STURGIS, S.D.—On October 12, SBHS FCCLA member Trinity Smith (11) shared mental health coping mechanisms with Sturgis Williams Middle School 8th grade athletes.
Keeping a balance for students can be challenging, which is why Smith chose to explain ways to manage time and health.
“Many students, once they enter high school, are not prepared for the workload on top of their sports,” Smith said. “I wanted the 8th graders to be more educated on their mental health, so they know the warning signs and how to help themselves and their friends.”
After creating a PowerPoint presentation, illustrating causes of and ways to deal with poor mental health, Smith obtained permission to share those insights.
“I went to the middle school during their last hour,” Smith said, “and had the 8th graders come to the library and listen to the presentation and participate in the activity if they so chose.”
Staying actively engaged in school within academics and extracurricular activities may help individuals cope with mental challenges. On October 12 at Sturgis Williams Middle School, SBHS FCCLA member Trinity Smith (11) shared ways to deal with possible angst with eighth graders who will be transitioning to the high school next fall. In addition, she explained the FCCLA program and how to join it. photo by Darla DeKraai
STURGIS, S.D.—FCCLA Members organized a teddy bear toss and wellness bags to help their community. Juniors Nellie Wetsit, Paige Gorczewski and Zara Wallace (11) hosted the events during the months of January and February 2024.
Wallace said they “wanted to help people throughout the community,” so for their first project they focused on children in crisis situations.
Dropping off bears collected at their January teddy bear toss on February 28 at The Cornerstone Mission, FCCLA members share a moment. Pictured were Paige Gorczewski (11), Zara Wallace (11), a Cornerstone Rescue employee and Nellie Wetsit (11). photo by Mission employee
Teddy bears are often considered to be comforting, which is why students chose them to help women and children in the Black Hills community.
The teddy bear toss took place in SBHS’ West Gym on January 19.
“One challenge we had was “What if people forget to bring teddy bears?” To overcome this challenge we set up a booth with many different sizes of teddy bears that people could purchase if they forgot to bring one. We ended up receiving 107 teddy bears.”
In addition to selling stuffed toy bears at the event, FCCLA members crafted posters, flyers, announcements and social media posts to promote the cause and toss.
Continuing their focus, helping children, they added items to the their February project: wellness bags created for children involved in domestic cases.
On April 10, Paige Gorczewski (11), Zara Wallace (11), Officer Tanner Weaver, Deputy Gary Rogers and Nellie Wetsit (11) deliver wellness bags created for children involved in domestic cases to the Sturgis Police Department. photo by police station receptionist
“We made 20 bags with extra teddy bears and fidget toys for children in domestic cases,” Wallace said.
Teddy bears were dropped off at the Cornerstone Mission Women and Children’s shelter on February 28. Wellness bags were delivered to the Sturgis Police Department on April 10.
To learn ways to help, contact local organizations, including The Cornerstone Mission.
At the March 28 Sturgis Early Bird Meet held at Woodle Field, twelve teams from West River showed up to compete as track season got underway. Teams included Belle Fourche, Custer, Douglas, Hill City, Hot Springs, Lakota Tech, Lead-Deadwood, Rapid City Central, Rapid City Stevens, St. Thomas More, Spearfish, Sturgis and Wall.
Events included pole vault, shot put, high jump and running events. Top placements as noted on athletic.net follow.
At the March 28 Sturgis Early Bird Meet held at Woodle Field, Aidan Hedderman (12) leads the race. Hedderman took first place in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles. photo by Ryan Heinert
Avery Marler (11) tied for third place in the 100 meter race with a time of 12.92.
Taking third place in the 400 meter event was Iris Zylstra (10) with a time of 1:02.27.
Second place in the 800 meter race went to Paige Willnerd (11) for a time of 2:28.54.
Top scores for the Sturgis men’s team included Quinn Bruch (10) who received second place for running 3200 meters with a time of 9:53.30.
Ireland Nacey (11), with a time of 16.20, took third place in the 100 meter hurdle event.
Placements for 110 meter hurdles went to Sturgis, including Aidan Hedderman (12) who took first place with a time of 14.42 and Teigen Wormstadt (11) who placed third with a time of 16.62.
Hedderman also took first place in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 41.44. During the women’s 300 meter hurdles, Hannah Killinger (12) ended with a time of 49.79, securing fourth place.
Men’s 4×100 relay fifth place went to Owen Udager (12), Carson Wolter (11), Sully Jost (10) and Jude Legner (10) with a time of 45.82. Women’s relay fifth place went to Kendal Blair (9), Danica Dschaak (9), Kynlee Stewart (9) and Leigha Long (9) with a time 53.92.
Third place 4×200 relay was captured by Sturgis men’s team comprised of Jayden Spratt (12), Jason Venjohn (10), Chase Walker (11) and Manny Jaramillo (11) with a time of 1:38.58.
Men’s 4×400 relay teammates Ty Ferguson (11), Carsen Wolter (11), Taylor Colunga and Legner received second place with a time of 3:36.43. For the women’s event, Novalí Dinkins (12), Willnerd, Keelin Dinkins (9), Iris Zylstra (10) captured second place with a time of 4:19.23.
For the 4×800 relay, Ferguson, Colunga, Bruch and Petrocco moved into first place with a time of 8:15.60. With a time of 10.06.14, Lucy Hamer (10), Novalí, Zylstra and Willnerd secured second place in the women’s division.
Miles Voigt (10) took fifth place in the 12-pound shot put with a distance of 41′ 9.5″.
Sturgis athletes excelling at pole vault included first place to Hedderman at 14′ 0″ and fourth place to Jaramillo at 10′ 6″.
To view all results, go to https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/540927/results.
People across the country struggle from food insecurity and are unable to access the food that is required to meet their nutritional needs. For this reason, it is important that individuals give their best aid to these struggling people. That is exactly what the FCCLA members have done for people who need assistance with acquiring food in the Sturgis, S.D., area.
The FCCLA concluded a food drive, which held the goal of raising as much food as possible within a month.
“The 2023 FCCLA food drive started on Oct. 21., and ended on Nov 21,” Gracie Sauer (11) said. “Our goal as an FCCLA chapter was to make all students able to contribute to our food drive.”
The event was popular.
“We raised 150 pounds of food in the food drive,” Sauer said.
FCCLA members gather collected food from the food drive in Darla DeKraai’s classroom on Nov. 21. Pictured were Taylor Keyes (11), Kylee Phillips (11), Gracie Sauer (11), Madison Yaw (10) and Avery Thurman (10). photo by Darla DeKraai
Both students and staff from the school were able to donate food to the food drive.
“If they could, they brought food from home and put it in the office at the school,” Kylee Phillips (11) said.
The way FCCLA members gathered the food was effective. The location where the gathered food was kept helped bring attention to the food drive.
“When people came inside [the building], they saw the food as a reminder to bring some,” Phillips said.
There are more ways to bring attention to the food drive than just keeping the food in the office. For example, posters were utilized effectively.
The FCCLA “put out posters to make people aware,” Phillips said.
FCCLA members also found success in “encouraging students and staff to participate,” Taylor Keyes (11) said.
The food drive received many food donations, and the food was sent to a food pantry.
Sauer said, “the food that was donated to the food drive was taken to the local Kiwanis Food Pantry.”
The food that was taken to the Kiwanis Food Pantry, which is located in Sturgis, S.D., was not just all types of food. Food donations consisted of food that was healthy and long-lasting.
Sauer explained that families in need require “healthy food items rather than foods that have high levels of saturated fats.”
“Some things that really help families are food that can last a long time, does not need to be kept at certain temperatures and does not have soon expiration dates,” Phillips said.
When people are struggling as a result of food insecurity, it is important to provide as much aid as possible. Similar to FCCLA drive, everyone is encouraged to donate food to the Sturgis Kiwanis Food Pantry.
“We cannot thank him enough for his dedication and skill in providing us with these priceless memories,” SBHS instructor Shannah Dschaak said.
Community member Tim Potts has made a huge impact on numerous people. His illuminating grin shines on anyone who comes into contact with him. He spreads this joy through his passion for photography and life.
“I started taking pictures in college, and enjoyed it,” Potts said. “Then when my kids got involved in sports, I started taking more and more photos and then started sharing with their teammates. That is where it all got started some forty years ago.”
He was motivated to keep up-to-date equipment since he started taking senior and family photos. Photography started as a fun hobby, which resulted in a part-time job for Potts. He felt it was a way to keep families involved in their children’s sports.
“If I can put a smile on the face of a friend, family member or athlete with one of my pictures, that is what it is all about,” Potts said, “Photography is my passion and one of my favorite hobbies and I enjoy getting out and trying to capture that one perfect picture, maybe a touchdown catch, pinning an opponent or the coolest picture of my grandchildren.”
“As my athletic career continued to grow, I loved nothing more than to see the camera pointed towards me,” Jake Krog (11) said. “It gave me a better sense of motivation.”
Potts never fails to create happy moments in young athletes’ lives. He brings an uplifting spark to any conversation he is in. Anyone who meets Potts tends to be left with a positive impression from this inspiring individual.
“A huge jokester, Tim is such an easy person to talk to,” Ryan Heinert (11) said. “His knowledge about all the sports he shoots is insane. There’s always those people that when you talk to them you’re always smiling and you can go on and on. Tim Potts is one of those people.”
Holly Kopplin said, “During the football games, he gets right down there. He knows all the athletes. I think he likes having relationships with the high school kids and I think he finds joy in actually knowing them.”
Truly focusing on making one-on-one relationships with all individuals willing to stop and talk with him, Potts finds a way to encourage and lift everyone. He radiates a light from within himself.
“Tim Potts is a great person. He always cheers everybody up on the sidelines of any sport,” Tarver Zebroski (10) said.
Krog said he enjoys talking with Potts, because of how he is treated.
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“He acts as an equal whenever I talk to him,” Krog said, “never in a superior way, even though he’s miles ahead of me, but as a mentor should be with someone trying to learn.”
Bringing an uplifting outlook, Potts offers advice to students and athletes as well.
“It’s a great hobby and it’s a great way to get to know people and share your talents with people who don’t have the time to see their kids go to sporting events,” Potts said. “You don’t have to have the fanciest camera to take good pictures but it sure helps.”
Continually sharing a new perspective with any student or athlete engaging him in conversation, Potts can be seen in a multitude of places, teaching lessons and offering considered advice.
“I think that Tim Potts has taught me to always be friendly and nice to people,” Sebastian Giang (9) said. “The reason I say this is because Tim is such a friendly guy and has always been nice to me. Tim has also made me laugh and had me enjoy the random conversations I have had with him.”
Kaylee Hoesing (10) said, “Tim Potts has taught me how to properly take photos and has even taken some photos of me for football managing. He taught me to always try and get the shot, no matter what’s in the way.”
“Tim Potts has taught me to be proud of myself. In my sports, he is always there and cheering me on. He has told me that it is always okay to mess up because you can just try again,” Erin Shaw (11) said.
Adding his appreciation for this featured individual, Aidan Hedderman (12) said, “Tim Potts is a true blessing to Sturgis athletics. He shows up to take pictures of everyone, not just the stars or the varsity, but the JV, C, and freshmen teams.”
Regarding building relationships, Hedderman said, “Tim Potts has taught me how to be kind and caring. No matter the day, you will always see a smile on his face, see him cheering on Sturgis and giving kids an opportunity to capture moments in their event that they can look back on forever.”
Known for what he does outside of photography, Potts is also involved in his faith community.
“In 1982, I moved to Sturgis, joined the Grace Lutheran Church and started working with the youth portion. Now I have become an assisting minister and have done that for the past 25 years. I am strongly committed to the church,” Potts said.
It may be his faith that has inspired Potts to reach out and do more outside of his church.
“Tim Potts is truly the most pure-hearted person I’ve met and he continues to make huge impacts as a role model in the community,” Hedderman said.
Individuals become more when they are within a community, especially when they are willing to assist and help each other become greater.
“Tim Potts has shown me how being involved in my community is important,” Arina Haugen (9) said, adding that he “is always at church. Every time I see him at church he is always so friendly and involved. He helps wherever he can and loves to be a part of the church.”
However, the joy Potts finds from taking photos is only increasing. He finds countless amounts of inspiration in different areas.
“My favorite part of taking photographs is getting to know the people. Whether it is friends, family or athletes, getting to know them is my favorite part of my hobby,” Potts said. “Lately, taking pictures of athletes from around the Hills has been rewarding as I have got to know so many athletes from Sturgis as well as Spearfish, Belle Fourche and Lead-Deadwood, and consider many of them friends.”
Also being part of the local newspaper, Black Hills Pioneer, Potts’ photos and writing skills have been utilized.
“I was running for city council and was taking pictures but wanted to get paid for the pictures I took for advertisements but found out I couldn’t do that according to the city,” Potts said. “They hired me to take photos instead, so I could still get paid. I was looking for ways to make money and started in 2010. I worked for Meade County Times for years until it went out of business.”
Senior photos are also an important aspect of Potts’ contribution to the community. He looks for ways to change up settings, poses and to find the right angles.
Senior photos have been taken outdoors near Bear Butte, Lead, within Spearfish Canyon, up trees, near or on big rocks and at the old train station.
An individual who does an astounding amount for the community, Potts continues to exhibit positivity. Although not everyone may know him, it may be clear that everybody can all learn a thing or two from him about photography or even how to become a better person.
According to the CDC, nearly one-third, or 29% of students struggle with mental health.
Three SBHS students involved in FCCLA have chosen to speak up and inform teens about mental health, why it matters and solutions to aid their struggles.
“Mental health is a topic that is highly overlooked. It is looked at as more of a problem rather than a reality,” Avery Fogelman (11) said. “Each person deserves to be educated and supported throughout the time they may be struggling.”
Taylor Keyes (10), Nellie Wetsit (10), and Fogelman are promoting awareness about mental health. They have spent the past several months educating and presenting to eighth grade students about mental health and the transition from middle school to high school. The presentations took place at Sturgis Williams Middle School from January and into April.
Members focused on educating eighth graders, because they know about and have already experienced stress that occurs due to the transition from middle school to high school.
“Mental health is a very important topic. I think transitioning from middle school to high school can be a very scary experience and middle schoolers need all the support and care they can get,” Wetsit said.
The members took numerous hours to create a slideshow, talking about what mental health is, different kinds of stress, how stress can be handled, signs of weak mental health and why exactly mental health matters.
“I knew immediately that I wanted to do a project focusing on mental health,” Keyes said. “I feel a lot of eighth grade students are stressed about going into high school and it is important for them to know they are cared for and not alone.”
When the presentation was completed, the team felt as if they made a difference and have hope that students will use information from this presentation to their benefit.
“Doing this project really showed me how a few students can tremendously affect younger individuals’ high school experiences,” Keyes said. “It is important to talk about mental health in order to address the problem and help students understand they aren’t the only ones that might be feeling that way.”
FCCLA members collected surveys from the eighth grade students after each presentation to evaluate the effectiveness of their program. The information gathered will be included in their portfolio, which they will take to the FCCLA state convention on April 23.
“Completing this project showed me why we started it in the first place. It showed the importance of talking about emotions and stress,” Fogelman said.
The efforts of these FCCLA members are commendable as mental health is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed more often in schools and in communities. It is essential to raise awareness and provide support for individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues.
By educating the 8th-grade students, these FCCLA members are making a difference in their community and helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
“After this project, I had a better understanding of the number of students who feel stressed about going to high school. It showed me how important it is to promote mental health awareness,” Wetsit said.
On Jan. 17 in math instructor Dan Skinner’s classroom at Sturgis Williams Middle School, FCCLA members Avery Fogelman (11), Nellie Wetsit (10) and Taylor Keyes (10) talk with eighth graders about mental health. Creation and implementation of this project was to inform, help and promote open communication about the topic. photo by Dan Skinner
