The student news site of Atlantic High School

AHSneedle
The student news site of Atlantic High School

AHSneedle
The student news site of Atlantic High School

AHSneedle
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Athlete of the Month: Teagan Kinzie

A shoutout for Teagan Kenzie, a swim standout at AHS.
Makenna Schroeder and Stellah Van Aernam
May 12, 2025
Jersey Phippen
GOOD WORK– Sophomore Teagan Kinzie greets head coach McReedy after his race.

Teagan Kinzie, a 16 year old here at AHS, had worked tirelessly to earn his spot at state swimming. His journey began when Cody Mcreedy invited him to join the swim team, an offer Teagan is very grateful for. “I started coaching Teagan last year after a meet official approached me about the para-division of high school swimming.  Right away, Teagan came to mind,” recalled McReedy. At first Teagan was “unsure” about his ability to swim, but he quickly found his confidence and strengths through the encouragement his team gave him. 

GO– Kinzie racing to the finish. (Jersey Phippen)

Swimming has been so much more than just a sport for Teagan. It hasn’t just been an individual thing, it’s been a team effort. The motivation each person gives to him has driven him to be the best that he can be. It helped him to perform his best and they have been a constant reminder to him that they will be there always and they will always support him. Coach McReedy said that, “ Coaching Teagan has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.”

“I am just so grateful and proud of our team. I mean they’re basically like family.” Teagan reflects. Teagan is so “incredibly proud” of how their hard work has paid off and he is excited to represent his school swim team at the next level. Teagan’s story is just a reminder that with a positive attitude and supportive team, anything is possible if you put your mind to it. 

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About the Contributors
Makenna Schroeder
Makenna Schroeder, AHS Needle Junior Editor
Makenna Schroeder is a writer for AHS Needle and has been involved in Journalism for two years. Schroeder’s favorite part of Journalism is the “diversity of people” in journalism and the “freedom it gives you.” Schroeder also enjoys interacting with new people. Her favorite work she’s done is taking pictures at the state track. She met with tons of other reporters and other photographers from all over Iowa, and accessed special areas for journalists. “The entire experience was truly amazing and allowed me to see the hustle and bustle of state track without being an athlete. In school, Schroeder is also involved in basketball, cheerleading, golf, softball, and AHS fuel, she is the secretary of student council and plays the flute in band. Outside of school, Schroeder enjoys dancing, reading, and listening to music. Schroeder loves to explore and have cool stories to tell. She loves to travel, and learn about different cultures and people Schroeder loves to have a “wide variety of knowledge.” After high school, Schroeder plans to go to college but is unsure of where she would like to attend. Schroeder plans to enter the medical world, somewhere she can “travel and meet new people.” Story by Erik Ramirez
Stellah Van Aernam
Stellah Van Aernam, JP Student
Stellah Van Aernam, a sophomore, joined the AHS intro to journalism class as an english credit this year. Her favorite project so far has been writing Drayce Moore’s Senior Story. “It was interesting learning more about my friend, Drayce,” Van Aernam said. She also enjoyed the class trip to Iowa City. They attended a conference to learn more about journalism and got the opportunity to explore the campus. “My favorite part was going to Canes with Hallie, Erik, and Elaina. I also liked getting to talk to the college students and professors about journalism and learning so many new things,” Van Aernam said.  Her hobbies include, “dance, track, reading, eating, and sleeping.”  One of Van Aernam’s favorite aspects of journalism is all of the friends she’s made from taking the class. “I’ve made so many friends and I get to hang out with one of my best friends,” she said. Bio by Jaylynn Rosenbaum
Jersey Phippen
Jersey Phippen, Yearbook Editor
Jersey Phippen has been a proud journalist for three years and has been a lead editor for the yearbook her junior and senior year. Phippen’s proudest accomplishment from journalism was her “Leaving a Mark” story written with Jocelyn McEntaffer about the signatures in the middle school auditorium. Her favorite part of journalism is the freedom in the class, “not having a teacher giving you lessons or lectures. Just having a teacher there to help you out when you need it,” Phippen said.  Outside of journalism Phippen is involved in volleyball, basketball, soccer, track and field, Dance Atlantic, and competitive dance team at Dance Atlantic.  A big part of Phippen’s life is hanging out with her friends. “There are so many things you can do with your friends.” Phippen said. “A variety.” Bio by Sophie Johnson