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The Student News Site of Elkhorn North High School

The Howler

The Student News Site of Elkhorn North High School

The Howler

The Student News Site of Elkhorn North High School

The Howler

Payton Brummels

Payton Brummels, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Payton Brummels is the Editor-in-Chief of the North Howler. Payton has been on staff for two years and is excited to expand her role and lead the North Howler staff. Payton participates in cross country and soccer, and is a member of NHS. When not at school, Payton enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.

All content by Payton Brummels
Letter From the Editor

Letter From the Editor

By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished April 30, 2025

Dear Readers of the North Howler, I did not join the North Howler until my junior year. Until then, I couldn’t define what journalism was, I didn’t know how to quote someone properly, and I was...

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Women Choose the Bear

Women Choose the Bear

My experience as a woman today living in a man’s world
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished February 27, 2025

There was a viral question in 2024 asking women if they would rather be alone in the woods with a bear or a man. To the surprise of many men, when given the option, the majority of women choose the bear.  Based...

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The American Storm

The American Storm

Emotions and opinions vary after the 2024 presidential election
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished December 13, 2024

The Controversy With each Presidential election, it is undeniable that many Americans will be unhappy with the results. While Americans don’t agree on everything, in 2024, politics have divided the...

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Senior Mia Speranza works with her classmates on an AP Literature assignment.

Wolf of the Week: Mia Speranza

By Chelsea Mahloch, Social Media ManagerPublished December 6, 2024

Senior Mia Speranza works with her classmates on an AP Literature assignment.

The Wolves celebrate around head coach Jordan Fuglestad after winning state cross country championship. Photo courtesy of Alden McKnight.

What a Community Can Do

5,4,3,2,...1. The last five years, the wolves have fought to earn their place as state champions
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished November 8, 2024

What started in June was completed on October 26th. From the beginning of summer training, the Elkhorn North Girls cross country team have laced their shoes each day with the mindset “We>Me.” While...

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Public School Pride

Public School Pride

Students in Elkhorn are privileged to receive an elevated education through a public school system.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished October 24, 2024

Elkhorn Public Schools is a privileged public school system that embodies many of the traits that are sought after in a private school. Students in public education systems are often more exposed to...

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Your Voice, Your Vote

Your Voice, Your Vote

With the upcoming election, political talk is in full swing.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished September 25, 2024

Politics are not often discussed in school, but last year Elkhorn North encouraged students to vote as registration was provided during school lunch. Students who register can view their polling location...

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Kelly Smith with her foster daughter (left).
Kelly Smith in the Air Force. (right)

Mrs. Smith, a Mother to All

After 20 years at Tri-County, Kelly Smith is excited to be a part of the new wolves staff
By Payton Brummels and Niharika KandariPublished September 6, 2024

New English teacher Kelly Smith is transitioning from teaching at a Class C1 school west of Beatrice to the suburbs and Elkhorn. Smith grew up in Trenton, NE. and married her high school sweetheart from...

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Junior Sydney Wallace, senior Ava Spies, and junior Payton Brummels pose together at prom. Spies and Brummels both had their colors done and selected dresses in their pink palette. 
Photo courtesy of Payton Brummels.

Revealing Your You Colors

The process of “getting your colors done” is expensive and not important to everyone; but those who invest in understanding their natural undertones/palettes make the most out of their natural features.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished May 16, 2024

I got my color analysis done at House of Colors in Bennington, Nebraska. While I did not have high expectations going in, my mom has been super into getting your colors done for about five years, so I...

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4 Years or 4 Life, Teacher Edition

4 Years or 4 Life, Teacher Edition

While students may think they have it all figured out, advice is best from those who have lived through similar situations to those students face.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished April 25, 2024

Each person has their own experience with relationships: some marry their high school sweetheart, others meet in a college classroom, and some find their person later in life.  High school students...

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4 Years or 4 Life?

4 Years or 4 Life?

High school Sweethearts; the difficult reality of making a high school relationship work.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished April 25, 2024

Adolescence and the teenage years are supposed to be some of the most carefree and enjoyable years of life.  There is the comfort of friends and family being close, accompanied by the new freedoms. ...

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Seniors Ellie Cannon and Colin McMahon prepare to host the winter sports pep rally on Dec. 8, 2023. The Pack is lead by Cannon and Ava Spies.

Wolf of the Week: Ellie Cannon

Senior Ellie Cannon plays a crucial role in school spirit and encouragement of student athletes.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished March 14, 2024

The Wolf of the Week column often features athletes who have a major impact during a game or event, but this week features one of the most important figures behind the scenes.  Senior Ellie Cannon...

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Lydia Pruch performs in "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy".  Pruch performs on stage at Elkhorn High.

Review | The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

Junior Lydia Pruch takes on the lead role in the 2023 production of The Nutcracker.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished December 18, 2023

The most magical time of the year can be encapsulated in one production: The NutCracker.  The original ballet premiered a week before Christmas in 1892.  Since then, it has been recreated and modernized...

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Senior yearbook editor Selah Halweg in her senior pictures.  Photo courtesy of Kelly Honz.

Wolf of the Week: Selah Halweg

Selah Halweg is in charge of organizing the memories of each student into one book, as she takes on the role of yearbook editor in her senior year.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished December 1, 2023

The yearbook encapsulates the events, sports, and activities of each school year.  The Yearbook staff takes pictures, designs spreads, and organizes the photographed and written memories of the student...

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Ter Wal stands under a Netherland Flag outside her home.  This picture was taken prior to her departure to the United States.

United States expectations, Nebraska reality

Upon entering the United States from the Netherlands, expectations were high. Placed in Nebraska, Wencke Ter Wal had to rethink those expectations.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished November 13, 2023

Upon entering the United States from the Netherlands, expectations were high. Placed in Nebraska, Wencke Ter Wal had to rethink those expectations. From an outside perspective, the United States has...

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Freshman Elle Jones stands on the Elkhorn North football field for cheer pictures.  Although cheer practices on the field at Elkhorn North, they cheer for games at Elkhorn high.

Pups of the Pack: Elle Jones

Elle Jones balances her time between highschool and club cheer.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished November 2, 2023

While many freshmen are involved in one fall sport, Elle Jones divides her time between two cheer teams; she participates on Elkhorn North's cheer team, as well as club cheer at Elite. “I practice...

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Leah Robinson and Ella Ford push past Norris competitor after the hill at Mount Michael.  Both girls pass her to allow for an overall win.  The phrase "We over Me", is written on the girls legs as they run together.

Running with the Pack

Though often viewed as an individual sport, the Wolves show the reality of cross country.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished October 10, 2023

“It's all in your head,” highlights the mental toughness required for cross country.  Though it is a sport that requires consistent individual resilience, athletes need teammates to rely on. Running...

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Harper Wills participates in JV golf tournament at Grandpas Woods' on September 25, 2023.  Wills was looking to stay on par with the course.  Photo courtesy of Coach Seger.

Pups of the Pack: Harper Wills

While facing medical difficulty, Harper continues to do what she loves in a new school.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished September 27, 2023

Despite facing the daily challenges that accompany diabetes, Harper continues to play the sport she loves and grow close with friends.   While she has noticed the transition from middle school, she...

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Sophomore Wyatt Sledge pushes past competitors up the Mount Michael hill.  He looks to the side at his mom cheering him on.

Cross Country at Mount Michael | Photo Series

Pack night for the wolves. Girls varsity wins first, and boys varsity come in second behind Norris.
By Payton Brummels, Editor-in-ChiefPublished September 22, 2023

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The Student News Site of Elkhorn North High School
Payton Brummels