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Saturday, May 29, proved an impressive day for friends and family of the reputedly strange Betsy Sieber. Sieber, who actually graduates from Green Bay East High the evening of May 7, held her graduation party early, "so I could make sure all of my friends could come, and not be torn between my party, or other friends," the senior explained.
Preparations began early in the week with the entire family pitching in to groom the Sieber Estate. All of Betsy's younger siblings raked the lawn, and helped set up the tent to shelter her party-goers. They also hauled tables and folding chairs (borrowed from the local Mormon Church) early Saturday morning, and arranged those as well. Other family members who contributed to the party include Mrs. Donna Truttmann, Betsy's Grandmother who baked four cakes for the event. A friend from church, Tiffany Taylor also prepared signs detailing the specific events of the party for its attenders. Events included "Ultimate Croquet," "Potato Sack Races," and sports such as volleyball or badminton.
Taylor also made a sign requesting guests to sign either of two books. These blank journals were intended to write messages to Sieber, so she could, "take a little home out to Utah."
Festivities began a slowly, but the fun increased as more people arrived. Guests ranged from highschool teachers, to Sieber's sophomore lunch table buddies. Several other church members also attended, notably President Gregory Krehbiel, President of the Green Bay Wisconsin Stake (a stake refers to a type of district which congregations are grouped into).
Out of all the events participated in, guests seemed to enjoy a twenty-two minute feature film best. The film, casually called "Betsys Movie," is a collection of family video clips and photographs of the young adult from the time she was born until age 16. Sieber said she was reluctant to show the video, and was startled at the reaction from her friends. "There were people going back when we showed it a second time. Why would anyone want to watch twenty minutes of me and my quirky family twice?" she exclaimed.
Other interesting occasions included an awe-inspiring fencing match, fought by Simon Dick and Thom Keehan (commonly called Hom-Too by Sieber). This duel commenced during the Ultimate Croquet Match, which took place in the minature orchard located on the hill far back in Sieber's property. Sieber claims she had no knowledge of the violence while it was going on, "or I would have been there to cheer them both on." A reference to the famed movie The Princess Bride was supposedly made by Dick, who informed Keehan, "I have something to tell you...I'm not left handed." However, Keehan proved victorious. When asked for further reflection on the occurance Dick said, "I may not be left handed, but I still suck at fencing."
Dick also participated in a duet with Sieber's younger sister Louisa Jo. The two performed "In My Life," originally sung by The Beatles. Sieber introduced the duo by saying, "They are going to play me a Beatles song, because its my favorite, and I asked them to."
Sieber says she would like to thank everyone who attended the gathering. "It was really a wonderful party," she said. "I felt so loved, it was incredible." Special thanks go out to Claire Marie Cortright for being the official photographer of the event. Special thanks also go to all who wrote her messages to take to Utah, or presented Sieber with a card or gift. Sieber concluded, "I'm only sorry there wasnt time to properly introduce everyone, or spend enough time with all of them. Otherwise it was a wonderful party."
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