Broadcaster Press 9 March 3, 2020 www.broadcasteronline.com SPOT LIGHT @VHS February 2020 The volumes of history that are commonly read, cited, and taught in schools are written not by winners, that mastered right and wrong. Rather, the stories were told by privileged individuals, of whom benefited from a system designed for their success. The United States of America was built upon and economically established by Black bodies plagued by white whips. As the nation continued to develop, a new form of colonization arose: Erasure. The systematic exclusion of Black people from history accreditation. Correct, history was the first thing to announce that it, “Doesn’t see color.” Today, Black History Month is about celebrating the unsung roles of Black people in history. February is the month in which Americans, Black and not, come together to discuss the stories that were, shaded over by Colorism, drownedout by hoses, torn by dogs, or silenced with gun-shots. Young generations are leading a dialogue about what race does and doesn’t mean in modern-day America. Conversations about Black mothers that are three times more vermillion.k12.sd.us Gymnastics heads to State...PAGE 3 Rhythm In Red rocks their competition season...PAGE 3 *This reporter and article were originally published in the February 19th issue of the University of South Dakota’s student newspaper, The Volante. They say the thing about history is that the winners get to write the books. However, being a historical ‘winner’ is a lot like laying claim to a fairytale throne; if done loudly with enough money, ammunition, and poison apples, no one will argue. Vermillion High School’s Student Newspaper Inside VSD With half of the school year now in the books; this is a check-in with the administrators as to the goings-on in the Vermillion School District. likely to die of something pregnancy-related than white mothers, the over incarceration of Black bodies, Black hair as a cultural connection and not a unfront to professionalism, and the acceptance of Black as a culture have spread. The #BlackLifesMatter movement is one example of a platform that provided a space to debate the meaning of race and its connection to culture. It is important for people, from the tone-lacking to the highly melanated, to engage in conversation about and celebration of Black History Month because Black culture is American culture. Black history is American history. Something made clear by the history of music genres from Blues to Hip-Hop, as well as the idolization of Black celebrities by people of all races. Influential figures like Beyonce, the Obamas, Oprah, and several others, appeal to diverse audiences with total disregard for any racial divide. Don’t get it twisted, I do not negate the relevance of race. I do see color; I also see Black people as having an equal claim to the title of American. I hope generations of the future will continue to engage in inclusive conversations promoting selfactualization beyond false limitations based on race. April’s Pause for Diversity will reflect on “HERSTORY” month which takes place the entire month of March. VHS Principal, Jon Frey, and VHS Vice Principal, Jason Huska, offer their takes on the 2019-2020 school year. Photos by Justin Brunick. BY KENZIE KERKMAN & KENSIE MULHERON Superintendent, Mr. Damon Alvey, answered several questions about this school year so far, and elaborated on the improvements he has seen throughout the school year. Alvey brought up how our school spirit has improved dramatically the past year. VHS, the past two years, has offered sideline cheerleading for football and basketball games. Alvey says that having cheerleaders promotes school spirit and the pride for our school. “The cheerleaders work really hard to do fun group cheers, which parents and students enjoy. Our student body has done an awesome job of learning the cheers and cheering in a positive manner, which the athletes appreciate.” Alvey also states that the school is also trying to improve the safety of the students and the staff as well. Another question we asked was what did the new administration accomplish last year? Alvey said, “The administrative office is most of the reason why our schools are safe and respectful, because they work hard to promote a positive culture.” It is important to have students in a safe learning environment, so they can grow and excel to their best ability. Alvey has done a great deal with improving the students respect, school spirit, and most importantly the safety of the schools. This summer, the Administration Office is being built onto the Vermillion High School. Alvey elaborated on his ideas about the new building, “I am super excited that we will move to the high school in December of 2020. It will allow the office staff and I to be a part of a building where students are all day. The added security entrance and classroom and meeting spaces are welcomed as well. I think the students and the community will be very pleased once we get settled.” Alvey is not done, he still has big plans for the future. Alvey’s plan is to work on updating the schools technology wiring and working on the facility problems. For example, he will make improvements on the ceilings, clocks, and other little touch ups. Each school has their own improvements that need to be done and Alvey is going to do his best to complete ours. The new Vermillion High School principal, Mr. Jon Frey, was also interviewed. During the second semester, Mr. Frey made a state of the school address. When asked why he felt this was necessary, he said, “I wanted to bring everyone together to share some of what really impressed me about our school and then share the importance of the junior assessments and to try our best to ensure our school’s performance on them is an accurate reflection of our abilities”. Some of Mr. Frey’s plans for the future include, making the school the best it can be and he wants the student body to believe in themselves. Mr. Frey has already started making changes to the school like encouraging the staff to use Google and making more dual credits available here. Mr. Frey was also asked how he felt his first year was going. In response he said, he feels that he is in the ideal location to really do his best work. He also said that he felt very welcomed since the first day of school. Mr. Jason Huska, VHS’s Assistant Principal/ Athletic Director, was interviewed as well. Mr. Huska believes that this school year has been good, and he thinks that the students were very eager for it to start. The VHS administration office gained many new members this year. “In addition to Mr. Frey as principal, we have also added two new secretaries and a new student services counselor. Each bringing their unique view on things. Everyone has a positive attitude and are excited to work with students here at VHS. We have spent a great deal of time getting to know each other as well as policies and procedures,” explained Huska. Mr. Huska also believes that our school is one of the best schools in the state of South Dakota. His thoughts on Mr. Frey’s address is that it was necessary, and it was a great way for Mr. Frey to show how he felt after one semester of school. Lastly, Mr. Huska was asked if this year has any positive or negative aspects compared to the last school year. He responded with, “This year is very much like previous years. The exciting part of this year is getting to know new students and staff. We have several new faces and it will take some time to get to know them and their talents they bring to VHS.” Congratulations State Wrestling Qualifiers VHS GOTANAGERS.COM Lucus Anglin Jack Kratz Tyson Hage Hayden Schroeder