CMRStampede December2010

the

stampede

c.m. russell high school great falls, montana Dec. 16, 2010 vol. 46, no. 4

featuring

an open forum for student expression

‘tis

the season

Athletes get into shape for the winter sports season

Russellog staff facing stressful season (pg. 5)

Woodshop students creating furniture (pg. 15)

Pep band brings games to life (pg. 19)

voice it opinion

The Staff

Making the effort to show respect to subs We at the Stampede have our own special collection of substitute horror stories.

Subs come in and try to edit our pages, or attempt to tell us what to do, even if their advice is wrong.

Naturally, this is very grating to an independent group with our own way of doing things. But whenever this happens, we do our best to grin and bear it.

Horror stories about substitutes are common, and almost every student groans when they walk into class and see an unfamiliar name on the whiteboard. Yes, some subs are crabby. Yes, some subs try to teach the wrong things. Yes, some subs mean a boring day in class.

But this cannot be an excuse for rudeness.

Substitute teaching can be a not too enjoyable experience, and rude teenagers only make it worse. It is no surprise that so many subs are crabby if so many students are openly disrespectful to them.

Students should be polite to subs, not out of fear of their regular teachers, but out of basic respect for the subs.

Out in the community, C.M. Russell students are known as a classy group of people.

The community recognizes it as the polite, helpful, and caring student-body that it is.

The challenge, however, is extending that behavior to when no one is looking, such as in a classroom with a substitute teacher.

If that challenge is accepted, students could be shocked to find out all that they can learn from substitutes, just by talking with t h e m .

Subs can be nice, f u n n y, and have interesting information to share with the class.

Take Lynn Meredith, a long time sub for the district who passed away in 2008. He served in the Secret Service during the Kennedy administration and would have had many stories about his time as a Secret Service Agent.

Having the chance to talk to a man like that would have been much better than sitting and disobeying him.

Susan Woyth, who is in charge of organizing subs for the entire district, knows that some subs are better suited to specific classes, and because of that does her best to match subs where they will fit the best.

Although many students do not realize this, the effort Woyth goes through to find the right subs shows the amount of disrespect that students demonstrate when they refuse to learn from anyone who is not their regular teacher.

If students just showed subs respect, they might be surprised at how much they could learn from them.

The Stampede staff knows that the student body is more than capable of showing the kindness and respect to substitute teachers that they would show to any other guest to the school. And we not only know that the student body is capable of this, we expect it.

I must say I enjoy routines. They give structure to my day and mark the passage of time in a calm manner. We all have routines, but some can be considered more “unique” than others. Nearly every day this year I have spent my open third period in the media center. Initially, I viewed the experience as no more than a time to organize my day, prepare for classes to come, and put the final touches on assignments.

I became a fixture in the media center, observing the daily business that comes through while discovering individuals who are behind many of the operations

The Talking Head tim seery editor-in-chief

editor-in-chief tim seery visual content editor nick green news/opinion editor katie hodges business manager nick schulz features editor shayna leonard sports editor meg smith adviser beth britton principal dick kloppel

staff austen martell austin lahr caitlyn aakre christina christianson jennifer verzuh jordan smith josh philyaw kristi gange lindsey buck mandi monroe

megan bernhardt ryan prosser victoria zawacki

Charles M. Russell: The Stampede

Illustration by Christina Christianson

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.

228 17th Ave. NW (406) 268-6178 Great Falls, MT 59404 www.rustlernews.com

that make the school “tick.”

It all started with a daily “trivia” question.

Media Specialist Amy Borger and I took turns each day sharing a trivia question, seeing who happened to know that particular day’s random fact. Before long we started to categorize our trivia; we had “local” “royalty” (when the royal engagement was announced) “holiday” and “Van Gogh” categories. Every day during my open I seem to learn something random, something that if I ever appear on some game show, might just be the winning answer.

We have learned what song was a code to the troops in Vietnam of impeding danger (White Christmas), how long it takes to count to one million (12 days), what University did

Prince William and Kate Middleton attend (University of St. Andrews) and many more.

This “trivia” time yields itself to conversations whereby I have come to appreciate the unique individuals that our media specialists are and the dynamic personalities that make this an enjoyable school community.

The media center is more than just books and computers. It is the “central command,” the operating station that makes it possible for us to go to school here. So, if you happen to be in the media center third period I invite you to come and learn our trivia of the day and meet the media specialists who deserve some special attention this holiday season.

Dec. 16, 2010 The Stampede

English teacher Charlie Gaare bids CMR farewell

During her time at the Conserve School in Wisconsin, senior Katie Noland particpated in a week-long canoe adventure into the Sylvania Wilderness. Photo courtesy of Katie Noland.

Noland gains environmental skills at Conserve School

from trail building to gardening on Conserve School in Land O’Lakes, campus. There is a wide range of acWisc., has been my home for the tivities to participate in after school. past four months. The school’s mis- While some students use the time to sion is to encourage environmental work on homework, many choose to stewardship through outdoor ac- explore the campus or use the recretivities and meaningful classroom ation center to work out. experiences. Conserve’s strong At 6 p.m. we gather again as a community consists of 47 students, community for dinner served famseven teachers, and administrators. ily style. Additionally, every three The beautiful campus of 1,200 acres weeks students either work in the allows for recrekitchen on “dish ational activities crew” or set the tasuch as sledding, bles for the week’s tree climbing, meals. I again mountain biking, have free time unhiking, canoeing, til 8 p.m., when skiing and swimstudy hours begin, ming. giving me the opDuring my portunity to relax time at Conserve, after an eventful I have been given Senior Katie Noland, at left, a student this day. the opportunity fal at the Conserve School in Wisconsin, I have parto learn about visited an organic farm with fellow ticipated in many sustainability and students. Photo courtesy of Katie Noland. incredible activienvironmental activism on a daily ties while attending Conserve. For basis. After a 7:30 a.m. breakfast, I example, I have been involved in participate in my elective classes. a wolf howling survey, canoed the These range from Spanish to Earth eight lakes on campus, rock climbed Art. the 50-foot wall in the gym, and reI chose to take ceramics for the pelled down an 80-foot mine shaft at semester, during which I have ex- Adventure Mines, an historic mine plored various cultures through in northern Michigan. their art. We then gather for lunch I am so grateful for the incredand announcements as a communi- ible opportunities Conserve has givty. After announcements, we depart en me. I hope to use the knowledge to our afternoon classes: History of I have gained to protect the world’s Wilderness Exploration, Wilderness dwindling wilderness, learn to coexVoices (English), Applied Ecology, ist with the natural world, and enField Instruction and Sustainable courage others to live sustainably.

Systems.

Senior Katie Noland will return Each Wednesday we participate to CMR in January and will graduate in community service, which ranges with the class of 2011. katie noland

To the students and staff at CMR: I write this letter to say thank you to the most important people in my life outside of my family. For those students I was fortunate enough to teach, you have consistently been the best part of my life. The blessing of teaching at this high school for seven years has been an honor and a privilege, and it is with a heavy heart that I leave to pursue a different opportunity.

Jan. 21 will be my last day teaching in Great Falls, and every day I am gone I will miss it. I will miss saying hi to all of my students in the hallway and stalking them when they won’t. I will miss kids who can’t stay out of my costume box and kids who get English jokes. I will miss the kind of school that chooses the very best of the best as Homecoming royalty. I will miss DECA store runs and golf/breakfast club. I will miss the power of poetry in my club and classroom. I will miss watching the talent of the drum line and dance team. I will miss how perfect teenagers are in their wonderful imperfection. I will miss the friendships I have made among both students and staff.

I will miss this place immeasurably.

My previous students are aware of my love for The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. For me, it is not just a piece of literature but also a guiding principle in how I live my life. In the spirit of being a little cheesy the omens have been mounting lately, and I need to follow my personal legend. My unhappiness living in Great Falls grows each year I live here, and I can no longer deny this discontent.

03

Departing English teacher Charlie Gaare pictured with her advisees. Photo courtesy of Charlie Gaare.

For a long time, my fear prevented me from doing what I knew my heart wanted. I tried to feed my love of adventure through my love for travel, but this proves not to be enough. What I need is a new place with new opportunities. I am moving to Colorado where I intend to continue teaching and to pursue writing, performing, and publishing my poetry. I am very, very excited by this chance.

I have never loved another thing as much as I have loved my students and my job, which is why I refuse to say goodbye. To quote Mary TallMountain, “We never leave each other. When does your mouth say goodbye to your heart?” I hope I will see each of you before I go, so please stop in to see me. If not, we’ll meet again.

With much love, Miss Gaare

2006 graduate shares news from Thailand

Greetings again from the Far East!

Last month, November, and this month, December, really feel different for me. With temperatures dipping down only as low as 80 degrees, we are not expecting any snow in Bangkok, Thailand. Honestly, I feel as if I am enjoying an extended summer, when it truly is the holiday season.

While Thailand does not acknowledge America’s Day of Thanksgiving, they celebrate Loy Kratong Day a few days prior to our festivities on the fourth Thursday of November.

“Loy” means “to float” and a “krathong” is a boat constructed from a piece of a banana tree trunk. During the night of this national holiday, Thai natives float their “krathongs” on a river, canal, or a pond. According to Buddhist tradition, this practice pays acknowledgement and respect to the gods of the waters.

While the official date was on Sunday, Nov. 21 for Thailand, Assumption University celebrated Loy Kratong Day on-campus CMR grad Joey Nunez is teaching in on the evening of Nov. 22.

Thailand. Photo courtesy of Joey Nunez.

On Dec. 10, Thais celebrated their version of America’s Fourth of July. Thai Constitutions Day commemorates the initial writing of Thailand’s constitution in 1932. And like us, they will celebrate Dec. 25 as Christmas and Dec. 31 as New Year’s Eve. I just feel strange knowing that as the days of winter continue, I will be deprived of seeing any snow. Oh well! Thanks for reading, stay warm Rustlers, congratulations to our early graduates, and students and teachers alike, enjoy and treasure your Christmas festivities with family and friends!

Signing off until 2011, Joey Nunez ‘06

04

Stress: A nightmare in t he morning or a hidden opportunity? tim seery

megan bernhardt

Tis the season of stress, especially if you are a senior. As we approach mid year, Ah stress. It must be the bane of my high school existence. Between the classes, homework, extracurricular activities, college planning, and of course, my social life, my life the future and what lies beyond high school comes into clear focus. What has always is extremely stressful. I know some of it is caused by my extreme senioritis. However, I seemed to sit in a state of foggy haze now seems to be on the horizon. This anticipation refuse to let that be the only excuse. I’m not trying to blame something (or someone) else yields itself to a time of great anxiety for many students. Even those who are the most organized derive a sense of anxiety from the sheer newness of the experiences that lie for my problems, but that’s the only thing that gets me through the day.

Being a senior is rough. Planning for college is seriously the worst thing ever invent- ahead. Despite this newness, I think stress can be one of our greatest opportunities.

While on the surface stress can seem like a confusing blur of uncomfortable emoed. I know what I want to do in my life – after college that is. The major issue I am having agree that stress in itself is a form of energy. It is energy that is finalizing my college search. Applying for colleges isn’t fun, even though I’ve been tion, we must all we create from the messages our senses perceive from the accepted everywhere I’ve applied, but application fees still aren’t cheap. Writing scholarouter world. Our mind takes these messages, interprets ships isn’t too fun either. I know I need to do them, but writing an essay? No thanks. But, them, and evaluates their implications. It is from this I think $1000, or even $500, for an hour or so of my time is time well spent. process of mental evaluation that we derive “stress.”

Of course, the main issue is paying for college in general. Sadly, my parents Stress can act in a positive manner if we each choose don’t have $100,000 laying around for my education, and I certainly to channel that energy in a positive direction. That endon’t! I definitely don’t want to have an enormous amount ergy may be our motivation to strive for a goal, meet of debt from loans when I graduate a deadline, or bask in the anticipation of an awaited college, so I know I need to put in the future. This time of anticipation is a profound time work now, because what if my rich in the lives of young people. If you are a sehusband isn’t there for me right nior and are looking to the future you must upon graduation? use these “stressful” energies to synthesize My classes stress me out. And the experiences of the past four years. not because they’re hard, that’s for You are making the final revisions to sure. I guess I expected senior year to be a lot the human being that has been in the easier than it actually is. I figured I could making for the past 18 years. get all A’s except for math, which My stress also comes from my currently isn’t the case. I wish I many commitments: as student was getting better grades, bebody president, member of the cause then maybe I wouldn’t be Great Falls Youth Orchestra, my so stressed out. I’m just going to position on the Montana Board of focus on doing my work and hopefully I’ll make it through Public Education, serving on the this year. board of Paris Gibson Square, and Being a senior means trying to set yourself apart on my involvement with numerous things such as college applications and scholarships, ofcommunity and state initiatives. ten by getting involved. Maybe I should have started In my own life I have had more a list long ago, and tried to get uber involved soonIllustration by Christina Christianson. than enough practice in capitalizing on the enerer, but I have to make the best out of the choices I’ve gies of stress. On days when I am required to make public presentations to made in the past. So, so far this year, I’ve been heavily groups of students, educators, or other community members I keep in mind the fact involved in various activities. Between being a varsity football manager, having a Rustler Buddy, being in Chanteur choir, tak- that I can use my stress to build a better presentation. A certain degree of nervousing voice lessons, being sports editor for the Russellog and a staff writer for ness can allow us to keep in touch with ourselves so that we can deliver a high quality the Stampede, and just normal daily life, I’ve been busy. At first, it was a lot to take on, product.

Without this energy, our lives would be flat, like a freshly painted wall lacking but I feel like I’m able to juggle everything a lot better now.

Friends have come and gone, and that certainly hasn’t changed this year. Even re- sheen. This “stress” adds texture to our individuality, allowing each of us the oplationships with people that I talked to all the time at the beginning of the year have portunity to enter the world presenting a unique set of skills and personal qualities. changed. The stress and drama that often goes along with these “break-ups” is inevi- If we can learn to channel our stress in the right direction and identify the sources of table. Sometimes it’s for the better, but other times, not so much. I wish I could say it’s the positive stress in our lives, we will be more prepared to face the challenges of our easy, but it’s not. One thing I am glad for, however, is the new people that I’ve met this futures with a new, optimistic perspective.

I want everyone to enjoy the anticipation and “un-assuredness” of the holiday sesyear, and the people that I have renewed friendships with this year.

My life is definitely not stress or drama free. Being a senior doesn’t change anything. sion, realizing that this is a time when we texture ourselves and add great splashes of In fact, I’ve found that it often makes everything worse, thanks to that stupid senioritis. color to the portraits that we have been painting all along. Master your stress, market Even though I think being in college next year will change things, I know that it won’t. yourself, and take a minute to realize that you, with your unique talents, abilities, and I will no longer being applying for colleges and scholarships, but there will be new personalities, are what we have been waiting for all along. sources of stress, including making new friends, dealing with a college workload, and being a freshman – again.

Concerts

Research Paper Homework

Finals

ACT/ SAT Job

Siblings

Group Projects

Practices

Family Feud

Relationships

l

i

Deadlines l

happeningnow

Dec. 16, 2010 The Stampede

05

Deadline stress takes toll on yearbook staff vicki zawacki

Yearbook deadline causes so much stress for those on the yearbook staff, but editor-in-chief Mary Christiaens knows how to handle her it.

“I delegate,” Christiaens said. “I mostly tell people it’s OK, we will make it.”

Christiaens, a senior, has been on Russellog staff for three years. She has been able to watch previous editorsin-chief before her do the job so she can do her job right.

Yearbook staff will complete its third deadline tomorrow, when 50 pages are sent to the printing plan and by then about half of the hardcover book will be done.

The yearbook staff has six major deadlines throughout the year, plus a deadline for the spring supplement. every few weeks or so the staff must complete 44 to 55 pages of the yearbook and send them to the printing plant in Logan, Utah. It’s a big job, but the staff works well as a team.

“No one is ever alone,” she said. “People are always there to help one another out. We’re a team.”

Christiaens usually isn’t stressed because she knows it will get done and it will be OK because they get proofs back to fix anything that needs fixing. She also said that sometimes they realize after its too late that they amissed something. She also says to take one day at a time. Everyone gets their fair share of stress, just some more than others.

Jade Huston, a junior, finds things to help take her mind off of a deadline. She reads a book or comes in during lunch to see what needs to be done. She plans things out and does the things she needs to complete her assignment for the yearbook.

“If you wait till the last week it’s bad,” Huston said.

During a Dec. 8 morning meeting, Russellog editors and staff members discuss what needs to be done for the upcoming Dec. 17 deadline, when 50 yearbook pages must be sent to the printing plant. Student Life editor Megan Varner (top right) focuses on instructions before class begins. Photos by Vicki Zawacki.

It’s worse for Huston before the actual deadline. She gets stressed out with all the homework and with the deadlines. She has a partner which makes things easier, but she still gets her fair share of stress for a deadline, especially since it is her first year on staff.

“I get stressed, but not enough to get sick,” she said.

Sophomore Shaenell Jaime said it is easier for her to work alone because with a partner the work doesn’t always get done. In order to make the deadlines Jaime stays calm to get her work done. She didn’t make the last deadline, but knows that she has to work hard to make the next one.

“I didn’t turn my stuff in last deadline,” Jaime said. “I turned it in late because of my story and alternative coverage.”

Jaime has many ways to stay calm when stressed.

It’s 9:30, and I am exhausted.

I have been up since 5:45, and doing school-work since then, except for a 2-hour break for Speech and Debate practice. I am longing to get into my flannel pajama pants and crawl into bed, but I know that I should at least finish my math homework before doing so.

The dreaded H-work.

That word is news-opinion editor what controls

Chasing Sanity katie hodges

my happiness (not to mention my sleep schedule) from the end of August to the beginning of June.

It’s not that I’m opposed to the idea of homework. I don’t even want to think about what my Algebra II grade would look like without the practice it provides. The same goes for all my classes. As long as homework serves a purpose, I firmly believe that students (myself included) need to cowboy up and get their work done.

But I have yet to be convinced that #’s 1-50 (all) is the best approach for homework, or that quantity trumps quality.

If I understand a concept, doing 50 problems does not help me understand it more; it only takes up time I could be spending on other classes.

The flip side of that is that if I don’t understand a topic, being reminded of my lack of understanding (at home,

She said she plays with her little sister, because her sister makes her happy. She also goes into her room to listen to her music or read a book. She does all this to clear her head of all her stress.

“I work on everything I can,” she said. “I ask for help when I know I will need it.”

Jaime says she is not always stressed, and she likes to put all her work into the page. Jaime said her page has to be almost perfect for the deadlines. She likes to put in everything she can to complete her work and make sure it’s done on time though there will be times that things won’t go according to plan.

“If I am stressed I talk to my friends about it,” Jaime said.

The 2011 Russellog, a 288-page, full-color book, will be released at the yearbook party May 19. The price of books increases from $55 to $65 on Jan. 24. without a teacher close by to help) 50 times only makes me feel increasingly more despairing, and does not increase my chances of truly grasping the subject at hand.

Homework cannot be used as a stand in for actual help from teachers, as that does not give justice to the students, who are supposed to benefit from homework.

If it’s up to students to actually do their homework, then it’s up to teachers to assign responsibly.

Homework provides an opportunity to get ready for the test, figure out any problems that a student might have had with a concept, and build time management skills.

Those benefits cannot be ignored.

If teachers can take the time to really think about their assignments, and only assign things that will prove the most beneficial to students, then students can follow up on their side of the bargain and complete all the assignments.

06

NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth Val Oldfield’s novel written in a month is about a girl attempting to come back to life after passing away in a car accident. Here is an excerpt.

“I’ve always been a writer, [I’ve] never tried to write a novel.”

Senior Val Oldfield participated in the National Novel Writing Month in November 2010. Photo by Beth Britton.

Three CMR students finish a 50,000-word novel in 30 days caitlyn aakre Moving your birthday for any reason sounds crazy.

Senior Val Oldfield thinks she has a pretty good reason.

“My month of November is blocked off. I moved my birthday,” she said. Oldfield, whose birthday is Nov. 3, doesn’t spend time with friends and family or do much of anything but write her novel in the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo as it’s called by participants.

Writers must complete a novel in the month of No-

Val Oldfield

Deific Illations

vember with 50,000 words. The organization, founded

by Chris Baty, had 22,000 members in 2009. There are three participants at CMR. Senior James Bamfield attempted the challenge, reaching “some 4,000 words in four days,” but then quit due to other factors. Oldfield and junior Jarrett Workman attempted and completed the challenge.

“I’ve always been a writer, [I’ve] never tried to write a novel,” Oldfield said. She wrote short stories when she was younger and decided to start a CMR chapter of NaNoWriMo with her friend, and CMR graduate Heather Gee, last year. Her book, entitled “Deific Illations” is a sequel to last year’s novel. “[My novel is about] what happens when dead people try to come back,” she said.

This is not the last time Oldfield will try the NaNo challenge.

“As long as I’m alive,” Oldfield said. Junior Jarrett Workman has a similar plan. “[I want to participate] next year and however many years I can stand to do it,” he said. Workman finished the challenge this year with 10,000 extra words.

This year’s novel, entitled “The Fighting Mind”, tells the story of a boy named Luke Harrow who is half-man, half-wolf, an “anthro,” who is fighting against the military with his friends. “[NaNo can help others] create other worlds that no one else can think of,” he said. Like Oldfield, Workman would like to see his work published.

“I want to be an author one day,” he said, adding that NaNo is a great way for him to gain experience.

“It [NaNo] can give teenagers and other people the opportunity to vent,” he said.

Damien’s hand reached up and brushed a strand of hair out of my face.

“Magic happens, my dear.”

Cyan let out a little rumble.

He wasn’t pleased, that was for damn sure.

“Well, I have a senate race to win. If you’ll excuse me.”

He turned on his heel and sauntered off.

‘This isn’t real. It can’t be happening.’ I thought.

I looked around to see if anything else seemed out of place.

It didn’t. So maybe I wasn’t dreaming. I looked to Christian and Stan. They looked a little bothered but honestly I was too.

I had watched Damien die.

I watched his soul depart and make itself one with the world.

It made no sense for him to be here now, weeks after his death in the afterlife.

It was a convoluted thought to die in the afterlife. We were already dead.

Dec.16, 2010 The Stampede

Rustler CNA grads get head start on future career

After completing the Certified Nursing Assistant program, eight Rustlers pause for a moment with instructors from Benefis and CMR teachers Dawn Drahos and Christi Virts. Photo courtesy of Christi Virts. jennifer verzuh

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

While in high school, possible job options for students are typically limited to working for minimum wage at fast food restaurants or at the local mall, but not for some C.M. Russell High School students.

They now have the option to begin a career as a nurse’s assistant where they can work in environments such as hospitals, assisted living homes, clinics, and retirement homes.

These students recently completed CMR’s Certified Nurse’s Assistant, or CNA, program.

07

According to Med Prep teacher Dawn Drahos, the CNA program is offered to students who have completed Intro to Health Occupations and either Human Body Systems or Honors Biology. The class was two periods long, lasted one quarter, and took place at Benefis West, where the teacher was a registered nurse. During the class the students received some on-the-job experience.

“There’s a clinical portion to the class during which the students follow a nurse and get hands-on experience that way,” Drahos said.

Recent CNA grad and senior Karissa Willems hopes to pursue a career in ultrasound technology, where she believes that being a CNA will help her achieve her goal.

“It will give me experience in the medical profession,” Willems said. “We worked a lot with other CNAs. You learn how to take vitals, how to take care of people with any kind of disability, and give showers. It was fun, it was really hands-on.”

Senior Hillary Harrison graduated alongside Willems in October from the CNA program.

Harrison is a diabetic so she’s had a chance to meet and get to know nurses and doctors which has helped her make plans for her future. She hopes to become an ER nurse.

Harrison chose to take this class because she believes it will help her get “one step ahead to being an RN.” “I like to help people,” Harrison said, who is currently working as a nurse’s assistant at Goldstone Assisted Living.

“I think that the CNA class is a great capstone for seniors that are considering a medical career,” Drahos said. “It definitely helps them get into medical programs and medical school.”

Wilems also believes the CNA program is a wonderful opportunity.

“If people plan on going into the medical field, plan on becoming a nurse, then the CNA program is a great option.”

Harrison agrees.

“I think it’s a really good program, especially for the kids that might not have enough money to go to college,” Harrison said.

Happy Holidays from the Stampede staff!

If you are a student that is interested in writing for the Stampede second semester, contact Miss Britton in room 326

Students reflect on memories of subs, unique experiences

SUBBING

08

Filling in for business teacher Jessica Goosen, Joleen Cordeiro helps Ben McLaughlin during the period 6 Company class on Dec. 14. Cordeiro, formerly the CMR scheduling clerk, will be student teaching next semester with Kelly Parsons. Photo by Josh Philyaw. josh philyaw

Filling the shoes of a teacher for a day is no easy task. This difficulty yields itself to some noteworthy “sub” memories and experiences.

Just ask Senior Christina Smith about the sub in her developing child class.

“This one sub was looking at the pictures on the teacher’s desk and they kept asking questions,” Smith said.

The sub kept commenting on how cute the people in the photos were, she said.

Smith, who pays keen attention to the wide variety of her subs’ personalities, reflected on one of her government subs.

“They [the sub] really got into teaching the class; he was not being a normal substitute,” Smith said.

Substitutes are known for their wide variety of teaching styles and personalities, and are frequently the butt of jokes and ridicule.

“When we do have substitutes we take full advantage. Students talk because they say [the sub] is like a babysitter,” Smith said.

Like Smith, sophomore Jocelyn Lauer also enjoys observing her substitutes.

“He was different, he acted different than a teacher or [any other] sub I have ever had,”

What do you like about subs?

“The fact that they are more open to new ideas and you can be cool with them.”

Paris Simonsonjunior

Subbing for history teacher Alex Rosenleaf’s period 7 class, Heather Buley instructs the class on what to do on Dec. 13. Photo by Josh Philyaw.

Lauer said. “He talked about his life and how he decided to become a sub.”

“He also made a friendship bracelet for [my friend] Hertense,” she said.

Although Lauer has experienced a wide variety of substitutes, she is happy when a teacher says they are going to be gone the next day because she gets to take a break.

“I’m relieved that we don’t have to learn anything,” she said. “I like having subs for that reason.”

While students enjoy having substitutes, office secretary Joan Walsh puts in hard work behind the scene to coordinate the many guest teachers in the building.

Some of Walsh’s duties include getting packets ready, distributing keys, and finding other teachers to fill in when there are not enough subs available.

“It’s usually not too bad; I usually get everything ready the afternoon before,” Walsh said.

It is not always a stress -free task for Walsh.

“It becomes more challenging during different times of year,” Walsh said. “Track and football seasons become more challenging because the coaches are teachers.”

“Subs have a hard time coming in here.

They have very little knowledge of what they are going to be doing besides the class they are teaching,” Walsh said. “I have empathy for them with the job they do.”

“A lot of them are cool, you can talk to them and have a good conversation.”

Stefanie Langsenior “We usually don’t do a lot [with subs], but we get a teacher with a different personality.”

Athena Moloneauxsenior “Subs have a certain ora that makes them easily manipulated.”

Keegan Nolandfreshman

Dec. 16, 2010 The Stampede

Job of placing substitutes a stressful one for Susan Woyth

Long-term substitute teacher Sylvia Bull, shown here with the period 1 French class, has filled in for Madame Davis since Sept. 28. Photo by Caitlin O’Connell.

Sub Sylvia Bull enjoys long-term assignment en francais -- Oui! sylvia bull

On Sept. 28, I taught my first day of high school at CMR – in Madame Davis’ French classroom, and I have been teaching here ever since.

Quelle surprise!, as the French say, for someone who spent her high school years at Great Falls High. But the welcome I have received here from students, staff, and administration has been amazing. It’s been interesting and enlightening to learn the traditions and culture of my former cross-town “rival.”

Besides the change in location, this long-term substitute placement has been so different from my normal, short-term placements. When you change placements every day, especially as a new substitute, each classroom is a foreign land. The set-up varies greatly by school, teacher, and grade level, so the first minutes of the day are devoted to a scouting mission for lesson plans and materials. When the students arrive, learning 20+ new names every day can also be quite a challenge!

Now that I have been in room 204 for a couple of months, the scouting missions have been replaced by reviewing lesson plans, grading papers, and talking with students – en français, of course. And two sets of names (French and English) have been mastered.

This is one of my favorite things

about long-term subbing: getting to know my students and seeing their progress over time.

When I only see students one or two days out of the year, I know them only based on a first impression. I may see them on a good day or a bad day, but probably not both. Teaching the same students every day, however, allows me to get beyond the first impression. I see them on good days AND bad days.

Every time I ask “Ça va?” – How’s it going? – I get to know them a little better.

As a long-term sub, I also get to work with other teachers in a way that really is not possible when I change classrooms every day. While other teachers are usually very helpful and welcoming to substitutes, it’s difficult to get to know them as colleagues and friends. Since I started here at CMR, I have been supported and welcomed by many a teacher, especially those in the World Languages department. It has been wonderful!

And the final difference between this long-term placement and my other placements?

Working with older students.

In my short-term placements, I usually work with students between the ages of five and eight.

It is so nice to not have to constantly tell my students to stay in their seats – on most days, anyway. Thank you, CMR!

Arranging substitute tecahers for the Great Falls Public Schools is the job of Susan Woyth, the sub clerk. Woyth has held the position for 10 years. Photo by Katie Kotynski.

katie hodges

If students think that they face a grueling day in class whenever they have a sub, they don’t know the half of it. Just ask Susan Woyth.

As the sub clerk for the entire school district, Woyth’s Monday begins at 5:45 a.m. when she walks into her office, takes off her coat, turns on her computer, and immediately starts checking voicemails from teachers unable to come into work.

Woyth is a Personal Technician, which means that she is in charge of making sure every teacher who is gone for any plethora of reasons has a sub to cover their class---a job easier said than.

Although Woyth comes in early on Mondays, she arrives at 6 a.m. the rest of the week.

“I have to be totally ready to go,” she said.

Woyth first focuses on finding subs for the middle and high schools first, as they need to be there the earliest. It can be hard for Woyth to find subs who are ready to go so early in the morning.

“I know that there are some [substitutes] that are ready to walk out the door at 6:30,” Woyth said. “You can tell.”

Woyth tries to find prompt subs to make it easier on the CMR sub clerk, Joan Walsh.

“If people aren’t there at 7:45, she [Walsh] is stumbling around,” Woyth said.

Despite the challenges of her job, at least the first hours go by fast.

“The first two hours of my day just fly by,” Woyth said. “I just know how hectic that is. I am mentally prepared that those first two hours I’m going to be really hectic.”

Woyth enjoys the position that she has held for 10 years, mostly because of the opportunities she has had to make friends with the various teachers and subs that she comes into contact with on a daily basis.

“I’ve gotten to know quite a few of them. They just give me their first name,” Woyth said. “I have a relationship with the subs, and I know what they do.”

Woyth believes that it is important to have an understanding of what individual subs enjoy teaching, in order to do a better job of putting them in classrooms where they are more likely to do better.

“If you didn’t know any of that, you could be putting anybody anywhere, and that would be crazy,” Woyth said. “There is some real personalized service as far as getting subs.”

Woyth does all of this in order to make the substitute process as smooth as possible.

“Being a substitute teacher is hard,” Woyth said. “I want to make it as smooth as possible.”It’s also easier for Woyth when the process goes smoothly.

“Usually those days where things are going wrong, I hear about it real quickly,” Woyth said. “There’s no rhyme or reason, and you just have to go with the flow.

I have to go on and do the best I can do.”

However, Woyth feels that the administration in the high schools are very thankful that there are people to cover for absent teachers.

Woyth recognizes the craziness of her job, but doesn’t mind it.

“It does require going to bed at night,” Woyth said.

“Nobody in my office wants to do my job for a day.

They’re just glad I’m here, I guess.”

Subbing by the #‘s Last year, the district employed

817 full time teachers.

Together, they were gone a total of 10357 days. (that’s around 28

years!)

5197 of those days were taken due to illness Due to the H1N1 virus, October 2009 was a bad month for illness. Of the total sick days taken in 2009, 844 (or 16%) of them were taken in October.

October was also a bad month for finding subs. At 84.46% , it had the lowest classroom fill rate for the 2009-2010 school year.

June had the best fill rate. A full 100% of absent teachers had subs in their classrooms during the 4 day month.

09

A closer look at the numbers that went into substitute teaching in the Great Falls School District for 2009-2010.

In June, there were 30 teachers gone per day. In October, there were 73 teachers gone per day. !

For the entire 2009-2010 school year, the district $ $ spent $725,025 on subs. That’s 1208 iPads.

Subs get paid $70 for every day they work.

In October of 2009,$102,025 was spent on subs.

The only other month that came close to that was March. There were 1317 days where subs were needed that month, costing the district $92,225 .

However, March saw better luck for finding subs with a 97.66% fill rate, the fourth highest fill rate for the year.

Information courtesy of Tammy Lacey. Inforgraphic by Katie Hodges.

10

Aune hits right chord as long-term sub

ReACT members helped educate CMR students on Nov. 18. Photo by Ryan Prosser.

ReACT aims to end tobacco use among teens katie hodges

Long-term substitute teacher Tamra Aune works with a Guitar 101 class recently. Aune replaced Mike Smith, who is on a temporary music assignment at Great Falls High School. Smith is expected to return to CMR next semester. Photo by Ryan Prosser. tim seery

On her first day as a long term sub, Tamra Aune walked in to find 20 guitars all out of tune sitting in a room subject to extreme temperature changes.

“I spent a lot of time retuning all of the guitars”, Aune said. In mid-November Aune became the long -term sub for music teacher Michael Smith after his temporary transfer to Great Falls High to fill an unexpected personnel vacancy.

Aune, who teaches private piano lessons out of her home and serves as a vocalist in the Great Falls Symphonic Choir, was excited about taking the position.

“My name wasn’t even on the sub list when Ed Varner called me. I had to arrange childcare, but after I got that figured out I said yes,” Aune said. With a 9- month-old daughter at home, long-term subbing was the last thing Aune expected to do, but, she is approaching it with a fresh perspective.

“There is always adjustment especially when I am a girl teaching two all boys choirs. I had to set some rules so that we could get some things done,” Aune said. “Most of the students want to be there; they signed up for the class as an elective.”

Aune has the distinct opportunity of teaching a course new to CMR, “Guitar 101.” Aune, who is not an avid guitarist, feels

that her class is making progress and everyone is learning at their own pace.

Senior Lukash Pruss said the transition between teachers was flawless and that the course was progressing well,.

“I wanted an “easy” class to take my senior year.”

Pruss, who studies guitar outside of class, said that the course is a good time for him to play with a group and practice throughout his day.

Junior Georgia Mae Morrison took the class because she has always desired to play guitar.

“It is something that I always wanted to do, but never had time,” she said.

Morrison said Aune has made a smooth transition and that she is learning a lot from her.

“There are always people who try to take advantage of subs, but this class has been pretty good,” she said.

For Aune, her days are defined by the strumming of the strings, the notes of sheet music, and holiday carols out of the “Hal Leonard” guitar method book.

“I take it day by day. So far it has been great,” Aune said.

Nov. 18 marked the 35th Great American Smokeout, and to celebrate, CMR’s ReACT group set up a table in the Commons to inform students about the dangers of smoking.

Teddy Nault, a Tobacco Use Prevention Specialist with the City-County Health Department said that Great American Smokeout is designed to “bring awareness to people using tobacco products.”

ReACT is billed as an organization of youth against corporate tobacco. “We’re using youth to spread the word about tobacco,” Nault said.

Days when the youth get out are called Days of Action, the next in February, and is called Through with Chew and is an attempt to end the use of chew tobacco in Montana.

The emphasis is getting the message out through the youth.

“We’re trying to bring about awareness with youth,” Nault said. “I can stand up here all day and talk about it [tobacco awareness], but when they say it, it makes a difference.”

The next Day of Action is in Feburary, and is Through with Chew, an effort to stymie the use of chew tobacco in Montana high school students. For more information, students can go to www.reactmt.com.

Drink and drive and you can have a personal photo shoot at the POLICE station. If you’re lucky enough you may even get an exclusive appointment with the MORTICIAN! Think about who you really want to spend the holidays with.

This message is brought to you by the Cascade County DUI Taskforce

BLOOD DRIVE Nov. 18, 2010

Dec.16, 2010 The Stampede

Pointing to herself on a video of the 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, senior Megan Varner recalls how exciting the 3.5-mile march was. Photo by Beth Britton.

Senior Megan Varner marches in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The American Red Cross assisted 76 CMR students and staff as they donated blood at the annual fall blood drive in the Fieldhouse.

By the end of the day, the Red Cross had collected 67 useable units of blood.

The CMR community gathers together to donate blood twice annually.

Alexa Thomas, senior

11

jennifer verzuh

Gavin Hagfors, senior

Photos by Ryan Prosser.

On Thanksgiving Day most students enjoyed turkey and pumpkin pie with their families. But not C.M. Russell High School senior Megan Varner.

She was performing live as millions watched the nation’s biggest Thanksgiving Day celebration, New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“It was such an honor,” Varner said. “A dream come true to represent my country, my state, and my high school and it really meant a lot.”

Varner was the only Montana dancer to go, nominated by the National Dance Alliance during a camp over the summer to perform in the parade with 750 other girls in the alliance.

Well, there was one tiny catch. She raised about $3,000, in addition to her fundraising for the CMR Wranglers, which she is a captain of. But Varner said it was worth all of her hard work.

“It was really exciting,” Varner said of performing. “It gives you a really big adrenaline rush. (It was) especially exciting because I always watched the Thanksgiving parade as a kid and always wanted to be in it but never thought I’d get the chance.”

However, it wasn’t all work and no play. The girls also took a harbor tour, saw “Billy Elliot” on Broadway and watched the world famous Rockettes perform.

They also took in quite a bit of people watching, glimpsing superstar Taylor Swift, seeing chart-topper Kanye West perform, conversing with Bruno Mars, and being recognized by celebrities themselves.

“Miranda Cosgrove from ‘iCarly’ asked to get a picture with us. It was kind of backwards,” Varner said.

Despite all the fundraising, dancing, and work it took, Varner siad she will never forget the experience .

Featuring...

It doesn’t have to

What’s your favorite classroom at CMR? animals

“The atmosphere of [Allen’s] classroom is respectful.”

- Jordan Frotz

be pretty; it just has to be classy caitlyn aakre

Wal-Mart may have its friendly greeters, but biology teacher Jon Davis has something even better: Clint Eastwood.

“Just because he’s one of my heroes,” Davis said of the lifesize poster that’s been hanging on the door of room 319 for years. He said that he admires Eastwood’s attitude. Davis’s classroom has plants and animals everywhere, reflecting his area of expertise.

“Biology is fun,” he said. Other classrooms at CMR reflect what the teachers teach and love. Band teacher Russ Kellogg’s room is about his students and the music. “[There’s] lots of bright energetic people,” he said. A portrait of Kellogg as Captain America -- drawn by senior Lauren Mathis -resides on the wall behind where Kellogg directs. A couch donated by the CMR media center was recently added as well.

The room isn’t just about the students.

“It’s designed to be acoustically sound,” he said. This kind of environment helps his students play the music better, just as other classroom environments help students learn better.

“I try to respect my students [like] young adults,” history teacher Burke Allen, the recipient of December’s Teacher-of-theMonth award, said. “I never really liked people who were condescending,” he said.

Allen’s classroom, room 203, is relaxed. At the beginning of the year, Allen tells his students that they don’t have to ask to go to the restroom and that if they would enjoy sitting on the tables, it’s ‘OK’ with him. “[I try to have] a general level of respect [and] approach education as more than just subject matter. I’ve always tried to make students feel like their opinion counts,” he said.

Junior Jordan Frotz said the décor of a room is not as important as the teacher or the atmosphere they create with rules or their personality. Junior Sam Shie agrees.

“You get treated as family,” she said about Chris Evans’ drama room, a room that features black paint, cast pictures from plays directed by former drama teacher Stacey Bergquist and the recent Shakespeare Abridged production. “ I t ’s just an open environment,” she said.

“The coolest classroom is the band room. It has its unique scent [and] a couch.”

- Brittney Tenney

respect

“It’s a neat, organized mess, like my life.”

- Sam Shie

personalization

funny works of art

relaxation

Photos by Caitlyn Aakre and Ryan Prosser.

Alas I have fallen in love with a machine.

And no not a robot from some galactic era.

I am infatuated with my new computer.

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 15, and after waiting a very long week for FedEx to drop it off, it has finally arrived. After taking 10 minutes to even open the box, I gazed at the sleek design and beautiful navy blue cover.

Upon turning it on, the sound, the backlighting, and the way the keyboard felt on my fingers encouraged features editor my admiration. I finally

Shaynanagins shayna leonard

have my own laptop. The starting cost was only around $500.

However, the design itself isn’t what has me hooked.

The Dell Inspiron 15 has been a favorite among customers for a couple years now, and is noted as the best selling laptop on dell.com.

It is ideal for day-to-day use and school projects, although if you’re a gamer, it’s not designed for you. It has Windows 7 automatically installed, and I chose to add Office Home and Student.

I am absolutely obsessed with technology, and with its 4GB hard drive and automatic backup plan, this computer is 100 percent perfect for me.

Windows 7 is my favorite part of the entire machine, because I can post myself cute little sticky notes right on the main screen so I remember to do my algebra homework. I think this new computer program completely blows Windows Vista out of the water. I mean what were they thinking when they designed that?!

Someone with an amazing mind created this technology, and it will take me forever to learn every part of this program.

The quality is fantastic, the speed is phenomenal, and I can’t wait to write my first English essay on the new version of Word.

Nerdy, I know.

I would recommend this computer to anyone; it really is worth the money spent.

Filippa Dahlkild

WOOD

Foreign exchange

Dec. 16 2010 The Stampede

15

Sweden’s Dahlkild takes chance to Woods, industrial arts classes provide discover America opportunity for life lessons, creativity

During the sixth period woods class, junior Sariah Colwell concentrates on completing her project.

Photo by Ryan Prosser.

lindsey buck

Leaving her country, flying thousands of miles away, and living with a family she hadn’t met weren’t plans junior Filippa Dahlkild expected her mom to approve. Dahlkild is one of nine foreign exchange students, and moved to Great Falls from Jönköping, Sweden.

“I really wanted to go away and see something new and get away from my life in Sweden,” Dahlkild said. She is currently living with the Morris family, who have no children attending CMR. However, they have a 1-year-old, a 10-year old, and an 11-year-old.

Dahlkild said what she enjoys most about America is the people and how friendly and open they are.

However, Dahlkild said she enjoys Montana in particular.

“I really like Montana’s nature. It’s so beautiful,” she said. Dahlkild said the weirdest thing she has experienced so far has been the change in weather.

She said that all the snow and cold is different than what she is used to.

“The hardest part is to get into the culture and to get American friends,” Dahlkild said. She said that this year has provided a chance for her to think a lot and grow as a person.

Dahlkild said that she is undecided about her career plans, but she knows that she will need the use of the English language.

“It’s been a great opportunity to get to know more English,” she said. Dahlkild has been studying English since a young age, and said that it was fairly easy for her to come to America and speak it fluently. She said she has learned a lot about English sayings from going to school at CMR. “I’m better at speaking [English] now, and I’m able to dare to speak more.”

jordan smith

Ask any teacher in the CMR shop building the ratio of boys to girls in their classes, and in almost all cases you’ll see that the male population far exceeds that of the females.

But for senior Jamie Green, it isn’t about competing with the guys.

While John Stewart’s woodshop class may be dominated by men, one woman stands out to the rest.

“Just because I’m female doesn’t mean I don’t work as hard,” Green said. “I definitely don’t want to follow a stereotype.”

Green and fellow students in Stewart’s second period woodshop class are currently constructing deck chairs and other useful furniture items. Before this project, the class constructed birdhouses. These skills allow the students to practice measurements and knowledge of tools.

She took the class in hopes that it would give her skills she could use in the future, and that’s something Stewart hopes other women at CMR will take an interest in.

“It would be nice to see more girls signing up for shop classes,” Stewart said. “It’s still very traditional in the fact that only boys are signing up. We’re trying hard to integrate more courses that will appeal to the girls at CMR.” Green is the only female in her class of seven, making her the obvious underdog. She says she often feels “at a disadvantage due to my sex.”

Senior Austin Macklin agrees that more female students should be participating in the shop classes.

“These courses aren’t just there for guys to get their hands dirty,” Macklin said. “They’re there to give you life lessons that will benefit you for the future. I’m very surprised that more girls aren’t doing the classes.”

In the industrial automotive department, there is a course offered for girls only. Green thinks that though it’s a good step in the right direction, it isn’t enough to persuade others to really be interested.

“I think it’s something you just have to have an interest in at Sophomores Josh Kakalecik and Josh Oatman (top) and junior Bridger Brennan (below) work on woods projects during John the start to really get into.”

Stewart’s sixth period class. Photos by Ryan Prosser.

entertainment Hot&Not Book

music

movie

tv

video game

of

2010

Reality TV... made with real scripts

the song Firework by katy perry Justin Bieber Movie baby,baby,baby,no... please no.

3D movies 3 d’s stand for dumb,dumb, and dumber

Hot

Miley Cyrus Smokes a bong....but don’t worry... it’s just salvia Boys baggy pants lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground

Harry Potter 7 Part 1

pretty huge deal this year

Overbundence of cleavage we can’t even go there

The reign of smartphones begins

Lonestar cancelled A reality show of soon-to-be brides competing for plastic surgeries

Not

we could have built several schools in Haiti with the money spent on promotions

The Last Airbender yet another flop from M. Night. Shaymalan

Moon

Kid Cudi releases 2nd of trilogy shayna leonard

“This is a journey, into the horizon.

You can see past, if it’s real to you. We can meet on the other side, on the other side….”

These lyrics start off the beginning of one of the greatest albums of the year: Man on the Moon 2: The Legend of Mr. Rager. Artist: Kid Cudi. Style: Out of this World (literally).

Kid Cudi has yet again created a masterpiece with his voice and his soul. Man on the Moon: The End of Day was an amazing album, but Cudi was only getting started.

His first album told a story about a young man suffering from night terrors and depression, something many teenagers can relate to.

My favorite songs on the album include “Soundtrack of my Life” and “Day ‘n’ Night.” These songs are about a man who can’t sleep because of his dreams becoming his reality.

Thus, Man on the Moon 2 is a continuum of that ideal. He has learned to overcome his adversities, and thrives in his world as a man no longer on the dark side of the moon.

Although I would not recommend this album to someone younger than 16 because of explicit content, anyone older would absolutely love it.

The sound is laid back, yet powerful enough to get you to sing along and tap your feet to the enticing, and loud, bass.

The lyrics are inspiring, one aspect that not many artists have these days.

A lot of music these days in the hip hop world is about sex and being famous, but Cudi brings back the soul and purpose. He writes for a reason, and for now I wait for the last CD of the Man on the Moon trilogy to emerge.

1

austin &

Eminem has returned from Relapse with a follow-up that blows any other album out of the water. With heartfelt lyrics in “Recovery” depicting his life of love and issues, he reigns supreme as one of the world’s greatest rappers. Highlights include “Not Afraid,” “Love the Way You Lie” and “Space Bound.”

2

jordan’s

VersaEmerge, a pop-punk experimental rock band from Port St. Lucie, Florida, has grown from playing small stages on Warped Tour to releasing one of the year’s most successful full-length albums, “Fixed At Zero.” Using catchy guitar riffs and cinematic background effects, the music allures listeners and captivates them track-by-track. Highlights include “Fire,” “Lost Tree” and “Fixed At Zero.”

“Year of the Black Rainbow” marks the end of these prog rock gods’ 5-album concept called “The Amory Wars.” The album itself shows a darker side of Coheed. The guitar work, though simplified, often gives off the darkness and despair depicted throughout

4

With their sophomore release, “Invade,” Within The Ruins has shown exactly how driven they are to making music. Filled with an array of melodic death-core, the album shows moments of spastic harmonizing riffs and chunky

top picks of 2010

this “prelude,” while working well with the drums and bass. The highlight of the album is the vocals ranging from the classic rushesque highs to beautiful harmonic melodies.

Tracks includes “The Broken,” “This Shattered Symphony”, “Pearl of the Stars.”

Chicago-based rock group Adora charms fans with driving guitars and heavy piano pieces fused with melodic vocals that you just can’t stop listening to.

Though only a five-song EP, “Save Yourself” was one of the best, if not THE best

3

release, of the year. Highlights include “Save Yourself,” “The Snake Charmer” and “Condescending.”

breakdowns with double bass blast beats and driving bass that makes an incredible show of musicianship. Highlights include “Invade,” “Roads” and “Versus.”

5 austin lahr & jordan smith

Holiday Film Preview

Man on the

Dec. 16, 2010 The Stampede

jennifer verzuh Don’t have plans this holiday season? No problem.

The movie theatre has enough new films coming out this month to keep anyone busy.

Dec. 17: “The Fighter” This biopic focuses on real life boxer Mickey Ward (portrayed by Mark Wahlberg) and his relationships with half-brother Dickey Eklund (Christian Bale) and romantic interest (Amy Adams).

“How Do You Know” Reese Witherspoon lands herself in a love triangle between Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd, also starring Jack Nicholson.

“Tron Legacy” After nearly 30 years, Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner reprise their role from Tron in this long awaited sequel. Also stars Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde.

“Yogi Bear” This CGI/live-action film is an adaptation of the classic 1960s cartoon starring Tom Cavanagh, Anna Faris, and T.J. Miller as well as the voices of Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake.

Dec. 22: “Gulliver’s Travels” Jack Black stars as a shipwrecked journalist who finds himself on the beaches of an island where he is considered a giant among the tiny inhabitants. Emily Blunt, Jason Segal, and Amanda Peet also star.

“Little Fockers” Cast members Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, and Owen Wilson return for a new tale of Greg Focker, his wife, parents, and overbearing father in-law.

“True Grit” This December’s only Western to hit theaters is the second remake of the novel by Charles Portis and stars actors Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin.

Dec. 31: “Blue Valentine” Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star as couple whose marriage is crumbling. The film jumps to various points throughout their relationship in a non-linear manner.

17

18 If you were able to get any present, no matter how random, what would it be?

CHART

...I’m crossing

my fingers for a dillon wright pet walrus name sophomore Grognak, Destroyer of Worlds

helena candel

Flying Bed

Which celebrity would you want to be your Secret Santa?

Thinking of a resolution for once

Either Chuck Norris or Sean Connery; it’s a close call.

Oprah

sydne frohberg

How would you combat the adopt a new animal masover commercialization of cot which one whould it the holiday season? be, and why?

By uniting the stores un- A peacock; Christder a single banner! Can’t mas needs more be over-commercialized if color, don’chya it’s a single store, right?

think?

Getting my driver’s license in Germany

Chace Crawford

junior

A purple Mustang

If Christmas were to

What will your new year’s resolution be?

Be more organized

Doing something for someone instead of just buying presents

What’s wrong with A lemur, commercialism?

“I like to move I like shopping.

it, move it”

freshman

shelby senger

senior

montana johnson

senior

A tickle-meelmo. Definitely worth a fight on Black Friday.

A New Car

One who will spend lots of $.

Travis Barker.

He would give me drumming stuff haha.

To almost quit smoking all those cigs.

Stop my addiction to caffeine haha.

meth ad

A unicorn because it doesn’t exist like Santa

?

Remind people of the true meaning of Christmas.

A puppy!

Everyone wants one for Christmas

A liger

What advice would you give to future pep band members? Pep band members aim to entertain

Tackling Tunes

Dec.16, 2010 The Stampede

19

crowd, encourage teams, have fun

Ryan Murphy, Junior

“Be active, supportive, and peppy. Be supportive and don’t just stand there.”

CMR pep band gets the crowd excited while playing their melodious tune “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga. Photos by Josh Philyaw. lindsey buck

Sarah Carpenter, Sophomore

“Make sure you just have fun and are always participating and cheering for our team.”

Top: Junior Ryan Murphy works intently on enhancing his music reading skills. Bottom: Sophomore Sarah Carpenter plays a tune on her piccolo. Photos by Jen Verzuh.

The enticing harmonies and melodies of music were not exactly what encouraged senior Matt Austin to join the CMR pep band. A giant gorilla costume was much more appealing to him.

“I’ve always enjoyed trying new things musically, so the very thought of being able to play music and dress up in anything from a green wig to a gorilla suit (true story) appealed to me,” Austin said.

Austin has been in pep band since the beginning of his freshman year, and has missed only two games since. He said that being a drum major in pep band is something that he likes a lot.

“I enjoy having the freedom to choose the shape and direction of such a popular group; I love being able to choose the music we play and, as most members know, the tempos we play them at,” he said.

According to Austin, the season this year has been unlike any other. He said that he is working on doubling the amount of music that was played last

year.

“This year we started practice at a camp before school started, and since then pep band has soared above all expectations coming into this year,” he said.

Music is something that Austin plans to pursue for the rest of his life.

“I plan on double majoring in Jazz Studies and Psychology, and if the opportunity presents itself I’d like to conduct a professional symphony orchestra, much like Gordon [Johnson] does with the Great Falls Symphony,” he said.

This is sophomore Brian Perkins’ second year in pep band, and he said he has no regrets.

“When my brother was in high school he always told me about how fun pep band was, and how much he enjoyed it, and when I got to CMR it was his last year there so I joined pep band with him and I found it to be just as fun as he said, if not more,” Perkins said.

Some of the hardest parts of membership for Perkins have been finding the

time to practice and perfecting a part, he said. However, Perkins said that it is worth it because playing in games is a great chance to relax and have fun with the music.

Pep band plays at various events such as basketball, volleyball, and football games.

“This year we have had a wonderful turn out of new members and returning members, as well as having more members than last year,” Perkins said. The number of members at each event usually varies anywhere from 30 to 40 students.

Perkins said it is important for CMR to have a pep band because it makes games much more enjoyable and keeps a crowd excited.

“My advice to future pep band members would have to be not to be shy, and just to have fun when you’re playing and don’t worry about making mistakes or making a fool of yourself because you have 30 or 40 people doing the exact same thing.”

Christmas Charity CMR and community needs help during holidays

20

shayna leonard

Christmas is all about being with family, eating a great meal, and enjoying sharing gifts with one another.

However, what happens when none of those things fall into one’s Christmas equation?

That is exactly what Jim Kizer says the Great Falls Rescue Mission is there for.

“Anybody can come eat a meal here,” he said. Kizer is the head coordinator at the Rescue Mission and says there are many events planned to help families this holiday season--and throughout the year.

Veteran’s Day was the first event of the season, he said “We had a special dinner, and last year I even showed up in uniform.”

Next was the Thanksgiving meal. Kizer said there were 457 people signed up, and 410 actually attended the event. It was two days before Thanksgiving and included 93 donated food baskets, each one with a turkey and all the trimmings.

The dinner was held at Paris Gibson Education Center in the cafeteria, not at the mission because it holds only about 80 people.

“It was the coldest night of the year,” Kizer said. “We really got connected with the community.”

Thanksgiving Day was open to the public, and more than 150 people at the Rescue Mission enjoyed a hot, free meal.

And it isn’t ending there; the Rescue Mission is gearing up their big plans for Christmas. They are holding an event at the fairgrounds where 600 children and 400 adults are expected to attend.

“The primary donation we are expecting are toys,” Kizer said.

They wrapped the presents at the Hancock Fabric building and each child will receive one along with a stuffed animal the night of Dec. 23.

“The major thing is we want to share the Christmas story [at the event,]” Kizer said. Along with that he said there will be more than 100 hams and plenty of other food.

Along with this event, there is a public meal being held on Dec. 24. There are going to be several other Christmas parties being held with help from other organizations, such as giving Christmas trees to well-deserving families.

However there are obstacles and roadblocks to overcome before making such an event happen.

“Money is hard,” Kizer said. “Recourses are hard, but the community is really good about supporting us and caring about those unfortunate to them.”

“We try to do everything we can to make it a happy time,” he said. “There are many who don’t have family.”

One example Kizer mentioned was a college student who wouldn’t be able to go home for Christmas. Since the school won’t be able to house him for the holidays, he will be staying at the Mission.

“We want to make him feel as warm and friendly as we possibly can,” he said.

Holiday donations and Christmas events aren’t the only things the Rescue Mission does throughout the year.

They are always busy, and open to the public 365 days a year, where they feed breakfast, lunch and dinner to families and individuals in need of a place to stay and a warm meal.

“A lot of people think they are there for a handout,” Kizer said. However, most are not. Kizer explained the situation of a teenage girl kicked out on the street by her father. She came to the Mission for shelter and support.

The Mission assists a few kids here from CMR, he added.

“A large amount of people are there because of addictions,” Kizer said. “Most circumstances give them a bad deal and we get them back on the right path.”

The staff members at the Mission aren’t the only ones who make such miracles happen.

“We couldn’t do it without the community; we appreciate everybody,” he said.

Great Falls citizens, including teenagers, can help out in a variety of ways. They can contribute in finances or food donations, clothing drives and canned food drives.

“Individually volunteer time,” Kizer said. “Serving a meal, doing a project, cleaning toys, painting a room, there are always things that need to be done.”

A good way for teenagers to help is to baby sit kids at the Mission to allow mom some free time.

The Rescue Mission does a lot of things to help kids in need. Camp Lifelight is an all-day camp for kids in the summer. They have about an average of 80 kids at the camp annually.

“We work with them all day long,” Kizer said. “We find out more than we want to know when we get so close to them.”

There are a lot of children who live or have lived at the Rescue Mission.

One year, Kizer gave a talk at North Middle School,

and he asked for a show of hands of kids who had stayed at the Mission.

“It was an amazing thing to me the number of kids who go to school who have lived here or have a relative who lives here,” he said.

Because of this, volunteer work at the mission is always needed.

One thing Kizer said he notices about people who volunteer is the “smile of the server.”

“To me that’s the meaning of Christmas,” Kizer said. “The greatest thing a person can do is to give the gift of themselves.”

Kizer hopes to have great success Illustration this coming Christmas.

by Christina “The most important thing we Christianson. are concerned about is sharing the true meaning of Christmas, what it really means and helping them out in any way we can,” he said. He also said that prayer from the community really helps.

The Mission is the light at the end of the tunnel for many people who have fallen into bad circumstances or have no where else to go, and Kizer things those kind of people are just like you and me.

“Each of us is only one tragedy away from being homeless.”

Stampede Journalism donates toiletries and other items to the Great Falls Rescue Mission (far left). The Charlie Tree is an easy way to help fellow students have a great Christmas. (left). CMR Business Department displays their presents (above left) being given to fellow students in need (above right). Photos by Jordan Smith.

CMR students serve school

KeepingActive

Dec.16, 2010 The Stampede

21

students shred up Showdown

if they aren’t from CMR. Ben Enseleit, also a senior, is another veteran member of Ski Club. He said that his favorite part of the club is to get new club members involved with the sport. Enseleit has tried snowboarding, but prefers to ski.

He said that the best part of skiing is “you get a new story every time.”

Consumer Sciences teacher Diane Kirol is the ski austen martell club advisor. Ski Club, despite the name, is for both Habaneras and snowboarding normally don’t mix, skiers and snowboarders. but the hot peppers heated up the slopes of Showdown Last Friday, Ski Club took a trip to Showdown Ski last winter for a few members of the CMR Ski Club.

Area southeast of Great Falls -- one of the two planned Before heading down a run during one of their trips the club has annually. trips to the ski area last year, Senior Bryce Zbinden At 7:30 in the morning on December 10, 2010, ski and several other ski club students gobbled some of club members boarded a bus and headed for Showthe spicy peppers and took off down.

Senior downhill.

Bryce Zbinden The result at the bottom of thought the trip the hill was less than appetizwas a sucess ing. Lesson learned? Maybe. But because “there then again.... wasn’t a whole lot That’s just one of the of people there,” “adventures”members of Ski Zbinden said Club have had. It’s winter again, that is was “fresh and members of the club, includsnow to shred.” ing senior Bryce Zbinden, are set Ski Club to hit the slopes as often as they members aren’t can. the only students For Zbinden, it’s just another that enjoy winter season doing a sport he is passports. sionate about, and CMR has a Sophomore club that gives him the opportuTaylor Varner nity to do so. isn’t involved Zbinden has been in Ski Club with ski club and for four years. He is a devout skis often on her snowboarder, and has never Senior Ben Enseleit leads a vote during a Dec. 7 Ski Club meeting. own. Her favorite skied. Zbinden said his favorite Photo by Ryan Prosser. part of the sport part of the club is simply “beis “I get to hang cause we get to snowboard.” out with my sister.”

Another aspect he enjoys is the Showdown is Varner’s favorite place to ski, and she opportunity to meet new people has fond memories of the place. One such memory is and snowboard with them, even her first time skiing, when her sister and her got lost on

Skiers, snowboarders race to Showdown on Dec. 10 opening day

You know the world has gone to sports when Super bowl Sunday has become a virtual national holiday. But that Sunday isn’t the only national holiday of the football season, every Sunday from week one to week 17 is a cause for celebration across the nation.

But beyond that, during the football season it matters more if you’re a Jets fan or a Patriots fan than if you’re a Republican or a Democrat. Sports have taken over the political scene and divided

The Final Point meg smith

sports editor

the slopes. Over a period of time, both eventually found their way down the mountain after sliding down sitting on their skis.

Also not involved in Ski Club is Junior Ben Mclaughlin. He predominately snowboards, but participates in both sports.

Mclaughlin also went to Showdown on Friday, December 10, and stayed overnight to snowboard both days to “tear up the mountain.”

He said that both days were fun, but Friday was better because of there being less people.

Mclaughlin said one of the best times he had was when he and his friend crashed into one of his friends on the slopes.

Kirol said that the next Ski Club trip will be on Feb. 25-28. They will travel to the Bozeman and ski at Big Mountain, The Moonlight Basin, and the Bridger Bowl.

Students wanting to attend need to earn $395, which includes transportation, tickets, motel, breakfast and dinner. But, Kirol also advised students to come with extra money for road food, lunch, and equipment rentals if needed. Kirol said in order to join the club, students “just need to want to.”

Club President senior Nathan Hood is a skier, and he said his favorite place to ski is at Big Sky Ski Resort. Hood said Ski Club offers people the opportunity to get involved with a sport they all love, and he encourages anyone who wants to join to try it out.

For information about Ski Club meetings and trips, see Diane Kirol in room 222.

the nation into fan clubs.

Vicious arguments over tax cuts transform into veracious sentiments over the new owner of a football team. A debate over government policies morphs into a debacle about who the greatest quarterback is.

Football has become the new politic of the nation and leading headlines proclaim exciting turnarounds in Michael Vick’s performance.

Michael Vick is pardoned more than white supremacists after the civil war. Tom Brady is more of household name than Joe Biden.

Christmas Eve is anticipated for the football game and forgotten for its religious connotation.

So what does all this mean? American’s have ceased to believe in Democrat or Republican and now bond over favorite teams and fantasy football stats.

And while sports are discounted as violent, a waste of money, and an idle waste of time, we fail to realize their impact upon the culture of our country. Removing sports is like removing the common ground of American pop culture.

Instead of, “What are your thoughts on Obama’s stimulus package and its effects on the economy?” try, “Who do you think is going to win the Super bowl?” I’ll let you judge for yourselves those results.

But in case you don’t want to feel the awkward silence that will permeate the air after the first question, just stick to that second question.

My whole point is that sports have become the backbone of American familiarity and small talk.

So…. “Any thoughts on this Sunday’s games?”

22

Week 14

Super Bowl Scramble in t he morning Philadelphia Jacksonville New England San Diego Atlanta New Orleans Buffalo Eagles Jaguars Patriots ArizonaChargers Falcons Saints Bills Pittsburgh Miami Tampa Bay Detroit San Francisco Cardinals Dolphins Steelers Buccaneers Lions 49ers 13 6

23 7

38 31

17 16

31 10

7 3

31 13

40 21

36 7

43 13

31 0

10 6

30 27

WInners Losers

Staff Super Bowl Predictions

Denver New York Cinncinati Washington Green Bay Seattle Broncos Jets Bengals Redskins Packers Seahawks Cleveland Oakland Carolina Chicago Kansas City St. Louis Dallas Browns Raiders Panthers Bears Chiefs Rams Cowboys Austen Martell “The Eagles will win simply because you have to shut down everyone on their offense to win. And Vick can’t be stopped.”

“The Bears, because I’m from Chicago and I grew up with that team.”

Ryan Prosser

“The Colts because my mom said so.

“As of right now, the And they have nice Eagles. Michael Vick is colors.” :)

Nick Shulz

Jordan Smith

on fire and they have a pretty good D.”

“I think Philly has a good chance at a Super Bowl win. With a solid 9-4 record and a good defense, I wouldn’t be surprised if they won it all.”

Mandi Monroe

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Dec.16, 2010 The Stampede

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HOCKEY Game Schedule HS Game vs. Missoula 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 17

Blades of Glory

HS Game vs. Missoula 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18

Senior athletes compete statewide to bring hockey greatness back to Great Falls

young age: “When I lived in Billings I always watched the BillHockey is generally not the first sport that comes to mind ing’s Bulls pay, and I knew that I wanted to play. “One cool thing when one thinks of grace and artful maneuvering, but as sticks (about hockey) would probably be watching the American’s play glide across the ice, flicking the puck across the rink in graceful when I was a kid, I loved the environment” arcs and skates dig in launching a wave of powder, the brute The dedication that the team puts into practice and games force of the sport seems to hide a softer interior. have shown in a string of victories, however, the community just Fresh off a victory 7-2 over Glasgow, senior Kayleigh Handa hasn’t gotten excited. still tired sat down for an interview “A lot of friends come, kids from with me, while the defeated Glasgow high school, but other than parents we team could be heard booming with don’t really get much of an adult presraucous (and surprising) laughter ence or other people from the comfrom the nearby locker room. munity,” Handa said. Despite a lack “The season’s been going good of community interest both Meadors’ and we’re off to a really good start, but and Handa plan on continuing in colthere a still, for me at least, a lot of little lege. things I need to work,” Handa said.

“I think I will play in college on a For Handa hockey is a passion, one club team, just for fun,” Meadors’ said. that she has been working tirelessly to Senior Kayleigh Handa works on her blocking during a In the meantime though Meadors’ has perfect ever since she was little. Handa Thursday night practice Dec. 9. Photo by Ryan Prosser. to be creative in finding places to pracwho is the goalie for the Great Falls tice.

American’s High School Team first took an interest in hockey “I play hockey whenever I can, I train by stick handling in my when, after a session of figure skating with her dad, she saw the garage and playing in men’s league,” Meadors’ said. hockey team practicing and instantly thought it looked fun. BeThe hockey season for both Handa and Meadors is far from ing a girl in hockey would prove to be a challenge, however. over and with a solid start behind them both look to the future.

“I like playing but I don’t really talk to the other guys on the “We’ve been doing pretty well, but there’s always room for team. I’m on an all-girls team too though, and I have a really improvement,” Handa added as she hurried towards the door great coach, she’s kind of like a role model to me, Handa said. eager for rest after a grueling two hours spend on the rink.

“She’s helped me so much and she played goalie too.”

For Senior Tyler Meador’s an interest with hockey began at a nick green

To Dye For Tie- Dye Have a great winter break and a happy holiday season!

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The Great Falls Ice Rink is located on Giore Hill bear the Flying J Truck Stop. Photo by Ryan Prosser.

YEARBOOK! Act now to purchase your full-color, 288page Russellog at the $55 price!

The price increases to $65 on Jan. 24, and quantities are limited.

Visit the CMR Finance Office to reserve your copy today.

PARTY TIME!

The Russellog will be unveiled at the May 19 Release Party in the CMR Cafeteria.

24

Gettin’ their fruit on!

The Livestock Pavilion at the Montana Expo Park was ths site of the Dec. 10 fruit distribution. CMR music students sold everything from oranges and apples to pistacios and candy. Photos by Beth Britton.

Music department students distribute thousands of pounds of fruit in 2010 sale

kristi gange If anyone knows about the dedication that fruit selling takes, it’s Apart from students in the CMR music department, few can say junior Heidi Winslow. Earning $875, she was the top seller of fruit for that fruit was a contributing factor in their future. the orchestra department. The plan that Winslow devised has proven 2010 music department fruit sales have come and gone, leaving to be a successful one. behind only the remains of a job well done and future tour. This an“I used my slips from my customers last year, my sister’s customnual sale is crucial to the music department as it is their only platform ers from last year, and customers from a girl I knew really well that to fundraise. also graduated last year,” she said.

Pears 19% “We only get to do one fundraisGala Apples 13% With a client list in mind, Winslow er,” orchestra director Dennis Dell wasted no time. said. “It’s our only opportunity to “My motivation was being able to Red Delicious raise money.” ask people before any other students Apples 4% The music department uses the got to them. So on the first day I went Granny Smith earnings of their annual fruit sales to Apples 6% home and called close to 20 people selltake trips to other states, an experiing fruit and that is where I got most of ence they call a tour. The event they my sales,” she said.

Grapefruit 30% strive for each year is the opportunity Like other sellers, Winslow refrained for the music students to experience a from going door-to-door to sell her fruit. professional ensemble.

Instead, she opted to complete all of her “The purpose of the tours is to transactions over the phone. She said Oranges 35% provide [students] with opportuniwhat made selling the fruit easier for her ties they don’t get here,” Dell said. in particular was that she didn’t have to be face to face with any of her In addition to watching professionals, the tours also include a visit customers. to a college campus where the student musicians have a chance to Although no tangible prize was rewarded to the highest sellers, meet with the college faculty and tour the facility.

Winslow said that what she received from this experience was self “One of our goals for our students is for them to continue to play satisfaction. past high school. They don’t need to major in music to play,” he said.

“It feels pretty good being a high seller, and I would have never The tours don’t just consist of work, however. The group takes part guessed that with just a little bit of work I would be able to be in the in “educational opportunities outside of music.” In the past that has top,” Winslow said. included visits to the zoo, aquarium, and museums.

CMR’s music teachers know just what students learn from the None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the dedication of the fundraising experience. students. The money they earned from the fruit sales funds their en“[It’s] an opportunity for students to grow personally as well as tire trip. The students pay for their rooms, bus, and food. Any money musically,” Dell said. “I’m pretty proud of what our department has that remains after the trips is used for other necessities. That includes done in the past few years.” sheet music, festivals and any other expenses the department has.

Top: Senior Jacob Dickson carefully loads oranges into a truck.

Middle: Kim Stanfield, Gwydion Marshall and Leslie Bellwood get a workout carrying fruit to a customer in the livestock building on Dec. 10.

Bottom: Juniors Paris Simonson and Aaron Sammons prepare to deliver oranges to their customers.