The Stampede
Bringing the Color
New LGBTQ center aims to serve residents p. 3 c.m. russell high school great falls, mont. may 7, 2015 vol. 49, issue 10
An open forum for student expression
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The Stampede
The Stampede staff strives to produce a publication that is relevant to the CMR student body while maintaining journalistic standards. We help to provide a free exchange of ideas and establish a student voice in the school community. 1 - Cover photo by Katelyn Smith 2 - Table of Contents NEWS 3 - Petyon’s column, LGBTQ, Rebecca Howell Opinion 4 - FCCLA, Jaycee Baird 5- Yearbook Release Party, Student Government OPINION 6 - Laura’s column, Bully Free Act, Volunteering FEATURES 7 - Olivia’s Column, Girl Scouts CENTERSPREAD 8/9 - The Bully and the Bullied FEATURES(cont.) 10 - Gamers 11- American Roulette ENTERTAINMENT 12 - Dougherty, Music SPORTS 13 - Lindsay’s column, Crosstown Boxing 14- Spring Sports Roundup 15 - Rustler Athlete, Stats BACK PAGE 16 - Photo spread
2014-2015 STAFF editor-in-chief peyton fulbright
online editor tony lynes
visual content editor tom gruner
news/opinion editor laura marsilio
features/ entertainment editor olivia rudio
sports editor
lindsay martinez
advertising manager jj mitchell
staff
drew brennan elea roberts katelyn smith jesse whiteman macquaid brennan logan cowdery april hummel nate johnson shannon o’neil sarina calaman mykelti clark amanda cornwall carli dieruf tamara miller clara mcclain jara wilkinson iris kaiser
adviser
beth britton
principal
dick kloppel
TOP LEFT: Seniors Jazz Lopez and Victoria Slaughter comfort eachother after sharing memories at Kody LaValley’s candlelight vigil held on May 4. TOP RIGHT: Senior Rebecca Rutledge leads a teamwork excercise with younger girlscouts. CENTER: Students dissect pigs in sophomore Biology classes. BOTTOM LEFT: Art classes observe nature to create realistic pieces of art. BOTTOM RIGHT: Senior Adam Wood rehearses a scene for the upcoming show American Roulette, premeiring May 14 at 7:30pm. Photos by: Tom Gruner, Amanda Cornwall, Tamara Miller.
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Editorial Policy
The Stampede -- produced by journalism classes at C.M. Russell High School -- 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. Letters to the editor and guest essays are welcome. Letters
are limited to 200 words, and essays 350 words. All submissions must be signed and include a phone number so authenticity can be verified. The editors and/or adviser reserve the right to edit all letters for grammar and spelling as well as content that may include profanity, be libelous, obscene or not meet general editorial guidelines. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Submissions can be dropped off in room 326 or e-mailed to: stampede@gfps.k12. mt.us. 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.
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NEWS
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QUEER: A Five-Letter Word
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We’re just trying to educate people in a friendly way. We don’t want to be like “I’m gay, I’m gay! Jerry Perchert
”
Photo by Laura Marsilio
LGBTQ Center opens in Great Falls
Editor-in-Chief
peytonfulbright
by katelyn smith, staff writer Tim Dallacqua has goals. Dallacqua, a volunteer at the newly opened LGBTQ+ center, aims to have a movie night. He aims to have the center be open for more than three days a week. He aims to make it a fun place for people of all ages to come and hang out. However, there is one common misconception he hopes to clear up. “No we don’t turn straight kids gay,” Dallacqua said jokingly about the misunderstanding many people have about LGBTQ facilities. LGBTQ, is an acronym referring to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning.” Along with the most common LGBTQ there are other groups within that spectrum. For example, there’s a group called P-FLAG, acronym for Parents, Friends, Alli, Lesbian, and Gay, which is a group for parents with kids who came out. “There was a P-FLAG group on the base,” Dallacqua said. “MSU-GF has group meetings held there, too.” Originally the plan was to open the facility in June or July of this year, although with everything going to plan, the open house came early. “The community gave us money to cover rent for the year,” Dallacqua said. “That also brings the challenge to make sure we stay sustained on our own. We’re working on getting donations from the community to help keep this running.” Keeping the center running will mean eventually being open all week.
“We already know what we want to go on during the week,” said Jerry Perchert, another volunteer at the LGBTQ center. Currently, the facility is open three days a week, and each of those days have hopeful plans. “On Mondays we would like to have a movie night,” Dallacqua said. “And we want to have some fun activities planned at the Black Eagle Pavilion, too.” Along with activities, there are other more spiritual activities. “We have people in training right now to help with more spiritual things rather than external,” Dallacqua said. Besides interns and therapists, there are hotlines people can call if they’re in a more serious situation. “We have hotlines for people in need. Like if someone just came out and they’re being abused, they can call the hotline and they can get help when they need it,” Perchert said. “If they got kicked out of the house after coming out, or if they are being bullied the hotline is there.” Every situation is different. “Nobody wants to feel different and isolated. Not everyone knows what it’s like to be gay, or lesbian.” Dallacqua said. “It’s a safe place. A place to come get info and to decide.” With over 30 people in line wanting to volunteer, 365 days of rent paid off, and the positive feedback from the community, only three words can describe this situation. “It’s about time,” Perchert said.
Last week, I saw my favorite band on back-to back nights. Their name is Volbeat. They’re a rock band from Denmark. Currently, they are on their first North American Arena tour. I’ve been following them for the entirety of their rise to success in the United States, but they’re finally finding some commercial success. I’m happy for them, but man, is it ever annoying. My problem with it? The fans. It’s my same problem with Yankee fans. Bandwagons. They are just now coming out to shows because they hear Volbeat on the radio and act like they are super fans and know everything that’s going on, when in fact I know so much more. Six years ago, I saw them open for Metallica in Las Vegas. That run of shows was only their second American tour. Their website was entirely in Danish, and if you searched for them on Youtube, there were only a handful of videos that would come up. Since then, I’ve seen them nine times and on every American tour they have done. So yeah, you could say I liked them before it was cool. I hate saying that, though. It makes me sound like such
by rebecca howell, guest writer As I grew older and become more aware of my sexuality the word Queer became the biggest insult I had ever heard. My family decided that a member of their family being a lesbian wasn’t OK, and instead of trying to understand called me a queer and other names instead. To me the word queer is an insult, not a way to identify a group of LGBT. The word queer was always something used to insult someone who liked the same sex or someone who isn’t like you. I have heard this word used around school to insult peers, someone who seems odd, or because they just don’t like someone they don’t understand. Being odd, homosexual, or different doesn’t make you queer -- it makes you who you are and that’s all that really matters. I want people to know that there are so many other words that people could use instead of queer. People could also just try to understand that sometimes their peers aren’t like them. Sometimes there are things going on in their lives that they can’t talk about to their peers around them. I know that I can’t change the world, and I know that my opinion isn’t everyone else’s and that’s not what I want to do. I want people to be informed about the things they say and how they might be hurting someone else. The things we say do affect people, and I know I say things like that, too. I am not perfect. No one is. The next time you see someone different maybe say “hi” for all you know you’re the only one who has talked to them all day.
a hipster. I mean, it shouldn’t matter how long someone has liked a band. All that should matter is that they like them. I don’t want to be that guy, but I lose my mind when I hear people who don’t know what they’re talking about, trying to be an expert. For example, on the floor before one of the shows started, there was a guy talking about how he saw them open for Metallica in Las Vegas in 2009. If you remember from earlier, I was at that show too. He started telling people about how the whole arena was filled and how they enjoyed Volbeat. He said how it was Volbeat’s first ever show in America. He also said how Volbeat used to be a “real thrash band” before “commercializing” and starting to find success. Yeah, none of that was true. In 2009, the arena was empty for Volbeat. Nobody cared about them. It wasn’t their first show in America; it wasn’t even their first tour. And they have never been a thrash band, and they had plenty of success in Europe for many years before coming to America. Now that I got that off my chest, I’m going to go sit in the corner and try to calm down.
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5.7.15 The Stampede
FCCLA takes home awards
by allison hanson, staff writer When CMR’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) club traveled to Billings on March 15-17 for a competition that included events in interior design and fashion construction, senior Melony Locke set herself apart from her competition. She took first place for fashion construction in the senior category. “It was a club that fit my hobby,” Locke said of FCCLA. The Fashion Design and Construction class isn’t easy if one doesn’t like measurements, working with all types of fabric, and sewing. Luckily, Locke does, and the class has allowed her the opportunity to make her own clothes. “I have done four projects with FCCLA and 17 projects alone throughout high school,” she said. Locke has been in the club since her freshman year even though she didn’t know what the club was about. Her project for FCCLA – a dress – took her a total of 12 hours. “I was running for Miss Montana and I had to have a black cocktail dress. I wanted to stand out, so why not make one instead of buying a dress,” Locke said. Alongside Locke at the Billings competition was senior Kyla Campbell, who competed in interior design. She created a project for a couple who had specific requirements that they Melony Locke holds her project for wanted while still making sure FCCLA and her award. Below is a photo she met the requirements of of Caitlyn Ekberg’s design board. Photos the household and building by Allison Hanson. company.
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“I decided to do FCCLA because I love interior design and plan to minor in it so it was a good way for me to continue to work on those skills,” Campbell said. She has been in FCCLA for only a year, and it took her about two and a half months to complete the project. “It is one of the most complicated events and hardest events. It was difficult but so much fun. I loved being able to take what the client wanted and create a house of their dreams,” Campbell said. “I have done interior design projects and have had an interest in it since I was in sixth grade,” she said. Another student who has succeeded in interior design – but is not a member of the FCCLA club – is sophomore Caitlyn Ekberg. She and her interior design classmates each put together a design board for this year’s High School house. The competition is judged by Neighbor Works. Ekberg said the skills she has learned in the class are useful because she wants to be an architect or work in drafting and design. Taking interior design gave her a similar feeling to architecture, she said. This project involved her taking field trips to several different companies to get samples for all the items she needed, such as flooring, paint, trim, and tile. It took Ekberg about three to four weeks to complete, and out of the 34 kids who created a design board Ekberg placed first.
Baird pictures her future by elea roberts, staff writer Life in black and white. It may seem dull, lackluster and straightforward enough to take the joys out of life. For senior Jaycee Baird, however, this is how she chooses to view the world from her camera lens. It is how she makes her art beautiful, at least for the most part. “I prefer black and white photography, but not all pictures look good in black and white,” she said. Baird, whose focus is in 2D design for her AP art class, recently won a plethora of awards. Most notably she was nominated and won the Culliton Award. “I didn’t know anything about it until the awards ceremony,” Baird said. “[The award is to] help art students continue to do what they love to do in college.” Even after her accomplishments, Baird is not done. She plans on attending Montana State University to major in photography and minor in communications. Baird said that the money she was awarded definitely helps in this ambition, helping her to continue to do what she loves, even after school. “I really want to [work for] Disney or National Geographic,” Baird said. “Most of all, I want to travel for a job. I’m just going where the wind takes me.”
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5.7.15 The Stampede
The wait is almost over Yearbook release party on May 21 by april hummel, staff writer Is it blue, orange, pink; does it have polka dots, swirls, or squares? What does this year’s yearbook look like? The answer to the question is just weeks away. This year’s book is done. That’s right, the 288-page, hardcover book plus the spring supplement is finished. All will be revealed on May 21 at the release party. According to senior Cassie Storm, the People section editor, students are right to be excited. “Last year’s book was a lot of fun with all of the colors, but this year’s book includes history and material we have never done. I am hoping this book will be a sellout,” Storm said. Within a couple weeks students will be able to find out what the cover, endsheets, and all the coverage looks like. Storm said that she couldn’t be happier with how the book came out for her last year on staff. “Students should be excited for this year’s yearbook because we have a feature throughout the book we have never had before and it has great coverage of the 50 years at CMR,” Storm said about the excitement for the party. Senior Brady Bridgeman, Co-Editor In Chief with Jacob Bernhardt, says the simplicity of this year’s book is the best part. “The simplicity adds to the beauty of the book,” Bridgeman said. Like Storm, Bridgeman has been on staff all four years of his high school career, and he said this year’s book is not as in-your-face as last year. His favorite part of the year is watching people flip through the book. “People’s reactions when they first see the book, and seeing their devotion to each indivual page [is a lot of fun],” he said. The 2015 book is modern, while tking some ideas from the past. Senior Jacob Bernhardt, Editior- in-chief with Bridgeman, agrees that there is a new
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New leaders New beginnings
2015-2016 CMR Student Government officers have plans to make an impact on the school
twist on a traditional book. “We feature a different twist as far as the historical side, but being able to put a nre look on it,” Bernhardt said, adding that it is a modern book with a older feel and has great coverage. “People should be really excited for all the great coverasge we are going to feature, [lots of] great pictures, and great twists on traditions,” Bernhardt said. As for the party, Bernhardt said the best thing is to watch people open the book for the first time. The yearbook release party is free, and it will run in the cafeteria from 2:30-3:45 p.m. on May 21. There will be food, a slideshow of pictures taken throughout the year, great people, and loads of fun. Make sure you reserve your yearbook for $65 in the finance office. “Go and order your yearbook now. There is a limited number of copies available. We do not buy a book for every student, and we anticipate selling out. It’s going to be beautiful. You’ll want one,” yearbook adviser Beth Britton said. Yearbooks will be sold for $65 in the finance office until May 13. After that date, books will be available at the May 21 yearbook release party, and starting May 26 in room 326.
by jj mitchell, business manager The plan for next year is to bring the school together and bring back the school spirt, according to the new student body officers. “I was really excited to see what we can do with this upcoming year for the school,” newly elected Student Body President Olivia Flamand said. Flamand--with Dylan Sandefur and Courteny Schroder by her side--are excited to see how everything will turn out in the end. “I know that Dylan and Courtney are both great workers and I work well along side of them,” Flamand said. “This year we plan to bring school spirit back as much as we can. As hard as it is we want to have more participation and make this upcoming year as fun and interactive as we can.” With the lack of school spirt, it will be hard to get people to participate in events that happen around the school, she admits. “It’s going to be hard, but I think we can make it happen. I think if we have more involvement in pep assemblies and sports and drama arts and everything we can bring it back and bring our traditions back and more apparent,” Flamand said. The changes that the three are planning are aimed at bringing students closer together. “I think we will make a lasting effect and bring our school closer together. We are all very easy to get
along with and will be great leaders for our school,” Flamand said. Vice President Dylan Sandefur is most excited about running the pep assemblies for the student body class. “I think we’ll be able to do some fun stuff and get people a little more excited about what is going on in the school,” Sandefur said. He wants to make the students feel welcome and excited about coming to school and get them to try things that they haven’t tried before. “We are planning to expand on what they’ve been doing, and we will try to get more community service and student body projects done,” Sandefur added. Unlike Sandefur, who is a veteran to the Student Government scene, Courteny Schroder is going to be learning along the way. “I will need some help learning how things are run and how to handle it. As treasurer the hardest part will be learning where to spend money and how to save money. I will need to think ahead a lot,” Schroder said. She is excited to be brand new to student government because she will get to give fresh ideas to the students. “We hope to change the idea of assemblies, rallies, and events. We want to make them a thing that people want to attend and enjoy. I think this year will be very organized and run smoothly and I am very glad that to be a part of it.”
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OPINION
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AP testing begins, testers prepare AP season is upon us. It’s the time of year when we hunker down and do a last-minute cram for some of the more important tests we will take during our high school From career. Some seniors have point of view already braved the horrors that are the Calculus and English Literature exams, while the juniors are bracing for the incoming AP U.S. History meteor. Well, it certainly feels like we are about to be hit by someting. We must commend the teachers who help all of the students prep for the tests with the growing popularity of Dual-Credit options. It is also important to wish everyone good luck… or as social studies teacher Burke Allen would say “You make your own luck.” Whichever way you prefer, try not to stay up too late studying and remember to eat a good, hearty breakfast. Just cross your t’s, dot your i’s, anti-differentiate your integrals, and keep your quasi-legislation in the executive branch.
OUR
Keep in mind that there is no penalty for guessing, but there are no points in not. Eliminate all the distraction answers and your chances of guessing correctly increased from one in five to at least one in four – that is a 5 percent increase if anything. The path to a five can be a grueling one; just keep your eyes on the prize, but more importantly the time you have remaining to finish your struggle to the end. And no matter how much time you have left when you are done, all that matters is that you finished. So try not to compare your experience to Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Mt. Everest or Mt. Vesuvius’s destruction of Pompeii. Instead, equate it to the American annexation of the Hawaiian Islands thus resulting in the completion of the United States as we know them today in a completely non-imperialistic manner, right APUSH students? So do not be an academic parasite and do your best to be prepared for a test worth your $91.
Students aid in after-school volunteering
lauramarsilio
News/Opinion Editor
by tom gruner, visual content editor The best thing about helping someone in need isn’t necessarily the possible reward you can get from it, but rather the feeling you get after. Recently, I became vice president of a club named the Uptown Octagons, a junior division of an international group called the Uptown Optimists. Our goal is to allow members to take part in activities and projects to help improve the community and better the lives of citizens, further develop leadership skills, manage money, and practice good citizenship through community service, fundraisers, and social events. Our mission is basically just kids helping kids. All high school students, no matter what school they attend or what town they are from, are invited to join. We meet weekly on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 610 2nd Ave N. We do everything from volunteering with Special Olympics to holding events at elementary schools that send a good message to the younger youth.
Apart from the possible materialistic awards one may receive from volunteering, the one reward more important than all is feeling great after doing the simplest thing. An event we just participated in was volunteering for the Special Olympics, and I don’t think I can put into words how great it Meetings: every Tuesday is to see a smile on the 6-7 p.m. athletes’ faces after they compete. That one smile First United Methodist Church 610 2nd Avenue N is rewarding enough that I don’t hope for anything Adult Advisor: Jenn Rutledge else. (406) 403-2755 Volunteering opens me up to many experiences I never expected I’d get. I’ve volunteered for other things, but I think this club definitely provides the best opportunities. Even though I only got involved my senior year, I’m glad that I was able to be a part of such a small thing that will hopefully go on to have a huge impact on others.
In recent news we have welcomed a new addition to the world. That’s right, it’s the most recent royal baby. Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana has been at the top of every big news station’s list since her arrival. I find the fact that it’s the top story everywhere just downright annoying. Yes, I think it’s nice of Kate and William to name their baby girl after William’s mother, the late princess Diana. Yes, I agree that it happened recently and that a new life should be celebrated. However, the constant coverage is a little overwhelming and unnecessary. With recent issues in the world such as the riots in Baltimore and the large earthquake in Nepal, I found that the new royal baby should be at the bottom of the list of news coverage. At first I didn’t really understand why news stations were finding it as such a great story. It’s not that I’m not happy for the royal family to be able to add a new member to the family, congratulations to them. I simply find that it shouldn’t be covered as much as the other stories that are currently circulating. Or at least that’s what I thought until I spoke to my parents about it.
Uptown Octagons
Bully-free Montana Act may prove difficult to enforce by amanda cornwall, staff writer “Bully-Free Montana Act.” There it is, on paper, finally about to be put into place. On April 13, 2015 House Bill 284, a bill outlawing bullying in the state of Montana, was passed out of the house on a final 58-42 vote. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed the bill into law on April 21. Montana is the last state to join the others in outlawing bullying, and many people may be sighing with relief right about now. HB 284 defines bullying as, “any harassment, intimidation, hazing, or threatening, insulting, or demeaning gesture or physical contact, including any intentional written, verbal, or electronic communication or threat directed against a student that is persistent, severe, or repeated,” and now it seems that all of that is about to be put to rest. Too many adults see bullying as just “kids being kids” rather than seeing it for the problem it really can escalate into. According to bullyingstatistics.org, nearly 30 percent of students are affected by bullying, whether they are the bully or the bullied, and 160,000 students stay home every day because of bullying. Hopefully this bill will help show people that bullying has become a real problem and something has to be done about it. Now, as happy as I am that this bill is being put into place, I’m not sure how much it will actually prevent bullying in our state. In HB 284, Section 3 states that “Bullying of a student enrolled in a public K-12 school by another student or an employee is prohibited.” It looks great on paper, but what is the Legislature planning on doing to actually enforce that? Public school is a battlefield and, as much as I hate to say it, I don’t feel like this bill is actually going to do much. And what about cyber bullying? As I said earlier, the bill’s definition of bullying includes electronic communication, but how do they expect to control what teenagers and kids are doing online? The Internet has become a large part of our society and the way kids are growing up. Teenagers are relentless, and though the measure could help bring awareness to what has been happening, I don’t think that it’s going to do much as far as actually stopping bullying goes, whether it’s online or in person. HB 284 looks great on paper, sounds great in the news, and sounds wonderful to parents, but what about the actual effects it will have in Montana Public Schools?
I told them of my frustration with the current over hype of Charlotte’s birth. They both proceeded to look at me as my mother stated that “it’s nice to see some happy news for once”. After hearing that I’ve given the whole situation some thought. With the constant disasters that seem to be surrounding the world it is nice to hear something cheerful in the news. If you scroll down on CNN or the Fox news sites you’ll find that the top stories, besides the royal baby, are “police beatings”, “lack of abortion rights”, and the death of “Star Trek” star Grace Lee Whitney. My generation has found this type of sad news a normal occurrence. I was surprised to see that this considerably good news of the royal baby was being covered so much. It’s sad to think that those type of news tragedies are a type of normalcy for us, but I think as a generation we all need to learn to embrace the happy news, and that of a new life. So welcome to this world Charlotte. Let’s hope that for your future there will be more beautiful news.
FEATURES
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A second family A second home Girl scouts isn’t all about the cookies. For some girls, it offers a life-changing experience.
Features Editor
oliviarudio
by tamara miller, staff writer “On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.” Ever since she was a Daisy, 18-year-old senior Rebecca Rutledge has recited the Girl Scout promise at the beginning of every meeting, every week for the past 13 years. In Girl Scouts the group that one is in changes as girls get older (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadet, Senior, and Ambassador). Rutledge started in troop 12, and when the Montana council combined with the Wyoming council the troop became No. 3020. As the years went by and Rutledge got older she was able to do bigger things such help instruct with day camp, achieve higher awards and her favorite, join a Girl Scout destination, according to the Girl Scout destination website is a trip designed for individual Girl Scouts from across the nation and globe. “One of my favorite memories was when I got accepted to my first destination,” Rutledge said. “It was called Horse Extravaganza and it was held in Michigan.” That wasn’t her only destination, however Rutledge to traveled to London in July 2014. Memorable quote… Girl Scouts isn’t just about the fun and games. Members can work on highest awards, which include the bronze award, silver award and the gold award. Rutledge has earned her bronze and silver and is currently working on her gold award. “My greatest achievement so far was my silver award,” Rutledge said. “It was pretty exciting. Another Girl Scout and I made a troop for younger girls that didn’t have a troop to go to. We were able to watch the girls change through the year.” The gold award that she is currently working on is being tied in with her senior project. The
topic is on suicide and depression which is something very close to her. “I know my gold award will make people change the way they think about it; they won’t have a stereotype on it. Suicide and depression is close to me,” she said. “I have been suffering from depression my entire life. Everyone is connected to suicide and I want people to see that they can overcome it.” When Rutledge wanted to combine her gold award with her senior project it took some easy steps. She had to explain to the teachers what it was and to get her government teacher to accept her community service with Rustler Buddies. “I wanted one purpose with my project,” Rutledge said. Not a large amount of people know about suicide and depression and she said she wants to get the message out about it Girl Scouts means everything to Rutledge, if she ever needs someone or help with something she can always go to her Girl Scout family. “Girl Scouts is a place for me to see girls grow into amazing people, whether they be younger than me or older. It’s a second family,” she said. Whenever Rutledge can bring her Girl Scout life into her high school life she always takes the chance. Girl Scouts changed Rutledge from a girl who didn’t talk to a girl who can become anyone’s best friend by the end of the day. “Despite what people say about Girl Scouts, it’s the best thing I have ever done with my life. I wouldn’t take anything back.”
There is nothing like the great outdoors. Now I can assure you, I love burrowing down in my basement to have epic Netflix marathons just as much as the next guy, but there is nothing like the great outdoors. Even if it’s just your backyard! Spring is among us; with blossoming flowers, green grass and a whole lot more sunshine, you can’t miss out on the opportunity of getting a little more fresh air. Try walking the dog, reading in the park or simply just standing bare footed in a cool patch of grass on your own lawn. You may be surprised by what you find spending even a few minutes outside. I live for the wind in my hair and the sun in my face, and these are some of my favorite things to do when the weather is nice. If you haven’t been to Gibson Park since you were maybe three, I would suggest changing that. It has a great walking path lined with picturesque lamp posts next to the pond that make you feel like you are in a painting, with the contrasting green trees and grass.
Don’t be surprised to turn around and find a squirrel surreptitiously stalking you in hopes for food. He’s harmless, but the real enemy to look out for is the geese. They may seem tame near the pond when you’re feeding them bread, but walk across the street towards the river and they will not be afraid to square up against you with their wings spread out wide and their stupid hissing tongues. Back at home, I always feel happy to be in my backyard. My favorite spot is next to the lilacs. They’re barely starting to bloom, but they smell exactly how this charming spring weather feels. Recently I came home from school dog tired and just took a nap right down in the grass! Sometimes I read, others I just sit, but nothing beats fresh air and sunshine, and I hope that you make an effort to spend a little more time in the great outdoors.
Working with a Brownie group, Rutledge teaches the girls a team building activity. The beginning of each meeting the Girl Scout Promise is said. Rutledge fixes a pin on her current Cadet vest. Photos by Tamara Miller.
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10 features
5.7.15 The Stampede
Gamers Welcome Online games connect students, teachers, siblings nationwide by drew brennan, staff writer There is one place you can find friends playing from Washington to Mexico in one place. That place is Xbox live. The community clan of Xgc (Xbox gaming community) is headed by sophomore Eli Day, known online as Xgc divine. Day and his friends play often during the weekdays on mainstream games such as Call of Duty and most of the time on weekends. The clan consists of about 25 members from all over North America. “We want to become competitive, but some of our players aren’t very good,” Day said. Senior Brandon Rogers shares enthusiasm in playing video games. “You can blow off a lot of steam on games,” he said. There is more to just blowing off steam on games for Rogers. “You can really develop valuable relationships. I play with the same group of kids, and I have never met most of them. You can also learn a lot from games, in a weird way. The stories can provide insight into a lot of different things,” Rogers said. Day and his friends spend their time working together as a team, hanging out and trying to beat the competition. Add Day online to get more information about playing. Teacher Scott Clapp has been playing video games since the 1980’s. He started off in the old arcades when graphics were better there than on gaming consoles. Since then times have changed, and so have games. Clapp plays with a group of friends around and under his age in a clan known as “middle-aged mayhem.”
Photo courtesy of Chris Hibbert.
“I enjoy the social aspect. It is place where I can converse with my friends and talk about things happening around the world,” Clapp said. Clapp is not the only teacher with a passion for gaming, geology teacher Chris Hibbert does not only play games, he builds his own gaming systems.
“I can build a PC that plays almost all of the Xbox games but is much faster,” Hibbert said. “You can look it up and read how to do it in 15 minutes,” he said. Hibbert said that some people spend close to $7,500 on building their own PC gaming systems. Hibbert’s own system is expensive, but not that expensive. “I got the first Wii that was sold in Great Falls. I spent 36 hours in line waiting for it,” Hibbert said. He has had every Nintendo system on its day of release and will continue to do so. Why Nintendo? “I have just always been a Nintendo fan but also the characters are all so unique and recognizable,” he said. Both Clapp and Hibbert agree that games are going to revolutionize the world. “We are going to merge the real world with the virtual world,” Hibbert said. Hibbert explains how we are not far away from putting on glasses and playing war games out in the park or using virtual reality to improve surgery. According to him, it is not that far away considering how far we have come in the last 30 years. But for now they will all just enjoy their games with their friends. Hibbert spends a lot of time playing with his brother who lives in Bozeman. “Games make it seem like we’re together. It’s like were in the same room playing a game together like we used to.”
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features
5.7.15 The Stampede
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Above: The understudies practice the second act, on April 21. Left: A close-up of the track pistol used in the show. Center: Austin Haney, Adam Wood, and Loran Fairhurst rehearse one of the most moving scenes. Right: Teacher Chris Evans watches the cast perform the second act. Photos by Clara McClain. Below: Emma Tovson giving a monologue on May 1. Photo by Katelyn Smith.
American Roulette returns to CMR There are a few things in the show that certainly by clara mcclain, staff writer Thirty-four years. That’s how long the United States aren’t for everyone. There is harsh, realistic language, of America has been plagued by school shootings every drug references, simulated drug use, and two live shots year. Our country hasn’t gone a full year without one of from a track pistol. These things add to the harsh reality of the play and these tragedies since 1981. “This is the time we’re in now. I have to adjust my show the audience that this happens. This isn’t just a classroom to where I can see everyone coming in,” high school production that glosses over the hard facts. This is life for students all over America. In fact, drama teacher Chris Evans said. It’s the sad reality of having to train teachers like the inspiration for “American Roulette” came from the they’re going into a warzone, with the fear of a school Thurston High School shooting in Springfield, Ore., in 1998, Evans said. shooting looming over the heads of Ten days after the first official any American who knows a child production of the show in Missoula, enrolled in school, public or private. “It’s show about healing. the shooting at Columbine High School That’s what “American Roulette,” It’s a show about hope. happened on April 20, 1999. the drama department’s spring show Ultimately, it’s about The first character Evans wrote was that opens May 14, warns students a construction worker. The reasoning about: Your words matter. For all moving on.” behind this character was the Westside you know, that offhand comment Middle School shooting in Jonesboro, about a fellow student could be the Arkansas. Two boys, eleven and twelve final catalyst. Those few words could years old, pulled the fire alarm, took shelter in the woods break them. Teachers here at CMR participated in active shooting and started shooting the student body. A construction training, Evans included. At one point they shot blank worker ran into the fire to protect the students and rounds in the hallway like the ones that will be fired in helped keep more children from getting shot. As a new father at the time of this shooting, nothing “American Roulette.” “When they fired blank shots in the hallway, I will terrified Evans more than the thought that this never forget that. I never want you guys to hear that,” could happen to his children. He wants this show to potentially get at least one bully to knock it off. Evans said. Thankfully, American Roulette isn’t just about According to Evans, who co-wrote the show with Fred Hendrix, a woman in 2010 watched the show and the grief brought on by a shooting in the halls. Evans he approached her afterwards, wondering why she wants this play to show the students that the sun comes was crying. Her son had been bullied that day at North up every day. If they can accomplish that, he said, then Middle School, and she said that she didn’t want him to theater really moves to something that he loves. “It’s a show about healing. It’s a show about hope. turn out like Robert, the shooter in the show. “American Roulette” exhibits 24 hours in a school Ultimately, it’s about moving on.” The show will run on May 14-16 and 21-23, and the shooting and the lasting effects is has on students. It’s been performed at Carroll, Sentinel, Olympia, understudy shows will be 2 p.m. matinees on the 16 Washington, and after tonight, it’s been performed twice and 23. here at CMR.
Chris Evans
Understudy under pressure by katelyn smith, staff writer Three feelings might cross your mind while watching the drama production “American Roulette”: sarcasm, sadness, and hope. These are the words that freshman understudy Emma Tovson feels relate the most to the play. “This play brings light to a situation that not a lot of people talk about,” Tovson said. For her first time being in a drama production at CMR, Tovson will be performing as character Ali Jenkins during the understudy show for “American Roulette” at 2 p.m. on May 16 and 23. “I like how Ali develops throughout the show -- and just how much meaning each of the monologues have,” she said. “American Roulette,” co-written and directed by drama teacher Chris Evans, examines the topic of school shootings. “The material is so relevant and hard hitting. But it also has a lighter side,” Tovson said. “Like when Robert is in his room screaming and you see how much pain he’s in.” Tovson, along with 8 other understudies, gets to experience performing the show for an audience. “We usually watch from the audience,” Tovson said. “And I try to pick up on things to help our show.” Watching and listening are two of the most common things Tovson does while watching her fellow actors perform. “I usually try to learn my lines early so that way I can focus on the acting itself,” she said. Learning her lines and focusing also help her to be less nervous before she performs. “I calm myself down by just going over my lines and trying not to psych myself out.”
12 entertainment
The Stampede 5.7.15
Plugged in, tuned out
CMR students share the role, impact of music in their lives
Junior Katie Belcher shows her passion of what music means to her. Photo by Sarina Calaman.
improvement in her school work. by sarina calaman,staff writer “With music I get my school work done Music is the universal language heard worldwide, but for junior Katie Belcher it a lot faster,” Belcher said Senior Mark May also attributes music has a deeper meaning. It means a true escape from the world as his aid in getting schoolwork done. “It helps me focus; it helps me itself and studies have shown that kids who listen to music improve learning skills and concentrate,” he said. It would be a rare occasion to see May language skills. Music helps most kids tune without his red headphones out all of the distractions nearby, donned with a set of around them and work fox ears his sister made for harder on assignments. “It gives me a sense him. He fastens them on with “I like to listen to of identity. In a way it hair ties. music because it lets makes me stand out from “It gives me a sense of me tune out the world identity. In a way it makes and is a stress reliever,” everyone else.” me stand out from everyone Belcher said. else. These headphones are Growing up, Belcher not bad, they’re just aging,” said she listened to May said of the headphones all kinds of music that brought out emotions to help her get his father gave him at the beginning of the through some problems in life. She said she year. “They have a good charm.” May said he most often listens to rock listens to country, rap, and hip-hop. “Music really helps me get through the and roll or independent music he has on shuffle. tough times in life,” Belcher said. “Music can allow you to have a mindset She claims that music gives her an that allows you to think of things you escape from school. When listening to music she said she normal wouldn’t,” May said. “I usually listen to music whenever I feel can escape from everybody and all the distractions because she doesn’t hear like I have a moment of dullness.” anybody’s conversations. That also leads to
Mark May
Different colored threads are hooked and ready for their time in the spotlight. Photo by Iris Kaiser.
Rustler gear up for grabs
by iris kaiser, staff writer Walking past room 222, you’ll probably hear a constant thrum coming from inside. The sound is made by the new embroidery machine run by Fashion Design and Construction and Culinary Arts teacher Pam Dougherty. “I try to run it during classes that I have in here.” she said. The powerful machine takes a design, such as the Rustler logo, and embroiders it onto the fabric, creating a beautiful needled piece. Dougherty said that at the beginning of last school year, the Family and Consumer Sciences department decided to start raising the money for this machine to design and sell embroidered Rustler gear. They raised the money by the end of the school year, but the machine didn’t arrive until October. Dougherty said that with the curriculum she teaches, she hopes that by utilizing the machine, students will learn the business aspect of fashion as well, because fashion is often seen as more fun than work. She is the only teacher who has been running the machine, though the other Consumer Science teachers have been trained, she said. The money that comes from what business they’ve had so far goes into an account to help fund the department. “You have to buy thread, shirts, needles, all that stuff,” Dougherty said. “… We’re growing.” A goal Dougherty has is for the business to attract more customers. There was not a grand opening, and she wants to spread the world. They have created shirts for students, parents, teachers, and the drama department. Right now, she is preparing for fall, saying she would like to do scarves, hats, and other cold weather items. For more information, such as logos, prices, and clothing items suitable for embroidery, visit Dougherty in room 222.
Q: How much does abortion cost? Although getting an abortion may seem like the A: best way out of a hard situation, it’s much more
expensive than the doctor’s bill alone. Besides the possible physical complications and the continuing guilt and regret that lasts for years, a child must die for an abortion to be “successful.” How much does an abortion cost? One human life.
Before you choose to have an abortion or encourage someone you know to have one, take the time to get the facts.
For free literature about abortion and the alternatives, write to: Great Falls Right to Life 500 Montana Ave. NW Great Falls, MT 59404
SPORTS
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golden gloves Crosstown boxing draws in the crowd
lindsaymartinez
Sports Editor
by jara wilkinson, staff writer In March, the Smoker was announced, and training started. Several students from GFHS and CMR trained with professional MMA boxers, and organizers brought back the Smoker tournament for the first time since 2010. With the crosstown crowds facing each other, and the smell of sweat, even at the highest seats of the Paris Gibson Education Center gymnasium, one of the scariest fights of the night was Rustler Thomas Markey vs. Bison Shane O’Dell. “My biggest fear was hitting the ground in the middle of the round, and it happened,” Markey said. Markey said he had about one month of training, but they trained only on Mondays and Thursdays for about an hour, depending on the number of students who showed up each night. “We needed way more work. GFH had an advantage; they’re all boxers or wrestlers,” Markey said. Most of the fighters never meet their opponents until they face them in the ring, and most of the fighters agreed to feeling sore after the matches. Markey is unsure of whether boxing is something he’ll continue or drop. He said it gives him a feeling of relief when he can just let loose and hit something. Bison Jacob O’Dell agrees. “Overall, my favorite part was winning,” O’Dell, a freshman, said. He had two weeks of training, but he trained four days a week he said. He also said that he’s been interested in boxing since he knew how to walk. So when he learned about the Smoker, his name was one of the first on the sign-up sheet.
O’Dell said he wasn’t scared -- only a little nervous. However, the adrenalin quickly took over. His match against Austin Christianson took place for all three rounds, but he pulled through. “They plan on having more Smokers, but other than that I have no information about it. Except the fact that I’ll be taking home another trophy,” he said. Like O’Dell, Paris sophmore James Lynch who fought for the GFH side, was extremely nervous. “Caving into the pressure of 1500 people watching you was my biggest fear,” Lynch said. He said he agreed to getting into the ring to see how far he could physically push himself. He set certain goals for himself and reached them. His biggest goal was to stay in the ring all three rounds, and he accomplished it. “I was drained of all energy afterwards. I wanted to go home and go to bed,” Lynch said. The fight itself was the best part of the experience, he said. “Boxing was something that my best friend got me into, and after this I’ll definitely continue. I’m going to keep pushing myself and see how far I get.”
Top: Referee Leo Bercier takes the hand of Randy Keesler of GFHS to award him the win of the boxing tournament on the night of April 17 at Paris Gibson Education Center. Bottom: Hunter Schraner of CMR sits on the ground as Randy Keesler is told to walk away by the referee. Photos by Jara Wilkinson.
Cue nostalgia. It’s starting to hit me that this is the end of my road at CMR and in Great Falls. Sure, I’ll be back at home sometimes in the summers and at holidays, but it will never be the same as it is now. This has really started to eat at me in the last couple weeks, due to a couple events I have taken part in lately. Traditionally, I have run the three-mile race with my family on Ice Breaker day. But on April 26, I ran in what was probably my last Ice Breaker Road Race for a long time. A few days later, it was senior day at our crosstown tennis match. Tennis senior day was my last one, (I’ve already had ones for soccer and basketball) and I felt really sad to think that I would never play another high school tennis match at the CMR courts. Even though the last six or eight weeks of high school have been a whirlwind, it has been fun. It has felt like I really haven’t gotten a chance to breathe or relax, due to always having another thing on my to-do list. AP tests, Senior Research, homework galore, and tennis have been just a few things on my agenda. Still, I think that being busy has kept me from getting completely overtaken by senioritis. I’d recommend trying to stay busy at the end of one’s senior year, to create a balance between thinking graduation can’t come soon enough and wishing things would slow down so one can enjoy them for the final times.
Yearbook Party May 21 2:30-3:45 p.m. Cafeteria
Great people, loads of food, music, and a lot of fun. Come pick up your pre-ordered Russellog or purchase one for $65 while they last.
14sports
The Stampede 5.7.15
SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP
TENNIS
First year player Payton Sexe warms up for his match against Havre on Apr. 21. The senior plays #4 doubles for the varsity team Photo by Becca Rutledge
The neat thing about tennis is that any one individual can become the next state champion. The road to get there starts today. Varsity tennis players will be in Kalispell today to compete in the divisional tournament. This is the first hurdle to climb for the chance to compete for the singles or doubles state championship in Helena on May 14-15. First year tennis player and future Carroll College football athlete Payton Sexe hopes to be well in time for today’s meet. “The most challenging part has been not being at the same skill level as the rest of the kids,” he said. Experience is something the boys team is short of. Sophomore Leonard Ormseth is the #1 for singles, and finds facing the best players in the state to be a rewarding challenge. There is no shortage of a game plan, though. “In addition to daily tennis practice with the team, I will be training with my dad and we have developed a strategy that shall be successful, but we will see,” he said. Contrary to the boys team, the girls are going in with an experienced squad. Returning singles state champion Lindsay Martinez will be playing top doubles for the girls, and eight of the 12 girls going to the divisional are seniors. Getting knocked out in her advancement game in divisionals last year, Senior Elear Roberts looks to end the season checking off her list. “I told my mom my only two goals are to beat Great Falls High, and make it to state,” she said.
SOFTBALL
by tony lynes, website editor
TRACK AND FIELD
Wrapping up her third year on Varsity, McCall Enott rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Great Falls High on April 21. Photo by Brady Bridgeman
Throwing the javeline, senior Ashleigh Lehotsky competes in all throwing events in field. Photo courtesy of Russellog staff
Eleven games in six days. That is the story for the softball team this week as they cram in literally half of their regular season schedule before the playoffs. They will play in Butte today for a double header, and come back tomorrow to face all three Missoula teams in Great Falls. Former star and current head coach Lindsey Gustafson isn’t worried, though. “I want to get kids some playing time,” she said regarding the packed schedule. The team looks to maintain the No. 1 seed in the conference after beating Billings West earlier this season. The focus was something not seen before by coach Gustafson, and she hopes her athletes keep playing with that kind of intensity. Senior center fielder McCall Enott shares the urge to beat Billings West with everyone else on last years team. “The highlight of the season was definitely beating Billings West to make us number one in our conference,” Enott said. Not only does it make them the top seed, but it is revenge for being knocked out in the semi-finals last year from the team that ended up winning the state tournament. Being on the varsity team since her sophomore year, Enott said she is feeling confident in their chances to win the state championship. “The best way to prepare is to come to practice ready to work. Give 110 percent all the time and be both confident and mentally strong,” she said.
Wrapping up their season this past Tuesday against their cross-town rival Great Falls High, track and field must now prepare for the state tournament. The next step is the divisional tournament in Bozeman on May 15-16. Preparing for his last track meets, Senior standout Jacob Bahnmiller is glad to have been on the team for the last three years. “The best thing about track is the two-day trips to both divisionals and state. The worst is all of the hard workouts during the year that make me feel like I’m out of shape,” he said. When it comes to the hard work paying off, it shows up in meets. “My favorite part of the season are all the 4x400 meter relays, because everyone at the meet is done so they are all watching and cheering, and it’s just a huge adrenaline rush,” he said. Another veteran finishing her final year, is returning state champion Ashleigh Lehotsky. The senior competes in field events including javelin and shot put. Staying with the sport since seventh grade, she looks to finish on top yet again. “The top goal is to win state again, but it wouldn’t hurt to take the state record as well,” she said. Both athletes look to advance to the state tournament in Kalispell the weekend of May 22-23.
5.7.15 The Stampede
How well doyouknow your
Rustler Athlete? by peyton fulbright, editor-in-chief You see them on the field. You seem them in the halls. You see them going to practice, but how well do you actually know them? C.M. Russell High School has one of the most prestigous athletic programs in the state, made up entirely of student athletes. Although they get attention from the media about their games, wouldn’t you like to know what they are really like? In this monthly feature, three in-season athletes will be profiled in a brief Q&A about their personal life.
What’s the most embarassing thing to happen to you?
During a softball game, I jumped to catch the ball, and my cleat caught on my shorts, and when I went to land, I realized my shorts were down to my ankles. I had pulled my own pants down and everyone saw my bare butt and was laughing at me. But I still caught the ball, so it was pretty clutch.
Who is your biggest role model in life? My biggest role model is my dad because he’s been through so much and has taught me a lot of life lessons. He’s still the greatest guy I’ve ever met, and I love him to death.
What’s your biggest guiltypleasure movie? Mean Girls.
RUSTLER STATS May 2 at Memorial Stadium, sophomore Shelby Phillips won 2
girls hurdling events against Helena High In the same meet, senior Casey Cleveland threw for 44-09
feet to win the boys shot put In discus, junior Kylie Greenwell threw 111-04
earning her first place for girls
Trevor Pepin, 11 What’s the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you? When I was a little kid, I was in a shopping center with my parents. I was looking at this aisle section and turned around and didn’t know where they were. I saw this guy who looked like my dad because he was big and bald, and I tapped him on the shoulder and said ‘Hi ,dad.’ He turned around and stared at me with this really weird look, and I turned super red and ran away.
Jacob Bahnmiller, 12
sports 15
Who is your biggest role model in life? My parents because my dad was always really athletic and competitive in high school, and my mom got good grades, so I want to be at least as good as them if not better.
What’s your biggest guiltypleasure movie? Pitch Perfect. It’s actually a really good movie.
The girls softball team on May 2 won 3
games, two against Billings West and one against Skyview Today and tomorrow marks divisional tennis, 4
teams from each event will advance to state
The Stampede 5.7.15
Taking one month at a time
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Time at C. M. Russell High School is fading and we need to step back and review all the highs, and all the lows from this school year. We learn, as we progress, that each moment we are given the chance to hold on to increases in value. Joseph Conrad writes that “we live, as we dream -- alone.” It is imperative that we combat this notion and enjoy the relationships we have before we start to dream. We are social creatures and we live in memories -- preferably the good ones. This school year has been fantastic and we hope they continue to get better.
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1: The CMR football team, coached by Gary Lowry, prepares for the first game of the season. 2: Admiring the first state rug for the soccer team, junior Kylie Greenwell, the goalkeeper, helped the Lady Rustlers to a shutout over Bozeman. 3: Quinn Hartman closes off her senior year from the pitcher’s mound for the Lady Rustlers. 4: After being crowned Homecoming King and Queen, seniors Christian Rodriguez and Lindsay Martinez parade around the fieldhouse. 5: State bound, senior Taylor Edwards leads the basketball team to her second state appearance. 6: The Prom King Dylan LaValley dances with Queen Shelly Walker -- both seniors -- at the second consecutive prom held at the airport. 7: Hornists -- from closest to farthest -- senior Jacob Blake, sophomore Davis Fawcett, and junior Kenny Evans play with the CMR Chamber Orchestra at the AA Orchestra Festival. 8: Sophomore Ellie Brennan dances with Wrangler alumni. 9: Candles are lit in rememberance of freshman Kody LaVallley who passed away in late April. Photos by Peyton Fulbright, Tom Gruner, and Caitlin Soltesz.
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In loving memory
Kody LaValley 11.17.99 -- 4.30.15