Oct. 31, 2019
THE STAMPEDE
Vol. 55, Issue 2
an open forum for student expression
HALLOWEEN IS POINTLESS Page 07
BUFFALO HARVEST Pages 08-09
STRESS OF COLLEGE DECISIONS
Page 11
MARCHING BAND
PRACTICES BEFORE CROSSTOWN CLASH READ MORE ON PAGE 15
ACT announces new testing policy, to student dismay
POINT
Starting next September, high school students will not need to repeat the entire ACT exam to improve their score. That’s right my fellow seniors: we got screwed. Just as I was getting over the fact that we missed the opportunity to take the preACT test, the ACT board forces the knives in our backs down even deeper. On Oct. 8, officials at ACT announced students can retake individual sections of the five-part test. So congratulations to students graduating after 2020 and my apologies to anyone else feeling my agony. Unless you receive a perfect or acceptable score, retaking the ACT test is almost inevitable for every junior working towards good scholarship and college resumes. However, this retake will be both cheaper and less time consuming for students. FROM GRACE’S
OF VIEW
The Stampede
C. M. Russell High School Great Falls, MT Oct. 31, 2019 Vol. 55 Issue 2 www.rustlernews.com Twitter: rustlernews
Instead of retaking the same three hour test over and over again to fix that one subscore, you now only need to spend your mental breakdown focusing on an individual section. So, why this sudden change in policy? Supposedly, educators and parents are debating the role of standardized testing in college admissions and whether it is an appropriate measure of student ability. Looks like all our years of complaining about the education system are finally starting to pay off. The ACT board also says its research shows that superscoring is more predictive of how students will perform in their college courses than the current scoring methods (composite scoring). While the main goals of the new policy are to save time, money, and stress, some are debating whether or not this change will increase the anxiety over test scores by making test prep even more
important. Personally, I disagree and think this will greatly lower the pressure on high school students. The stress and fatigue alone can decrease test scores, so removing this aspect of the test will help most students. Along with this new policy comes a new method of test-taking. That’s right underclassmen. If you test on a national test day you could receive your scores back in merely two days due to the new option of online testing. You will never know the stress of waiting six to eight weeks for that magic number to come in the mail. While my jealousy grows more intense as I continue to click away at my laptop, I wish everyone the best and hope you all score well on your ACT. And seniors, I am proud of us for representing what could be the end of an anxiety-ridden era.
Table of Contents
2019-2020 Staff Editors
Editor-in-chief Grace Carr Photo/Design Nancy Beston Sports/News Gloria Baldevia Opinion/Entertainment Maggie Petersen Video Taylor Willmarth Audio Quinn Soltesz Online Holly Spragg Advisor Beth Britton
Staff
David Case Kerrigan Edwards Justin Freeny Shana Fronsee Raef Hamlin Anthony Matury Paige McCorkle David Miller David Mitchell Katie Mygland Zoey Schug Kaylebb Stahmer Amya Terry
Principal Kerry Parsons
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.
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
On Oct. 25, the CMR and GFHS drumlines had their annual crosstown showdown before the football game. The CMR drumline defended last year’s win and took home the trophy once again. Photos by Nancy Beston.
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.
02 03 04 05 06 07 08 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Table of Contents Grace’s Column University of Providence ad Fundraising Pep Assembly Photo Story Sports Updates R.O.R.T Longer Lunches Update Halloween Buffalo Harvest Promising Freshmen Clubs at CMR Money Muffins Stress of applying for college David vs. David vs. David Five things to do on Halloween Joker Review
Anonymous letters are not accepted. Football Crosstown Submissions can be dropped off in room 326 Cross Country State or e-mailed to: stampede@gfps.k12.mt.us. The Stampede maintains membership in Marching Band the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Crosstown Rivalry the National Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association and Quill The People of CMR and Scroll. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus Cover photo: On Oct. 24, the CMR and GFHS High School Newspaper Service. marching bands practiced at Memorial Stadium before the crosstown football game on Oct. 25. Photo by Grace Carr.
October 31, 2019 rustlernews.com
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Raising Rustlers by David Miller, staff writer
Those in need know that they can turn to CMR for its generosity and their many fundraisers. Teachers and volunteers strive to be active in such a generous community. The drama department and Key Club are taking big steps to provide to those in need.
To make the best better
-- Miss Carrie Harrison
FOOD PANTRY
CMR also has a food pantry open to students in need. By filling out an application from Janette Kemph in the advisement office, students are put on a list to receive goods from the pantry. All forms go to Jill Tovson who is the food pantry coordinator for CMR. This organization accepts donations and requests non-perishable food items and toiletries.
Key Club
Another valuable resource for fundraising at CMR is the Key Club. Key Club is a service organization at the school that does fundraising events for the school and the community. One of their upcoming projects is assisting with the Fall Family Fest - a community event with games and food for local families. “We’re pretty active in the community,” Key Club Vice President and junior Skye Krum said. Recently, the Key Club participated in a Trunk-or-Treat event for the Salvation Army. Students also rang bells
and collected donations for the same program. Key Club sometimes extends their helping hands outside the community. The Club partakes in trick-or-treating for UNICEF and the United Nations Children’s Fund which benefits children in Africa. The event takes place Nov. 4th in neighborhoods around CMR. Key Club holds fundraisers and community events at least once a month and they raise funds by selling concessions at the school’s basketball games.
TOTSKCE
For more than 20 years, the CMR drama department has taken part in a nationwide fundraiser, started by the International Thespian Society to give back to the community. Drama teacher Chris Evans has been organizing CMR’s “Trick-OrTreat So Kids Can Eat” for the 10 years he’s been at CMR. Evans says that the event, dubbed “TOTSKCE,” is a great chance for kids in the drama department to collect non-perishable food goods for the community. TOTSKCE is different from regular fundraisers as kids dress in costume and then go door to door trick-or-treating for canned goods. Last year, the event collected a total of 1,197 pounds of non-perishable food items. “We love to do this,” Evans said, who believes it’s important for theatre to give back to the community. In previous years, collected goods would be donated to the Great Falls Food Bank. This year however, canned food items were donated to the CMR food pantry. TOTSCKE happens every year a week before Halloween and was held this year on Oct. 26.
Head Heart Hands Health for my club, my community, my country and my world
montana4h.org
October 31, 2019 rustlernews.com
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Fall crosstown pep assembly: Oct. 24 Fall Spor ts Updates
Students gather in the Thunder Dome for the time of their lives on Oct. 24. Cheerleaders, Wranglers, football players, drum line, and pep band perform for the student body to hype them up before the crosstown game. There was also lighting changes
by David Mitchell, staff writer and Gloria Baldevia, sports/news editor
Golf
Wrapping up the golf season, junior Alex Thayer shared how his season went. According to the golfer, although he did not go to state competition, he was proud of how his team performed for the season. “This year, we lost like four varsity boy, but we definitely did good considering we had someone got number four at state,” Thayer said. Although he admits that making varsity next year would be a bit of a stretch, he perseveres to achieve the position by practicing everyday and concentrating solely on a specific skill.
Brushing up with all the spiking and serving, CMR volleyball team has fell nothing short of amazement for this season. Junior Allie Will shared that the season this year has gone way better than she had expected. According to her, they have felt undefeated in their conferences, and they are on their way to states in Bozeman this year. However, as they savored each victory throughout the season, Will can’t help feeling nervous at the same time, but she hopes that they will place in the finals. “Going to state, I expect that we’re going to take a trophy home,” Will said. State volleyball would be held Nov 14-16.
Soccer
The CMR girls soccer team enjoyed a short playoff run after a 3-5 season. The Rustlers defeated the Great Falls High School Bison in a crosstown playoff matchup before falling to Glacier in the quarterfinals. Junior Chloe Virts said she was excited after her team’s victory over the Bison. After losing to Great Falls High in the regular season, the Rustlers were determined not to fall again in the postseason. “We hadn’t lost to them in two years, so we took a big hit after that game,” Virts said. “Coming back to beat them, especially in the playoffs, was a great feeling.” There was little time for celebration, as the Rustlers took on Glacier just four days after defeating Great Falls High. Virts said the team would make sure to get plenty of rest and be well prepared for the challenging game against Glacier. Despite a valiant effort by the Rustlers to force overtime, they ultimately fell short 2-3.
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and glow sticks. “It was a lot more peppy then I have seen in the past few years. Everyone was really peppy, and I had a good time,” said senior Quinn Soltesz. Photos by Nancy Beston, photo/ design editor.
LATE
October 31, 2019 6 rustlernews.com
“I think 12 is too old to go Trick-orTreating.” Cheyenne Gardipee, 9
What would an alien think of humans if it came to Earth and saw Halloween? “I think they’d be confused from all of the cultures and inside jokes that they don’t understand.” Tenaya Gaines, 10
“They’d be really confused because they would see us dressed up and asking strangersfor candy.” Amillia Threadgill, 10
What’s the worst thing you’ve received for Halloween? “One time on Halloween, I got absolutely nothing, they just shut the door on me.” Dillon Cooler, 9
“Licorice because I don’t like it at all.” Madison Paul, 11
If you were in a horror movie, which one would you want it to be? “World War Z, because then I’d have a chance of surviving instead of certain death.” Cole Arthur, 12 “One with a cemetery because they don’t scare me that much.” Jordan Ketcham, 11
What horror movie trope do you think is overused? “People running away from something, then they trip and fall over nothing.” Jayden Vasquez, 11 “The characters, in some movies, they split up just to die individually.” Brandon Mills, 12
What’s your favorite Halloween song?
“My favorite is the Monster Mash because it’s a classic.” Jacob Cubbage, 9 “This Is Halloween from Nightmare Before Christmas because I grew up with it.” Madeleine Mayer, 12
Why do you think the newest Ghostbusters flopped? “They replaced the original cast with females and not alot of people approved of that.” Trevor Walker, 10 “It didn’t have the original cast form the 80’s.” Katie Luongo, 12
Why do you think CMR doesn’t allow costumes on Halloween? “I think people might try to act out their costume and take it too far.” Demetrius Tompkins, 11 “Probably the same reason we are unable to wear hats in the school.” Aubry Smith, 11 Page Design by Nancy Beston, photo/design editor Text by Anthony Matury, staff writer
30-minute lunch poses challenges for student body
What Halloween Costume do you hope NOT to see this year?
“I don’t want to see any Baby Shark costumes at all.” Talea Kinder, 9 “I hope I don’t see VSCO girls, they’re annoying.” Lane Seim, 9 “The ghost costume that’s just a white sheet with holes cut out over someone’s head, that’s boring.” Tristen Ecklund, 10 “Anything related to Fortnite in any way, shape, or form.” Jake Cherry, 10 “VSCO girls because they’re overdone at this point.” Jaxon Gronning, 11 “I hope I don’t see anyone in innapropriate/scandalous costumes.” Nyah Kinnaman, 11 “Anyone from the show Freinds because their “costumes” are just normal clothes.” Gabriel Botti-Anderson, 12 “Anything Fortnite because, personally, it’s the most overrated game to date.” Jared Matury, 12
What happens to all your candy after Halloween? “Usually, I eat it all in 3 days from best to worse. Otherwise, someone else ate it.” Fox Weymouth, 10 “I eat it over the course of a month.” Ryan Walker, 12
What’s the worst Halloween-related thing you’ve seen? “Upperclassmen egged a whole bunch of cars in Alaska. It ended up in over $1,000 in damages.” Owen Coon, 9 “Clowns with spiky teeth. They’re scary.” Max Magers, 12
On Oct. 29, students rush to get to lunch and back on time in hopes of avoiding any accidents due to the icy roads. Photo by Sienna Cherry.
Rylan Redding, 9
“I would say 14 is too old to go Trickor-Treating.” Emma Hardy, 10
people complain about how short our lunches are.” According to Kovacich, having longer lunches not only will decrease the number of students who are late coming back from lunch, but also decrease the risk of drivers getting into accidents when they are in a hurry. “We have to all rush out to our cars and get out of the parking lot fast to avoid any delays that might make us late,” she said. “It’s not fair to us or the teachers, that we have such little time to do a bunch of things and end up having to hurry and eat [without being] late.”
Kami Kovacich, 12
How old is too old to go trick-or-treating?
As every Rustler knows, lunch is a welcome break from academics, offering students the chance to visit with friends, eat, use the restroom, check in with teachers and just take a breath between classes. All of that takes time, and the 30-minute lunch poses a challenge for some students. Senior soccer player Kami Kovacich said that even 10 extra minutes would make a drastic difference in the lunch experience for everyone. “30 minutes is nowhere near enough time for us to leave campus, get food, eat, and get back to class,” Kovacich said. “I have heard a lot of
Freshman Rylan Redding agrees that for students leaving campus, it’s a challenge to eat, especially for the freshmen who can’t drive. By the time they get their food at any nearby business, it’s already almost time to be back at school. “The challenge is not only that we don’t have enough time, it’s also the ones who walk have a hard time getting back, especially if it’s too icy out during the
winter,” Redding said. Despite lunch being only 30 minutes, Redding said, “I think 30 minutes is a reasonable time to eat and have that free time. You just have to have good time management and not go places you know will be busy.”
by Paige McCorkle, staff writer
October 31, 2019 rustlernews.com
The
UNNECESSARY Holiday
Writer argues that everything is wrong with Halloween by Kerrigan Edwards, staff writer Before you all come after me with your pumpkin spice lattes, allow me to explain. I get why Halloween is so celebrated. As Americans, when we have the chance to exaggerate any day just to spend money and eat food, the offer is gladly accepted. So Halloween fits right into that category. When I was a child, I was terrified of everything. Since I could barely get through an entire Disney movie, it’s safe to say that I could not stand my neighbors’ scary decorations. Spider webs and fake blood? I have never been a fan. Why would anyone enjoy being scared? When your house is so terrifying that a child is afraid to walk up to the door, you should realize that something is wrong.
Photo: Creative Commons
I won’t lie, I did participate in Halloween when I was younger. It was fun sometimes, but living in Montana in the fall has never been easy. The snow greets us months earlier than it seems to come across everywhere else. I have a distinct memory of dressing up as a cheerleader. Even though I thought I would be fine with the cold weather, my mother was smart enough to tell me that it was not logical to do so. Fifteen minutes later, I had sweatpants and a coat on, with my costume on top. This made me incredibly upset. Even though I now realize she was right, at the time it was disappointing to see that all the money my mom had spent on some flimsy fabric was just made ugly by the extra layers. When I was still going out for candy, I would come back home and immediately my parents would dump out my bag to make sure
that nothing dangerous could be found inside. Especially in 2019, we have to be careful about what goes on without our knowledge. The idea of trick or treating when thinking about it, is rather creepy. Who decided that it would be a good idea to let children wander to strangers’ houses for candy? After all, as children, we learned that if a stranger offers you candy... YOU SHOULD NEVER TAKE IT! So what made this OK? As high schoolers, the judgment that comes along with trick-or-treating at this age is rather high. When any adult opens the door to see trick or treaters, they expect to see 3- to 12-year-old kids. So, when a 17-year-old shows up in costume with a candy bucket held out, they may have a very rude look upon their faces. It’s not wrong to enjoy your childhood while you can, but the reaction you get will never be the best. The foods associated with Halloween should not exist. Candy corn tastes like nothing except pure sugar, and pumpkin spice is overrated. Sure, put a carved pumpkin on your doorstep, but it doesn’t need to be in everything you eat for the whole month of October. Is it really necessary to turn everything you touch into the popular flavor? I don’t think so. The pressure that comes with perfecting Halloween is over the top. I know people who plan next year’s costume the day after Halloween. I cannot count the number of times that a group of kids come up to my doorstep and I spend a few seconds trying to figure out what they are supposed to be. I smile as I tell them I like their costumes, but the confusion circling through my head makes me wonder what other people think of them. Not only that, but also you are expected to have fun. How many parties do people have revolved around this one night? Is it worth the time and money? Your decorations have to be perfect, and if you run out of candy at any point, you become a disaster of a house. One slip up, and you will be disappointed and embarrassed by what you put yourself through. Technically, the purpose of Halloween is unclear, and we should not be wasting money and time on something that could just be a regular day. After all, we spend the whole holiday trying to be someone else, meaning that everything is fake.
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Promisi Students fresh ng New, returning clubs widen students’ options men Yu-Gi-Oh in Drama by Grace Carr, editor-in-chief
The following students are recommended by drama department teacher Chris Evans.
Celia Conklin Stage fright is a common phrase that’s been coined by performers and student presenters alike. However, one freshman student has an unusual way of getting over her nerves. Celia Conklin is currently taking the Intro to Drama class, taught by Chris and Leslie Evans. “[My favorite part is] Mr. Evans,” she said. “He makes everything so much more fun. It’s not a burden to take his class at all.” Conklin hopes to participate in drama all four years of high school. She is most excited for the fake fighting and getting over stage fright. “I like that you get to be a different person and see how other people’s lives are.” Conklin will play a nurse in the upcoming South Pacific play.
Della Everhart Della Everhart is a freshman in the Intro to Drama class at CMR High School. “I get to express [myself] in as many ways as I want,” she said. Everhart is most looking forward to learning the specifics and details of acting. “[I enjoy] getting to interact with people,” she said. “I’m not sitting in class listening to someone talk for an hour.” Her drama career began in third grade when she participated in the Missoula Children’s Theater and she hope to continue this career path in the future. by Maggie Petersen, entertainment/opinion editor “There Is Always Hope,” Jayme Ingalls said, reciting the acronym for CMR’s Mental Health Club. Junior and President of the Club, Ingalls is driven to help cover Great Fall’s deficit in Mental Health facilities within the schools. “[The club’s goal is to] reduce the stigma of depression, therapy, and asking for help being a weakness,” Ingalls said. Members of the club receive training sessions from the center of mental health by identifying signs of suicide and ways to support fellow students. “This year I am trying to focus on pointing out that no one is immune to sadness, depression, anxiety, etc. to encourage people to talk about it. I also want to provide resources for people who need to talk.” Check out our in depth article on TIAH in our December 19 issue.
by Amya Terry, staff writer Have you ever transferred to a different school in town or out of town? That can be difficult. How about out of state? This is a bit more difficult with having to adjust to even more changes. Let’s go even further and say you decided to transfer to a school out of your home country. In each case you’re temporarily leaving friends, family, your community and entering a whole new atmosphere that takes time to understand and adapt. Knowing this transition can be difficult, International Club was created to make foreign exchange student’s experience at CMR more enjoyable. Not only does the club target exchange students but “also [Rustlers] that are interested in just getting to know the exchange students, maybe working on their language skills, or possibly having an interest in [an exchange program at some time along their education path],” according to math teacher and club advisor Jetta Slater. The club consists of cultural activities from the exchange students and some cultural activities common in Montana. For example, they are encouraged to attend Pow Wows with the Native American students. The students are encouraged to participate in school activities such as trying out for sports, and going to the games as a group if they are interested.
Botany Club
Do you like card games, but sadly have no friends to play card games with? If so, then you should join Yu-Gi-Oh. “During the assembly or club periods the kids will come in and they’ll either play magic gathering, yu-gi-oh, or other card games Jon Seekins, special ed teacher and head of the club said. There are many different types of game played during the club “different students have different interests so I try to make the club more universal to those interest” Seekins said. If you want to check this club out join them on Tuesdays after school in room 201.
Cyber Patriots
As technology progresses, things get easier for everyday situations. However, recently there have been many warnings put out to protect your phones or computers from hackers. The Air Force created Cyber Patriots after the military had been getting hacked, to spread knowledge of cyber security and how it works “with hopes that they would eventually go in and study this field going into college,” said club advisor Jamie Williams, head librarian of CMR. The kids are taught by a professor who is experienced with cyber security and are provided with training materials. They are involved in competitions in which the students try and figure out certain situations with cyber security. Cyber Patriots Club meets up every Wednesday in the media center at 2:30.
For any student wanting to learn more about growing and maintaining plants -- for a garden or just for fun -- Botany Club is the perfect solution. The club meets in room 310 with advisor Tom Cubbage who is a biology teacher here at CMR every few months and during club periods. The club meets every few months and during club periods, if interested listen out for Botany Club on the announcements. The club focuses on learning about plants, growing plants, and fundraising. They also have different things to do throughout the year.
Environmental Club
Environmental It’s been well talked about for the past few years how the environment is changing in negative ways, and if you’ve wondered how you can help make a difference look into Environmental Club in room 321. This club does projects to spread awareness around school about the environmental issues going on around locally, and do things to improve the environment. “We talked about Adopt-A-Highway, which is a program where you and clean the highway a couple times a year [and…] clean ups around town” senior Emma Bergman the president of environmental club said. There is no specific schedule for the club yet, but if you’re interested, you can get more information from the club’s advisor biology teacher Nathan Gregier in room 321.
Teen Quties Teen Quties promotes inclusivity, and the goal of this club is to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Teen Quties has formed a LGBTQ and straight t allience, which demonstrates the theory that we are better together than we are apart. “I’d say over the last maybe five or six years of teaching, every year I’ve had at least one student who identifies as transgender, or uses pronouns that [aren’t as common]” English teacher Holly Ingeman said. CMR Teen Quties meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month “We all need a place where we feel like we belong in highschool, [...] high school’s a struggle already” Ingeman said.
Intertribal Strong and Indian Club
The Intertribal Strong Club is a community of Native American students throughout the Great Falls School District who come together to spread positivity and share their cultural traditions with our city, Great Falls. “Right now I’m only one of the sisters, Jordan Forster is in charge of it, and the club takes place over at Paris Gibson Education Center in room 219 on Tuesdays” Academic Achievement Facilitator Kylan Hallet said. The goal of Intertribal Strong Club is to create a stronger connection between the Native American students at CMR, Great Falls High, and Paris, and to create a better vision for the Native American students within the community. To make the goals happen, Intertribal Strong participates in a lot of volunteer work. “Last year we went out and put May Day signs on people’s houses for May Day just to be a nice ‘spring in your step’ kind of thing,” Hallet said, adding that they also have volunteered at the food center where food is donated for those in need. Every year Intertribal Strong runs a community Pow Wow at Paris Gibson Education Center for anyone who wants to observe or participate. “This past year we had [about…] nine singing drum groups and probably one hundred or so dancers which is pretty good [...] if you wanna dance come register to dance” Hallet said. “All those things are to help reach that goal of interconnectedness and better image for our Native American [students]”. Indian Club meets every Tuesday after school in the cafeteria to have cultural discussions and to participate in cultural activities.
Money Muffins Students raise money through weekly sales
Freshman Della Everhart and junior Mary Nelson sell muffins as part of a fundraiser for orchestra on Oct. 25. Photo by Maggie Petersen.
by Maggie Petersen, entertainment/opinion editor Everyone looks forward to Fridays -- some for the upcoming weekend, some for a game that night, and some for an entirely different reason. Friday fundraisers fill kids’ stomachs with foods ranging from muffins to coffee, and the student body is often faced with the decision of which cause to support and what each has to offer. Jayla Mitchell, a senior and active member of the Chamber Orchestra, organizes behind the scenes of the Friday orchestra muffin and bagel sale. “Because we don’t make a lot of money with our annual fruit fundraiser, we sell food on Fridays to supplement the lack of money in our orchestra account,” Mitchell explained. The fruit sale is the primary moneymaker for the music groups, but upkeeping instruments, uniforms, and the many ventures orchestra undertakes require another source of funding, she added. However, none of it would be possible without the Orchestra Council. “Last year, the orchestra program took its ASTA (American String Teachers Association) club and morphed it into the Orchestra Council,” she said. “The goal of the club is to better the orchestra program. The food sales are just a beginning step; future leaders and representatives may come up with other options.” Mitchell is club president and in part oversees
weekly meetings and leads in orchestra activities. The Friday sale is only one of many projects the council has undertaken, and it still has some development to come. The program enriches the school with both diverse music and flavors. “We sell a variety of muffins that change throughout the month. Depending on the week, we’ll have blueberry, chocolate, lemon poppy seed, or banana nut muffins,” Mitchell said. They also offer juices and bagels that can be toasted for free. The program’s dedication both to its cause and the student body is demonstrated by the musicians’ sincere efforts in this weekly sale. “I think if we, as a school, support more of the activities going on, our overall spirit will improve,” Mitchell said. A floor above the orchestra’s Friday sale, a metal rack rolls out of the culinary arts room. On it are slices of pumpkin bread, chocolate chip muffins, and cinnamon chip muffins. “The muffins and the pumpkin bread we make provides some of the money for [...] our trips to state and different events that we do for FCCLA,” senior Gracie Unterseher explained. A member of FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) since her junior year, she helps with the weekly sale by preparing the food. The organization focuses on family consumer sciences ranging from cooking to interior design. “We try to reach out and kind of act as leadership in different areas for different projects with food,” Unterseher explained. Much like the orchestra, FCCLA has projects of its own that sales raise money for. “[In state,] we have different projects that we can do. You can do cooking or interior design or presentations, a leadership thing or something like that,” Unterseher said. It only makes sense the club members put their cooking skills to good use. The muffins -- complete with melting chocolate chips -- are freshly baked the morning they’re sold. The smell of the pastries wafts down the hallways of the second floor. Thanks to FCCLA’s hard work, the entire student body can experience the culinary arts. “It’s a small club, but we get a lot done.”
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October 31, 2019 rustlernews.com
The stress of applying to college CMR senior learns how to handle unknowns, expectations of making college decisions by Grace Carr, editor-in-chief For most individuals, emails are for communicating with coworkers or receiving spam messages from that one store you connected to wifi in years ago. But for the 2020 graduates of CMR High School, email boxes are being filled with college application opportunities, scholarship deadlines, and ACT retake reminders. Arguably one of the most stressful aspects of senior year is determining where you are going to end up after high school. Will you attend community college and work in town? Will you leave the state and travel abroad to Spain? Is college even on your radar? Most seniors hardly have any answers, especially at the beginning of the school year. However, these questions seem to be asked daily by family members, peers, and a variety of random adults. “I obviously talk about [college] with my family a lot because they help me make decisions,” senior Andi Newbrough said. “But anytime I see a relative that I haven’t seen in awhile or other people that know me, they ask ‘so do you know what you’re doing for college yet?’ And then I have to say ‘nope.’” It’s difficult for seniors to give both friends and family an answer about the unknown future. Newbrough’s typical responses to these open-ended questions are “I have ideas, but I’m not too sure yet” or “I haven’t really made a decision and I probably won’t for a while,” she said. Then she receives the awkwardly kind and supportive responses which typically follow along the lines of “oh well, you’ll be OK.” Newbrough is currently juggling multiple college applications as she tries to plan her future after high school. She intends on attending college with a possible major in biochemistry on a pre-medical track but is
These kids have a favorite... CHOOSE YOURS “It’s a hug in a cup. It’s ooey and gooey and full of love.” Megan Reno, 10, talking about culinary muffins
“It warms the soul; it reminds me of fall.” Katelyn Rutten, 10, said about the culinary muffins
“I love my Friday morning bagels and schmeer. Helps me start my day off right.” Band teacher Chris Klocker said about the orchestra bagels
“I am in the DECA club and this is the DECA store so all the proceeds go to our club.” Wesley Tilleman, 12, said while selling for DECA.
“Stress” by topgold is licensed under CC BY 2.0
undecided on a university. The entire process of planning your future while trying to pass calculus is already an anxiety-creator. Unfortunately, constantly being asked about it only adds pressure to the situation. “I think it adds pressure in the sense of I don’t want to disappoint people when I tell them I don’t know yet,” she said. Newbrough feels a majority of seniors have always been told to have a plan, get a certain test score, or obtain a high GPA. However, she has come to realize that’s it’s okay to not have a plan and still take time to weigh all the possibilities before making these life-changing decisions. “Everyone is unique and has a different process of figuring out what their future looks like,” she said. Newbrough also added the importance of not comparing ourselves to other classmates. “[Junior year] was she got this ACT score, I got this ACT score, but he got this ACT score,” she said. “I feel like it’s just evolved to ‘they’re applying to Harvard.’ It’s human nature to compare yourself to others so I feel like there’s pressure there, but it’s not rude, mean-spirited pressure.” Newbrough explains she puts herself in the middle of the college spectrum: between those who have been taking summer college prep classes and those who haven’t even considered what colleges they are applying to. Both of which can seem judgemental without knowing it. “Everybody has their own path, and I think a lot of people think they’ll be judged for making their decision too early or too late when it’s really just however it happens. It’s OK to wait and decide in the spring and make sure you know that’s where you’ll be happy next fall.”
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October 31, 2019 rustlernews.com
3 David
Home on Halloween Watch something new
What is the most important class?
Are sports important?
English is the most important because it creates speaking and reading skills you use in everyday life.
Important in some aspects but not exceptionally Case
Case They carry an importance, but they are too prioritized by the school and can hurt other student’s curriculars.
Math is the most important. Everything can be explained using math. Math is useful for every job.
Sports teach you valuable life lessons such as humility, teamwork, or how to deal with failure. Mitchell
What music genre is the best, and which is the worst?
Mitchell What is the best and worst video game?
Pop is the best genre because the songs are catchy, Opera is the worst, it’s too high pitched.
Minecraft is the best video game, it’s very fun, and there’s always something to do. Fortnite is the worst game.
Case Alternative and Indie are the best genres, the songs have meaning. Pop is the worst because the songs are repetitive
Case
Portal 2 is the best video game. It was very innovative and brought a great playing experience. The worst game is Fortnite.
and have no meaning. Miller
Mitchell
Drama is very important. It allows self expression which is an important skill. It can bring out a person’s individuality, which is important in society.
Miller
Miller
Rap is the best because it gets me pumped for weightlifting and football, heavy metal is my least favorite because it’s difficult to listen to.
Miller NCAA 13 is the best video game.It allows you to play as your favorite college. Fortnite is the worst game. Mitchell
rustlerMessage
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5 things to do at
Art and Layout by Zoey Schug, staff member
Listen, horror films are slightly awful, so you will be forgiven if you don’t go right to The Shining when you’re by yourself. All this suggestion is asking is to try something new. Turn off the Halloween episode of The Office where Jim wears the three-hole punch costume -- you already know the ending. Dark (but not necessarily scary) things are perfect for sitting alone on Oct. 31. Here are some suggestions: Zodiac, Twin Peaks, or Point Break (the original!) are good places to start. Watch whatever, just vibe with the aura of Halloween.
Bake Pumpkin bread is the superior sweet bread -- sorry banana and zucchini. It’s also very easy to make. Take it from someone who physically cannot cook something that is not a baked good. Find one of those Instagram recipe videos and actually make it instead of just sending it to your mom. Also, stop eating the candy bars. They’re for the children. Please.
Make spooky TikToks
Yes, once again the wonders of TikTok will be promoted in this newspaper (sponsor us!). It is for good reason; TikTok is the perfect lonely activity. Usually when you open the app, you expect the same five audio clips to get stuck in your head, but maybe, just maybe, you could open the app and hope to be scared! So, set your camera up, dim the lights, and jump out from somewhere. Pick an unsettling sound to go with it, and you’re done. Scare yourself into feeling something.
Plan for next year
Maybe you won’t be alone next year, you never know. Planning a good costume takes work, and if you want to make an impression, start early. Those truly awful pop-up Halloween stores that inundate Great Falls every September have the worst costumes. If you plan for next year, you won’t have to rush to one of those stores on Oct. 29 and get the “Adult Plundering Pirate” costume. That would be even sadder than being alone for Halloween.
Scare teen trick-or-treaters
Trick-or-treating is a generally good-natured and wholesome activity -- THAT IS FOR CHILDREN. Twelve, or 13 max, should be when people stop trick-or-treating. Alas, this rule is not followed, and annoying middle-schoolers terrorize neighborhoods all night long. NO, the Stampede does not condone violence, but a light jump-scare never hurt anyone. Have fun with it. Maybe make that be your TikTok. by Quinn Soltesz, Audio Editor
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October 31, 2019 rustlernews.com
MOVIE REVIEW
Joker
Another Joker makes his mark on the big screen
Photos: Warner Bros./MCT
by Shana Fronsee, staff writer before having the ultimatum of getting one last refill or “[It’s] hard being happy all the time,” Arthur Fleck says simply stop taking them altogether. to a counselor towards the middle of a movie that depicts a Discontinuing his medications, in my opinion, is what different side of the villain everyone loves. caused him to become the Joker. Truthfully, I think insanity Joker is the villain almost everyone talks about now ever was a choice, and it was influenced after Arthur found out since “Batman”. However, no one really expected the story secrets that were kept about his past. of this character to be told differently like it has been in this The criticism he received and the beatings he got out on recent release. “Joker” tells the story of Arthur Fleck and how the streets caused him to be that way, too. He was just sick he ended up becoming the Joker in the first place. and tired of being made fun of for who he truly was as a At 2 hours and 2 minutes, “Joker” is rated R movie that person. He was given a weapon of choice, and he used it to fits under the categories of crime, thriller, and drama. It his advantage to express his anger towards the world and the was released on Oct. 4 and its Rotten people who criticized him. Tomatoes rating sits at 69 percent. “[I’m] someone who hides behind Truthfully, I think insanity was There have been a lot of arguments a choice, and it was influenced a mask,” Fleck said to his counselor about the release of this movie and during one of his sessions. He sought whether or not it was an inappropriate after Arthur found out secrets counseling because of how much the timing due to mass shootings prior to that were kept about his past. abuse and the neurological disease had the release. Honestly, I don’t think affected his life. In counseling, he had to it was because of it only being a movie and the producers find a coping mechanism. waited long enough to release it. Plus, any movie, film, book, Fleck found his way to get through the day was dancing, play, according to various movie fans and critics, is released and the music he dances to is mainly jazz because of how at the worst timing ever, even if the release date is after a soothing it was and the way it took his mind off of the world. horrific event. “I used to think my life was a tragedy, but it’s really a Another question I was asked was if this was a training comedy,” Fleck said on national television as he talked about movie for the mentally ill. It’s not, if you think about it. It his life and how much society affected him even after he brings awareness of what other mental illnesses could be stopped taking his medications. out there in the world in addition to depression. Fleck had “Joker” is a perfect example of how society can affect an illness called Pseudobulbar Affect, which is an illness of the mentally ill, and Joaquin Phoenix brought the character uncontrollable emotions. He got it when he was a child, after to life, portraying how insanity impacts someone who is he was abused. actively seeking acceptance for who they are. He took seven medications to help control his emotions
TRUSS WORKS
Family and locally owned business for over 40 years 1500 Stuckey Rd, Great Falls, MT 59404 (406) 454-1800
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October 31, 2019 rustlernews.com
Q&A
with
Kynsie Schmidt
What’s your personal record? I think it’s 19.21 [for 3.1 miles] right now.
How did this season go?
The season is going great. The races have been really going well, and I didn’t really know how the season was going to go because I have never done cross country before, but it’s been really fun and the team is great.
What were some of your struggles?
The biggest struggle for me was going from one mile race in track to 3.1 miles race because you have a completely different mindset about it. In track, you are going in a much faster pace, whereas in cross country you have much longer distance to figure out how fast you need to be going.
What’s next for you?
So, there is a half marathon that is going to be in Las Vegas. I think I’m going to do that. So, we basically have a week off and we start half marathon training, which is longer distance. After that is over, I’m going to be staring training for track.
STATE CROSS COUNTRY
by Gloria Baldevia, news/sports editor Mother Nature tried her best to slow down the cross country athletes at this year’s state meet in Great Falls, but senior Connor O’Hara was having none of it. He and the other Rustlers battled low temperatures and fresh snow on the Eagle Falls Golf Course, and O’Hara ultimately placed fifth in the AA competition. On Oct 26, O’Hara led the CMR boys cross country team to an overall 6th place win out of 15 AA teams that were present during the meet. According to O’Hara, although he was hoping to do better, he was happy with how he raced and how he was able to give pride to those who motivated him. “I was motivated by my coaches, teammates, and myself wanting to do the best I could,” O’Hara said. “I’m just super happy I was able to run with such a great team and that I had so much support from the coaches and the school.” For the cross country athlete, the process to achieve the win was not an easy feat, especially since he was sick multiple times throughout the season. However, he
shared how he prepared for each event. “I started running in June and ran all summer long and all season, running twice a day for most of the season,” he said. Cross country coach Nathan Grieger said he was proud of the results and his team despite the weather conditions. ‘I think we ran better at different races throughout the year, but under tough conditions it was a good day,” he said. Since this would be the last year that O’Hara would be running for CMR, he hopes that the team continues to dominate the sport. “I just want the team to believe in themselves and do the best that they can and of course beat the Bison,” he said. While the season has ended, their running experience has not. O’Hara, along with his cross country teammates, is preparing for the annual Laughlin Half Marathon, which will be held on Dec. 7 in Laughlin, Nevada.
Rustlers and Bison battle it out in annual crosstown football game by Raef Hamlin, staff writer and David Mitchell, staff writer On Sept 25, a medley of crowd wearing green and gold and blue and white filled Memorial Stadium as families, friends, and supporters came out to cheer for their favorite team in the annual crosstown football game. The two high schools from the opposite sides of the river came out in the single field, cheering as loud as they can to show support for their own team, who each fought their very best. However, in the end it was the Bison who came out victorious with a 35-6 lead against the Rustlers. The Rustlers started off strong, moving the ball down the field through a long, methodical drive. This successful opening drive was brought to an end by a fumble on a jet sweep. The Rustlers would get the ball back after a turnover forced by the defense. Another long, methodical drive ensued, this time ending in a touchdown to take a 6-0 lead. The Bison would answer with a
touchdown of their own just before halftime. Heading into the locker room, the score was 6-7. The Bison started the second half strong with a long kick return immediately followed by a long touchdown reception. The Rustlers responded strongly with a long kick return just outside of the red zone. On the first offensive play of the second half, a muffed exchange between junior Logan Corn and senior Logan Richards would lead to a fumble recovered by the Bison. The second half woes started again for the Rustlers. Following the fumble, the Bison scored on their first play. They never looked back, continuing to score easy touchdowns and force turnovers against the Rustler offense. The final nail in the coffin came with 2:48 left in the 4th quarter. Sophomore Raef Newbrough’s pass was picked off and taken to the endzone, making the final score 35-6. This year’s crosstown game did not go in favor of the Rustlers, and wide receiver Keegan Barnes shared
where they came up short. “If we would’ve played a complete and full game [and] stuck together as a team early, we wouldn’t have lost,” he said. Linebacker Wesley Tilleman also had some thoughts on the team’s shortcomings. “We came out in the second half; we weren’t ready, we weren’t communicating [our coverages] on defense,” Tilleman said. However, head coach Gary Lowry shared how the game became a lesson to them on how to improve their performance. “We can’t turn the ball over. We have to fix mental mistakes,” Lowry said. Despite the high number of turnovers and low number of scores, the Rustlers found some positives. They moved the ball efficiently with more than 200 rushing yards. The Rustlers travel to Helena tomorrow for play-offs.
On Oct. 25, the Rustler football team went head to head against the Great Falls High Bison at Memorial Stadium. After an intense fight between the two, the Bison came out victorius with a score of 35-6. Photo by Nancy Beston.
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October 31, 2019 rustlernews.com
Music teacher aims to impact students the same way his did him
Students march into the X-town game by Kaylebb Stahmer, staff writer Junior Aiden Andrews puts in 100 percent for marching band, participating in as many extracurricular activities as he can, and becoming one of the two drum majors this year, because he simply enjoys being part of the energy the band gives off. “When you really get into it, and you really look at some of these people who go to marching band always, it’s just the motivation that people have, the kind of feeling that everybody has towards it. It’s so much energy going on and just fun to be involved with the band,” Andrews said.
For Andrews, he was introduced to marching band from his brother, Silas Andrews, who was a drum major in Texas. Now that he’s been in marching band for three years, he has been able to really get into it.
“One of the things I always tell students is that nobody will remember what we look like if we sound good.” Christopher Kloker As the band director, one of the things that Christopher Kloker has learned over his three years as a Rustler
The teachers join the war between
Rustlers & Bison by Justin Freeny, staff writer different view on the matter. Ever since the massive student body at Great Falls High School “I feel like Great Falls High is a school that is rich in tradition and was split in 1965 as C. M. Russell High School opened its doors, there history and has had a lot of success over the years,” he said. However, has been an intense rivalry between the Bison and the Rustlers. Parsons also thinks that the rivalry has been very bad in the past. No doubt, the rivalry between the green and gold and the blue “I would say the rivalry when I was in school was very intense,” and white has been heated for years, and some staff members here in Parsons said. He went on to say that he thinks that kids are closer the Rustler den have “insider” information. now thanks to social media. These Bison in hiding -- in addition to the numerous teachers English teacher Janelle Munson is a 1992 graduate of Great Falls who graduated from CMR -- know more than anyone about the High School, and her opinion of CMR has always been much more in crosstown rivalry. Students constantly say what they think of Great line with her fellow Rustlers than students might think. Falls High School, but teachers in the “I had a really good view of CMR because building don’t normally speak their mind “I feel like Great Falls High is a at that time I was in band so we would do on the matter. school that is rich in tradition the combined show,” Munson said, adding “They’re our crosstown rivals,” said that she was also a part of the theater team. Lesli Evans, a 1981 CMR graduate who and history and has had a lot of Munson said they competed in events much success over the years.” works in the fine arts department. “We like sports, and she had a lot of contact with had more student body participation back CMR drama team. Kerry Parsons then which made the rivalry bigger”. Unlike Munson, Transition teacher Mike Counselor Brenda Lowry also attended CMR during the ‘80s Lins, a 1985 graduate of Great Falls High School, said crosstown and graduated in 1984. She agreed with Evans that the rivalry was rivalry played a big role in his high school experience As a football different more than 30 years ago. player. Lins offered the perspective that he and the Great Falls High “I feel a lot differently about Great Falls High than I did back football team had been to state football against CMR in 1983 . then,” Lowry said. Said, adding that she did not hate the Bison, but Now that he is a teacher he said he has a newfound appreciation she was not a big fan when she was in school even though she had for the green and gold. friends who went to school at Great Falls High School . “I have a better appreciation for CMR now than I did back then,” Lowry said that even though she is now colleagues with some Lins said. graduates from Great Falls High School, there still is some rivalry. These teachers have gone to school on both sides of the river and Principal Kerry Parsons, a 1984 CMR graduate, said he has a all ended up here supporting the future rustlers who came after them.
A Throwback look at crosstowns past alumni
by Kaylebb Stahmer, staff writer CMR’s resident band director Christopher Kloker works toward fostering a sense of pride in what his students create. While he admits that while marching band is not the most exotic part of band class, it is also part of CMR’s history, and part of the curriculum. He said he wants them to want to be there and be proud of what they do. “I bribe them, I bring [band biscuits], we bring food. But then a lot of the kids come because they are so proud of what they do, so we try and keep fostering that. You really encourage them to work hard and work for their best product because an audience loves what they do, an audience will be way more exhilarating than any gift that I can give them,” Kloker said. “The applause and the excitement generated by what they play is far more exciting than any reward I can possibly give them.” A big part of what he says inspired him were his music teachers over the years, especially his high school band director, who he says is “the smartest human being I’ve ever met and the most musical human being I’ve ever met”. He hopes to impact students the same way his teachers did him. “I think I’m on the way. Do I feel I’ve let the students down at times? Yes. Do I feel that I’ve made an impact on a lot of them? Yes. The hope is that I can continue to do that and learn from my mistakes and help them learn from theirs and love what we do,” he said. One part of the year that Kloker says he enjoyed during his time as a rustler has been the District Musical Festival in April. “[I] love when kids get excited and want to show off to the judges what they do and how well they do it and how hard they worked to get there,” he said.
Marching band drum majors Hailey Finch and Aiden Andrews lead the practice with band director Christopher Kloker at Memorial Stadium before the Homecoming game on Oct 24. Photo by Grace Carr.
is to be realistic. “You have to be realistic with your expectations. One of the things I always tell the students is that nobody will remember what we look like if we sound good. But if we sound bad, everyone will remember what we look like,” Kloker said. Some of the things Kortney Deaton, who is in marching band, says she struggles with while on the field is trying to be in sync with the rest of the band. According to her, there is nothing to bounce sound back to you, so you just have to hope you know your parts properly.
Kerry Parsons: 1984 CMR Graduate “I would say the rivalry when I was in school was very intense.”
Lesli Evans: 1981 CMR Graduate “We had more student body participation back then, which made the rivalry bigger.”
Brenda Lowry: 1984 CMR Graduate “I feel like there are a lot more friendships between kids now.”
Mike Lins: 1985 GFHS Graduate “I think it’s gotten better. I don’t think kids hate each other.”
Janelle Munson: 1992 GFHS Graduate “Now I can really feel the spirit as a Rustler.”
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October 31, 2019 rustlernews.com
Peopleof Tess Halverson, 12 and Emily Funseth, 12
CMR
Hailey Finch, 12
C.M. Russell High School is just three floors, two gyms, and one auditorium, but inside these walls, 1,478 people gather together in support of education, the arts, and athletics. Students and staff can be found cheering, celebrating, and supporting their team, whether it’s soccer or volleyball, football or powderpuff. Others are eating pizza or performing, preparing for the day, or crying tears of joy. No matter what they are found doing, these are the Rustlers. Here, Rustlers bleed green and gold. These are the People of CMR. Page/photos by Nancy Beston. Chloe Painter, 11
Kieden Brennan, 11
Maddison Mohler, 11 and Norah Allen, 9
Kaylebb Stahmer, 12
Taylor Pandis-Sutton, 12
Grace Carr, 12
Steven Nyugen, 11
Karrissa Biddle, 12
Della Everhart, 9
Kacey Christenson, 9 Taylor Kleinschmidt, 9
Shawn Keck, 11
Emily Fundseth, 12
Lauren Rich, 12
Michella Shookman, 9
Steve Skear, Math
Raiden Kruckenberg, 12