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Meet the Teams Check out page 10 to meet the winter sports teams!
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Kyle Galvin competes in the State race in Fort Obetz, where he placed 104 with a time of 17:04.
All County Choirs
On Saturday, November 2, Kyle Galvin and Kendall Sears competed at the 2024 OHSAA State meet. These meets took place at Fortress Obetz in Columbus, starting at 10 a.m. Both runners competed exceptionally well and proudly represented Pettisville. During the Division 3 boys’ meet, Kyle placed 104 out of 192 runners with a time of 17:04. Kendall’s race happened just after, where she placed 46 out of 183 runners with a time of 19:19.08 minutes. “With my State results, I am satisfied,” Kyle said. “My best time was 16:38 [at Regionals]. But once I achieved going to State, I didn’t really have a goal; I just wanted to have fun while I [ran].” Although the meets themselves took less than an hour each, the physical and mental preparation to run at them goes months back. “I took a few weeks off during the actual season, so I didn’t run all the races this year. It was helpful to have a break between races. I got some harder workouts in that I normally wouldn’t get to do,” Kendall commented about her preparation for the meet. The toll that a meet takes on a runner is very impactful. It requires preparation and commitment, as well as growth and development, to be able to push forward in these challenging competitions. “I think Kendall’s [strength] is her experience. This was her third time competing at the State meet level,” cross country coach Gabe Jaramillo said. “Kyle’s [strength is that] his mental toughness has come a long way. His confidence. He didn’t have the same confidence last year, and it’s shown how much he’s grown mentally and emotionally over the course of one year.” Since Kendall is currently a senior, this was the last year that she could compete at the state level. She is the only Pettisville High School girl in school history to have a race time in under 19 minutes, and she did an incredible job of showing determination and perseverance on the course. “It’s been a fantastic season, both team-wise and individual-wise. I’m so thankful for what we have and what we’re going towards,” Coach J said. “So thank you to everyone.” Kyle hopes to make a reappearance at the 2025 State meet next year, but not alone. He hopes that his brother, freshman Alex Galvin, will be able to compete with him.
HOCO Visit page 2 to get the scoop on the 2025 Homecoming Court!
Kyle laces up his shoes and Kendall affixes her bib in preparation for the race.
Edition #94 | Issue 3 | November 26, 2024
This past month the Junior High and High School Choir participated in the annual All-County Choir Festival. The concert was held at Pike-Delta-York High School, at 2:00 pm on Sunday November 17. The Junior High and High School both sang a surplus of songs this year. The JH Choir sang: “Miranda and John” composed by Amy F. Bernon, “Cluck Ol’ Hen” arranged by Greg Gilpin, “Music Brings Joy” composed by Russel Robinson, “SISI Ni Moja” composed by Jacob Narverud, and finally "Galop” by Daniel... ...Kallman. The HS Choir sang “Ancient Words” arranged by Kevin Stewart, “Al Shlosha D’varim” composed by Allen Naplan, "Let the River Run" composed by Craig Hella Johnson, "Please Stay" composed by Jake Runestad, and finally “True Light” composed by Keith Hampton. “I really enjoyed listening to the best singers in the county. Their ranges were very big,” said Alex Galvin. “I felt good, it felt like we were all in tune.” The High School clinician was Donna Tozerwipfli. Donna Tozerwipfli is the director of the Ottawa Hills High School Choir. The guest clinician for the High school is Dr. Mark Munson from Bowling Green State University. The clinicians directed both choirs throughout the day for the concert. “The performance was spectacular and I wished I would have heard it from the auditorium and not the stage because of how well it sounded,” said Carlos Bowers. “I have improved my vocal range and singing confidently.”
Pettisville High School's
by Kyle Galvin
Giving Thanks Go to page 3 to read what Pettisville students are thankful for this season!
by Ella Myers
PET ECHOES
Sprinting Toward State
Thankful Throughout by Kendall Sears
Junior High participants with clinician Mark Munson
With the start of basketball season coming up, Homecoming is also quickly approaching. This year, Pettisville High School’s Homecoming will be on February 1, 2025. The 2025 Homecoming King is Caden Bishop, and the Homecoming Queen is Olivia Miller. The Senior Attendant is Grace Remington, and the Senior Escort is Brady Wilburn. The Junior Attendant and Escort are Naomi Richer and Creighton Aeschliman. Ava Hockenberry and Ryan Bishop represent the sophomores while Caite Wixom and Kobe Hoylman represent the freshman class. The date for Homecoming and the Homecoming court was announced by Mr. Wagner at the assembly to end the Harvesting Healthy Habits Spirit Week. The boys' basketball team will play Ayersville for the 2025 Homecoming game. The ceremony will be at 5:10, before the JV game. The Homecoming dance will start after the varsity game. The Pettisville student body is excited to be able to start the preparations for Homecoming. “I’m excited to get to spend time with my friends and hang out,” said freshman Camden Hogrefe. “Homecoming is another level of excitement,” stated Shiloh Adkins, a senior. “I’m really excited to get to dance because I love dancing!”
High school participants with clinician Donna Tozerwipfli
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Get Hype for Hoco by Keren Maldonado
All County... continued from page 1
Pet Echoes Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Sophomore Kali Delgado reads her writing during the assembly.
Honoring Vets by Kobe Hoylman
Fifty-six Pettisville High School students answered a survey on what they are thankful for this year, and here’s how they responded.
Sprinting... continued from page 1
On November 7, Pettisville staff, students, and community members came together to celebrate veterans and everything they stand for. “Veterans Day is a reminder that giving thanks or appreciation to a Veteran is something we should do every day and any day,” Mr. Switzer said. “These people sacrifice so much, and we only see bits and pieces of it unless we know a veteran on a personal level. My grandparents served in World War ll, and it is important that we honor them.” To kick off the day, NHS Members served veterans and their families breakfast. The breakfast was immediately followed by an assembly where the entire school came together to support, celebrate, and mourn our military. “It's good for us as a staff to pause and take some time to remember, and also for us to model those attributes for our students,” Mr. Wagner said. Pettisville students had the opportunity to speak on what Veterans mean to them. “Celebrating Veterans Day is important. I don't think people really understand the sacrifice and the loss that veterans and people in the military have put themselves through to help our country,” sophomore Kali Delgado said. “The Veterans Day assembly is a great opportunity for students to be able to learn from people who did so much for them,” eighth grader Theo Jimenez said.
Senior Madison Remington serves breakfast to veterans and their families.
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THANKSgiving by Sophia Loar & Macy Hoylman
Guess the Teacher Can you guess which teacher uses this waterbottle? Click the picture below to reveal the correct answer!
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Students in Mrs. Hoffmire's class held their own mock election, where they voted on various topics.
Future Voters by Jack Leppelmeier
Eighth grade students cast their ballots.
If you guessed Mrs. Planson, you’re correct. Make sure to stop by her room for any questions you might have about Mythology or English.
The presidential election was big news in November, and it did not skip Pettisville. Students in grades 7-12 participated in a mock election, with intentions of familiarizing themselves with the election process and how it works. “I wanted to give the students an experience like they would have when they turned 18, and [are] eligible to vote,” said Jenae Lammers, Pettiville librarian, who held the mock election. “[The Mock election] was good to familiarize the junior and senior class with voting when they are eligible to vote, and did a good job simulating the process overall,” Caleb Parks, a junior, said of the mock election process. These students had the opportunity to vote for either Donald Trump (Republican), Kamala Harris (Democrat), Cornel West (Independent), or Chase Oliver (Libertarian). The results out of 128 votes in the junior high and high school were: Donald Trump with 94 votes, Kamala D. Harris with 28 votes, and Cornel West and Chase Oliver with four and two votes, respectively. The elementary school also held their own mock elections, spanning from Kindergarten to sixth grade. Mrs. Hoffmire’s Kindergarten class voted on a variety of topics, from the president to their favorite school topic. Results of these had Trump beating Harris 13 votes to 9. Cats beat horses, goats, and dogs for their favorite animals, and strawberry took the win over banana, pineapple, and apple for the class's favorite fruit. Finally, P.E. is their favorite school topic over Music, Computer and Art. From voting on favorite fruit to the President of the United States, the students of Pettisville Schools have been educated on the importance of voting and have familiarized themselves with the voting process.
"My favorite thing about FCCLA is the field trips because the fundraisers we do for them, like donuts and music theater, go to a good cause." -Tyler Wilburn -10th grade
Ryan Bishop makes a move in the chess tournmaent against LC.
Clubs by Sam Hastings
Pettisville’s high school clubs have been busy over the last couple of weeks. FCCLA club members have each been challenged to sell seven dozen Krispy Kreme donuts to earn a trip to a Toledo Walleyes game on December 4. FFA members were tasked with selling fruits, nuts, candles, and a range of other items. Students could sell these items to earn a certain amount of commission from their earnings for the FFA member's personal use. The chess club played Liberty Center in a Swiss Format tournament on November 21. In a Swiss format tournament, players compete against other players with the same record. The top finisher for Pettisville was Kobe Hoylman in third place. On November 16 the quiz team placed 21 out of 36 teams at a tournament at Hicksville High School, qualifying for Nationals for the eighth year in a row. The top scorers were Macy Hoylman and Emily VanDenBerghe with 200 points and 225 points respectively. Pettisville added new classes this year, including options for students to take different STEAM classes. These classes include Computer Programming, Robotics, and 3D Design. On November 14, these classes went to NorthStar Bluescope to see jobs that involve the skills they are learning in class. Students toured the plant and heard from a variety of people. “This trip will help students connect the skills they are learning in class to the real world,” explained Greg Waidelich, STEAM teacher. Students saw these skills in action by touring the plant and hearing from a variety of people.
"I loved exploding the volcanoes, it was really fun! Everyone built their own volcano and we put in vinegar, baking soda and a little bit of soap, and we exploded them outside. We did it when we were talking about volcanoes and Earth's surface." -Huxley Rufenacht -2nd grade
Quotes out of Context “Whenever I see a defiant cornstalk, it grinds my gears.” “You have no idea how many kids I’ve pulled out of the air.” “If you are good enough to be at school, you are good enough to have both feet on the ground.” “I just parkoured around those seventh graders.” “Potluck is such a weird lookin’ word.” “Probably because it’s two little words made into one.” “The ankle is in.” “Rice, you’re cooked.” “Sometimes I wish I could give him some of my brain cells.” “I made the sorting hat out of a traffic cone.” “You’re a hazard, Harry.” “They all think the Spider did it, but in reality it was Jesus.” “The first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence is some of the sexiest writing ever.” “I am not a gum poacher. Those people are sinners.”
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Fourth grader Emma Halmi constructs a volcano for her science project.
Gradyn Rychener (8) prepares to fire an arrow during an archery unit in PE.
The gray team competes in a hula hoop challenge during the Wellness Week assembly on November 1.
Olivia Moore (10) perfects her perspective drawing project for art class.
Leading the charge as Anger and Joy, Mr. Waldvogel and Mrs. Saffell commence the costume parade.
Blackbird Snapshots
Before taking it home for the weekend, Chloe Sauder (8) practices handling the Real Care Baby.
Adey Curtis (8) works on sewing her pillow in Transitions & Careers.
In art class, kindergarteners Emma Haas and Aubree Naveau glaze their ceramic plates.
Name: Caden Bishop Date of Birth: January 8, 2007 Parents: Paul and Mandy Bishop Siblings: Ryan, Lainey, and Molly Bishop Extracurricular activities: Cross country, golf, basketball, baseball, FCA, FFA, journalism, youth group Plans after high school: Undecided What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Get out of the way for seniors in the student section. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I just did my homework, idk What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Not a trend, but wearing ankle socks during basketball freshman year What was your biggest childhood fear? Needles/shots What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis
Name: Keyera Dietrich Date of Birth: September 8, 2006 Parents: Tim & Priscilla Dietrich Siblings: Timothy, Corey, Nick Extracurricular activities: Art club Plans after high school: Work to save up for college What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Don’t be annoying. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? My niece was born last night. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? 2020 alt What was your biggest childhood fear? The dark What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Props and Mayhem” by Pierce the Veil
Name: Jayden Bleikamp Date of Birth: June 10, 2006 Parents: Stacey Dominique, Chris Bleikamp Siblings: Kayden Dominique, Logen Dominique, Landon Bleikamp, Ashlynn Reckner, Caitlyn Reckner, Tobin Reckner Extracurricular activities: XC, FFA, FCCLA, 4-H Plans after high school: Go into the workforce What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Enjoy it while you can because the older you get the faster school goes. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? My pig was having babies. What was your biggest childhood fear? Spiders What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream
Name: Emily VanDenBerghe Date of Birth: March 20, 2007 Parents: Sharon and Nathan Siblings: Luke, Alissa, Joe, Olivia Extracurricular activities: Cross Country, Quiz, Musical, Play, Jazz Band, NHS, FCA, Journalism Plans after high school: Attending Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, for a degree in nursing. What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Don’t be afraid to try new things and participate in as many clubs and activities as possible. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Having bangs in elementary school What was your biggest childhood fear? I’ve always been afraid of spiders. What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
Name: Kyler Bledsoe Date of Birth: January 23, 2007 Parents: Shirley and Brett Bledsoe Siblings: Brady Bledsoe Extracurricular activities: Track Plans after high school: Continue working at Swanton Welding What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Don't let school stress you out. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I have never used an excuse to get out of an assignment. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? fidget spinners What was your biggest childhood fear? House fires What song are you secretly obsessed with? "Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma" by Luke Combs
Name: Noelle Fox Date of Birth: February 14, 2007 Parents: Nate and Jamie Fox Siblings: Hannah, Silas, and Caleb Fox Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, basketball, FFA, FCCLA, FCA, Pettisville Missionary Youth Group Plans after high school: Attend Huntington University to get my Agribusiness degree in animal production What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Your worth isn't defined by what people say about you. Your worth comes from God. There are a lot of people out there who aren't going to like you, but in the wise words of Taylor Swift, "Haters are gonna hate you just gotta shake." What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? My baby brother ate my homework. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? The headband phase What was your biggest childhood fear? The dark and monsters being under my bed (I'm still afraid of both.) What song are you secretly obsessed with? “I'm Not Pretty” by Megan Moroney
Blackbird Sports Now that fall sports have ended and winter is closing in, join Creighton and Shiloh for a recap of State XC and a chance to meet winter sports teams!
Kendall Sears participates in the District Meet at Leaders Farm.
Pettisville senior Kendall Sears has shown excellence on the cross country course this month. Kendall has been an essential part of a very successful varsity girls cross country team the past four years. “The biggest change this offseason was working with a personal trainer, and I got more miles in weekly than I was used to,” Kendall said. “We weren’t just training to train, we had specific goals in mind. “ One of those goals was earning BBC runner of the year, as Kendall secured the title her sophomore year, but came in BBC runner up her junior year. Once the season arrived, Kendall established some rituals and traditions. “Before a race, I will do my nails, and the morning of I will do my hair. I pick a certain hairstyle each season that I do for every meet,” Kendall said. “After each race, the team stays at the finish line until our runners all finish. It’s not about the time or place, but having fun as a team.” Kendall’s advice for underclassmen is that you don’t have to be a senior to be a leader, and the most important thing is showing up for your team. “After a race, it’s important to be there for your teammates and either pick them up if they struggle or to be there to celebrate with them after a good race.” Kendall wrapped up the year with a 19:19 46th place effort at state. “My favorite memory was walking up to the state finish line the day before and getting to see all the other teams. I was with [Madison and Grace Remington], and it was just so fun to be able to celebrate making it to state.” Congratulations to Kendall for being the athlete of the month!
Athlete of the Month by Caden Bishop
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TO OUR 2024-2025 PET ECHOES SPONSORS
THANK YOU
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