Statesman is a class in which one gets the chance to write for the school newspaper at LHS. Every week new stories get published online and once a month, a paper issue is released for every class at LHS to read. Behind the stories written for the Statesman is a class full of fun, entertaining people, delicious food and freedom away from the stress of other classes. Here are the top five reasons to join the Statesman: 

1. Statesfam Fridays

At the beginning of the semester, students in both Statesman classes sign up to bring treats for their class on Fridays. The two hours of the day that have Statesman are second and third period, which both happen to be before lunch. So, usually by the time 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. comes around, students are already hungry for something to eat. The treats brought on Fridays are a nice, delicious snack to have while waiting to be dismissed for lunch. 

      2. The gear

Most years Dr. Kroeze orders at least one t-shirt and one sweatshirt that can be purchased by the students who are in Statesman. The t-shirts are always different colors from the previous years and the sweatshirts range from normal hoodies to crewnecks. Since most students are in the class for two or three years, this is beneficial to them as they will have a variety of Statesman attire. On delivery days, everyone dresses up in their Statesman merch while they deliver the issues to all the classes. 

      3. Blended Learning

Starting the 2023 school year, Dr. Kroeze has decided that her Statesman classes will now be blended. Students who have at least 80% in the class and have no missing assignments will now have the opportunity to go home instead of going to class on work days. This will most likely be favored by many students as it is less time they will be having to spend at school during the school day. 

      4. Friendship 

Statesman is one of the very few classes that one can take multiple years of high school. Most students end up taking the class for two years or even more. Throughout this time, friendships are formed through many of the students involved in Statesman. When you are around the same people every day in a class where you can be social throughout most of the period, bonds and friendships are formed very quickly. 

      5. Dr. Kroeze 

Dr. Kroeze is definitely one of the most easy going, supportive and fun-loving teachers at LHS. Kroeze will oftentimes surprise us with treats that either her or her mother has made for our class. She allows us to play games during class such as various card games, activities on the View Board and whole class Olympic games. We write stories week by week, always getting more than enough time to write out stories and do our designs. Kroeze is always there to help with story title ideas, design layout and even listen to all your drama. Overall, there arenot very many people who could do the job she does, let alone aswell as she does it.