Sept. 26, 2019
THE STAMPEDE
Vol. 55, Issue 1
an open forum for student expression
New School
policies Page 03
GFHS Construction Page 04
Exceptionalities Page 09
Varsity soccer girls
CELEBRATE A WIN AT CROSSTOWN Read more on page 11
Stampede staff welcomes students to first publication
The Stampede
C. M. Russell High School Great Falls, MT Sept. 26, 2019 Vol. 55 Issue 1 www.rustlernews.com Twitter: rustlernews
Alright Rustlers, as of today we have officially been in school for 20 full days. So hopefully that means freshmen have finally figured out the layout of the school and seniors haven’t adopted senioritis quite yet. Most of us have had our first math test and now we are trying to figure out how to get that grade back up before midterm, which is tomorrow, Sept. 27, by the way. Another chunk of us have been posting about how much we miss summer already and others are praising the arrival of fall and new coffee flavors for those morning classes. You can also see the class of 2020 participating in #seniorsunday. No matter which person you are, just take relief in knowing we’re all in this together. Even the kid in your science class who knows the answer to every question is probably wishing
they were home and away from this big brick building. Yes, the beginning of the school year may seem like the worst feeling in the world, but at least your school is providing you with relevant news almost every OF month. VIEW Welcome to our first issue of The Stampede newspaper. In our publication, we work hard to write and publish timely and relevant stories for the student body of C. M. Russell High School. This year, The Stampede staff looks forward to covering a variety of topics that pertain specifically to the students, faculty, and surrounding community. Viewers of our publication can read about games, drama productions, policy changes, climate change,
and news from other schools in the district. One of the publication’s main goals this year is to ensure each issue fully encompasses the student voice of this high school. We hope FROM OUR to represent every possible viewpoint, opinion, club, sport, and extra-curricular activity. Our website, rustlernews. com, is updated almost daily with the latest breaking news on anything CMRrelated. The site also features photo slideshows, videos, and audio projects along with other fun additions such as style reviews and quizzes. If you have a story idea you would like to see covered or would like your work to be featured in our publication, visit teacher Beth Britton in room 326.
POINT
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
Table of Contents
Principal Kerry Parsons
Junior Alex Thayer edits his latest movie, a modern western. With his friends and anybody who wants to help Alex make various types of films, he enjoys making documentaries and learning about certain subjects. His latest documentary was entered into a film festival, and it is about Great Falls and the people who live here. Photos by Kieran Palen.
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
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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Table of Contents Editorial New School Policies How to Prepare for Homecoming Art Department GFHS Construction, New Principal South Pacific Random Opinions On Random Things Foreign Exchange Promising Freshmen Exceptionalities CGI Horror Films Longer Lunches Sports What can you do at 5AM?? Football Season Memorial of David Delcomte
Cover photo: On Sept. 12, the girls varsity soccer team took home a win at Memorial Stadium against GFHS. The final score was 4-1. Photo by Nancy Beston.
September 26, 2019 rustlernews.com has been implemented for years. But due to understaffing last year, it was not observed as much as the library intended. According to Librarian Jamie Williams,with the extra staff, they can go around and encourage students to sign in, something that she was unable to do last year. When asked about the sign-in policy, Senior Brandon Walker said that he hasn’t seen it implemented yet. “Not really, I forgot to [sign in] most times and I haven’t done it since freshman year,” Walker said referring to the signing in. Williams also said the sign in policy gives students accountability. If students said they were going to the library, it is easy to see if they are really there or not.
“I am [very excited for Homecoming this year]. It is my last Homecoming week, [and] I am really excited to see what people come up with for meme day.” Teagan Tuss
they will have to attend one hour of Saturday school to get the chance to appeal for their grade back. To appeal for their grade they have to go to their AP and explain why they deserve to have a grade. For the entire year students have only one chance to appeal for a grade so if they appeal against an NG in the first semester they can’t get an appeal in the second semester. The policy change is district wide. During an administrative meeting this summer, school leaders chose to adopt the new policy, which is in use elsewhere in Montana. Carroll says the new policy has been positively affecting attendance so far because students’ attendance now affects their grade point average.
CMR has recently welcomed a new staff member into the art department. Andrew Nagengast, who most students remember as their 8th grade art teacher at North Middle School, has recently moved to C.M. Russell High School. “I’m really excited for the opportunity to really expand on some longer projects with workshop and also the advanced students and being able to have the same kids for the whole year instead of three times the amount,” Nagengast said. He is teaching four sections of Art Workshop and one section of Photography. With the noticeable age gap between his former and current students, Nagengast says that the differences between the two mostly
Homecoming 2019
Extra staff implement library sign-in policy by Raef Hamlin, staff writer and Gloria Baldevia, sports/feature editor Students from all over Great Falls rush to school trying not to hit the red zone for attendance. “Our attendance is really good,” aide Andrea Carroll said when asked if attendance has changed with the new policy. The new attendance policy has been a cause of confusion for both teachers and students, but with the help from Carroll We can clear that up. Carroll said the attendance policy was mostly the same for the green and yellow zones except when students hit the yellow zone their associate principal starts keeping track of their grades and attendance. The red zone is where the big changes happen. Once students hit 13 absences for a class they get a No Grade in that class. For every day students missed that class
Homecoming Schedule
Monday Hall Decorating Door Decorating Powderpuff Game at 7 p.m. Meme Day Tuesday Door Decoration Float Building Crosstown “[What I am most excited for is] probably the Volleyball Game football game. I like sports more than dances.” at GFHS Ethan Jacobs Decades Day Wednessday Float Building Class Theme Thursday Coronation Float Building Dress Your Best Friday
JUNIORS
by Gloria Baldevia, sports/feature editor and Raef Hamlin, staff writer In a corner of the main library desk, one computer that prominently faces towards the students’ side has become a popular site for everyone who visits the library. This recently added “special” computer requires students who go to the library during lunch or free period to sign in their school number. The implementation of this new action in the library is to ensure the safety of students. “It’s good statistics for us.It gives us a count of who’s coming and going,” Williams stated. It is also a good way to keep track of students in emergency situations. However, though some might think that this is something new to CMR, the sign-in policy
SENIORS
New library staff help initiate sign in policy
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SOPHOMORES
“[I’m excited for the]schedule changes [that come with Homecoming because] I get to see my friends more.” Bayleigh Litostansky
“I’m excited for Homecoming because I will be playing in the pep band and marching band.” Christopher Lance
revolve around the topics of maturity and the understanding of having original ideas and putting them to use. This year, to expand the knowledge of his students, Nagengast is going to teach new methods in a variety of different ways. “We are gonna hit sculpture pretty hard, basic 3d modeling and using 3d printers in a clay aspect,” he said. After writing an innovation grant, the art department received two 3D printers. Traditionally, 3D printers use plastic as a filament and instead, ours use clay. “It will take basic G code and it is set up so that it will read what would be a normal path for a plastic filament and it already has the coding to change it to a clay filament for clay body instead of plastic so well just run that same
FRESHMEN
Early Out BBQ Parade at 2 p.m. Football Game at 7 p.m. Against Bozeman Homecoming Dance at 9 p.m. in our Auxiliary Gym
slicing program but you adjust the layer heights to adjust the thickness and you can choose how big and thick you want it. We will put it through a kiln and fire it like we normally do with clay projects,” said Nagengast. He plans to put it to use with Mrs. Jacobs in the workshop 1-2 class, AP, 3-4, and possibly the painting class. “We are trying to use it as much as possible,” he said. The CMR art department is excited for these staff and mechanical additions.
New art teacher is welcomed to CMR When most students move from middle school to high school, they leave their old teachers behind and prepare for new opportunities that others have to offer. That is not the case this year for sophomore Kamree Baumann, who has another chance to be taught by art teacher Andrew Nagengast. “I was super excited to hear Nagengast was coming to CMR. I’ve had him in the past, and it’s nice to have a familiar teacher,” Baumann said. The switch in teachers has brought new styles of learning to the art classes. Baumann has noticed that there is not only a different teaching approach but also, pace and styles.
“I have started focusing on a wider range of art styles because Nagengast keeps us too busy to spend lots of time on one project,” she said. While she doesn’t plan on pursuing a career in art, Baumann believes that it will still be an important part of her life. She said she is grateful for what the art department provides her and she enjoys being involved in it. Baumann is excited for new things she has the chance to try this year. “This year I am most excited for using the film cameras. It’s not something you get to do every day and the darkroom looks super cool. “Im looking forward to learning how to develop photos,” she said. Baumann takes her sketchbook with her everywhere because her
Art teacher Andrew Nagengast assists student with work. Photo taken by Natalie Bosley.
favorite kind of art is drawing with pencil, but with the variety in the lessons she learns, branching out is not far from her comfort zone. “The department is getting new technology this year, and as my classes get more advanced, I’ve been exposed to new materials. I’m super excited to see all of the ways I get to put these skills to use.”
September 26, 2019 4 rustlernews.com
GFHS Principal Habel adjusting to new role by Kaylebb Stahmer, staff writer Balancing time is a struggle for anyone in a leadership position, and this is especially true for Geoffry Habel, the new principal of Great Falls High School, who is juggling the tasks related to running a AA high school -- and one that is undergoing a massive construction and remodeling project. “It’s more administrative things; a lot of meetings with teachers and student leaders and the district office building and trying to just manage people and kids all at the same time,” he said. With a new role comes many new responsibilities, especially when considering the leap between assistant principal to principal. Habel says his experience as an AP gave him a look into what a principal’s job is, but not until truly being in the role did he get that broader outlook on how things are happening district-wide. Even his role as AP was a far different perspective when compared to what he focused on as a teacher. “As a teacher, I looked at things from my teacher perspective, which is my class right now here, what do I need to do how do I need to shape out the day, the week, the year, all those things,” he said. When he moved up to his administrative role six years ago and his role today, he has had to focus on the overall goals of the school on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. He said he also has to consider what teachers need to be successful and support their kids. Budgeting is one of the things he has a much broader outlook on, which he says lets him view things from a district-wide perspective rather than a relatively school-based perspective. “I hate it when I feel like we could and should be doing more for students and we just don’t have the funding for it, that’s probably the biggest [challenge],” Habel said.. Another thing Habel struggles with more so than he did as an AP is time. Balancing meetings with student leaders, teachers, and the district office restricts him from simply sitting down with everyone and having one-on-one conversations about their needs. This is especially tough for him as he says he values relationships greatly, something that requires time to build. “I don’t know that I can give everybody the time that they need as much as I used to be able to, but that’s about it. I do consider everybody around me my friends, and I want to be able to support them when they need help,” Habel said.
Bison prepare for Nov. grand opening
An excavator breaks ground at Great Falls High on Sept. 18. Photo by Beth Britton.
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by Grace Carr, editor-in-chief he students and faculty of Great Falls High have been listening to the sounds of construction for almost seven years. And thanks to the bond the Great Falls community passed last year, major changes are taking over the campus. “The way we’ve gone about things isn’t necessarily efficient,” GFHS Principal Geoff Habel said. “We could spend hours probably going over each little thing, but there has been some much-needed upgrades to some things that just aren’t working anymore and are just better for the kids.” The school has been given a budget of $38 million to make the necessary improvements to the building. Some of the adjustments include a new commons area, new cafeteria and administrative offices, an indoor passageway to move across campus without having to walk outdoors, new industrial technology shops, and improvements to the heating and cooling systems. “Those are the little things that make a big difference,” he said.
Construction on GFHS campus is taking longer compared to other schools in the district. Habel stated that these upgrades have been building up over the past 80 years and there are many important upgrades that need to take place. The project is expected to continue for up to another two years. “I think everything that’s happening is much-needed and exciting,” Habel said. “Just being able to say hey we have a sidewalk right here. That’s awesome after not having that. And hey we have this new area now where we can go between the buildings.” Thankfully, there have been minimal complaints from the neighbors. GFHS’s goal is to try to work with the surrounding community to alleviate problems that may arise and ideally stop them before they occur. “I do want to say these guys that are working out there are doing an amazing job,” Habel added. “They are doing everything they can to do it right, do it on time, and do it safely while taking in the consideration of the neighbors. They’ve been nothing but awesome to work with.”
On Sept. 18, construction work continued at Great Falls High School. The sizeable addition is expected to open for student use in early November. Photos by Beth Britton.
Effects, benefits and consequences of construction at GFH - A student’s perspective
by Kerrigan Edwards, staff writer
The new additions to Great Falls High School have become very apparent to both the students and community members. GFHS junior Alysa Curry said she is excited to see the changes that will soon be completed. “The one thing I notice most about construction is the difficulties with parking. Before, we really didn’t have to fight for our spots, but now I show up extra early to make sure I can park somewhere close to school,” Curry said.
To add to this hassle, getting around the school is not simple, either. Curry said that everything takes longer to do, and winters aren’t ideal when it comes to climbing hills to reach different classes. “It will definitely be easier for our students to get around the school in the winter. Before, they had to cross the icy steep hill to go from campus to campus, which plainly is not safe,” she said. Aside from the fact that construction is providing obstacles for the students and staff, it will prove to be beneficial when it
concludes. New Principal Geoffry Habel said the “connector” that joins the school to the fieldhouse -- in addition to a spacious lunch room, school offices, culinary arts and IT classrooms -- is slated to open in early November. Curry speaks highly of both the current, and previous administrators. “Both Mrs. Hoyer and Mr. Habel are amazing leaders in our school district. With the switch of Habel becoming principal, I really have not noticed much of a change or difference
between the two. Mr. Habel and Mrs. Hoyer are extremely involved with kids. I can always catch them at my band concerts or volleyball games supporting the Bison,” she said. Curry is looking forward to seeing the project come to a close. “We will also have new and updated classrooms supplying better learning environments, and better security at our
entrances to promote safety. Our students have been patiently waiting for it to finally be done. It will all be worth it in the end.”
South Pacific September 26, 2019 rustlernews.com
5 Performing arts department to take a journey through the islands of the Pacific by Shana Fronsee, staff writer As preparations for rehearsals slowly start increasing for South Pacific, Steve Olson learns more about the story and starts loving it by the seconds “The story is great, very well known, and the music is fantastic,” Olson said. South Pacific, written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, is two love stories put together into one show and it takes place during World War II in the islands of the South Pacific. The story also deals with controversial issues that are still issues in today’s world.
David Miller: Junior David Miller plays the role of Emile De Becque. He can relate to De Becque because of how romantic he is. He looks forward to working with everyone who is in the play for the big musical. South Pacific, to him, is more special than the plays before because he loves the fantasy and the history behind the musical. Elli
Bourgeois: Sophomore Elli Bourgeois plays Nellie Forbush. This is her first production she’s been in during her first two years at CMR. Bourgeois is excited to be part of this production as she wants the experience of being on stage and learn about being a better actor.
“The message behind it is really powerful and it makes people think in a good way,” he said. Rodgers and Hammerstein got their inspiration by James Mitechner’s “The Tales of the South Pacific” when they made the music. “It’s a fantastic book so I can see why they, Rodgers and Hammerstein, were inspired to do this show from that.” South Pacific will be shown December 5-7 and 13-14 with a 2 p.m. matinee.
Show Dates Dec. 5-7 & Dec. 13-14 Showtime 7p.m. with one 2p.m. matinee
Advisors: Jessica Goosen & Volunteering Oppurtunities: Danielle Hogan Trick or Treat for Unicef Basketball Concessions President: Quinn Soltesz CANtastic Vice President: Fall Family Fest Skye Krum Thirsty 30 Secretary: Jadan Garner and more!
Blake Sowers: Senior Blake Sowers plays
the role of Lieutenant Joseph Cable. South Pacific is his first production, and he said he has always wanting to be in the show. He says he’s never put himself out and he wanted to be someone else for a while. He does plan on auditioning for the other shows planned this season.
Cat Rangel: Sophomore Cat Rangel plays the role of Bloody Mary. She says she’s ecstatic to be playing the role and looks forward to singing, dancing, and speaking in an accent in the role she has wanted since learning about it and since she only had a smaller role in the previous musical the performing arts department did.
Join Key Club Meetings held in Room 232 every second Wednesday @ 2:30!
REMIND 101: Text @cmrkeyclub to 81010
September 26, 2019
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Foreign Exchange Vo and Olesen travel global school systems
by Amya Terry, staff writer Naja Olesen travelled to Montana all the way from Greenland. Before arriving in Montana, Naja seemed to be nervous to be a foreign exchange student,. “I switched back and forth about being excited to be a foreign exchange student, but the people on my plane ride here told me their experiences and I thought about how fun it would be,” Olesen said. She is involved in CMR’s cross country team and has already grasped school spirit, showing up to as many games as possible to support CMR. She seems to be enjoying America so far, and has commented about some of the differences between America and Greenland. Greenland offers free healthcare and public education, but students are only required to go to school until 10th grade. Olesen said anyone wanting to continue their education has to travel to Denmark. Demark is responsible for Greenland’s international affairs even though Denmark is part of the European Union and Greenland is not. Greenland’s students are required to learn three languages: Greenlandic, Danish, and English with Greenlandic being one of the most difficult world languages. Compared to America, Olesen said Greenland has a lot more local businesses and the food is more fattening, but she enjoys the food and the popular food chains in America. “I like it here because it is easier to travel, but in Greenland it’s a lot more expensive,” she said. Though there are many things she’s enjoying during this experience, Naja also really misses her family and the limited time she gets to see them while being here.
Jimena Gonzales Suarez is one of two foreign exchange students from Spain. She arrived in Great Falls on Aug. 17. She has been wanting to be an exchange student for a while. She’s excited for the experiences of living in America. Arriving was difficult at first but now she’s grown to like Montana, especially the scenery. She also appreciates the school spirit at CMR. So far out of the food she’s tried, her favorite food chain is Boston’s.
Sunmin Han is from South Korea. His experience here has been good, despite all the differences between Montana and South Korea. “I don’t have to work as hard,” Han said. CMR met his expectations. He has made friends and has got more time on his hands. He has previously travelled to L.A. and Las Vegas. Han’s favorite American food is steak made by his host family. The things he misses most from South Korea are his friends, family, and the food.
D a n i e l Warmerdam is from Germany. The school is much larger than the school he went to in Germany. He is enjoying Montana, and likewise CMR. He is excited for football this year. His favorite classes are weight training and U.S. History. “I like seeing how the American people live,” Warmerdam said. He enjoys American food. So far his favorites are burgers and ice cream, mentioning the ice cream in America is better.
Jonas Bartels is an exchange student from Germany. He said he really likes it here in Montana. He believes the food here is really fattening but very good. He admits that CMR was very confusing at first, but everyone has been welcoming and helpful. He said he especially enjoys his Culinary Arts and U.S. History classes. He really misses the carbonated water in Germany.
by Zoey Schug, staff writer Nathan Vo, a C. M. Russell High School student involved with the foreign exchange program from Vietnam, shows gleaming school spirit. “I really like CMR. I have friends and teachers here that are really nice,” Vo said. The teachers here teach with enthusiasm, not for the pay, and there are more tools readily available for educational purposes, he said. “I really enjoy living in places where there’s not a lot of people. That’s why I moved to Great Falls,” Vo said. In Vietnam, the schools are more compact, and they cost money to attend. In Vo’s hometown, Saigon, the population exceeds nine million. There is a lot of two wheel transportation, such as mopeds and motorcycles. “In Vietnam you have to learn how to fire a gun in order to become a citizen,” Vo said. Citizens also have to obtain at least a college education to get any decent job. The government is run under Communist rule. Vo said residents of Vietnam lack freedom of speech. Vietnam is full of beautiful landmarks, such as the world’s longest tunnel. Vo is on a path to perfecting his English. “I’ve been learning English for 10 years,” Vo said He has played tennis for his school, and he said he aims to compete for the Rustlers in the spring. He also really likes math. Vo said that being an exchange student has allowed him to step out of his comfort zone, and he really enjoys it.
Rebecca Lu Nyssen is from Germany, and she said she has enjoyed her time here so far. One of her first impressions of CMR was that there are a lot of people and that the building is confusing. Those things could be overwhelming, but everyone was very welcoming towards her. Her favorite class is Culinary Arts with teacher Dani Stark, and her favorite core classes are U.S. History and English with Alex Rosenleaf and Jill Showen. Nyssen enjoys Mexican food, as well as hamburgers and fries here in America.
Surat Touchamon is from Thailand. This is her first experience as a foreign exchange student, and she is enjoying her time in Montana. The language barrier was a struggle at first. Her previous travels are Singapore, Malaysia, and England. England was her favorite out of those three. The food and weather are very different in Montana compared to Thailand. Touchamon’s favorite restaurant is Buffalo Wild Wings, and her favorite food is mac and cheese.
June Aresti is one of two foreign exchange students from Spain. CMR has been very weird for her because school in Spain would be smaller. “I want to thank everyone for being welcoming,” Aresti said. Her favorite American snack is kettle corn. It can be overwhelming to try and make friends here. She isn’t as familiar with everyone.
September 26, 2019 rustlernews.com
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Students in Math by Gloria Baldevia, sports/ feature editor
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Junior Kevin Martin receives help on Sept. 18 in his vocational preparation class in room 223. Photo by Nancy Beston.
The following students are recommended and honored by Honors geometry teacher, Jetta Slater, through previous academic records, as well as their scores on recent assessments.
Matt Huotari, 14 Matt Huotari is in Honors Geomtery class right now, a class that is commonly taken by sophomores. After taking algebra last year, he sees geometry as something entirely different from what he learned. According to Huotari, he feels like he is starting “from the ground up.” He knows he has a lot more work to do, but he is determined in his studies.
Trayden Tait, 14
Exceptional students
Fourteen-year old Trayden Tait feels honored to be recognized as one of the promising freshmen in math. He feels that the subject is more important than what others give credit to because it can help in everyone’s career. According to him, his class has a really good environment that helps him feel more comfortable in his studies and endeavors. Tait is looking forward to many more opportunities at CMR by joining various sport and clubs.
Sarah Faulk, 14 Sarah Faulk is passionate about learning math. Being in the class gives her more opportunities to become a good student. Even though college is a few more years away, she said she is looking into different engineering courses to pursue. For her, being in class with upperclassmen does not overwhelm her because most students in her class are welcoming.
Freshman creates foundation that shines light on social issues by Gloria Baldevia, sports/features editor For some students, they might assume that someone who’s wearing a shirt that says “I love this life” is just the YOLO type of kid, but for the Freshman t-shirt wearer Luc Swensson, it is more than that. When he was just 12 years old, Swensson created a project on his own, which he named “I love this life.” Through this foundation, he advocates to his fellow peers and talks about important yet controversial social issues. “I go around and I speak to kids about teen suicide, bullying, and other things like that,” Swensson said. According to Swensson, the idea for his foundation’s name came from when he attended a concert by the country band, LOCASH. “‘I love this life’ is actually a song name,” Swensson said. “That’s really inspired me to go out and do something like this.” Although Swensson started “I love this life” foundation two years ago, he has been following this path of philanthropy since he was six. “We got into contact with [a charity], and they wanted me to be a donator for Great Falls and Montana in general,” he said. “We started doing that, and we started getting more and more money every year, and my dad said ‘let’s do something different this year’.” After deciding on doing different things,
that is when Swensson went to a LOCASH concert and got the idea for his advocacy. Admittedly, Swensson said that raising funds and getting help is never easy, but he is determined to continue on his project because of the impact he has seen this project has had. “When you go out and speak to kids, and you get [them] to come up and say to you, ‘Well, because of you, I didn’t take my life,’ that‘s hard hearing stuff like that,” he said. Swensson’s mission is not a temporary thing. He wants his legacy to follow him to adulthood and see other adolescents spread good messages. “I want to see it grow to a point where when I’m too old to speak, kids would be able to go out and serve some kind of the same message. Because life, you only get one of that,” he said.
by Nancy Beston, photo/design editor There are plenty of opportunities offered at CMR, but to eight students this was an exceptional opportunity. Seniors Mackenzie Dean, Sierra Schwartz, Melissa Purdy, and Lillian Rust -- joined by juniors Lacey McDunn, Jayme Ingalls, Matthew McGraw, and Dawson Durand -- are part of a class called Exceptionalities. Exceptionalities is a class offered to students to learn how to help, respect, and build relationships with special needs students. “I love each and every one of the kids in there. They are all so nice, and they are all so happy all of the time, and I just love how they work really hard. Once again, they are always so happy to be there, and all of the other teachers are super wonderful to work with. It is just a really fun experience. I don’t even see it as a class,” Dean said. Students join the class for a variety of reasons. Some join to gain a better understanding, others join for the experience, but Durand was personally recruited by teacher Denise Clare. “I did Special Olympics last spring, and Miss Clare was on the sidelines when they were running the track events and she said
‘Hey you’re really good with the kids’ and I said ‘thank you’ and she mentioned that I should take Exceptionalities and so I said ‘alright I could probably do that.’ So, this year I took it and Miss Clare is a great teacher; I love the kids, and spending time with them, and helping them with their homework, and all of their assignments they do in class,” Durand added. Though it may be a class, it also affects students when they leave the rooms, especially for McGraw. “Meeting some of these kids, they are actually really fun to be around. Once they get to know you they become pretty social. They make friends with you, they say hi to me in the hallways and all of that, and it’s really fun,” he said. Schwartz recommends that anyone with a big heart and a lot of patience enroll in the class. “If you have one idea and it is never going to change then you shouldn’t take the class, but if you are open minded and you really want to see what they are capable of and who they are as people, [then you should,] she said. “[They need] somebody who is really kind and outgoing.”
Q&A with senior Sierra Schwartz Q: Why did you decide to take exceptionalities?
A: “I decided to take exceptionalities because I wanted to know more about the students and how they are and how smart they really can be and get to know them based on their personalities.”
Q: What has been your favorite part about this class, so far?
Freshman Luc Swensson started his own foundation, “I love this Life,” two years ago, which aims to educate his fellow peers about the importance of life. Photo by Gloria Baldevia.
A: “I really like bonding with every single one of them because it shows me that they are caring and they want to learn and they are trying to learn and they want to be like everyone else. They are just as capable at anything as we are.”
Q: What do you help teach?
A: “I am in their math class so I help them count money and help them with their multiplication and reading time clocks and anything that really has to do with math.”
Q: What has been your favorite thing that you have done with them?
A: “We work in their workbooks quite a bit,but once in a while we will play a board game. I think board games are my favorite part of working with them.”
September 26, 2019
Modern
CGI:
UnCanny Valley
by Maggie Petersen, opinion/ entertainment editor The first movie to use 3D CGI was released in 1973, but the technique was popularized by Pixar in 1995 with the first full-length CGI feature film, “Toy Story.” The company continues this legacy with its new owner, Disney. Since then, CGI has been used in “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Incredibles,” “Nemo,” “Up,” “Frozen,” “Moana,” and, recently, the live-action remake of “The Lion King.” Much more realistic than the CGI artists of 1973, a new weapon has been added to the arsenal of creative media. Whether it will be used for mass destruction or creation, we’ve yet to discover. When I first saw “The Lion King” trailer, my breath was taken away. The movement of the animals and the lush scenery of the African savanna made it almost lifelike. Almost. Putting on our critical caps for a moment, CGI is getting better, but it isn’t perfect. Thus, we enter “Uncanny Valley.” The most common example of the uncanny valley is the CGI used in “The Polar Express.” People often describe the characters in “Polar Express” as
“unsettling.” That is exactly what uncanny valley is-when something is close but not quite there. The new “Lion King” movie, despite its incredible realism, loses something when human emotions are translated into stoic animal faces. As a result, CGI remakes claim another victim: the charm of the original. Next in line for a CGI remake is the Broadway Musical: “Cats.” Though it has yet to be released, the trailer alone sparked controversy. Complaints ranged from the cats’ size to the overabundance of megacelebrities to the traces of “uncanny valley” in the cats’ design. However, I disagree with the general outrage surrounding “Cats.” CGI has helped create something new: an unpleasable audience. After multiple disappointing films and off putting images, what constitutes a good CGI film anymore? Realism? Immersion? Artistic taste? There are outlets championing each, leaving moviemakers to wonder if there is a way to please the media. CGI opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities, but what are the consequences? In the wise words of Ian Malcolm
from “Jurassic Park,” “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” This segways into my final point: the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie. The trailer was met with the generally unpleasant feedback. Sonic’s CGI design was so disliked that the creators of the film pledged to fix it. In this new age of technology, not only has filmmaking changed, but also the filmmaker’s relationship with their audience. Instead of the success of a movie being determined after its release, it is determined long beforehand. From 1973 to today, the world has changed tenfold. Amongst the changes, CGI relatively unimportant, but the steadily emerging culture around it may have more impact than anyone could have foreseen. As art battles crowd-pleasing, originality loses to money-making, and realism fights off the uncanny valley, the influence we have on the media we consume grows. Perhaps harsh opinions limit the variety of films, conversely, movie creators ought not to let others influence their creation. CGI is a tool, whether it is a destructive or creative is up to consumers.
by Justin Freeny and David Miller, staff writers Moviegoers were terrified when horror master John Carpenter’s “Halloween” came to theaters in 1978, and they did not leave disappointed. In June 2018, audiences witnessed “Hereditary,” the transformative piece from revolutionary director Ari Aster. How did these two movies have such a massive effect on their audience in such different eras of horror? The horror movie genre has undergone massive changes through the decades, but it still manages to leave viewers in awe. The late 70’s and 80’s saw
a boom in horror. Why? The horror movies at the time adopted a “slasher state of mind” with releases such as “Halloween,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Friday the 13th.” These movies employed excessive gore in unexpected situations to leave their audiences’ spines tingling. “Halloween” raises suspense with a silent and brutal villain. In recent years, a transition was seen in scare factor. Movies like “It Follows,” “Hereditary,” and “Get Out” stole their scares and screams from the psychological torment of their audiences and left an impact that isn’t soon forgotten.
“Hereditary” raised tension with the story of a broken family then twisted it with a devious and haunting past. Both of these eras saw their own unique take on the spinechilling genre and succeeded with a hellish-grace. Upcoming films promise to advance the psychological scare factor to heightened levels by twisting nostalgic pieces in eerie ways with reboots such as the upcoming remake of “The Grudge.” Horror films have shown time and time again that they’re a genre far from dead with amazing innovation and frightening success.
Horror Evolution Halloween Year: 1978 Box Office: $47,000,000 Budget: $325,000 Awards: 6
Terrifying Thoughts
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Many people in their generation think that the genre of horror movies made during their time growing up is the best. Chemistry teacher Chris Hibbert said suspense is what he thinks makes horror movies scary. “I don’t get as scared anymore,” HIbbert said, adding that the most recent movie he watched -- ‘The Hole
Hereditary Year: 2018 Box Office: $44,069,456 Budget: $10,000,000 Awards: 6
in the Ground’ -- “was suspenseful in a creepy way.” Senior Trinytti Welty, on the other hand, said realism is what makes a horror movie scary. She said there is one specific way the genre has changed. “People don’t go for cliches anymore,” she said. Photos: Creative Commons
Student behavior more than a decade ago leads to 30-minute lunches for students and staff
On Sept. 20, students eat their lunch in Charlie’s Cafe. Photo by Amber Kegel.
by Paige McCorkle, staff writer About 14 years ago, students and staff experienced a reduction in the time for lunches. The lunches went from 40 minutes down to 30 minutes. CMR Principal Kerry Parsons was a biology teacher at the time and is shedding some light on why that happened. “There was a real trend of more and more behavioral issues occurring and more concerns from our neighbors and our surrounding businesses,” said Parsons, who is in his sixth year as principal. One of the concerns for a longer lunch is that people still wouldn’t be satisfied and start wanting an even longer lunch. “I know everybody would like more time, but unfortunately there are some constraints that prevent that from occurring right now,” he said.
Student Resource Officer Nick Taylor agrees that the shorter lunch time correlates to the speeding and accidents at CMR and in the surrounding areas. “I wouldn’t necessarily advocate for a longer lunch, but it would curb [the speeding] issue,” he said. The main issues, Taylor said, this year and in years past are the fights that happen by the Sam’s Club area and problems with kids loitering and smoking. Although the Sam’s Club area has ‘cleaned’ up in the past few years, that doesn’t mean that kids aren’t still smoking or fighting in the area, he added. There have been cases when Shopko and Sam’s Club have posted signs regarding students’ behavior, and Sam’s Club even went as far as banning students from their store for awhile due to behavioral issues and inappropriate language happening inside the store.
September 26, 2019 rustlernews.com
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5AM
5 things to do at
Breakfast and coffee
Kicking it UP a notch
by Nancy Beston, photo/design editor The boys soccer team is doing extraordinary well, according to junior Charlie Chabot. They are second in their division, following Bozeman. “We will have to play Bozeman, and I think we can at least tie with them or give them a run for their money,” he said. Chabot believes that the team has a lot of potential because of the team chemistry and the ability to better themselves throughout the game. “I feel like they have been going pretty well. The varsity
1. team has a lot of team chemistry and we work very well together. We also will be able to change ourselves depending on who we are competing against. If we make mistakes during the first half, then we fix them during the second half. We have a really good outlook on the season this year.” The girls soccer team is also doing very well this season, according to senior Lauren Rich. “I think it is going very well! We are 2 to 2 for the first time in my high school soccer career. I feel like we are technically better than last year plus we are communicating better, too.”
Going the Distance
by Nancy Beston, photo/design editor C. M. Russell High School’s cross country team is setting goals, beating times, and running miles. According to senior Cole Arthur, the team is in really good shape, and he thinks that it’s one of the best seasons he has been a part of. “Actually very very well, this is probably the best season I have been apart of. Times just seem to be a lot faster than they ever have before. The recruiting is a little lower than we would like, but it’s still really really good, especially on the girls side, compared to previous years,” he said. Arthur said that senior Connor O’Hara is by far the fastest on the men’s side of the team. O’Hara’s best time is 15:51 during The Mike Reynold Time Trials on Sept. 5. The girls also set their fastest time during that meet with grade, Kynsie Schmidt
The team has won two games. One against Belgrade with a final score of 2-1 and another against Great Falls High School with a final score of 4-1. They also pulled two close games, one against Bozeman with a final score of 2-3 and another against Skyview with a final score of 2-3. Rich believes that her team is more successful and that she is also doing better this year than in previous years. “I think I am doing pretty good. I am making more runs up top and I am in better shape than last year. I still believe I can improve though.” 3. 3.
taking a final time of 19:42. O’Hara added that he is excited to see what his team can do in future meets. “I am really excited to see how the next month plays out. Our team has put in a lot of work and in turn we have been super competitive at big meets. So I am just really excited to see where it goes,” he said. Arthur is also excited to see what he accomplishes during the rest of the season. He said he is feeling confident about his performance.. “Personally, I am feeling really good about my season. I am doing better now then I was at this point last year. My best time this year is 20:10. So I am still about 30 seconds above my personal record from last year, but I think I will get down there pretty quickly.”
Make TikToks
TikTok is not only an addictive app but a great time waster. It is easy to watch for entertainment or if you just want to feel better about yourself. There is plenty of cringey material to find. The creations that your mind will come up with at early hours in the morning are either going to be hilarious or something horrible to look back upon.
Workout
In theory, we are supposed to do the disgusting deed of exercise. What better time to work out than when you are too delirious to remember the pain-filled experience? Taking a spin class at the Peak? They offer it at 5 a.m. Perhaps a swim at the Great Falls High pool? Check with Coach Mac beforehand, but you’re probably good to jump right in. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s good for you.
4.
YOU can’t take OUR gym
by Nancy Beston, photo/design editor Varsity girls volleyball did not start the game against Billings Senior on Sept. 20 in a positive light. They lost the first match by five with a final score of 20-25. They then came back in the second match, with a final score of 25-11. They continued the game with strength during the third match with a final score of 25-15. They ended the game with a win and a final score of 25-22. The girls were ecstatic after their win. Sophomore Tennisen Hiller said that she was very proud of her team and their win. “I feel like the win tonight was well deserved. We came back when they thought they were going to take out gym and it was very well done,” she said. The girls have been doing well all season. They have won both of their conference games and they also placed third in the Great Falls invite. “It is going really well. We are all coming together, and even when all of our parts are not working as well as we hope we still manage to figure it out,” she said. Hiller said she is excited for the rest of the season and seeing what she and her team can accomplish. She believes they are going to do better this year than they did last year. “Last year if certain parts were not working, especially Allie Olsen, it was kind of like it was a done deal and we weren’t going to make it. This year when things are not quite working as well as we hoped of planned, somebody pulls out with a new talent we didn’t know they had and it usually just works out.”
2.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Right, so nourish yourself for the day ahead. Denny’s is open 24 hours and a full stomach makes that math test you spent hours studying for a lot easier. If you pulled an all-nighter, coffee makes that exhaustion slightly bearable. City Brew, Morning Light Coffee, and Miss Kitty’s are all open at 5:30 a.m. However, don’t rely on caffeine to get you through the day, get some sleep next time.
5.
(1) - (2) Varsity volleyball competes against Billings Skyview on 9/21. (3) Varsity girls soccer competes against GFHS on Sept. 12. (4) Varsity boys soccer competes against GFHS on Sept. 12. (5) Students cheer at the first home football game.
Duolingo
Most people think that a rooster is supposed to wake you up. They’re wrong! It’s the 21st Century, the Duolingo owl does that now. Foreign language students are already on this kick, so join them. You can take Spanish, Mandarin, and even Klingon. Take advantage of this potential, and become a polyglot--5 a.m.’s the perfect time.
Self-Care
You can argue that the phrase “self care at 5 a.m.” is an oxymoron, but we’ll table that discussion for now. Use the extra time to do that Korean face mask you’ve been wanting to use. Make a Lizzo-filled playlist for an abhorrently long shower. Organize your Google Drive. (We at The Stampede are begging you.) Whatever you choose, do it for you, and you only.
by Quinn Soltesz, audio and Holly Spragg, online editor
September 26, 2019
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Rustlers band together to honor David Delcomte by David Mitchell, staff writer No team sport brings fans, players, and a community together like the game of football. The sport requires its participants to overcome countless trials and adversity. No team understands this quite like CMR does. With the tragic loss of David Delcomte over the summer, CMR and the Great Falls community are now fighting through the toughest kind of adversity - the loss of a teammate, and more importantly, a friend. Head football coach Gary Lowry weighed in on how David’s passing has affected the team. “I think it’s hard still on everybody and it’s going to be for a while. With something like that you’re always going to have a lot of highs and a lot of low-lows. The senior class is doing the best they can to keep it together and just keep plugging along. He’s going to be on our minds for a long time, especially when the season is over.” Football creates an inseparable bond between teammates, and Lowry is thankful for that. “I’m glad we’re all together for this first part right after this loss,” Lowry said. Football teams across the state have been honoring David in various ways. Whether that be wearing a 42 on their helmets or marking the 42-yard line on their field. “It’s a nice honor that the other teams or doing things for him,” Lowry added. While the football team recovers, administration has been finding ways to care for and bring a sense of peace to David’s family.
School administration was caught off guard over the summer, but principal Kerry Parsons wanted to “make sure we were able to provide support that night” for his family. Parsons called having a memorial for David “challenging,” saying that “what the school did and is doing in this particular case is trying to meet the needs of the family.” Administration is focused on providing for David’s family, and the student body is finding ways to support them as well. Senior class president Amiya Williams explained how the student body came together to help David’s family. “Specifically, the senior class came together and we made a little care package for his parents’ family and just included some things. It’s been kind of a hard thing to think about, just some things that would comfort them in times of need and showing them that they have a family here at CMR and that we are all here for them if they need anything,” Williams said, adding that she hopes to “get a framed picture of him and put it next to our class of 2020 banner.” Another way the class of 2020 is looking to honor David is through their senior gift. “This year we are thinking about a scholarship in his name in memory of him,” she said. “We have to raise thousands and thousands of dollars in order to get that going.” Delcomte will no doubt be remembered fondly by family, friends, and teammates alike. The countless lives he affected will go on to honor him, living like he would want them to. A man of character on and off the field, nobody embodied what it means to be a Rustler quite like David Delcomte. Top left: Delcomte runs through his team during the opening of the 2018 Homecoming game on Sept. 28. Photo by Nancy Beston. Bottom left: Belgrade honors CMR’s loss by painting a large 42 on the 42-yard line. Photo courtesy of Alexys Mouser. Bottom middle: CMR and other high school football teams sport their #42 stickers on their helmet. Photo by Nancy Beston: Bottom right: Logan Richard and Delcomte stand togther during a football game. Photo proved by Logan Richard.
CMR football team remembers Delcomte on and off the field, thanks rival high schools
by Grace Carr, editor-in-chief David Delcomte was known for his kindness, leadership, and hard-working attitude both on and off the football field. Today, his teammates are working hard to carry on his memory throughout not only each game, but every day of their lives. “We try to really remember that everything we are doing is for David,” Keegan Barnes said. “Whenever anything is rough or hard you just have to remember him. And that’s what helps a lot of us I think is to just keep pushing because David would keep pushing.” Barnes is a senior at CMR and was a close friend and teammate to Delcomte. The pair had known each other since first meeting in second grade during flag football. “We are honoring him in multiple ways on and off the field,” he said. “We are hopefully winning more games for him. We pray before each game for David and about David [and] we have our #42 stickers and towels.” Senior Logan Richard shows his recognition for Delcomte by pushing himself during practice and in day-to-day life.
“I’m going 100 percent on every single play and 100 percent at every single practice,” Richard said. “I’m focusing on my priorities, like school and my grades, and staying out of trouble. I’m also spending time with people that I really love and enjoy being around.” Richard had known Delcomte since before kindergarten. They had been playing football together since elementary school. One of the most public efforts from the CMR football team was the annual poster released in August. The poster was designed by the students to emphasize his role and effect on the team. “We went off the fact of knowing he was going to have the baseball bat and we wanted to incorporate that in there, but leave a spot for David,” Barnes said. “On top of that, we wanted him in the poster so that’s why the background is ghosted with [pictures of] him playing in a football game.” The traditional baseball bat is given to one player each year and represents the man who was the hardest hitter and an
“overall good guy.” Delcomte was going to receive this award so it became the focus of the poster. While the CMR football team works to honor Delcomte, they also appreciate the support they receive from other high schools. “It means a lot to me,” Richard said. “They’re recognizing that we lost somebody close and they’re paying their respects to him. I think it looks nice when we’re all playing for him, not just Great Falls, but everyone around the state.” Barnes agrees, reflecting on his past encounters with captains from the opposing teams. “The first thing they said to us was sorry for your loss,” he said. While the CMR football team started the season in a rut, they won their first game of the season in Belgrade on Sept. 13. “It felt awesome,” Richard said. “It was a really good feeling for me, and I’m guessing the whole team. We were pretty happy after that, and everyone seemed to be in a better mood after that win. I think it brought us all closer together.”