Bellevue East Student News Site

Beast Student Media
Bellevue East Student News Site

Beast Student Media
Bellevue East Student News Site

Beast Student Media
Locked in. Students in AP Psychology participate in a review Kahoot game. This is meant to help them recall key terms from the class before. “I don’t think people should be deterred from taking the AP,” instructor Shane Peterson said. “I think that if you’re planning on going to college and that’s your future, why would you not take an AP class?”

Students prepare for upcoming AP exams

Brianna Yang, Newspaper Managing Editor • May 12, 2026

For some students, the first week of May is usually symbolic of the final month of the school year. The homestretch, the final run. But for others, the first week might be a time for studying and stress. For the Chieftains, Advanced Placement (more commonly known as AP) exams kick off the first week...

Time to honor. At the Martial Arts International Studio on March 5, 2026, community members gather to honor the memory of Master Sergeant Noah Tietjens. Tietjens was a Bellevue resident who was killed in Kuwait on March 1, 2026. “The martial arts family was all there, and so he had a whole second family that showed up in force and it was very nice,” Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike said. “So, again, just helping each other and helping people through whatever they're feeling.”

Bellevue honors Master Sgt. Noah Tietjens

Victoria Bogatz, Newspaper Co-Editor in Chief • May 12, 2026

The atmosphere was solemn inside the Martial Arts International Studio. Still, as students cycled through 43 exercises in honor of what would have been Master Sergeant Noah Tietjens’ birthday, they smiled and laughed as they reminisced on Tietjens’ time at the studio. This March 5 memorial was...

Prove yourself. During the opening act of East’s spring musical, Freaky Friday, on March 14 in the auditorium, Senior Ava Ingraldi [far left] sings proudly as a lead while freshman Mary Maloney [far right] acts to support her performance. Maloney was inspired by Ingraldi's work ethic and leadership throughout the production.. “I'm always trying to show people that I'm the best I can get, which then pushes me to get better,” Ingraldi said.

Seniors help freshmen in activities come into their own

Avonelle Reliford, Newspaper Reporter • May 12, 2026

It was the second time East’s theater program ran through the spring musical, Freaky Friday, and everything was going wrong. The run-through was messy, and things were dragging on. But instead of dwelling on it, Senior Ava Ingraldi, who played a lead as the mom, went in refreshed and undeterred by...

3D magic. Holding a mock prosthetic arm, Ph.D. student Liliana Delgado demonstrates what it’s like to use a prosthetic. The UNO Biomechanics Lab had an open house on Friday, April 17, and many of the labs and their works were on display. “The primary purpose is to 3D print prosthetics for children with limb loss,” Delgado said. “The reason that we do this is because traditional prosthetics are really, really expensive.”

UNO Biomechanics lab helps community

Charlotte Palm, Newspaper Features Editor • May 12, 2026

Walking into the 3D-printing lab, there is a whir of noise in the room. The printers are printing away, with various projects of different shapes and sizes in progress. There is an assortment of 3D-printed hands hanging on the wall, each a different color and style. The students in the lab are smiling,...

Tag, you are it. Playing a game with the elementary students at Wake Robin Elementary School, juniors Ava Salvino and Sydney Dickson run away, trying not to get tagged. They work for the Kids’ Time program and work with the students every day after school. “Both of them went here at Wake Robin so they are familiar with the school and program,” Kids’ Time Site Director Kenneth Scott said. “They are both amazing and always willing to help out.”

Students hired by BPS grow district programs

Charlotte Palm, Newspaper Features Editor • April 6, 2026

Kids line up by the door at Wake Robin Elementary School, ready to go outside after a long day. When the staff let them go, they run outside screaming with smiles on their faces. Following them are juniors Ava Salvino and Sydney Dickson, who work for the Kids’ Time program every day after school. They...

Staying in rhythm. Performing during the marching band season, junior Daelan Bauer plays in the drum line. As they make their way into college in the next few years, they plan to continue with band. “Something I’m looking for in college would be to further expand my knowledge as a musician not only as a performer but also as a composer,” Bauer said. Photo courtesy of Daelan Bauer

Extracurricular activities prepare students for college

Natalie Wallace, Newspaper Reporter • April 6, 2026

Looking down at her planner confused, senior Alexis Elder, stresses about college. To her friends at the table, she explains her worries. “I am graduating soon, I really need to start thinking about how to go on with things,” Elder said. Bellevue East High School students are graduating soon...

A bit of sunshine. In advisory on Friday, February 27, instructor Brian Yates receives a Sunshine Crew sticker from assistant principal Susan Jensen. The Sunshine Crew honors a group of staff members each week and brings the Sunshine Cart on Friday for the appreciated members to choose a snack. “Everybody gets burnt out, especially this time of year,” Yates said. “It’s hard, so I think showing that appreciation, that we all are in the fight together, while working together means a lot and gives us an extra bit of morale and happiness.”

Sunshine crew works to boost staff morale

Lillian Herrick, Newspaper Sports Editor • April 6, 2026

The sunshine cart rolls speedily through the halls of Bellevue East. The cart is decorated with yellow streamers, blinking fairy lights, and sun paper cutouts; it is filled with delicious snacks and drinks for staff members. Assistant Principal Susan Jensen pushes the cart through the halls while Instructor...

Focus. In AP 3D Art on March 11, 2026, Senior Amaya Sterup works towards her project. Sterup was working with a bag of air dry clay to make a 3D piece. “It takes me a long time to create my projects,” Sterup said. “But ultimately I enjoy the process.”

AP art students create in new dimensions

Lailyah Duncan, Newspaper News Editor • April 6, 2026

What starts as a simple idea in senior Amaya Sterup’s imagination slowly begins to take shape as they work, one of only three students in the class bringing creativity into a three dimensional form. During the 2026 school year, AP Art students at Bellevue East High School create 3D art pieces that...

Hop on board. Picking up students from school to take them home, Paul Ysusi parks his bus at Bellevue East. Ysusi picks up students before and after school, as well as takes students to sporting events and other school activities. “I enjoy driving, especially a big bus,” Ysusi said. Photo by Savannah Stultz

East bus driver fosters connections with students

Maya Valenti, Newspaper Co-Entertainment Editor • April 6, 2026

Students rush out of Bellevue East, ready to get home after a long day of school. Many students line up and wait to climb onto buses with their friends.  Bellevue East has 61 bus drivers that work in the district and have regular bus routes. Bus drivers have a big impact on the community and help...

Time for relaxation. At Majestic resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, instructor Sara Pithan was enjoying her last day by the pool on March 22. The view is from the patio of her room at the resort. “It was one of my favorite views,” Pithan said. “It wasn't as windy at the pool and the water was warm.” Photo courtesy of Sara Pithan

Students and staff share spring break plans

Charley Leon, Newspaper Co-Editor in Chief • April 6, 2026

T he final bell rings on March 13, dismissing students and later, staff to begin spring break. Instructor Sara Pithan, paraprofessional Maggie Best, and junior Carolina Cervantes all leave the building anticipating their plans over the break. Students and staff members get to unwind and enjoy...

Polar Plunge supports Special Olympics

Brianna Yang, Newspaper Managing Editor • February 12, 2026

Nebraska’s first ever Polar Plunge event took place in Kearney back in 2001. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the challenge. The Plunge will take place in six cities across Nebraska, with Kearney being the first stop on February 7. Omaha’s is set to happen on Saturday, February 14. In support...

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