favorite teacher at BCHS, Tylar listed Mr. Taylor Baumert, saying “We have connected since freshman year. There have been many great memories in his room; his classes will always be my favorite.” She added that Mr. Taylor Baumert’s American History I and II class was her favorite because there were a lot of memorable and strong discussions that came out of that course. Tylar mentioned that her fondest memory of her time at BCHS was senior year homecoming week; she mentioned that participating in the lip sync battle was her favorite, but she enjoyed the class competitions as well.
Outside of school, Tylar enjoys camping, being outside, helping near-by communities, and hanging out with friends and family. In previous summers, Tylar played softball and was on the 2022 Battle Creek State Championship team. This past summer, Tylar was a part of the 2023 State Champion and National Runner-up Golden Girls softball team in Norfolk.
After graduation, Tylar plans to work as a CNA while also playing softball for the Golden Girls this summer. In the fall, she will attend the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota to pursue a career in the medical field. She hopes to earn a degree in radiology technology and wants to specialize in sonography.
Brayton Dakota Croghan, son of Dana Croghan and Heath Croghan, has attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of his education.
Brayton was involved in FFA during high school, receiving his green hand degree as well as his state degree during his time in the program. In addition, he played football as a freshman and competed in wrestling as a freshman and as a junior.
When asked to name a favorite teacher, Brayton listed Mrs. LeAnn Frauendorfer because she helped to keep him on task and encouraged him to be active in school. Brayton listed welding or shop as his most enjoyable classes.
On Fridays, Brayton does his work-based learning at Norfolk Truck Center; he also works there part time as a diesel mechanic.
Outside of school, Brayton likes to fix pickups and work on other automobiles. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and hanging out with his friends. Brayton helps to breed and train horses with his brother as a side gig when the weather is favorable.
Brayton will attend Western Welding Academy in Gillette, Wyoming, following graduation. He will pursue a career in agriculture and welding.
FCCLA State shirt orders are open and set to close THIS FRIDAY, March 22 at 10 am! https://bcstatefccla24.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
Kelli Rose Vavra, daughter of Dacia and Corey Vavra attended Battle Creek Public Schools for all thirteen years of her education.
During high school, Kelli participated in band, student council, and one act play production. She also served as a trailblazer during her junior and senior years.
Kelli listed that two of her favorite staff members at BCHS are Mrs. Rebecca Anderson and Mrs. Brianna O’Brien. She also pointed out that her favorite class was her relationships class with Mrs. O’Brien.
Outside of school, Kelli enjoys driving around with friends and family, playing video games, and spending time with her animals.
After graduation, Kelli plans to attend Northeast Community College to study welding.
Danica Lin Sheppard, daughter of Carrie Sheppard and Bill Shepard lll, attended Morning Star Preschool in Norfolk. She came to Battle Creek in first grade where she has remained ever since. She is a member of First Christian Church in Norfolk.
During her time at BCHS, Dani was never afraid to try something new. She was active in cheerleading for four years, and she wrestled for one season. Aside from athletics, she was in speech and one act play production for three years and band for one year. In addition, Dani was also involved in student council, FFA, and FCCLA for one year each, and served as a Trailblazer as a junior and senior.
When asked to list a favorite teacher at BCHS, she listed two individuals, Mrs. Frey and Mrs. Eymann. Dani noted that Frey “believed in her when she was struggling”, and Mrs. Eymann “always believed in her and pushed her to be the best version of herself.” Dani named English as one of her favorite classes.
Outside of school, Danica enjoyed dancing at Paulynn’s for fifteen years and liked helping with the Fuel Youth Group for six years.
After graduation, Dani plans to attend Northeast Community College to get her associate’s degree in business. She then hopes to attend cosmetology school at Joseph's.
6 WEEKS until our Mattress Fundraiser! 📅
Like, comment, and share our Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1117197679264882 👍
You can buy a mattress or these accessories anywhere, but this supports YOUR local music department and your student's futures. 🎶
Weekly update for March 18th-22nd!
#CommittedToExcellence!
