the
stampede
Coming Out Students, faculty delve into diversity An open forum for student expression
www.rustlernews.com
NEWS................... Noises Off: Drama department presents spring comedy pg. 04 OPINION...................Student Government Elections: A chance to make a difference pg. 05 FEATURES...................Prepping for Dorm Life: Everything you’ll need for your new home pg. 12 ENTERTAINMENT...................Country Music Heaven: State Fair night show preview pg.14 SPORTS...................Sports Siblings: Athletic ability that runs in the family pg. 17
c.m. russell high school great falls, mont. april 26, 2012 vol. 47, issue 8
happeningnow
kathleen hodges
print editor-in-chief
Chasing Sanity
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
When did I turn into this person? I was 10 minutes into an argument about font choices for last month’s centerspread when I had to ask myself this. Seriously. I was in a hard-core argument about fonts. Who does that? Who can not only distinguish different fonts but forms opinions on them? I can, apparently. I don’t know when I became such a nerd, but it’s a problem. At least I’m not the only one, right? OK, there aren’t a whole lot of people outside the journalism room who freak out about fonts, but secretly everyone is a nerd about something. It might be Disney movies. Or maybe quadratic equations or the color wheel. But everyone gets excited about something small, that other people typically don’t get excited about. The little things we all get excited about is what makes life exciting. It makes everything an adventure. How boring would life be if we were all excited about the same things? If we were all as excited about fonts as I am we would never get to experience the magic of mountain biking or breakfast at midnight. That’s why we need to share what we are excited about. Admittedly, the whole font thing doesn’t translate well outside the journalism room. But Disney movies, color wheels, or late night trips to Denny’s are all passions that are easy to share with others. The more that we share little excitements, the more we can just enjoy things. So share your nerdiness. People probably won’t laugh.
02
Lending hands to those in need
Students share volunteering experiences, help community by kendra hix After a hunting trip to Africa, freshman Annie Lewis saw a shortage that sparked an interest. “It’s crazy how one little thing can make a difference for those people,” Lewis said. “People don’t realize it until they see it.” Lewis started the CMR food pantry to make a change for her own community. She also volunteers with pet therapy at the hospital and also donates clothes to Africa in hopes of improving her world. “When we donate stuff out there it doesn’t make our community better but it makes our world better,” she said. With the help of her mother, Lewis has taken the food pantry from where it started at North Middle School to CMR. “Our original thoughts were these people need food, and we want to make their lives better,” she said. Lewis has seen a promising start to the food pantry with how it helps families of Great Falls’ lives. “I think it has improved a lot of people’s academics and attitudes,” she said. “I’m glad that I can help.” Lewis and the other volunteers help an average of 30 to 35 families and 200 plus students monthly and extra hands are always needed. The pantry supplies boxes of food
Items you can donate to the CMR food pantry
Hygiene products Deodorant Shampoo/Conditoner Boxed meals Canned fruit Canned vegetables Non-perishables Canned soup Bottled drinks Money to buy fresh fruit and other perishables the day of delivery If you want to donate something you can bring it to the Front Office or the Advisement Center.
for families over weekends and long breaks. The boxes include perishables that they buy the day of giving and boxed meals, canned fruit and vegetables and bottled drinks. “We’ve had a lot of help but the more the better so we can support the families that need the help so we can make our school environment better,” Lewis said. Like Lewis, junior Louise Bertelsen believes that the more people who want to help out, the better. “I love to [volunteer] myself. I don’t expect others to do it but I think it’s a good idea,” Bertelsen said. “It’s better when it’s a group doing it all for a good cause.” Bertelsen and fellow members from the PAX foreign exchange program and spent three hours on April 4 serving and volunteering at The Golden Corral. People also bought tickets and purchased items from the silent auction. The majority of the money they raised went to assist the Great Falls Children’s Receiving Home and a small portion went to a fund for the foreign exchange students to experience the United States culturally. “We wanted to give back to the community,” she said. “It feels good to raise money that goes to a good cause.” The members were given many options of places to which they could donate money. Bertelsen had a personal reason for choosing the Great Falls Children’s Receiving Home. “Back home I babysit two girls in foster care and I know they’ve been through hard times,” Bertelsen said. When Bertelsen goes back to Denmark she plans to help out as much as she can. “I want to give back. I want to help out. I would be happy to,” she said. “Even a little can give so much.” Lewis believes that everyone can get something from volunteering. “I think people should just take their own ideas and start an organization because the more the better,” Lewis said.
(Top) Plastic barrels are decorated with the infamous CMR green and gold by junior McCall Enott and freshman Annie Lewis. (Bottom) Spray painting barrels for the Food Pantry, junior Mitch Romig and junior McCall Enott paints the cans in order to reach the Food Pantry’s goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of food. The barrels sat in the Advisement center until April 20. The Food Pantry also wanted to collect enough money to buy 2,000 pounds of food from the Food Bank. Photos courtesy of Debbie Lewis.
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
The Breakfast Club: Group feeds, educates
03
by kathleen hodges
Breakfast isn’t just about being the most important meal of the day anymore. Thanks to the Breakfast Club, a new store started by CMR business teacher Dave Stukey, breakfast is now not only an opportunity to offer students a healthy way to start the day, but it teaches the students who run it about basic business principles. “I probably wouldn’t have offered it if the cafeteria offered breakfast,” Stukey said. “I want it to be more of a service thing than a moneymaker thing.” The store, located in the café outside the library, offers a variety of breakfast options, from cereal and juice to pancakes and sausage. “We’re trying to find what sells that fits in our operating guidelines,” Stukey said. Because of the food guidelines, this means that the Breakfast Club cannot sell doughnuts, even though there is student demand for them. “We have to watch what we sell,” Stukey said. The store has been opened for second semester, but it has been slow getting off the ground. “We haven’t been consistent,” Stukey said. “I think it would help if we were consistent.” Because the store is student-run, if students don’t show up in the morning, the store does not open. However, the store isn’t simply a volunteer opportunity for students. They also have the opportunity to earn credit. Students who work for the Breakfast Club do so as part of a 7 a.m. class, and they can earn either an entrepreneurship credit or an independent study credit. Thankfully, Stukey said the students who are currently working the store are a good bunch. “The kids I have now are terrific,” Stukey said. “They’re the ones who have kicked it off and gotten it off the ground.” Chloe Bigler is one of those students. Bigler was approached by Stukey, who told her about the store and asked her if she wanted to work on it. “It [sounded] like a good ideal,” Bigler said. “It’s been nice to help out.” Bigler agrees that the store has had some trouble getting off the ground, but she wants to work to draw attention to the store. “We have days where we don’t have much business,” Bigler said, adding that she thinks advertisements, such as signs or announcements,
would help business. Bigler thinks that the store provides a valuable service to students, especially if they are running late because the store provides a quick option and “it’s cheap.” The store has also provided a valuable service to the students involved in it, such as Bigler, who hopes to go into business after high school “It’s been good,” Bigler said. “If you’re going into business, it’s good to get the experience. It’s taught me a lot.” Bigler said that the store is important because it has given her the experience of working at a job, giving her experience with things like customers, cash registers, and deposits. “It gives you a rough idea of a job,” Bigler said. The opportunity to get real world job experience is one of the reasons senior Jake Hale has enjoyed his experience working with the Breakfast Club. “Basically, we have to run it by ourselves,” Hale said. Hale orginally started working at the Breakfast Club because a friend “talked me into it,” but he also likes the idea of the club. Hale said that if someone was running late, or had forgotten their breakfast “they could come to us and we can give them breakfast.” Hale thinks that people planning on going into business should work for the Breakfast Club. “If they want to go into business, they could learn something from the Breakfast Club.”
Join the Voyage at the Crosstown Clash for Education
Bathe Your Own Dog Grooming by appointment Owner/Operator: Ruth Johns Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
1100 Smelter Ave.
(406) 456-9963
Come and show your C.M. Russell school spirit at theVoyager Game on August 21.
Remember that $1 from every ticket goes back to the city’s high schools!
Enjoy the Spring weather CMR! Love, Key Club Meet with Key Club in room 325 Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
(Above) Taking an order, Breakfast Club workers get ready to make some breakfast for teacher Aaron Jensen. (Below) Senior Jake Hale prepares to cook breakfast as Jensen places his order. Photos by Kelsey Smith.
Students interested in working with the Breakfast Club for the 2012-2013 school year should talk to Mr. Stukey in room 230.
“Finest in Italian and American foods” Fine Dining -Steaks -Seafood -Chicken -Pasta
1800 Smelter Ave. Black Eagle, MT
(406) 761-0300
04
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
“Noises Off” debuts, runs from April 26-28 by peyton fulbright
Sophomore Guilherme Poelsma likes yelling, but not quite as much as he likes women. At least his character in an upcoming play does. “I play a director whose actors aren’t pulling together, so I have to yell to keep them in line. I also have relationships with two cast members. I guess I’m an angry womanizer,” Poelsma said. Poelsma plays the character Loyd Dallas in the upcoming production of “Noises Off,” a comedy about a play called “Nothing On.” “Noises Off” was written by playwright Michael Frayn in 1982. Poelsma is one of 9 actors who are set to entertain audiences tonight throughout Saturday at 7:30 every night. According to Poelsma, he saw his first play when he was seven years old, and he participated in his first play at the age of 13. “I always wanted to act. It helps get you out of your shell,” he said. “I started with the class freshman year, and I stuck with it.” Although he auditioned for every production,”Noises Off” is his first time being cast, Poelsma said. Originally, Poelsma wasn’t in the upcoming play, but he got the part in March when senior Paris Simonson dropped out of the production. “One day, Mr. Evans asked me if I was interested in the role, so I took it,” he said. According to Simonson, he stepped aside because of a swarm of problems both in and out of school that kept him from performing his best. The school’s production of “Noises Off” has been postponed several times this year. According to drama teacher Chris Evans, Standing in front of the set, senior Kyle Wood waits for his his Cue in the “Noises Off” rehearsal on April 17. Photo by Peyton Fulbright. it’s due to the set. “It’s a huge set for a high school play,” Evans said. During the three acts of the play, the entire set has to turn 180 degrees. It has wheels on the bottom to aid the turn. The first act takes place during rehearsals, the second during the play, and the third is backstage. In addition, there are three staircases, Evans said. Originally, Evans planned on doing more plays throughout the year, but he said people aren’t giving them credit for all they have done so far. “We planned on more, but we’ve actually done three. In October, there was the “Poe Preview,” then in November was the “Poe Project,” and in December there was “Madrigal Dinner,” Evans said. Evans has nothing but confidence when it comes to the production’s debut. “It’s a love letter to theater; it just pokes fun at everything. It Studying his notes, drama teacher Chris Evans tries to Getting focused during a break in the rehearsal, sophomore Guilherme will be a great night and you will laugh a lot.” perfect the cast’s acting. Photo by Peyton Fulbright.
US Army and Army Reserve
• •
The US Army and Army Reserve is a values based organization that trains and develops tomorrow’s leaders. Becoming a soldier is a great way for you to build a solid foundation that you can take with you into the future. Soldiers stand out above their peers in many endeavors taken in the civilian world.
• • • • • •
Name: Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Harris Military Occupational Specialty: Military Police Internment/Resettlement Hometown: Brentwood, CA Years of Service: 6 years U.S. High School Education: Deer Valley High School College Education: Currently enrolled at Columbia Southern University Most Memorable Army Moment to Date: Detainee Operations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba What the US Army has done for me: Offered me the opportunity for a career that I can be proud of serving both my local community and my country. It afforded me opportunities in leadership roles that I would had never received at this point of my career had I pursued it in the civilian market.
Poelsma and senior Kyle Wood perfect their lines. Photo by Peyton Fulbright.
opinionvoice it
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There are many things that I am afraid of: ants, the notorious T-Rex, and, above all other things, geese. They have beaks like knives, they foam at the mouth, and they violently chase anything that has the appearance of bread. What’s not to be afraid of? All irrational fears aside, I learned a very important lesson this month. Facing your fears is one of the greatest things you can do. Room 326, the newspaper room, has been a little terrifying to me this month, but I love it nonetheless. When our staff first decided to make the topic of homosexuality our centerspread, I knew that I should make sure that I had a large part in this. The idea of printing 1,000 copies of my opinion, my struggles, and my experiences left me shaking in my boots. However, there was nothing in the world that could convince me not to. Talking about what makes you who you are should never be an embarrassment, regardless of who agrees or disagrees with your choices. I’m willing to take anything that comes along with this in the hope that I may inspire even one person and make them realize that putting themselves out there really isn’t “that bad.” I woud like to say thank you to all of the students who participated in this issue. Thank you to the gay students who have risked words like “faggot,” and the religious students who have risked words like “bigot,” being thrown at them more often in order to stand for what they really believe in, for who they really are. All of you who choose to take risks to be true to yourself, you inspire me. You make me a little less fearful to take a trip to Gibson Park, bread in hand.
Students have rare opportunity to impact school decisions, important to use it right With the upcoming student government elections, students have a rare opportunity to make their voices heard in a real way. Students will soon be faced with a plethora of platforms, all offering different reasons to be elected, from the standard longer lunch to promises for a stellar Homecoming experience. But that’s not all that students should be worrying about. A look back at the newspaper from the past year shows some of the biggest issues that student government is involved in, issues that by voting for student government, you have the opportunity to shape. Student government helps out with everything from dances to the blood drives, and when you vote for student government, you are making a decision about how you want those events to be ran. You want more dances? Elect a student government team that looks like they will be able to organize more dances and actually get people to come. You want a lot of people to sign up for next year’s blood drive? Elect a student government team that will do the best job of getting the word out about the importance of donating blood. Contrary to popular belief, student government members can’t do anything about lunch length. At the end of the day, they don’t have that much power over your Homecoming experience either. What they can do is listen to your input on what you think is important. They can work to come up with great ideas for dances and proms, and also be the type of people others want to work with. Elect someone who will not only work their hardest to make sure that things go well, but will also encourage others to work their hardest. When it comes to meaningful student government decisions, juniors have one of the toughest decisions. As juniors choose their senior class government, it is important to keep in mind that the senior class president will speak at graduation.
What does that mean? It means that even though that student running for office might be involved in three different sports and seem really cool, if you don’t think that he/she could give a coherent speech at graduation that you would want to listen to, it’s probably not a good idea to vote for them. Students don’t often have the opportunity to be directly involved with how the school is run, but when we do (such as during student government elections), it is important that we make the right choices. Don’t waste a vote because someone promises to do something they have no control over. Vote because you think that the person is going to do the best job possible.
voice
BOX
our
lindsey buck
Buck Talk news/opinion editor
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
Charles M. Russell High School: The Stampede The Stampede, published approximately every four weeks, is a public forum for all voices on campus. These voices include the students, parents, faculty and the community at large. The opinions and views in this publication are not necessarily those of the Stampede staff, the student body, CMR employees or the school administration. The Stampede strives to cover the news accurately and fairly; however, when a mistake is made, a correction will be printed in the following issue. All writers are responsible for the content of their articles. Editors will edit all copy to be free of plagiarism and libel, and all writers will double-check their facts before publication. The Stampede accepts letters but limits the length to 200 words. The Stampede reserves the right to edit all letters; anonymous letters are not accepted. The Stampede maintains membership in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association and Quill and Scroll. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
Art by Mandi Monroe
editor-in-chief kathleen hodges online editor elizabeth stanley visual content editor corey allen design editor meg smith news/opinion editor lindsey buck business manager tayler korb features editor kristi gange sports editor alecks leavey entertainment editor caitlyn aakre adviser beth britton
staff greighsen adams ida andersen peyton fulbright whisper harris kendra hix claire knox deja lacey abby lynes mandi monroe stephanie mccracken ryan murphy caroline perkins kaidin phelan zach pottratz olivia rudio jake settera luke sisko keeli telleen jennifer verzuh
228 17th Ave. NW (406) 268-6178 Great Falls, MT 59404 www.rustlernews.com
06
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
Benefits of coming out greater than consequences, persecution
by lindsey buck The excessive amount of make-up, gallons of hairspray, and scent of perfume clogged my mind that day. The realization of what I was really doing didn’t come over me until I was waiting in that line. Fear didn’t surge through me until I heard my name called, but it was my time. However, I was a lot more fragile and fearful before that moment than I will ever be in the future. You see, everything is gay these days. That’s gay. It’s gay. She’s gay. He’s gay. But me? I’m not the implied meaning of gay; I’m the real gay. I came to this terrifying realization my eighth grade year. Although I was only a small middle-schooler, I mustered up the courage to tell a couple of close friends and my family that year. To anyone else, I was as “normal” as could be, though. With a very small support source, and a family that disagreed with being gay, I tried to convince myself otherwise. I dated a couple of men; I was never happy. However, as I grew in confidence and realized that I had many loving friends, I eventually came out completely the summer before my junior year. Coming out was and still is the scariest thing I’ve done in my entire life. To be honest though, it’s a lot easier than I thought it would be. CMR has been gracious to me, and I thank you all for that. I’ve been called a few names in my life, but I haven’t been terrorized like I thought I would be. However, I’ve seen a lot of other gay students at our school receive a lot more torment than I ever had. The sad thing is, that it really isn’t a matter of what you believe, or what contradicts your religion, or what you think is gross. It’s a matter of who you choose to accept as a real person, and who you choose to look at as an object.
Regardless of whether homosexuality is right or wrong, no one ever has the right to interfere or make someone’s life harder. Instead of focusing energy towards what they think is wrong, people should focus their energy towards promoting what they think is right. Slander and bullying don’t get anyone anywhere. I’ve learned a lot through my experience, however. Being gay isn’t really as bad as it seems. The way I see it, everyone has their own “thing” put on them. Whether you get bullied at school for being a nerd, for being gay, for being stuck up, for being “ugly,” or you go home to problems like drugs or abusive parents, everyone has something they have overcome. That’s why we should never take pity on ourselves. As cliché as it is, there is always someone who has it worse. These thoughts bring me back to March 30, my day of hairspray, perfume, nail polish, and trying to figure out how to tie a prom dress back. I’d never gone to prom with a girl before, at least not as anything other than a friend. Walking the senior walk took a lot out of me even at this point in my life, I will admit. Even though I’ve been out for a while, it’s still terrifying to make myself vulnerable and put myself out there. However, I would never let my fear stop me, and for this I am glad. In the end, it’s more tiresome and damaging to hide who you really are. The harm you can do to yourself is worse than the harm that any other person can do to you. Courage to me as a young girl meant asking kids on the playground to hang out with me. As a young teen, courage was riding the Zipper at the fair. Today, courage is walking down an aisle in front of the whole school, holding the hand of a girl.
Individual, not sexual preference, is what matters in friendships by corey allen
“Don’t be gay, Jordan.” It wasn’t until a few months ago did this phrase hit a little closer to home. You see, Jordan Lee Smith was the first friend I had in Montana. He and his sisters came to my house to see my dog. We sat upstairs in my completely empty room playing the quiet game and talking about Pokémon like any 16-year-olds would, totally hitting it off. Ever since then I’ve been best friends with Jordan. We hung out all the time because he lived just down the street on the Air Force base. We occasionally talk about the good old days, without the complications of work and all the other stressors of the adult world. We marvel about how drastically different things would be if we had never met each other. Jordan introduced me to music, playing the guitar, and he got me my very first job. In return I introduced Jordan to the outside, the sun, and social interaction. Now a few months ago, he posted a video on YouTube and Facebook titled: “Just a little announcement.” That was pretty much the biggest understatement ever. In this video, which being the good friend I am, I have still not fully watched, Jordan came out of the closet and admitted his bisexuality. Stop. The next thought you would have in my situation would usually be one of three things: First you could be disgusted and freaked out, paranoid as to whether or not that one time in the locker room he really was looking at your butt. Second you could be completely indifferent and think, “Hmm, weird.” Third you could jump on the bandwagon and be 100 percent supportive, call him up and ask him out on a date to watch “The Devil Wears Prada” with you in a dim, candlelit room eating bon bons.
Well I went with option D; I messed with him every chance I got. I rained gay jokes down on poor Jordan like the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam. Simon Cowell would be proud. Why would I do something like this while he was in such a vulnerable position? He’s my best friend, my gay best friend, yes, but still my best friend. The fact that Jordan likes men AND women changed absolutely nothing about our friendship. Honestly the only thing that changed is that now we both make a lot more gay jokes at each other. It’s just a lot of fun. I don’t feel uncomfortable around him; that’s so incredibly juvenile to me when guys freak out about gay people. Really? So you can puff out your chest and say that you could take on Mike Tyson no problem, but you turn tail and run at the sight of Richard Simmons? Masculine. Now you can disagree with the gay lifestyle; I can completely understand that, and it is everyone’s right to have their opinions. However, that is a double-edged sword. Gay people are allowed to feel the way they feel because in their opinion it is the right thing to do, and it’s what feels most right to them. I feel that it is completely unfair to ostracize them because you disagree with them. If everyone else in a room likes grilled cheese sandwiches and you don’t, how would you feel if they all turned on you for not liking grilled cheese sandwiches, or wouldn’t look at you the same? Jordan is awesome. I’ve learned so much from him; he’s the same person I’ve always known, and nothing has really changed between us. All that I’m really saying is to look at the individual, not the lifestyle or sexual preference when you determine your friends. There is always a person behind the label, and that
“Don’t be gay, Jordan.”
Homosexuality not God’s original plan, yet disrespect not acceptable by kelsey smith Women and men in rainbow bikinis with streamers hanging from their arms parading down the streets of Washington D.C. in support of gay marriage was the first time I had ever come into contact with any openly gay human being. It was one of the most uncomfortable moments of my life, and was extremely shocking. As a child, homosexuality was a topic that never came up at the dinner table, and the books that we read praised the ideals of Republican traditionalism. Little Critter had a mom and a dad who took him to church, and who had a family that was raised with similar ideals to mine. Like Little Critter’s family, mine would de-
scribe themselves as being “anti-gay,” not only because of tradition, but also because of the abomination of homosexuality in the Bible. God specifically created sex with a purpose to be shared between a man and a woman and unite the couple as one. The Bible does not directly outlaw homosexuality, but it certainly does not condone the act. While I don’t have a reactionary Fred Phelps view on gay marriage, and I do not think that 9/11 was an attack from God to punish America for homosexuality, I don’t agree with the unity of same sex relations. The concept of marriage has a very secular and specific definition, and one of the
main merits of the act of marriage is specifically to have a family, and essentially bear children. Without re-teaching the entire sexeducation curriculum, it takes a man and a woman to create a baby, something that homosexuals miss the chance to do. Personally, I do not condone same-sex marriage or sexual relations. I, without reservations, believe that being gay is a choice. My beliefs do not simply stem from my conservative family, or my underexposure to homosexuality, but instead from my faith and relationship with God. Many see my views on the issue of homosexuality as being “close-minded,” but I, just like the gay-supporters, have my own set of beliefs and views that ultimately in-
fluence who I am. As Christians, I think we forget one particularly large message of the Bible included in the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt not murder.” Murder does not only include stopping someone’s heart from beating, but can also mean ruining someone’s life because of what we say or do against them. Malicious persecution of homosexuality is similar to the persecution of our own faith from others, and I will never sanctify disrespect. We can’t change how our peers act, or the choices that they make, but we can, however, treat them with respect despite our disagreement with their choices.
EPIC
kristi gange
features editor
It’s supposed to be
It started with a floppy head of hair and a crooked smile. A few slightly offensive jokes later and I’m hooked. While I don’t like to use the word obsession, I’m afraid it might be the only way to describe how I feel about Bo Burnham. People tend to deem obsessions that high school students have on celebrities as “outrageous” and on occasion, “disgusting.” Well, I think those people are disgusting. It’s important to have someone to look up to. Although I pretend to hate my best friend’s obsession with Lady Gaga to get out of listening to her songs repeatedly, I love that she has someone to idolize. Not only does admiring someone provide you a friend when you have no one else to rely on, but it can also bring you closer to the people around you who share that adoration. I’ve personally encountered this with a group of self-titled “Directioners.” When they found they were all fans of the same band, they bonded over it and became closer than ever. You’re drawn to people who share similar goals and personalities, and you can learn and grow in your own life by striving to be more like them. My fixation with a stand-up comedian inspires me to be funnier in my own life, even if that means stealing their jokes to do so. It’s a proven fact that I’m a happier person when I’m immersed in things that I love. So look out Bo Burnham, I will continue to obsess over you.
featuring...
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April 26, 2012 The Stampede
Students spread music across Northwest by claire knox
54 band members. 3 chaperones. 3 states. 4 days. 1 bus. Tour. Over the weekend of April 14-15, top groups of CMR’s music department embarked on a memorable journey known as tour. For the CMR Symphonic Band, the trip included performances in both Livingston and Big Timber, going to a clinic at Idaho State University, attending the Utah Symphony, and spending a day at the amusement park Lagoon. Though the performances are arguably the most important part of any music tour, some students say that they didn’t go as well as they could have. “Our first performance went a lot better than our second one,” senior percussionist Gavin Lawson said. He attributes that to the fact that the percussion section thought that they left a lot of their music at Livingston High School after their morning performance. After the band returned to Great Falls on Sunday, the percussionists Warming up for a clinic in Pocatello, Idaho on April 13, sophomore Joey found the sheet music. Serido, juniors Lynden Beer and Alex Miller, and senior J.J. Howarth prepare “It wasn’t anybody’s fault in particular, but it made it a lot hard- to work with Dr. Patrick Brooks. Photo by Jake Settera. er to play at Big Timber,” Lawson said. For junior Miranda LeBrun, a high point of the tour was the clinic thinking of tour is having to share a seat meant for two people with three. with Dr. Patrick Brooks at Idaho State University. “It was uncomfortable. People were sitting on me and I was sit“I played my solo and the conductor told everyone to play like ting on people,” she said. “I also loved when Taylor Gold was playme during the clinic,” LeBrun said. The clinic helped the Symphonic Band prepare their pieces for ing quads cadences on cups at Jack in the Box.” One of the most memorable parts of tour for those sitting in the District Music Festival. “It always helps to get someone else’s perspective on your back of the bus was watching Jake Horton take on a cracker-eating challenge. songs,” she said. “No one dared me to do it, but they suggested it,” he said. “I The Utah Symphony also stands out in the band members’ minds. “The hall was really, really nice and they sounded almost thought it would look funny.” Horton said that at the most, he fit eight cracker sandwiches in flawless,” junior Jake Horton said. his mouth. He ended up having to spit two out before he could chew Despite all of these great musical experiences, all three band members agree that their favorite part of tour was spending six them, which proved to be a painful experience. The Symphonic Band wasn’t the only group to go on tour, howhours on Saturday at the Lagoon amusement park in Salt Lake City. ever. Lawson said that his favorite part of Lagoon was “having free The Chanteur Choir’s tour took them through Missoula, Coeur time and not playing for a while.” Though there were adrenaline-pumping rides everywhere at La- d’ Lane, and Spokane. They performed at two high schools, attended goon, Lawson stuck to the ones that were included in his ticket price. a clinic at Whitworth College, and went to a cat zoo and Broadway There were rides such as the Sky Coaster, which drops riders more Show in Spokane. Junior Nicole Rogers said that her favorite part was the Broadthan 140 feet and then swings like a giant pendulum, and the ever scream-inducing slingshot, but they cost extra money. Lawson said way Show, “In the Heights.” “It was my favorite because of the dancing,” she said. “The cat that he spent only $7 of his own money on the trip. “But I had fun zoo was also really interesting.” with those $7.” Rogers says that one thing she remembers is the people in SpoLeBrun’s favorite part of Lagoon was the many roller coasters. kane. “I’d never been on one before,” she said, adding that she went on “There was one lady who we thought was a mime, but then she almost all of the roller coasters at Lagoon. “Best experience ever.” Some band members have experiences to share that weren’t in- started talking and scared all of us.” cluded on the itinerary, however. LeBrun said that one thing that stands out in her mind when (Left to right) Taking on a cracker-eating challenge, junior Jake Horton makes his best chipmunk face. Clapping along to the beat, the Chanteur Choir performs in Spokane. Sharing a laguh, junior Mandy LeBrun and senior Jake Settera reach the end of the Jet Star 2 roller coaster at Lagoon. Photos by Jake Settera, Austin Mier, and Ryan Murphy.
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April 26, 2012 The Stampede
Drivers ed recommended before getting behind wheel by zach pottratz When sophomore Christian Hagen got behind the wheel for the first time in drivers ed, he discovered that mistakes come easily. “On the first drive, I was kind of nervous that I was going to hit someone,” he said. “When we were driving I turned the wrong way on the street.” Hagen took drivers ed under the direction of Mike Dietz, in the fall 2010 class. Driving is considered a sort of “rightof-passage” for teenagers. So when Hagen found out he passed his final drive, he said he was “happy.” Hagen also said he had things to be worried about other than classwork and driving. “Whenever we would make a mistake, he would yell at us. It got kind of annoying after a while,” Hagen said. Though he found some aspects of the class to be rather difficult, he said the easiest part was what some people say is the hardest. “The final drive was easiest for me, there was nothing complicated about it.” Hagen said, “and now I have my graduated driver’s license,” Along with Hagen, sophomore Steven Sorensen found the class to be enjoyable, yet challenging in some aspects. “It wasn’t really fun, but I would still recommend taking it though,” Sorensen said. Sorensen took the class in the fall of 2011, with direction of Tom Mills. He said he likes to go driving but didn’t like the experience learning in the classroom. “The worst part was the classroom, because we had to read a bunch of stuff out of the book. It was boring as [heck],” he said. Although drivers ed can lead to funny
stories for some students, Sorensen doesn’t have any good stories to tell. “It was pretty plain for me, but on one drive a kid was going 30 on the highway, we almost got hit by a semi,” Sorensen said, “The teacher kept telling him to go faster, but he just wouldn’t go faster.” When Sorensen was done, he recalled his exact words. “Thank God I’m done.” Students are both good drivers and crazy drivers and some staff members know what it’s like first-hand to teach the course. Among those is North Middle School family consumer science teacher Pam Dougherty. “I’ve been teaching the class for seven years. I got started because of an article in the newspaper that told about teaching drivers ed,” Dougherty said. Dougherty, along with Dietz, Mills, Derek Senger, and Mick Davis, spend about two months every season teaching and driving to show high schoolers the ropes for one of the skills they’ll use the rest of their lives. Dougherty said she can remember some wacky experiences while driving with students. She recalls on a drive a student “hit a deer, and the man who stopped to help us said he was the son of a teacher who had worked at CMR for over 35 years.” Along with some weird encounters, Dougherty has some moments that she loves to see when the season comes to a close. “My favorite part is spending time with the kids, just watching them grow and get better at a skill that they want to be good at,” she said. Though there are things that Dougherty likes about teaching drivers ed, there are still some things that annoy her. “I don’t really like it when a student isn’t paying attention in the car. It makes
Drivers Ed
Drivers Ed teacher Pam Dougherty prepares to embark her students’ most important drive. Dougherty’s class requires 12 drives before a student can pass and this her class’s final drive. Photo by Kelsey Smith.
The class costs $150. Payment is needed at the time of enrollment. Drivers Ed is offered in the spring, fall, winter, and summer classes. The teachers are Mrs. Dougherty, Mr. Mills, Mr. Davis, Mr. Senger and Mr. Dietz. me work harder to keep everyone safe that is in the car,” Dougherty said. Whether it’s because parents are making students take the course, or if they want to feel the freedom of the road under their tires, Dougherty acknowledges the importance of taking drivers ed while in high school.
You must be 14 1/2 at the time of the first class. You get a TELL permit for passing the first test, then six months later, you can get your restricted license. “Drivers ed is important, every kid should take it,” Dougherty said. “Just because you take it doesn’t mean that you’re a perfect driver. It’s a lifelong skill. There are always new laws and new skills that help you grow.”
Hometown college bound Seniors opt for colleges in Great Falls to ease financial worry, stay close to home by kristi gange
College is expensive. But senior Kalyn Thomas has one tool that she plans to use to her benefit. While many college freshmen, like Thomas, will be stressing out about the cost of their education, she plans on attending Montana State University – College of Technology to ease some of this worry. “It’s cost effective,” she said. Staying in Great Falls to attend her first year of college, Thomas hopes to experience college life on a smaller scale and get a jump on her career before transferring to a bigger university. “I’m going to get my generals done my first year while simultaneously substitute teaching and then transfer to the University of Montana,” Thomas said. By substitute teaching during her first year, Thomas said she hopes to get closer to her career as a history or English teacher. “I’m going to major in education and get a degree in art,” she said. By experiencing college in a more low-key setting, Thomas said she hopes to grow as a person before transferring her sophomore year. “I’ll mature more and be able to handle my life on my own,” she said. “I’ll be able to establish a broader sense of security.” While transferring to the University of Montana may be a culture shock, Thomas is eager for the change. “I’ll be able to adjust, but it’ll be different,” she said. “It’ll be something new.” Although Thomas admits that many of
her friends will be leaving town after their senior year, she has a support system in her family. “I’ll be staying with my grandma,” Thomas said. “I feel like my family would be lost without me.” Much like Thomas, senior Julianna Valenti will be attending college in town next year to be closer to her family. “My dad is in Korea and I don’t want to leave my mom alone because I’m an only child,” she said. While she’s staying in town to be closer to family, Valenti said she plans to participate in an exchange program her second semester of her sophomore year. “I’m so used to moving around being in the military, so staying in one place too long is kind of boring,” she said. Valenti said she intends to go to school in Florida when she finishes four years in town and is going to study to be a field geologist or marine biologist. Like Thomas, Valenti doesn’t feel like she will be missing out on anything by attending a small university. “I prefer a small university anyways,” she said. “I prefer one-on-one help instead of having to compete with other students for the teacher’s attention.” Amidst the excitement of planning for life after high school, the most important thing for Thomas and Valenti remains their futures. “I’m excited to start my education and finish it so I can help others to educate themselves,” Thomas said.
Anticipating a fresh start and a new school, senior Kalyn Thomas is ready to take the leap from high school to the world of college at Montana State University -- College of Technology. Photo by Kristi Gange.
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
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April 26, 2012 The Stampede
What do I bring?
The future college kid’s condensed guide on what to bring and leave home
by caitlyn aakre For the past four years, maybe longer, I’ve been researching the things I’ll need to buy and know when I head off to the next great adventure in my life: college. I’ve read articles and books; I’ve watched YouTube videos, I’ve looked online. I’ve started to compile a list and I thought it necessary to share with you all what to bring when living in a communal living space for college. Feel free to use the check boxes when packing. Linens, blankets, pillows, etc.This one seems obvious. It’s essential to bring several sets of sheets, one that you like, and make sure they’re made for extralong twin beds for dorm beds. Dorm rooms are also infamous for being too cold or too hot all the time. Bring several blankets so when a “too cold” day comes, you won’t have to break dorm rules and use a space heater. I also suggest a Snuggie for late night study sessions. Memorabilia from homeI found it interesting that people generally advise for just enough pictures and teddy bears to remind you of home, but not enough so that you risk intense homesickness. It’s a good idea to bring things to customize your tiny room. Just remember:
only half the wall space is yours. Toiletries and personal care itemsWhile living in a shared space allows for a social life at your feet, it also comes with the task of sharing a bathroom with a whole lot of people. A shower caddy is a must-have as you don’t want to be carrying three bottles of soap down to the shower every morning. A plastic one with holes for water to drain out of is the best to go with so you don’t get a moldy caddy. Also, you don’t know whose feet have been in the shower so flip flops or other waterproof sandals are another necessity. These guard against things like athlete’s foot and other icky foot germs. Towels are a no brainer, as are the things you use when you shower such as shampoo and body soap. One YouTuber suggested filling travel-sized bottles with these soaps so that you don’t take up much space in your shower caddy. Laundry- a new adventureAlthough many of you have had the luxury of Mom doing your clothes every weekend, it’s time you say goodbye to her
folding your shirts and hello to doing your own wash! It’s hard to say what your laundry facilities will look like at your college, so I suggest checking with your school ahead of time so you don’t find yourself with stinky clothes because you had no money for laundry. Something to put it all in- a basket, hamper, mesh bag, cloth bag- whatever you prefer, make sure it’s sturdy and liable to carry your sweatpants and pillowcases to the laundry room. There’s nothing more embarrassing than dropping everything on the floor. Clothes and other things you wearI’ve seen a few friends online saying, “the day I have to decide which pairs of jeans to take with me and which to leave behind will be the day I die.” Unfortunately, closet space in your dorm will be limited no matter where you choose to attend. It’s imperative that you choose clothing items you wear the most and that can be paired with countless other items. A lot of sources said to make a list of the things you most wear in a month and take those.
Misc. Appliances: Most dorm rooms are not furnished with a microwave and refrigerator so I suggest you email your roommate and ask them how you’re going to go about getting such things. If you never get hungry in the middle of the night and love spoiled leftovers definitely don’t ask. Area rug(s)! Dorm floors almost always have cold concrete or wood floors and most of us don’t like waking up to cold feet when we touch the ground. A rug is essential for keeping the floor warm. I just want you all to remember that this list isn’t complete because I have yet to set foot into my own dorm at MSU. If you think you might need something, bring it. Every person is different and it’s important to keep that in mind. I hope whatever takes up space in your room is YOU and all you.
For additional list items and tips, visit www.rustlernews.com.
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April 26, 2012 The Stampede
Planting potential, harvesting success
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Students compete in FFA State Convention, bring home gold plaque
Speaking out about his past, Mike Woods offers words of advice to students struggling with depression or having suicidal thoughts. Photo by Jake Settera.
CMR graduate returns to share his story by whisper harris
As a football player, state champion marksman, hunter, and fisherman, 2008 graduate Mike Woods never thought he would end up in a wheelchair. “I always try to make up funny stories as to why I’m in a wheelchair—the real truth is somber and upsets people,” he said. While attending CMR, Woods attempted suicide by shooting a bullet into his brain shortly after he called 911. The bullet, however, only hit the part of his brain that controls motor functions, paralyzing him. The bullet is still there today, he said. On April 11, Woods came to CMR to share his experiences with depression, suicide, and recovery. He spoke to hundreds of students in Bill Will auditorium. “Sophomore year I started drinking, every single weekend. I spent all the money I had,” he said. “It really started to drag me down.” His drinking led to marijuana use. Woods realized that he was depressed and that his addiction to drugs and alcohol made it worse. “I realized how depressed I was when I was drinking; it wasn’t fun anymore,” he said. Woods said he had suicidal thoughts every day. “I thought about it every day. I had all these ideas of how to kill myself,” he said. The real turning point for Woods was losing his job. “The tipping point was when I lost my job. I began to realize that I’d become a real loser. I was disappointing myself,
disappointing my family. I was letting them down and becoming a loser,” he said. Woods reached a low point in his life, but with the help of those around him was able to recover. “Life is going to knock you down. You just have to find a way back up,” he said. Woods, however, would not take what he did back. “I can help people with my story,” he said. “I always try to look at the bright side of being in a wheelchair.”
Students gather as guest speaker Mike Woods shares his story of encouragement on April 11. Photo by Jake Settera.
Electric City FFA members explore MSU campus in Bozeman, where the FFA state convention was held March 28-April 1. Photo courtesy of Jodi Koterba. by ida andersen
Springtime is here and the annual Hall of Chapters was arranged in Bozeman on March 28-April 1. Chapters were invited from all over the state to a competition where students set up displays featuring information and highlighting chapter accomplishments. Each chapter was equipped with a six-foot seminar table, and they used creativity and knowledge to design the most impressive display. Electric City vise president Warren Krone, a CMR junior, said that a chapter is a team, equivalent to any high school team or club. Great Falls High School did not participate in the competition, so Electric City FFA consists of the Agriculture classes at CMR, plus chapter president Allie Nelson from Foothills Community Christian School. “I enjoyed State Convention,” she said. “This is definitely my favorite time of the year.” Nelson said that their display included community development, fundraisers and other leadership roles that reflected what their chapter has been doing over time. When it comes to financing the trip, the FFA students did fundraising and worked at various places. One of the solutions the students came up with was to hold a raffle. “We sold tickets to a big raffle, where people had the chance to win a tractor,”
Krone said. This year is the second year CMR FFA students have competed in the Hall of Chapters, and when returning home on April 1, they proudly announced that their display won first place. As a result, they were asked to help develop the Montana FFA booth at the National FFA Convention, which will be held in Indianapolis in October. They also brought home a plaque and $200. Teacher Jodi Koterba said it was fun to see the kids so excited. She also said that the students’ hard work paid off. The reason they were so successful this year, was because the kids took the time to read the rules and to make sure they complied, Koterba said. “I hope we can take this momentum and run with it.” she said.
FFA members celebrate their winning display. Photo courtesy of Jodi Koterba.
caitlyn aakre
I sunburn easily
entertainment editor
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
entertainment Summertime
“Hello, and welcome to Lagoon’s Roller Coaster. Please pull down the safety bar until it clicks. If you need assistance, please see a ride attendant. Please keep your hands below your head and inside the car at all times. Enjoy your ride and have a great time at Lagoon!” The words couldn’t prepare me for the adrenaline rush I was about to experience. Up until then, I had never been on a roller coaster, unless you count the one time my uncle made me go on one when I was a screaming 6- or 7-year-old at ValleyFair in Minnesota. Surrounded by my band mates, we approached the top of the coaster and I knew I was about to drop faster than I wanted to. And then we fell. I screamed at full volume and a few tiny tears escaped my ducts and then we made some fast turns and then it was done. That easy. I got in the rollercoaster seat, buckled up, and then I went on an adventure. I had once been afraid to let myself approach the earth quicker than I could make up a sentence that would express how I felt as I did so. All I could say on most rides was “no, no, no, no, no!” but when I got done, I was glad I did it. That ride is much like the rest of this year. I’m already past the point of the first drop. Now all there is left are some crazy twists and turns. I’ll feel like I’m going to fall out of my seat. I’m going to want to cry all the way to the end. I’ll scream more than I should. I’ll ask for it to slow down or stop all the way to let me off. But the great thing is, when I get done, I’ll be saying, “let’s go on another ride!” And by now, my readers are asking, “did she seriously just compare high school to a rollercoaster?” Why, yes, readers, I did. And I have no regrets. Enjoy the ride, readers. It’s done before you know it.
Twang
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This year’s
State Fair line-up July 27
Jo Dee Messina 8:00 p.m.
Sara Evans, one of the country artists coming to Great Falls for the state fair, sings her heart out while on tour. Photo by Kenny Williamson/saraevans.com.
Headlining country artists to make appearance at this year’s State Fair by meg smith
Coming from Montana, we understand the connotations associated with living in the “hick state.” We’ve heard the snickers as we are asked if we ride our horses to school, wear cowboy boots every day, and, yes, even if we have indoor plumbing. But the truth is, what’s so wrong with the hick? Being an avid country-music fan and an avid “Howdy, y’all!’ preacher, I understand the beauty of busting out the back-woods character. However, the news has finally started to spread. This year, as in a few past years, Montanans at the State Fair will be “gettin’ down” to the good old-fashioned twang of multiple popular country music stars. Gracing the stage will be likes of Chris Young, Sara Evans, and Hunter Hayes. You know, those artists that sing on 94.5 and 104.9, the stations you reluctantly flip to when the pop stations conspired to play
Aug. 1
LoCash C
owboys 9:15 p.m.
commercials all at the same time. I won’t pretend to insult Montanans and insinuate everyone out there has the vendetta against country music that some people carry. But most of the young people of the school are not receiving of the hick music when Lil’ Wayne and Lady Gaga are an option. To those who feel I’ve been too harsh and are aghast at my blatant disrespect in ignoring the “many” who love country music like myself: I say thank you. Thank you for appreciating a form of music that carries real lyrics and functioning melodies. Thank you for enjoying the grand simplicity of a love song and the hick hysteria of a Friday night song. And to those who have rejected my admiration of country music with a bad taste in their mouth, I beseech you to branch out this summer at the State Fair. With free admission, besides cost to enter the fair, all it will cost you is three hours of your time.
Aug. 1-3
Western Underground
Paddock C
lub
9:00 p.m.
July 28
ce Creeden ter Clearwa d Revisite
8:00 p.m.
July 29
Sara Evans &
Hunter Hayes
8:00 p.m.
July 30 8:00 p.m.
Chris Young
Aug. 4 9:00 p.m.
fa Theory o n Deadma
peyton fulbright
HEAD2HEAD
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
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abby lynes
Sitcom Sound-off
“Friends” and “Seinfeld” are known as two of the greatest television comedies of the modern era. Two staff members exchanged words and nearly came to blows defending their show of choice. They’ve defended their stance, now it’s up to you to decide which sitcom reigns supreme in this throw down.
Seinfeld
Whenever someone hears the term “shrinkage,” they instantly think of the greatest sitcom of all time, “Seinfeld.” The beauty of the show is how close to real life it is, just exaggerated for entertainment. Everybody has that neighbor that they hate, just like Newman. At one point or another, you have met somebody like David Puddy, a person who is so simple and doesn’t understand your digs at them. It doesn’t stop there. All the main characters are similar to someone you know. All the basic friend roles are used. Everybody has a friend like George. You know, that friend who lies all the time, is on the cheap side, and behind his back you feel like he’s a bit of a loser, even though you enjoy being friends. Then there is always that one person in your circle of friends who is a little crazy. They’re never short on energy and a little eccentric. That’s right, I’m talking about Kramer. And of course, there is always that one buddy who is ridiculously sarcastic and never fails to entertain you, just like Jerry. The circumstances these characters find themselves in are things everyday people experience all t h e
vs.
time -- especially sitting in your house and in restaurants talking about what’s been going on. Even the theme music is better than “Friends.” “I’ll be there for you?” Give me a break. The iconic, groovy Seinfeld theme music is synonymous with the bass guitar. It’s something all beginning bassists learn to play. No mortal man can withstand laughing uncontrollably at my favorite episode: “The Pony Remark.” Jerry thinks he killed a woman with his remark about how he hates everyone with ponies. The whole episode is filled with quintessential “Seinfeld” style moments. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the show is how there is no personal drama involved. Not once do you feel bad for what happens to the characters. They don’t even feel bad themselves. When a character dies, it’s usually a big part of a series. But when Susan dies, it’s not a big deal. Even George, who was going to marry her, doesn’t seem too phased by it. When fans think about “Seinfeld,” their minds are flooded with memories. The Soup Nazi; “No soup for you!” the Woody Allen movie; “These pretzels are making me thirsty!” George’s dad’s holiday; “Festivus for the rest of us!” the “shrinkage” episode; “I was in the pool!” and Elaine’s dancing; “It’s more like a full body dry heave set to music.” I have to go, because “ t h e s e pretzels are making me thirsty!”
Friends
Where do you get a fresh, stellar cast with great chemistry, inside jokes that last through 10 seasons, comedy, constant laughter, and real-life situations? The answer to that would be “Friends,” a sitcom that ran from 19942004. Friends became the epitome of the ‘90s, and most of our parents’ generation, as they tried to make their way in life, in relationships, in the workplace, and in putting together new kinds of families. However, the jokes, ideas, and themes presented in the show are as relevant today as they were 10 years ago. The characters are relatable, too. How could anyone not love sweet, clumsy Ross, bizarre and witty Phoebe, or the sarcastic yet soft Chandler? Though they each have their own little quirks and disagreements, the friends are nice to each other, unlike the characters of another popular show at the time, “Seinfeld,” who seem to only spur on each other’s meanspiritedness. The cast of “Friends” makes one wish that he or she had a similar group of pals to hang out with. “Friends” teaches their viewers valuable life lessons, such as how to get a baby to laugh (singing “Baby Got Back” works every time), where to keep a ring the night before the wedding (never on the nightstand where the duck might eat it), how to effectively hit on someone (just say, “How you doin’?” in a slow, deep voice), and that the best way to avoid breaking up with an annoying girlfriend is not by moving to Yemen. With the comedic everyday life situations, the low-
key drama, and likeable characters, “Friends” is always a good place to come back to when modern disappointments (such as anything on MTV) get you down. So, one of these Friday nights when all of your plans fall through and you’re bored and left sitting at home, grab your remote, a bowl of popcorn, a sandwich (in Joey’s honor), and curl up on the couch with a couple seasons of “Friends.” You’ll find yourself laughing, crying, sympathizing and relating with each of the characters who, in a way, become your own friends. After all, they’ll always be there for you.
The yearbook comes The face everyone is out May 17*. What are going to make when you most excited for they see the book. on release day? The birth of our baby!
What is your favorite snack from 326? Fruities 100%
What’s your signature dance move when “Gonna Make You Sweat” comes on? Complete the following statement: On late night I __________: special celeb Are Kim K question: and Kanye really in love?
When the class gets in a line and you jump around the class. really enjoy when people are doing their work and not rolling around in the halls on their chairs. I didn’t even know they were together. I’m not a big fan of either.
BACON. Pelvic-thrustingconga line. You’d have to see it to understand get loopy and funnier than usual.
alex
TOOTSIE ROLLS! Best. Things. Ever. :) Pelvic-thrustingconga line. We all do it. ‘Cause we’re cool.
we don’t talk
think so... I have for each other.
16
ett jarr
Finally getting to see Getting to open up the the book! It’s like giving box and seeing our birth but more painful. baby for the 1st time.
about that... Is she even capable Depends what you of love? compare it to. Nothing relates to the love Alex and I didn’t Nope.
workman
nah n a h
a alyss
pope
swant
ta dako
mcclain
whetham
The CHART
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
MILK! Pelvis-thrusting conga line. No words are can describe this.
feel like killing everyone :)
?
who and who?
I’m excited to see how our ‘baby’ will look like in the flesh. probably the flavored tootsies I’m not really someone who dances, and I’d just let the music carry me. make sure everything is in order, including spacing and pictures. not really, they could just as easily be friends seeing as the line is very blurred this day and age.
*yearbooks are for sale in the finance office for $65.
keepingactive
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Siblings in sports
Younger sisters carry out family legacy
alecks leavey
notes from a
smart-aleck sports editor
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
A sport is an activity that requires skill, athleticism, and practice. Football, basketball, tennis, wrestling, volleyball, soccer, track and field, cross country, swimming, hockey, baseball, skiing – all of these and anything else that fits these three criteria can breathe a sigh of relief and know that they are in fact sports. Unfortunately, not every hobby makes the cut. But this is a sports column, and I am going to settle the debate on what is and what is not a sport. The following might fit some of the necessary conditions, but most of them do not require a gym membership, blood, sweat, or tears. Bowling: I love the game, but to be honest, that is the only title it can receive. Sure it’s competitive and requires finesse, but you never caught bowlers getting ripped for their next tournament. If you have a functioning hand, wrist, and arm you can roll a ball down a slick lane. You won’t necessarily be any good, but it’s possible for any average Joe to participate. Billiards: I suck at it, so it must not be a sport. Curling: I suppose if you are really good at sweeping and using your eyes you might disagree with me. I can’t believe this is in the Olympics. Dodgeball is more deserving. NASCAR: I can drive fast too. No one ever needed a six pack to sit down and drive in circles for hours. I am fully convinced Talladega Nights was simply making fun of this. And okay, maybe you do sweat, but maybe you should have an air conditioner in your Wonder Bread car. Poker: Are you good at lying, masking emotions, and having awful fashion sense? Congratulations, you are a poker player. So future editors of this section beware. I should not see these mentioned in your columns from now on.
by olivia rudio
Warming up, softball player Logan Dyson practices her throw for the game on April 14. Photo by Jennifer Irwin.
“It runs in the family” has taken on a whole different meaning for freshman Saydi Harris. After cheering on the squad alongside her sister for most of the year, Harris and her sister, junior Haleigh, are allowed another opportunity to finish out the year together with a season of track and field. The pair won’t be the first Harris siblings to cross the finish line; their older brother Jaren also participated during his time at CMR. Her siblings’ involvement in track and field was a major part in her decision to join, Saydi Harris said. “I knew it was going to be a fun experience based off of their experience,” she said. Following in older siblings’ footsteps isn’t always easy. However, many CMR spring athletes have found themselves in such a predicament. This year Harris is taking part in pole vault, the same event her brother did. Along with following in the footsteps of her older brother, Harris plans to follow her sister’s example as well by continuing cheer and trying out for captain. Also taking after her sister is junior
Logan Dyson. Dyson has been playing softball since she was five years old. Her first year at CMR provided her the opportunity to sport CMR’s colors for softball with her older sister Jade Dyson, then a junior. “She showed me it’s not all serious and how to have fun with it,” Dyson said. They often practiced together at their home, trying to help each other improve. “She made me want to get into it more,” she said. For freshman Lindsay Martinez, there was no question about joining the tennis team at CMR. “My family and I play a lot, and there was no reason not to,” Martinez said. “One of my brothers was pretty successful, and I want to be successful, too.” However, she dislikes being compared to her older brothers. “I’m going to make my own mark. I’m my own person,” she said. On her first day of school at CMR teachers constantly asked if her older brothers were Jack and Alex. “When they see me I don’t want them to think ‘Alex and Jack’s little sister’ I want them to think ‘Lindsay.’”
Smiling for the crowd, Saydi Harris cheers for the Rustlers Serving up the ball, tennis player Lindsay Martinez tries to tally up points for her match in Cut Bank. at a girls basketball game on Jan. 21. Photo by Jake Settera. Photo by Larry Martinez.
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April 26, 2012 The Stampede
Taking it to the streets Fair weather permits students to break out the boards, skates, wheels by keeli telleen You might think dolphin flips are an event to be witnessed at Sea World, but you can also catch freshman Nick Udovich perfecting them at the Riverside Railyard. “Your skateboard basically does a backflip [separate from your feet],” he explained, demonstrating the rotation of the trick with his cell phone. “I like to skate anywhere, mostly street, but also vert.” The fact that Great Falls’ sidewalks and streets have been mostly clear this past winter and spring has allowed avid skateboarders such as Udovich and other bikers and longboarders to take to them more often. “There have been some interesting times skating street,” he said. “You occasionally run into hobos.” Freshman Richard Wade found out that since skateboarding was not his forte, biking might be a more suitable option. He can be found on his bike, often at the skate park, on most weekends. “[I bike] as much as I can, whenever I have a day off,” Wade said. “Life is pretty boring, so that’s what I do.”
Wade said the mild winter provided him more opportunities than Montana usually allows. “I biked a lot this last winter,” he said, adding that his favorite element of the activity is hanging out with other people. “I get along with them; it’s a common interest.” Udovich also enjoys the social aspect. He began boarding with neighbor and former CMR student Austin Pabst at 6 years Practicing his skateboarding tricks, senior Woodrow Buck tears up the Riverside Railyard concrete on old, and he now enjoys riding with a vari- April 21. Photo by Keeli Telleen. ety of other enthusiastic skaters. “You always meet new people, especially in other cities,” he said. Udovich’s older sister, Sarah, a senior who graduated CMR early this year, is currently working in Los Angeles, and he is eager to join the scene with her there. “I really want to skate in L.A.” he said. “It’s a big skate place.” The contrasting combination of chillness and excitement is what he enjoys most about skateboarding. “It feels good when you ride,” he said. “It’s pretty relaxing, but never dull, and there are always new things you can do.” Honing his skills, freshman Nick Udovich races to the top of the skate ramp at Riverside Railyard on April 21. Photo by Keeli Telleen.
April 26, 2012 The Stampede
Kicking it into gear
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New boys soccer coach Marinaccio makes goals for next season, aims to bring championship to hometown
by alecks leavey
As a new coach, Joel Marinaccio knows he has big cleats to fill and expectations to live up to. His main goal: win a championship. “I’d finally like to bring a title to Great Falls,” he said. After the departure of former coach Darrin Schreder, Great Falls High grad Marinaccio said he is ready to bring stability and success to C.M. Russell High School’s boys soccer team. With constant interest and attempts to coach in town, Marinaccio believes his experience in the sport both as a player and a coach will help ease the transition. “I bring a different aspect to the game,” Marinaccio said. He has been coaching soccer for 20 years and played for 30. “I believe I am one of the first playercoaches here.” Looking at the depth chart and noticing the 12 to 13
returning seniors next year helps a lot too, he said. “It’s huge for a coach. You’ve got a lot of experience on the field.” One of his future players, sophomore Macoy McLaughlin, shares his new coach’s excitement for next season. “I think we are going to do really good,” McLaughlin said. “[He brings] a new way to look at the game and new coaching points.” McLaughlin said although he doesn’t know what to expect yet, he knows Marinaccio has good intentions. As someone who petitioned and urged Great Falls to bring the sport into the high schools, Marinaccio wants the players, the parents, and the town to know he is in it for the long haul. “I want to be here for a while.”
After a season of ups and downs, new coach Joel Marinacio and his players are ready to win next year. Photo by Beth Britton.
Getting the scoop on Rustler scholarships Students receive athletic scholarships, accept, turn down, move on
Senior Lexi Pyette gets ready to tee off in a game of golf on Aug. 11, 2011. Photo by Katie Hodges. by abby lynes
Most teenagers find it difficult enough to drag themselves out of bed in the morning, let alone compete in varsity sports all year long. However, accomplishing both of these tasks isn’t a problem for senior Lexi Pyette. “Competing is a good thing,” she said. “More people need to learn that.” Pyette plays soccer, golf, tennis and basketball, and has received a scholarship to Carroll College for soccer. She said that the scholarship feels like a reward wellearned. “It feels good. I spent a long time
preparing for college, and finally my hard work paid off.” Not only did participating in sports prepare her for college, but it gave Pyette a positive high school experience and helped her make friends. “If I hadn’t played sports, I’d probably be a lonely kid in the hallway,” she said. All in all, Pyette said she feels grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in sports in high school, and appreciates having the chance to play in college. “I’m lucky that all my hard work paid off.”
Senior Russ Morin rushes out to meet his fellow teammates as his name is called out at the CMR vs. Butte basketball game on January 26. Photo by Jake Settera. by abby lynes was offered a full ride scholarship at
Many athletes dream of attending college on a full-ride scholarship, but when senior Russ Morin had the opportunity in front of him, he turned it down for something that is worth more to him than any amount of money. “I’m going to BYU Idaho for one semester in the fall, and then I’m going on a mission for my church for two years. Then I’m probably going to the University of Oregon for sports mangement.” Morin, a valued athlete at CMR,
the University of Montana in Missoula to play football, but declined the offer in order to pursue something of greater value to him. Despite his decision to go in another direction, Morin is grateful to have been presented with the opportunity to receive an athletic scholarship. “It was an honor to be recognized as a top athlete,” he said.
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April 26, 2012 The Stampede
STEMExpo
Annual event highlights dedication to science throughout district by ryan murphy From dissections and genetics to crime scenes and robotics, there was certainly something for everyone at the 2012 STEM Expo. Students from across the district varying in age from elementary to high school participated in the annual event that can best be described as a science fair. CMR students from Jon Davis’ and Christine Sundley’s Biology 3-4 classes participated in the expo to help kids understand what makes living organisms work by going through the number of animals they have dissected this year. They earned a little bit of extra credit as well. Every person who stopped at the booth received an apron, goggles and latex gloves so that they could do more than simply look at this exhibit. “We want the kids to touch stuff,” Davis said. Junior Nina Bird was one of the Bio 3-4 students sharing their understanding of the dissections and passing it on to the kids. “I thought it would be fun to teach the kids about what we do in class and about the animals,” Bird said. Some CMR AP Biology students made an appearance as well, working in conjunction with the McLaughlin Research Institute to lend a hand teaching kids about the field of genetics. A game was set up in which some basic facts about genetics were presented, and those who participated had to guess the fur color of two subsequent generations of mice based upon the parents. The STEM Expo also added one more dimension. Many community professionals tended booths to show the students how hard work and learning was going to help them in the future. One such professional was Steve Smith from Pacific Steel & Recycling, who brought a special tool with him to determine the elemental composition of metals. Most of the students who stopped as Smith’s booth were not old enough to know Going through dissections, junior Nina Bird spreads knowledge of body systems. Photo by Tana Marble. the shorthand for the elements, which was displayed on the screen when Smith scanned each metal piece to determine its composition, so many youngsters were confused when Smith said that one in particular was made from peanut butter, Pb. “It’s a pretty cool thing that’s going on here… the kids who actually stop here love it,” Smith said.
While assisting a passerby, senior Jordan Kemp helps teach basic genetics. Photo by Tana Marble.
While taking a break from the Bio 3-4 dissection exhibit, juniors Luke Deshon and Nick Beargeon stop at the Vision Net booth at the STEM Expo. Photo by Tana Marble.