Solving Rathke-isms

By Meghan Pennell

“I’ve always been a big verbiage guy,” Algebra II, Trigonometry/Pre-Calc and College Algebra Teacher Ryan Rathke said. “I’ve found using verbiage really enhances the classroom environment.” Throughout his 36 years of teaching, Rathke has used certain catchphrases throughout his lessons, and although from the outside they may seem totally unrelated to his math courses, many of his students would argue just the opposite.

“They actually really help you remember what to do,” said junior Truett Nelson. “Sometimes I’ll be taking a test and find myself saying them in my head.”

Often referencing anything from songs, to cliches, to late night television sketches older than his students, these “Rathke-isms” can certainly be difficult to decode to someone not in any of his classes.

“Now just shake it out.”
Usually repeated twice in a half-speaking, half-singing voice, this Rathke-ism is in reference to Taylor Swift’s 2014 hit single “Shake It Off” and is used once a problem has been simplified down enough to solve it the way you would any basic algebra problem.

“You’ve got [any number] of cows and [any number] of horses…”
Often, Rathke enjoys subsituting the different terms in an equation to farm animals, helping students understand a math problem outside of just being a math problem. Usually followed by a shockingly good cow impression.

“That right there is a sneaky mom!”
Referencing a 2011 YouTube video of a kid calling his mom sneaky after she pretends to steal his candy, a sneaky mom problem usually is just a little out of the ordinary, something that must be acknowledged and paid attention to.

“You gotta tickle the ivory!”
Just like learning to play the piano, math requires practice and sometimes an extra push in that direction is greatly needed. Simply a much more entertaining and engaging way to say “Get your reps in!”

*Photo Courtesy of Ryan Rathke

Athletic Hall of Fame inducts first class

By Meghan Pennell

This school year, Northwest plans to induct its inaugural class into the Athletic Hall of Fame. In early June, a committee, headed by Athletic Booster Club President Kevin Fries, was created to honor those who have demonstrated excellence in Northwest athletics.

Located in the trophy case in the main hall, the Athletic Hall of Fame will have large boards with nameplates, similar to other honors around the school. The Hall of Fame is designed to recognize recipients long-term, as nameplates will stay on each board permanently.

Next to the Hall of Fame will be a screen allowing viewers to read autobiographies of each inductee, including their achievements in Northwest athletics and their time afterward.

“The goal is to honor people who’ve had great athletic careers at Northwest High School,” said Assistant Principal PJ Smith. “This can be anyone, including contributors, managers, former directors and secretaries.”

The hall of fame committee plans to induct one team, six athletes, one coach, one contributor and one special award each year. Anyone can be nominated through a Google Form that will soon be available on the Northwest website. Then, the committee will consider each nominee.

Inductees will be honored at different athletic events throughout the year. This year’s class will be inducted at halftime during the football game on October 23 and at the Dave Gee Track Invite later this spring. Inductees include athletes Kirk Berggren, Melissa (Rauert) Cromer, Russ Harvey, Mike Leaman, Todd Olson and Rick Shwieger. Track Coach Dave Gee (1980-2014) will also be honored, as well as the undefeated 1985 football team and Kate Marron for her service to Northwest athletics.

“Everyone has a chance to be recognized and honored for their impact on the Northwest community,” Smith said.

Folkers makes national ensemble

By Meghan Pennell

Sophomore Ben Folkers surprised not only the Northwest community by making a National Association for Music Education, NAfME, nation-wide honor ensemble, but surprised himself too. Folkers worked hard to prepare and record his audition and has been esteemed to play trombone in the ensemble. Originally planned to take place November 8-11in Orlando, Florida, the ensemble is planning on developing a virtual way of playing together even through the pandemic.

Last year, as a freshman, Folkers made first chair trombone in All-State Orchestra, allowing him to audition for the ensemble. Although Folkers is self-motivated when it comes to practicing, Band Director Shawn Pfanstiel played a large role in encouraging him to “throw his name into the hat.”

“I made sure to keep my expectations low,” Folkers said. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up.”

Folkers said he was shocked to see he made such a prestigious band.

For auditions, players had to send in a timed
recording as well as a written application. Folkers spent around three months preparing his submission with help from Pfanstiel.

“I was very happy to see Ben had made it,” Pfanstiel said. “A freshman from Grand Island, Nebraska, getting to play with a national group is pretty exciting.”

Although Folkers isn’t sure about his future in music, auditioning for bands like All-State and NAfME have really grown his confidence as a player. Now that the work of learning notes and rhythms is complete, Folkers can focus on more advanced playing skills.

“The sky is really the limit for him,” Pfanstiel said. “He has a high level of musicianship and a higher awareness of the nuances that separate a good player from a great player already.”

*Photo Courtesy of Sydney Milsap

Getting to Know: Matthew Fritsche

By Meghan Pennell

What is your position at Northwest?
“I am the athletic director and assistant principal.”

Have you taught before?
“I taught in Bellevue for a while and coached college basketball for eight years at schools like Midland, Creighton and Hillsdale College.”

What brought you to Northwest?
“Honestly, I had a strong desire to get back to Nebraska and focus on being a better dad. Now my kids can see their grandparents more often and we don’t have to travel as much.”

Are you involved in anything outside of school?
“Not really. This job has me pretty busy, but I love hanging out with my family when I have the time.”

What is an interesting fact about you?
“I have a nine-year-old and six-year-old who are just getting started in sports. They are super social and excited about school.”

*Photo Courtesy by Matthew Fritsche

Getting to know: Robby Collins

By Meghan Pennell

What is your position at Northwest?
“I teach Sophomore English, American Literature and Drama II. I am also co-directing the one-act play and am an assistant speech coach.”

Have you taught before?
“I substituted for a while and was an elementary paraeducator.”

What brought you to Northwest?
“When I graduated college with my master’s, I knew I wanted to stay close to home in Hastings. I had run into Ms. Gilliland, who told me about the position, and knew it was exactly what I was looking for.”

Is there anything you want your students to know about you?
“I am interested in more than just books. I enjoy watching some sports, especially the high school games here at Northwest. I love movies, video games and do a lot more than just sit and read.”

Are you involved in anything outside of school?
“I am a member of the Knights of Pythias, a group in Hastings focused on serving the community. We help out a lot with the Special Olympics and hosting different dances and events.”

What is an interesting fact about you?
“I would say I’m a jack of all trades, master of none. I know a little about a lot of things but not really a lot about one thing, except maybe English or theater.”

*Photo by Gabriel Lorenzo