Continuous Coverage
Site Excellence
Story Page Excellence
Excellence in Writing
Multimedia Excellence
Audience Engagement
Boys’ swim meet a splashing success
Donate to Spartan Shield
$480
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal
Your donation will support the student journalists of Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa. Your contribution will allow us to purchase needed equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
More to Discover
About the Contributors
Gretchen Highberger, Copy Editor
Gretchen Highberger is a senior at Pleasant Valley High School and serves as a copy editor for the Spartan Shield. Most afternoons in the fall, she can be found at cross country practice. Since freshman year, she has been a member of Pleasant Valley Girls Cross Country and has had the opportunity to compete on the varsity squad at the state level multiple times. During home football games, she can be found behind the endzones or on the field as a member of the marching band. This year, she has the honor of being one of five drum majors. During concert band, she plays clarinet and was selected for All-State Band her sophomore year and junior years. She enjoys meaningful conversations, which lead her to compete on the Ethics Bowl team that advanced to nationals last spring. When not at school, she enjoys experimenting with the same 10 ingredients in her kitchen and using an inordinate amount of dishes to make very rudimentary meals, much to the annoyance of her family, as well as trying to fit 8 hours worth of sleep into a 6 hour period.
Lydia Sommer, PV Only Editor
Lydia Sommer is a senior at Pleasant Valley High School. It is her first year working for the Spartan Shield and she serves as the PV Only Editor. While you may find her pursuing her passion in writing, you could also find Lydia doing her other passion: running. She competes on PV's cross country and track and field team as a four-time varsity runner, where she has run at the state level numerous times and is a highly decorated athlete. Besides running, Lydia is a devoted student who spends her time enjoying honors and AP classes and volunteering wherever help is needed. She also loves listening to music, watching movies, and sunsets. However, keeping a creative and sharp mind is something Lydia also thrives at; she frequently questions ideals and ponders the uncertainties of the world. Lydia is excited to bring her artistic ideas to the Spartan Shield this year!