Senior Spotlights (A-D) - West Lyon Comm School District

Ricardo Avila-Castelan

By Katelyn Berentschot

Ricardo Avila-Castelan, also known as Richard, was born to his parents Virginia Castelan and Ricardo Leon. He has one older sibling, a brother, Donnovan (20). Ricardo’s role model is his father because he is always confident in the many things he can do and can accomplish any task that comes his way.

Throughout high school Ricardo has excelled greatly in his academics. Academically, he has earned Student of the Month, A honor roll as well as ABC academic letters and pins all four years of high school, and the Membean reward in his English class. He is always a hard worker when it comes to achieving his academic goals. Throughout his West Lyon years, he has been involved in the backpack program, helping out Mr. Childress with the vending machines by refilling them every couple days or on a weekly basis, cleaning out the school vehicles, and vacuuming throughout our school to make sure that West Lyon is well taken care of. As you can see Ricardo is a very hard worker and it translates over to his work at Country Edge Dairy Inc. There he is always helping his parents with chores at the dairy. At home, he enjoys helping his parents with daily chores, completing his assignments on time, and studying for any test or quizzes.

Ricardo's favorite subject in school is P.E. with Mr. Kramer. He enjoys P.E. for all the fun units and activities he does throughout the year, including dodgeball, volleyball, badminton, 4-square, basketball, and the fall and spring units that are spent at Lake Pahoja. With Ricardo's favorite subject being P.E., it makes sense that his favorite memory with a teacher is the P.E. teacher Mr. Kramer. He loves when Kramer makes jokes with him during his class. Ricardo enjoys the new classrooms, locker rooms, wrestling room, weight-room, and cafeteria that West Lyon has added on within his last year. With the addition of the new cafeteria Ricardo’s favorite school lunch is when they serve nachos with homemade peanut butter bars.

Ricardo plans to enter the workforce when he graduates on May 16, which he is very excited for. He will miss his teachers because they have helped him grow a lot academically and as a person. His advice to the underclassmen is to work hard in everything you do.

Ryan Bahnson

By Savannah Smith

On a cold fall night of November, Ryan decided to join the world. Ryan was welcomed by his proud parents Christy and Seth Bahnson and his older siblings Andraya (now 21) and Benjamin (now 19). Later on the Bahnsons decided to complete their family by adding Nolan (13). Ryan’s role model is his Grandpa Damon. “He is the hardest worker and is always nice and genuine to everyone.”

Throughout high school Ryan was very involved in many different activities including wrestling, football, track, NHS, FFA, and golf. Being part of all these activities, Ryan has also received many awards and honors. His strong academic skills have led to him being on the A honor roll all 4 years of high school. During high school Ryan was also very studious, causing his favorite subject in school to be any of the science classes, because of all the different projects and being able to do the most fun things.

Anyone who pays attention to West Lyon athletics knows that Ryan is an outstanding wrestler. He qualified for and placed at state his freshman, sophomore, and junior year, placing 7th, 2nd, and 6th, respectively. His sophomore year he was the 2A state runner up at 120 pounds. Ryan also earned the impressive accomplishment of earning his 100th win his junior year. As if that wasn’t enough, he even got his 150th win his senior year.

With Ryan having been very involved in the wrestling program for a long time at West Lyon his favorite West Lyon memory comes from when he won the quarter finals match at state his sophomore year in the last overtime and the West Lyon fan crowd went crazy in the stands. A favorite memory Ryan shares with a teacher is anytime he would go get any extra wrestling in or practice with Ben Caven at his shed.

Outside of school Ryan works in Inwood at Calico Skies Winery on the weekends making pizza. However, in his earlier elementary years, before he started working, he enjoyed going over to his friend Evan Hildring’s house so they could make TikToks. He says this is a favorite memory from his elementary years.

Following in his rolemodel’s footsteps of being nice and genuine to everyone led to Ryan being selected as Homecoming Royalty his senior year and even being awarded with the great honor of being crowned West Lyon’s 2025 Homecoming King. Ryan’s advice to underclassmen is to, “Have fun. You’re gonna miss it when you're done.” He will truly miss all of his friends and the memories he has made at West Lyon along with his favorite school lunch, the burgers.

After high school, Ryan plans to reign over his new kingdom at Augustana University to continue his wrestling career and major in engineering.

Kaitlynn Beldin

By Eliana Kooi

Being the first child of Connie and Justin Beldin, Kaitlynn also known as “Kaitie” was the star of her small family of three. It wasn't too long before her glory came to an end and her younger sister Lillian (7) came into the mix, with time Kaitie learned to love her and they are now buddies.

Having been in the spotlight for a short amount of time, Kaitlynn wanted more. She now includes herself in many areas of arts here at West Lyon including, four years in the play, large group speech, and individual speech; three years in Women’s choir; and two years in the musical and the marching band colorguard. She then took her spirited nature to the athletic setting by being a part of the football and basketball cheer squad, ending her senior basketball cheerleading career as the captain.

While in these activities, Kaitlynn has been awarded many honors including drama pins, —in addition to her letter— three All State medals from speech, and a cheer letter. She then brings this success to the classroom and has also earned both an academic letter and a pin.

Kaitie hasn’t always been the “good girl” most know her as; in elementary school she received a detention slip for sticking her tongue out at a fellow classmate and another time, which was her favorite reason for getting a detention, was when she gave her friend answers on an assignment freshman year. “It was in world history with Mrs. Wellman and I typed it on my friend’s IPad right in front of her, we both got detentions and zeros on the assignment.” Kaitie has since then learned her lesson and has not received one since.

Her favorite subject while in high school was American History because, “Haffner is so good at teaching and is very passionate about history.” Her favorite memory with a teacher was when Mrs. Lindaman asked her to be Snow White at a princess day in Sioux City.

Kaitlynn’s favorite West Lyon memory was during her freshman year while she was watching the seniors’ powder puff game saying, “Seeing Mr. Jiscoot having so much school spirit and the genuine fun the upperclassmen were having was inspirational.”

Now that Kaitie is a senior and has experienced some of that fun, her advice to the underclassmen is, “Do everything. Putting yourself out there extracurricular-wise will help you out so much. It brings community, close friends, and life long skills.” When she graduates and leaves school, she will miss the food provided to us the most with her favorite being the pizza casserole.

Kaitlynn plans to attend UNI this fall and major in theatre and communications education.

Katelyn Berentschot

By Savannah Smith

On a cold Tuesday afternoon of November the favorite and youngest Berentschot of Chad and Gwen, Kate or KK known to many, was gladly invited to join their world, and her older brothers Cullen (25) and Wyatt (23). Her brothers later added some members to Katelyn’s family, including Cullen’s wife Kenna (27), and son Steele (9 months), and Wyatt’s wife Christina (23) and son Truett (2 months). Kate’s role models are her wonderful mother and father, “They have always been there and made me the person I am today. They push me to be the best person I can be.”

KK was very actively involved during her time at West Lyon being involved in almost everything possible including Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Track, Band, NHS, FFA, and SkillsUSA. Being such a stellar athlete has led Kate to being a 3x varsity letter winner in volleyball, basketball, and softball, and a 2x letter winner in track. Katelyn even wrapped up her volleyball career extremely well by receiving honorable mention for Siouxland Conference her senior year. We all know Katelyn is also very successful when it comes to softball as she helped her team become a 4x conference champ, earned 2nd Team All Conference for the Siouxland Conference her sophomore year, and then made her way to being the 2A State Runner up her junior year!

It doesn’t stop there. KK is incredibly intelligent, being on the A honor roll, receiving academic letters, and pins, and earning the Academic Student of the Month her senior year. Katelyn is also super active outside of school, being involved in her youth group and FCA. Kate is a dedicated worker at the Doon Steakhouse and Kingdom Kids Daycare. Her favorite outside of school activity has been tractor pulling with her father in the summer for the past 15 years.

With Katelyn being such a studious individual, it’s no surprise that her favorite subject throughout high school is any math class with Mrs. Kippley. “She makes math so fun, and it’s easy for me.” “Even though math is hard and complicated”-Vanny. Backtracking to KK being such an insane softball player, her favorite West Lyon memory comes from her remarkable achievement yet again of being a state runner up her junior year.

Although Kate has never had a detention, her favorite memory from elementary probably should’ve earned her one or two: stealing a former classmate’s red ball during recess, which would cause her to cry and try to get it back. Now Kate is a very talkative person, so it makes perfect sense that her favorite memory with a teacher is any class period where she would have long chit chats with Mr. Bouwman or Mrs. Kippley.

Katelyn will miss roaming the hallways instead of being in class, saying her favorite catchphrase with Leah and Vanny: “I AM PIBBLE WASH MY BELLY,” and spending time with her friends. Along with missing her favorite lunch, a class favorite of BBQ chicken nachos.

After Kate leaves West Lyon, she plans to attend a two-year college for Law Enforcement and become a Police Officer. Her advice to underclassmen is to “enjoy every moment; it goes by fast.”

Leah Blauwet

By Katelyn Berentschot

On a morning in February Leah Blauwet, known as Pounds to her softball team, entered the Blauwet family. Her brothers, Kael (22) and Gage (19), were so overjoyed by a brand new sister and thought she was a wonderful completion to their family. The day she was born, she stole the spotlight of her parents, Katie and Jesse. Two of Leah’s biggest role models are her grandpas. They are the most intelligent and kind hearted people she knows. They have put everyone before themselves and take care of any person that crosses their path. Leah wants to be just like her grandpas when she grows up.

From a young age, Leah has always been involved in many sports. Throughout high school she has been involved in volleyball, track, softball, and NHS. As an outstanding athlete, Leah has been a varsity athlete for four years, a state qualifier and district champ in track for long jump and sprint med, and winner of the most valuable field event award. Softball being Leah’s favorite sport, she excelled greatly in it. Throughout her years, she has had many honors, including four years of Conference Champions, unanimous first team All Conference for two years, First Team All Northwest Iowa Review for two years, Sioux City Journal Small School All-Area Softball Team two years, state qualifier and state runner-up. As you see, Leah is very active in sports, but she also excels in the classroom. Leah has received A honor roll all years, academic letters and pins, NHS vice president, the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy and Global Seal of Biliteracy, and, most importantly, Student of the Month every year in elementary. Leah’s favorite subject in school was any science class because they were so interesting. Even though science was her favorite subject, her favorite memories came from Mrs. Kippley’s pre-calc class. Outside of school, Leah has stayed busy with Youth Group, FCA, coaching little league, lifeguarding at the Rock Rapids Aquatic Center, and being a Smart Tan Advisor at Year Round Brown.

Some of Leah's favorite stories were created on the school buses. One time after 7th grade basketball practice she saw a cat wandering around the school and picked it up. She adored the cat and had to have it but there were two issues. One issue being her mother and the other being her ride was the activity bus. She was so determined to bring the cat home that she FaceTimed her mother and told her that she was going to take the cat. Katie shook it off because she thought there was no way she would be able to get it home. Leah defied the odds and stuffed the cat right into her backpack and hopped on to the bus. It was a successful ride home without the bus driver knowing and Leah kept it. Other funny memories were created on bus 14. One time, Peter Rens was convinced that he could breathe out of his ears. He plugged his nose and mouth and breathed out so hard that snot busted out of his nose and got everywhere.

After high school, Leah plans to attend USD for two years to obtain her undergrad in kinesiology then go to Sanford school of medicine at USD for three years to get her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy. What Leah will miss most is seeing her friends and making memories everyday. One thing Leah would like to say to underclassmen would be to not take anything too seriously.

Tristan Bliek

By Savannah Smith

On a cold winter day in February, Tristan was welcomed by his proud parents Lindsay and Micheal Bliek, and is their favorite and only child. Tristan’s role model is his dad. He says his dad “works hard and resembles who I want to be like when I grow up.” Tristan’s middle name led to his nickname among his friends, which is why you might here some of the guys calling him “Deano” as he walks through the halls.

Throughout his time at West Lyon, Tristan stayed busy involving himself in numerous activities including Football, Basketball, and Golf. As a member of the football team, Tristan was part of the 2x state championship football team as well as the state-runner up basketball team. Tristan thrives academically and was on the A honor roll and received the academic awards at school.

Even though Tristan’s report card has always been great, he has been known to cram for tests at the last minute. This behavior led to his favorite memory with a teacher, which was getting help from Mrs. Kippley right before tests. In Tristan’s words, “She’s just helpful. She helps me out.” However, Tristan never needed extra help from Ms. Haffner, as American History was his favorite subject throughout high school. He enjoyed how everything he learned was very interesting and useful to know.

When Tristan leaves West Lyon, he will miss his favorite school lunch: the Cattlemen grilled hamburgers. However, what he will probably miss the most is being in class with his close friends making memories. If you asked his friends, a few specific memories come to mind. They find it very funny when Tristan breaks his glasses, which has apparently happened, in their words, “like 17 times.” Another time that sticks out is the time Tristan was in right field and tried to catch a flyball with his bare hand. In Tristan’s defense, he said he realized at the last minute that the ball was going to be over his head, which caused him to reflexively reach backwards with his ungloved hand.

As someone who made the most of his time here, Tristian’s advice to underclassmen is to “enjoy it while it lasts.” After graduation he plans to attend South Dakota State University.

Emersyn Brands

By Savannah Smith

On an early fall day in September, Emersyn known to many as Emmy was welcomed into our world. To welcome her were her proud parents Gary and Heather Brands, and her brother Brycen (21). Later on the Brandses decided to complete their family by adding Hadley (14), making Emmy the middle child. Emmy’s role model are her parents: “My mom has inspired me to pursue nursing and she has also set the standard for who I want to be as a nurse. I hope to care for my patients the same way she cares for hers. My dad has inspired me to dream big and make that dream a reality.”

Throughout high school Emmy was involved in various activities including Volleyball, NHS, Battle of the Books, and Backpack Program. Emmy is a very clever person, leading her to extreme academic success, being on the A honor roll, and earning ABC Academic Awards all throughout high school. Outside of school Emmy was involved in her youth group, working on her family farm, working as a PCT on the pulmonary unit at Sanford Hospital, volunteering at Sanford, volunteering for the local food pantry, and even training for a half marathon and a marathon!

Emmy’s favorite memory with a teacher would have to be in physics class, Mrs. Halverson will walk around to check on the class while they're working on example problems and her facial expression says all that needs to be said about how wrong the answer is.

Emmy's goal to pursue a nursing degree ties with her favorite subjects in school, Biology and Anatomy and Physiology, because of how you get to pick apart and understand how the world as well as the human body works.

Although Emmy has never received a detention, back in her elementary days she was a little mischievous. She used to poke Ellie Kooi and Katelyn Berentschot with a fork when they would annoy her. Emmy knows it was not her best idea, but it stopped their annoying behavior.

Even though Emmy enjoyed poking Katelyn and Ellie with forks, they were a part of a friend group called the Nanas in elementary along with Savannah Smith, Sidney Huyser, and Emery Koch. This also led to some more of Emmy’s mischievous acts. The group would play games at recess like line tag, soccer, and their own version of dead man on the playground, except they wouldn’t let anybody play with them if they weren’t a part of the club nor could they join the club, causing them to have many fun chats with Mrs. Twedt.

Emmy’s favorite West Lyon memory would have to be her CNA class during the first semester her senior year. The class would constantly crack jokes with the instructor, and the class even had to drive through the only snowstorm of the entire year to make it to a lab in Sioux Center where they messed around the entire time

Emmy’s advice to underclassmen is if you’re gonna be late anyways, take the scenic route. She plans to attend the University of Iowa to study nursing.

Cooper Carolan

By Nevaeh Van Dyke

Cooper Jett Carolan was born to complete his full house of 6. His parents, Shawn and Julie, were overjoyed to have their four amazing children. Cooper has three older siblings, Olivia Heyer (27), Isabel Carolan (25), and Gabe Carolan (23). Olivia has two daughters who are Cooper's lovely nieces, Amelia (who he calls Millie) Heyer who is 3 and her younger sister Quinn who is 1. Cooper loves his whole family, but his role models are both of his parents. He explained because they both came from nothing and created a great life for him and his siblings. His parents’ ambition inspires him to keep going and be grateful for what he has and the opportunities he’s been given.

Throughout his school years, Cooper was a very good student, he adhered to his own standards and had good grades with no detentions. His favorite subjects were anything science related, especially if it had math encompassed in it, like chemistry and physics. Because of his interest in learning, Cooper has excelled and received an A GPA every single one of his 4 years of high school with the ABC awards as well as the academic Student of the Month. He was also accepted into the National Honor Society.

Involvement really should’ve been Cooper’s middle name. He was in a plethora of in school activities. He is in Battle of the Books/Book Bash to further his love of reading. Then musically, he joined two of the three offered bands: marching band, concert band. He also participates in concert choir, chamber choir, jazz choir, and acts in the musical theater speech group. Going along with acting, he has done the fall musical, the spring play as well as other acting performances in speech all four years of high school. Outside of school, Cooper was really into making drinks. He worked at both Caribou Coffee and SoDak Soda, making drinks and treats for anyone that walked through the doors.

Cooper also has quite a lot of fun memories he’d love to share, his most memorable being back in elementary school when he would sprint with his friend Alec Kock and Chloe Van Essen to get a tire swing. He says it was very cut throat. Another memory is everyone’s last day in school before covid locked us all at home. Cooper was in 6th grade, nobody knew if they’d see each other that Monday because of how many schools around us were closing. He was on a FaceTime call with Avery Moser at 11PM when everyone got the message that we wouldn’t be going back.

Every day was a journey for Cooper, and he’s going to miss seeing everyone he’s known nearly all his life everyday. “The days might seem slow, but the years go fast.” He will miss the amazing orange chicken and rice lunches that the lunch ladies would make so well, and getting to say the funniest phrases for words. He and his friends have one specific one: “purple,” in reference to the ugly purple alien in Elio (who reminds Lyla of Ava). His advice to underclassmen is to find something at school that keeps you going every day, whether it be a favorite class or a fun after school activity. Cooper plans to pursue Musical Theatre after high school.

Jack Carolan

By Alyssa Hoogestraat

Jack Kelvin Carolan was welcomed into the world by his loving parents, Jamie and Sherry Carolan. Jack, known to many as Hambone, Gibby, and Jackiemoon is a great brother to his siblings Maddie, Kaden, and Ava. Jack has two important role models, his dad and grandpa. “I’ve always looked up to them and wanted to be like them since I remember,” he said.

Jack was very involved at West Lyon throughout high school, staying busy throughout each season. He participated in football, basketball, track, baseball, Skills USA, FCA, and one wrestling practice. One activity had a special place in his heart, and it wasn’t wrestling. Football was his favorite sport and gave him many memories and accomplishments. When asked what his favorite memory with a teacher was, he said, “Buzzing Trevor Rozeboom's hair after we won the state championship last year.” Trevor Rozeboom started a new hair trend which led Jack and some other seniors to buzz their hair for the following football playoff season. Jack was a football starter for 3 years in high school. This led to him receiving District Defensive Lineman of the year and 1st Team All State Defensive Line as well as being a two time state champion. Going to the dome is Jack's favorite high school memory. Football-related achievements weren't Jack's only accomplishments. Jack received a silver medal and pin for his academic efforts and is on the honor roll. Jack also taught a more advanced word to Mrs. Wiertzma, “pertnear,” another word for basically, which he claims is his favorite saying. When you don't find Jack being studious in a classroom, you can find him in Kramer’s PE class. This class is Jack’s favorite subject, because “the vibes are always high with Kramer especially when he’s got the music bumping since he has good aux.”

Even though Jack never got a detention, he did get in trouble from Tim Snyder for stealing a juice box from the elementary drink fridge. Jack had to pay 95 cents to reimburse his theft action. Jack realized he could spend his money on bigger and better things, like lunch meals. Jack’s favorite school lunch is burgers “with all the fixings.”

Jack had a great time during all his years at West Lyon. His favorite memory in elementary was when Ben Meyer had a different “girlfriend” every week. Ben eventually grew out of the girlfriend phase and made Jack's school experience better by being his friend. When asked what he will miss most about high school Jack said, “seeing all my friends and teachers, and sports.” As Jack leaves West Lyon he leaves with some advice to underclassmen, “do dumb stuff and make memories.” Jack's plans are undecided, but leaning towards becoming a pilot.

Braylyn Childress

By Eliana Kooi

Ever since birth, Braylyn Childress has been making her mark on the world. Welcomed by her parents, Brandon Childress and Brittany Slade, she quickly took the spotlight from her two older brothers, Calvin and Kavian Childress. She was also welcomed into the family of Lily and Jack Slade, and later welcomed her younger siblings Gus Whiteshirt and Derynn Childress. Another family member of hers, her grandma Carol Childress, is Braylyn’s rolemodel. Braylyn says, “I aspire to be her everyday. To know her is to love her.”

Throughout her time at West Lyon, Braylyn has made herself known in the athletic community, having been involved in volleyball, softball, track, and basketball — all while also competing in club volleyball. One of Braylyn’s favorite memories while at West Lyon was when her softball team made and competed at the State Championship after going 30-1 that season. Braylyn has also earned the honor of being on the State Softball All Tournament Team that year as well as numerous post-season All Conference honors.

When asked about what advice she'd give to younger students, Braylyn said, “Form good relationships with teachers and classmates. It makes high school much easier and much more enjoyable.” Her favorite class from the years has been Mrs. Rockhill’s FCS classes, which she loves because as she puts it, “Mrs. Rockhill is very passionate about everything she teaches.” In fact, Braylyn said that when she leaves, she will miss seeing Mrs. Rockhill and Mrs. Koedam every day the most.

However I don’t think she will miss or forget the sight of being in the back seat of Rockhill’s van as it slid into the ditch, which was only going 20 mph, on the way back from a culinary competition. Thankfully, after a 911 call and spending some time in the ditch, they were picked up by a cop who they then rode with to the gas station to go to the bathroom. That story isn’t the only silly memory she has from a vehicle ride. When asked about any funny stories from elementary school, Braylyn said that while going home on the bus, she had sent Emery to go break up with her “boyfriend”who she was “dating” at the time. She also thought it was quite funny that she was a part of the friend group that called themselves the “Nanas” which was made of some other girls in her grade. As time went on and Braylyn made some new friends; if you hear a group of girls calling each other “Mama” when you are in the halls of West Lyon, you can assume that is Braylyn and her friends.

After graduation, Braylyn plans to attend Northwestern College, where she’ll major in FCS Education with endorsements in English and Special Education.

Jared Ciesielski

By Savannah Smith

On a very warm early summer day, Jared was welcomed into the world by his proud parents Leanne and Kyle Ciesielski, along with his very excited older brother Trevor (20). Exactly 2 years later on Jared’s 2nd birthday his younger sister Jessa (16) decided it would be funny to make them share a birthday. Jared’s role model is his grandpa because, “He is a hard worker and is willing to take good care of his family.”

Jared was very active during his time at West Lyon, involving himself in football, basketball, and track. Being involved in these activities led Jared to lots of amazing achievements including being a 2x state champ in football his junior and senior year, a state runner up in basketball his junior year, and a 2x state participant for track in the shuttle hurdle relay his sophomore, and junior year. Being so involved led Jared earning many outstanding awards: District 1 receiver his junior year, IFCA All State 2nd team Defensive Back his senior year, All District 1st team Defensive Back his senior year, and 3rd team All Conference in basketball his junior year. Jared doesn’t stop there. Not only does Jared stand out athletically, he also excels in academics, being on the A honor roll all 4 years of high school along with receiving Academic All District his senior year, and representing our school by being the Class 1A recipient for the Iowa Bankers Association 2025 Student Athlete Achievement Award.

With Jared being involved in lots of physical activity it’s no surprise that his favorite subject in high school was P.E. “It’s really fun and I like to stay active,” he explained. A favorite memory of Jared’s comes from again from a physical activity when Gage Blauwet, Easton Jacobson, and Jared went fishing at Lake Pahoja with Mr. Rentschler after they had finished their long hard work of community service in junior high. Another pretty cool memory that lots will remember for a long time is Jared’s all time favorite West Lyon memory: His senior year when in the 1A state championship football game they stopped Regina Catholic at the goal line in overtime to win the game.

While Jared has a lot to be proud of from his West Lyon career, there’s one memory that he remembers as not his best moment. Although Jared has never gotten a detention, this favorite elementary memory maybe could've gotten him one. In 5th grade he was a bystander when Jack Carolan was teaching Ben Meyer bad words in Mrs. Kerkvliet’s class.

Jared’s advice to underclassmen is, “Try and have fun in your time here.” He will miss playing sports with his friends, and hanging out with them during lunch, eating his favorite school meal the orange chicken with rice

Jared's outstanding athletic and academic achievements will continue as he plans to continue playing football at Northwestern with an undecided major.

Isaiah Dissing

By Eliana Kooi

Isaiah, also known as “Timmy” to most, was born in May. Meeting him at home were his two older sisters, Krysta (23) and Amanda (29). His parents are Mike and Janette Boer.

Throughout high school, Isaiah has included himself in many different activities including 4-H for the past seven years, the wrestling and football teams his freshman year, and the FFA throughout high school. During his sophomore year while in FFA, Isaiah placed 3rd for Ag Mechanics.

Isaiah is a very talented man, especially on the industrial side of things, and when you put him into the shop he knows what he’s doing. One of his favorite memories with a teacher was actually in the shop. While at one of the shop nights the teachers host, Mr. Sievers allowed Isaiah and a few other students to help him take out a skid loader motor.

Isaiah did like some of his other classes as well, with his favorite subject here at West Lyon being PE, specifically the one that was taught by Mr. Whalen. Isaiah reasoned, “We always made jokes together.” However, Mr. Whalen wasn’t the only person that Isaiah liked to make jokes with. Isaiah was known for his funny jokes, especially towards some of the teachers; in fact he said he “liked to test the teachers limits/patience” and if you were to ask anyone from his classes, they would agree to this statement. Isaiah and his friends had a catch phrase they would say to each other whenever they saw a teacher coming towards them, which was, “5-O”

Another funny moment when Isaiah “tested the limits” was during our homecoming week. At the time there was construction in the building and an exit was blocked off, but Isaiah decided that this rule never applied to him and went through the construction zone anyway. He might’ve tested the limits a little too far and he ended up receiving a detention from it, though he has since learned his lesson and now knows that signs that say, “Do not enter” really do mean do not enter.

Isaiah is also known to many, including the teachers, as a hard worker. After his favorite part of school—which is work release— he goes off and either goes to Rock Valley and works at the Town and Country Implement or he goes and helps his dad with farming and cattle. Along with that, Isaiah also helps the community and is a volunteer firefighter for the town of Alvord. When asked about who his role model is, Isaiah said he looks up to his dad because, “He showed me that hard work pays off.”

As he is getting ready to graduate, Isaiah said that what he will miss most about high school is, “Joking around with friends in the hallway,” and his advice to the underclassmen is, “Get a job.” His plan for after high school graduation is to be a diesel mechanic and work for a company to then eventually go on his own after some time.

Marah Dorhout

By Nevaeh Van Dyke

Marah “Marinara” Dawn Dorhout was born to her waiting parents Mark and Dawn. They were so excited, as was Leighton (20) her older brother. Down the line came Raenen (14) and Macy (10). Another important member of her very big family is her grandma Mary; Marah says her grandma is her role model because of how sweet her grandma is. Her grandma's faith is so strong in every part of her life too which Marah looks up to as well.

All throughout high school Marah competed in marching band while playing the flute. She then went on to participate in the concert band with that same instrument. Marah enjoyed band a lot, expressing this class was her favorite because of the learning experience and how much fun it was for her. With these activities, Marah has received her band letter for the events she has performed in. She’s also had a resounding 1st place at the Pursuit of Excellence marching band competition for the three years the marching band attended the festival. As well as these in-school activities, Marah is very ingrained in her faith and will usually be seen attending the youth group at Embrace in Sioux Falls, SD.

During school, Marah was a very good student, never earning a detention for any reason at all. A favorite West Lyon memory she has is in her junior year. Marah had study halls where she would go to the band room with her friends and have a “quieter” study hall there. However, those study halls were anything but quiet. They got playfully scolded by Ms. Bolin more often than not. “Never a dull moment,” Marah said. She also had a laugh in Mr. Mannes’, her favorite teacher, every single worksheet day. Mannes always told her class that the assignment “wasn’t too terribly difficult” but in Marah’s eyes? It was, in fact, very difficult. Along with the fun of Mannes’ class, she also enjoyed four-square at recess in elementary school. Her games were always very competitive that usually resulted in playful arguments between players that made them all laugh before the bell rang.

Marah will most miss the pep rallies and the Wildcat NOIZ machine that would play at basketball games and the first half of football games. She loved playing and getting to watch the game with her friends and yelling “girl” or “brotha” at her friends. She will also miss the school's taco salad and cottage cheese they would give out as a second option to the main lunch. Marah plans to attend a four year college for either elementary education or a school counseling position. Her advice to underclassmen is to just have fun and make the most of every moment because one day you’ll wish you could just go back.

Trace Dreke

By Alyssa Hoogestraat

Trace Dreke stole the spotlight from his older brother, Christian Dreke, when he was born. His parents Kyle and Megan were overjoyed that Trace arrived to complete their family. Later in life, Megan’s fiancé, Josh Blankenspoor, also became a part of his family.

Throughout his time at West Lyon, he stayed busy with wrestling.Trace has participated in wrestling which led him to lettering in wrestling all his years in high school. Wrestling didn't just give him accomplishments but many memories. When asked what his favorite memory was in high school, he mentioned the wrestling bus rides home. Since this was a very broad memory, he later clarified he enjoyed everyone being in a good and energetic mood. They would “fight” and even dogpile. “We got 10 people to fit in one seat,” Trace added. When asked if the bus driver or coaches got mad, Trace clarified: “It was dark.”

During the school day, you can find Trace reminiscing over his junior year, especially 5th-period composition 1, or dreaming about his favorite school lunch, popcorn chicken. Trace’s favorite class was Composition 1, because he had all his friends in it and “every day was really fun and kinda crazy/hectic for the teacher.” When Trace isn't thinking about that amazing class, he is probably laughing about his best reason for getting a detention, which was when he made his friend Braden Otkin cry with a monkey noodle by hitting him in the eye with it. Trace also enjoys testing the teacher’s patience. In fact, when asked what his favorite memory with a teacher was, Trace said “rage baiting the subs.” Trace also baits his everyday teachers. For example, he unscrewed all Mrs.Wiertma's lightbulbs. Mrs.Wiertma gave him a (fake) detention to teach him a lesson, which is still hanging up in her room.

Trace leaves West Lyon with advice to underclassmen: “Get your money up not your funny up.” Trace is getting his money up by working as a farm hand on Brian Twedt’s farm as well as staying active with freestyle wrestling and motocross outside of school.

Trace’s plans are undecided, but he is planning on attending college. Trace definitely had a great time in West Lyon, but now that he is heading into college, he changed his mindset.