CMR Stampede January 2018

S The Stampede

C. M. Russell High School Great Falls, MT January 25, 2018 Vol. 53 Issue 5 www.rustlernews.com

Stampede -- 1.25.18

WHAT’S INSIDE

An open forum for student expression since 1965

4

CMR BPA gets down to business at competition

16 Nico Sanchez talks pep assembly planning

19 Rustlers engage river rivals in crosstown clash

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NEWS

OPINION

6 -- Editorial, Political Quiz, Quincy’s Column 7 -- Lack of School Spirit 8 -- Finals, Climate

Features

9 -- Special Ed, Early Graduates, Clara’s Column 10-11 -- Winter Olympics 12 -- Computer Science 13 -- Balancing Work & School, Daniel Watkinson

C. M. Russell High School Great Falls, MT January 25, 2018 Vol. 53 Issue 5 www.rustlernews.com

editorial board Emily Cappis Clara McClain Quincy Schmechel online editor Gabrielle Pope photo editor Julia Gremaux photographer Sophie Aron adviser Beth Britton

staff writers Grace Carr McKenzie Connell Callan Garner Dorla Gittins Breanna Hyatt Sophie Kluge Maygie Li Paige McCorkle Austin McIntosh Gauthier Paget JJ Slater Quinn Soltesz Holly Spragg Kaylebb Stahmer

principal Kerry Parsons Freshman Luke Jaraczeski slices through the water during the breaststroke at the Great Falls Invite.

Cover photo by Gauthier Paget.

14 -- Netflix, Artist of the Month, Emily’s Column 15 -- CMR in Review 16 -- The Man Behind Pep Assemblies

SPORTS

17 -- State Swimming, Winter Sport Safety 18 -- Color Guard 19 -- X-Town, Sports Briefs

BACK PAGE 20 -- MORP

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

Editor-in-Chief

editor-in-chief Mackenzie George

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ENTERTAINMENT

MackenzieGeorge

2017-2018 Staff

3 -- Mental Health Week, Drilling Policies, Gabby’s Column 4 -- News Briefs, BPA 5 -- ACT, DECA Store

The Stampede

The Stampede staff strives to produce a publication that is relevant to the CMR student body while maintaining journalistic standards.

We help to provide a free exchange of ideas and establish a student voice in the school community.

CMR “hunted for Bison” during crosstown on Jan. 9 and 11. The boys fell to GFH in Swarthout Fieldhouse, but the girls prevailed.The second round of crosstown matchups will be Feb. 6 and 8.

Photos by JJ Slater.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 National Scholastic Press Association, the Montana Journalism Education 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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Attitude affects school, life experience The January blues have officially struck. Like the flurries of snow and wind that have battered Great Falls repeatedly these past few weeks, students are beginning to show signs of wear and tear, too.

Is it because in this month finals are looming and hopes of raising grades have dissipated? Or is it the ice that wreaks havoc on the parking lots and keep us from utilizing open campus? Whatever the reason, it’s hard to find enthusiasm in these walls.

From my experience, this sentiment doesn’t often change until March, when snow melts away, spring sports cautiously begin, and spring concerts and drama productions get rolling again.

But two months is a long time to give up, particularly fresh off the New Year’s mantra of making every moment count. We’ve never addressed this issue in my classes until this year’s English discussions. The number of students who dislike school is disparate with those who

continue to attend.

In class, school was equated to a net in which we live: those who are comfortable stay this way, those who hate it struggle with it, but few realize that it is possible to simply remove the net.

Consequences, of course, follow all three options.

That’s where some say the third isn’t really a choice, but a mistake. They cite the wage gap between high school dropouts and graduates, among other statistics, to prove that staying in school is the only plausible decision.

What if there was a fourth option? After all, your life is only 10 percent what happens to you, according to that old mantra (actual credit to some guy named Charles Swindoll).

The other 90 percent--how you react to it--counts for a lot. So instead of relinquishing control to that net, figure out a way to make the best of it until the time can come to cast it off.

S News

January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

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Drilling policies reversed

Mental Health Awareness

By Paige McCorkle, staff writer When it comes to making the community aware of mental health issues, HOSA, Key Club and student government members are teaming together for the “Stamp Out Stigma” campaign Jan. 15-Feb. 9.

The organizations came up with the idea for Mental Health Week to create awareness for people with mental health issues.

It’s actually four weeks. Week one (Jan. 15-19) was the introduction to the campaign; Week Two (Jan. 22-26) is Sell Week, during which T-shirts and spirit rags are sold; Week Three (Jan. 29Feb. 2) is Support Week, when safe spaces will be introduced and a Snapchat filter released; Week Four (Feb. 5-9) is Crosstown Week, when both Great Falls High and CMR students will wear spirit rags and T-shirts and hold a bake sale.

There is an app called #LetsTalk that students can download, and it gives students advice on how to cope with things and people to talk to when they need it. One of the goals of the month of mental health awareness -- and the app -- is to reduce the stigma of mental illness for those

around us.

HOSA seniors Ayana Gray and Morgan Duncan are helping lead the committee, which is comprised mostly of HOSA members but also student government and Key Club members from both high schools.

The committee members are tackling various projects, including putting up signs in the bathrooms and sticking notes on lockers and on the walls of every floor with a QR code that takes you to the app #LetsTalk.

In May, the organization that they are working with, The Lions For Youth, is hosting a communitywide ‘paint the town in green’ to raise support for mental health, and they are hoping to incorporate their project into that, too.

Mental health issues are increasingly in the forefront of discussion throughout the community.

“The program has started this year...the idea was brought on by a lady speaker from Benefis, and she was trying to increase accessibility of healthcare in a lot of different avenues, one being mental health,” HOSA adviser Christi Virts said.

Support at games shouldn’t be based on who the team is playing

GabriellePope

Online Editor

At the beginning of the year, when kids have open schedules and are more willing to go out of their way to support the Rustlers, the attendance at sporting events is more consistent, but when it comes to this time of the year and people are busy studying for finals and getting their grades together for the end of the semester, attendance becomes sparse.

Unfortunately, this happens every year around basketball season, and the only time that a lot of students come to support is when CMR is playing against its crosstown rival, Great Falls High.

Crosstown has an aura that attracts the people who usually don’t come to support CMR sports, but I think that supporting one’s school is important no matter who they are playing. It’s understandable that the most eventful game of the year is when it’s against the Bison, but it

by Sophie Kluge, staff writer On Jan. 4, President Trump made the controversial decision to roll back Obama-era policies regarding coastline drilling. This decision, introduced by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, left many coastal cities wondering what this decision meant for them, and what it meant for the environment. For oil company owners, however, this meant millions of acres would open up along an area where America has never drilled for oil before.

When President Obama was leaving office, he made it a point to block about 94 percent of drilling in the oceans, according to The New York Times, but now the Trump administration has reopened 25 of the 26 coastal regions. Environmental groups have written letters to Secretary Zinke and others in hopes of shortening the list of areas that will be affected, but the administration seems to keep going in their direction of drilling.

“This will definitely make the oil and gas producers happy,” AP U.S history teacher Burke Allen said. Many states, including Florida and New Jersey, oppose the new bill due to the sharp drop in tourism that drilling brings.

In 2010, Florida’s tourism dropped because of Deepwater Horizon, a major oil spill that dumped millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico and killed 11 people. Due to instances like these, the governor asked to speak directly to Secretary Zinke to discuss the concerns he had with drilling.

Just because oil is more sought after now does not mean there will be any more production. The White House came out with a

shouldn’t lessen the importance of the rest of the games played during the season.

One Friday night there are ten kids in the student section, and a week later there are 50 kids packed into the same section. Games like these have also turned into a social hour for a lot of the people who attend,not that it is a bad thing.

It is nice to be able to go to a game and meet friends there to talk about plans for the weekend or the hottest gossip or whatever else people talk about at games and then just cheer when everyone else starts to cheer, but there has to be a good balance in support and socialization.

When there is a good support system in the stands at games you can feel the players feeding off of it. The fans are amped for the game and hoping that the players will play their best and the players can pick up those vibes and they

statement saying that finalizing the plan could take up to 18 months, meaning that drilling could start within the next two years.

“I don’t think there will be anything that happens immediately,” Allen said. He also thinks Trump passed this bill to please his base, but a large majority of his base resides in Florida, which was not too happy with his plan.The state’s governor spoke out against the bill, and President Trump subsequently took them off the list where coastal drilling is legal.

“His base is upset because he hasn’t built the wall and Hillary isn’t in jail,” he said. One thing that will please a lot of people outside of his base is the job creation that will come out of coastal drilling, Allen added. President Trump has vowed to create more American jobs and this could be one way of doing so. Allen also said that once the drilling begins, it will push back research for other renewable energy sources, like sun or wind.

“That will cause prices to say low and we will continue to have this thirst for oil that we will never quench as long as the prices stay at that low level,” Allen said. The low oil prices will cause more oil companies to drill, which will result in a decline of business for renewable energy careers.

Overall, coastline drilling won’t be in effect for another two or three years, but Democrats and environmental groups will still continue fighting the progress. With President Trump reversing these policies set by his predecessor, it gives hope to his base that he is following up on his campaign promises.

feed off of them. When there is no one in the stands there to assure them that they are going to play good, the team can feel the lack of energy and that lacking can be displayed on the court.

To fix this problem those in the stands need to make sure that we are there, and when I say there I mean really there.

Listening, paying attention and encouraging the players.

Attendending the games that aren’t just against our rival teams because when there are fans who are dedicated to encouraging the players to try their best at every game, eventually they won’t need to constant words of encouragement and their motivation will be intrinsic. Until they find that, it is important to bring a positive attitude and some words of encouragement to help give the players that extra push to excellence.

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January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

News

4

BPA students excel at regional competition, look ahead to state

by Mackenzie George, editor in chief

BPA students prepared for regionals two or three months prior to the competition.

CMR was abuzz with young professionals on Jan. 15 as they competed in more than The club is flexible, Campbell said. Practices were held Sunday evenings and 100 events at the regional BPA competition. It was a long day for students like BPA Wednesday mornings. Students who were unable to attend met periodically with their president Morgan Campbell, whose team arrived at 7:45 a.m. and stayed late into the adviser, Jessica Goosen. With regionals behind them, Campbell is looking forward to afternoon. Campbell herself competed in five events, placing in three. state, which will be held March 11-13 in Billings.

“They have seriously everything,” Campbell said of the wide variety of offerings.

This will be sophomore Amiya Williams’ second trip to state. While she said she is Campbell won Business Law and Ethics as well as Interview Skills. She placed more prepared this time around, she’s also aware that it is “a whole new presentation, fourth in Legal Office Procedures. Other notable efforts included fellow seniors Emily whole new stuff to prepare for.”

Birch, who won in graphic design, and Cece Grasseschi, who placed She will take her individual Presentation Management first in Economic Research Project (Individual). presentation to state after earning first place at regionals. “[Cece] wrote a seven-page paper on some economic topic and Williams also earned a group third and fourth place. then presented it in front of a judge with a PowerPoint,” Campbell Appealing to judges was a big part of her success, she said. said.

“Presentation and Management (Individual), that’s the The competition was not limited to presentations. Campbell one where you kind of have to work hard on on your own said students had the option of taking various “open tests” -time...and just make the speech part of it appealing so when assessments where anyone could walk in and sign up. you go in the room you’re prepared,” Williams said. “Getting “An actual event would be one that tests your knowledge on even mentally prepared and prepared to go in there in front a subject,” Campbell said, citing Business Law and Ethics as an of the judges...judges see that when you walk in there.” example. To prepare, she read portions of a textbook on the subject Williams is particularly proud that the entire team made and took a practice test. it to state.

Birch’s assignment for graphic design was to create a flyer for “I just think that that’s a great opportunity for all of us. I BPA Nationals in 2019. The competition will be held in Anaheim, think it’s going to be a really cool thing that our whole club Calif., so she used Disneyland as inspiration, Birch said. She also BPA students gathered early in the fieldhouse gets to go,” Williams said. “I think it also shows some other competed in Fundamental Accounting and will accompany her for a group shot before taking part in dozens of people maybe in the school that Business Professionals of Financial Analyst team to state with a second-place finish. For events on Jan. 15 in hopes of making it to state. America has some people in it that can really have some Birch, the hustle and bustle of the day was enjoyable rather than Every CMR student who competed qualified for good opportunities going for them.” state. Photo courtesy of Emily Birch. detrimental.

“We had some new members who did really, really “Even though you’re kind of running everywhere to get to places, I think it’s kind [well],” Campbell said. “Even the new seniors. We had a really great group that pulled of part of the fun too,” she said. “Especially when you can go back to where everyone together this year and did well in a lot of events.” is hanging out, like your whole team, and just like chill there for an hour or so or get For all BPA regional results, go to rustlernews.com. prepared.”

NEWS BRIEFS

by Gabrielle Pope, online editor

Students ban together to fight a stigma

We’ve all seen the little Post-It note sized “#letstalk” signs hanging around CMR. As well as the lime green ribbon wrapped beams in the breezeways (the color of mental health awareness) These additions to CMR in the past few weeks has been a part of HOSA, Student Government and Key Club’s effort in ending the stigma surrounding mental illness by promoting mental health.

Nichole Zimmerman has been working with this group of students by creating the the Let’s Talk app, which allows people who are suffering from a mental illness to feel supported.

With finals done and second semester now upon CMR, there is no better time to inform the student body about how important it is to make sure that the stress of first semester is handled and that mental health is staying a priority.

Getting ready for prom season An update on construction at CMR

Winter Wonderland was a great success for this year’s junior class. $708 worth of tickets were sold and from that juniors were left with $408 that is going towards school dances that are going to be put on in the future. The money that was made this Morp goes to next year’s prom, just as this year’s prom, that will be held on March 24 was from the profits made at Morp that was put on last year. With prom being right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start looking at dresses and tuxes and to start making those reservations. Tickets will be $20 and it will be held at the Civic Center, which means that it would be perfect to dine locally at the restaurants downtown!

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Construction is underway and the visual of the building is soon to come. The last month or so has been dedicated to laying the groundwork for everything else that is to come in the multipurpose building. There are mounds on what used to be Pride Field and protruding beams in the space between the field and the senior lot where the buildings groundwork has been laid and support is now being put up.

According to project engineer Allison Carrell, the second floor of the gym will soon be laid and it will start looking like more of a building that we are used to.

Carrell said that they are projecting the multipurpose building to be done in its entirety by August of this year, in that case those returning to CMR next year will be able to use the building if all goes as planned.

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January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

News

5

Students act early for the ACT

by Emily Cappis, editoral board backgrounds, both socioeconomic and Juniors around the state have begun all types academic,” Mcdonald said. of prep in anticipation for the ACT. All students CollegePrepMT specializes in a student’s in the state are required to take it, and given individual needs. If a student needs more help a free test because the ACT is on a specific section of the ACT, what our state colleges look at for the tutors customize their focus admission. toward that area.

Junior Brynn Klinefelter, is “[The] best part of my job is we among the many preparing for the get to decide what is best for that test. Klinefelter is participating student, right there in front of us. It in a study group offered by doesn’t have to be a department or CollegePrepMT. Klinefelter has district-wide policy,” she said. never taken the test before.

Mcdonald believes that the She is concerned with the time hardest part of the ACT is time constraints on the test. management.

“I am most worried about is “When they go to take the test, finishing the test in time,and especially on reading and science, leaving the test blank,” she said. it is so hard to finish in the time Like Klinefelter, many students provided because there is much are or have taken tutoring Kelli McDonald is the owner material”, Mcdonald says. with CollegePrepMT. Owner of CollegePrepMT. Photo by She says the best way to help Kelli Mcdonald has 11 years of Emily Cappis. with time management issues experience tutoring for the ACT. is having a set appointment She has seen over 1,100 students in her time. each week that forces the student to have “I love working with highschool kids, they’re accountability. my favorite”, she said.

“We don’t care if the ink is wet when you get Mcdonald a former math teacher from New here as long as the practice test done,” she said.

York, and has taught everywhere from innercity schools to one of the top five schools in the nation.

“I have experience with kids from all

An unsung hero of CMR

Almost 20 years of providing for students

by Holly Spragg, staff writer The DECA store provides food, drinks, supplies, and spirit gear to students all year round. Linda Sullivan is the hero who comes everyday to help out the students of CMR. She first worked at Russell Elementary for only one year because it closed down right after.

Sullivan then went to see if CMR, West, or Valley View was available and in the end CMR had an opening. It also had one other perk.

“It is closest to my home,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan has been working in the DECA store since 1989, but she was here helping out Velma Jordan before that.

“I started as an aid in the

hallway and Mrs. Jordan’s study hall,” Sullivan said.

She stocks in between lunches, which are incredibly busy times for the DECA store.

Sullivan said that her favorite part of working in the DECA store is mingling with the students who come to visit everyday.

“In all these years, probably two,” she said about how many rude students she has had that stuck out in her mind.

Sullivan also has many

activities that she enjoys outside of CMR. She said that she likes to read and do some gardening “I like to bowl, but I haven’t in a really long time,” she said.

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S Opinion

January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

6

Which Political Party Do You Belong To? Bubble the option that applies to you: Government should not censor speech, press, media, or internet.

Military service should be voluntary.

There should no draft.

There should be no laws that restrict consensual sex between two adults.

For better or for worse, students have a CMR recently received the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey from last year and, huge impact on each other each and every day. along with the data, a sharp wake-up call. Whether consciously or subconsciously, each of Although many agree that the school is “a better us, from the first bell to 3:15, observe others’ place to learn and teach, where relationships actions, thoughts, and feelings. So if we want lead to success,” the data showed that many to see a change in our school, it isn’t feasible to rely on APs or teachers to do students were either engaging in From all the work. We, the students, are “risky behaviors” or struggling with mental and emotional health issues. point of view the most immediate and impactful connection to each other and the The information was disseminated to staff and student government members with school’s sentiment.

Whether it be helping with Mental the expectation that the survey results would reach the rest of the student body and solutions Health Awareness -- a month-long endeavor championed by HOSA but also involving would begin to rise to the surface.

The majority of these problems are not student government and Key Club -- or simple. These are not the issues that can be reaching out to individual students, CMR relies solved with an assembly or the implementation on its student body to give the school its great of new protocol. Many were around well before reputation. We appreciate those Rustlers who we entered high school, and unfortunately, look out for one another, who participate, and some will prevail even after graduation caps who stay up-to-date on these issues. We at the have been thrown. What staff and students Stampede are right there with you, looking to have agreed on, however, is that the first step provide solid coverage and raise awareness for to solving these problems starts with the those problems in need of solutions. students.

Editorial Board

Quincy Schmelchel

OUR

agree maybe disagree

agree maybe disagree

There should be open borders.

First step to solving problems is to look to each other

agree maybe disagree

agree maybe disagree

Repeal laws prohibiting adult possession/use of drugs. art by maygie li

agree maybe disagree

Have tax dollars go towards gov’t programs to help the poor.

agree maybe disagree

Take extra precautions to protect the environment.

agree maybe disagree

Make universal healthcare mandatory.

agree maybe disagree

Put less money towards the military and more towards education.

Mostly agrees. . .

You’re a Democrat!

You believe in equality for all and ruling by the majority!

Democrats tend to be more small business and pro-environment.

Democrats believe in a strong federal government and they also believe in systems like welfare or medicaid to help those in need.

agree maybe disagree

Mostly disagrees. . .

You’re a Republican! You believe that the federal government should not be a big role in our day to day lives and that they should not be in everyone’s business.

You’re more big business and not too concerned with the environment like your

Mostly maybes. . .

You’re a Moderate! You share views from both major parties, but have some key differences that leave you in the middle of the road. You’re opposed to extreme views from either party and can see both sides of the story. You may lean more one way than the other, but you still agree with the other side a little bit.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day heightens awareness Veterans’ Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day. Most of the time, we forget what these days are truly intended for. We forget to use them to truly recognize those they are set to honor, and rather simply get excited for the three-day weekend they provide.

Usually, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is treated this same way. But as I scrolled through social media last Monday, something was different.

In day-to-day life, it’s easy to forget that our country’s history is still scarred by racism. It’s easy to forget what the Freedom Riders or the Little Rock Nine had to risk their lives for. It’s hard to imagine life with segregated drinking fountains or racially-influenced bus seating protocol. I’m thankful that that’s hard to imagine today, because that wasn’t always the case.

As I looked through Twitter over the weekend, I noticed that MLK Day wasn’t simply being praised as an extended weekend. I noticed celebrities using the day as an invocation for change, and it forced me to confront a reality that I -- a white, middle class female in Montana -- am not frequently forced to confront. Though I never see segregated movie theaters or schools, there is still racism today.

Zendaya tweeted: “Thank you’s do not quite express my gratitude. We must continue to be brave and tenacious in the face of injustice and hatred, just like them. Use our hearts, minds and platforms, just like them. We must learn from and follow them. That’s how we say thank you. Happy MLKDay.” Her tweet was followed by pictures of civil rights protesters and activists.

In school, students are taught about the civil rights movement. Everyone understands the importance of the historic events that transpired. But we take it for granted; we think we are done fighting the fights of our predecessors. After the turbulent recent years, which included the riots in Charlottesville last August, NFL players taking knees in protest, and a reverberation of the Black Lives Matter movement, it’s not hard to understand why MLK Day seems to have been observed with more reverence this year.

There is a heightened awareness of many of the issues we still face today.

This awareness should not, however, be limited to one day. No, thank you’s will never be enough. We must continue to fight these issues with the same vivacity as previous generations, but awareness is where the battleground begins.

S

January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Opinion

7

Lack of school spirit presents a challenge for students Student game attendance dips

by JJ Slater, staff writer I remember being a child staring down at the basketball court in the gym with awe wishing to be playing in green and gold surrounded by supporting students and parents. As the years have passed the number of students in attendance has dropped.

The bleachers at our first crosstown game this year were lacking severely during the JV game and the varsity compared to my freshman year when it was completely packed. There was no rush to find a perfect spot, no ruddy cheeks from cheering, and a lack of intensity from the audience.

It used to be the “cool” place in the gym, screaming for the boys or the girls playing, yet that has all changed.

The ever-shrinking student section is just one example of the lack of school spirit here at CMR. While the student sport

game attendance is down so are concerts.

I believe that students aren’t coming out and supporting their fellow Rustlers due to the lack of information being given and the overall attitude about our sport programs. Too many times I hear in the hallways or classrooms that our teams aren’t going to go anywhere. This negative attitude may be leading into so few students appearing at games.

On Jan. 19, the CMR girls had a game against the Bozeman Hawks. There were only seven boys in the student section for the varsity game and one of them were from GFH. That is proof that attendance rates are dropping substantially through the years here at CMR. We want Rustlers to get excited about our sports programs again. After all, “Russell Hustle” is our motto for a reason.

Date: Saturday, March 24 Place: GFH Fieldhouse Time: 10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

art

Why aren’t we supporting each other?

Crosstown basketball, while packed, does not always reflect attendance for other games. Photo by JJ Slater.

“

As a performer, it makes you feel dumb when you do a halftime show for the 10 people in the crowd.

You wonder why you spent the last two weeks getting up at 5 a.m. for practice only to perform for such a small crowd.

”

by Clara McClain, editorial board As a student who performs in CMR’s musical concerts, I loved looking out at the crowd in Bill Will Hall on Dec. 16 and seeing almost all the seats filled with members of the community waiting to see the orchestras perform music from Mannheim Steamroller.

I want to see that many people at all of our concerts, we put a lot of time and effort into the music we pick, especially the teachers in charge. Seeing more students at the concerts would be a welcome surprise since the few students I do see on concert nights seem to be dragged along by parents. Either that or they’re there to fulfill a grade requirement for Mr. Olson, Mr. Kloker, or Mrs. Ryan.

It’s disheartening to work on music for a month or longer just to have a bunch of empty seats left in the auditorium.

Why can’t we get that same attendance that we got at the Mannheim Steamroller concert at all of our fine arts events and all the games in the Thunderdome or Memorial Stadium?

I remember looking forward to the Fridays that meant I would go to the Thunderdome and watch my cousin play basketball, or going to Memorial Stadium to watch him in a football game. My cousins and I would make up our own cheerleader cheers.

Why don’t students do that now? We need to bring back the sense of family that used to define CMR. Friday nights used to be reserved for school games, and I want to bring that mentality back. We need it.

Quincy Schmechel

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January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Opinion

Senior shares rules of finals

by Emily Cappis,editoral board At CMR many students dred last week of the semester, we live in fear of the scary F word. Finals. I have a student at CMR for the last three and a half years, and I believed I have experienced enough finals to have an educated opinion on them. In all honesty I hate finals, everything from stress to being forced to sit still for an hour and a half. I hate them. I understand the need for them, but that doesn’t make me hate them any less. Even with my hatred, I have discovered a few rules/ techniques to help get through the week. Rule number one: if there is extra credit, DO IT. I like to think about it as free points, that will save me in the long run. Rule number two: ask your teacher what the final will cover. If your teacher doesn’t know look at the chapters you covered and make sure you understand the main ideas (if you know that you’re golden). Rule number three: DON’T wait until the last minute to study, it will only cause you more stress. Study a little everyday leading up to the final, last minute cramming will make your brain hurt trust me.

I am a professional procrastinator, and love to do everything at the last possible moment. I have learned the hard way that very rarely will doing something last minute benefit you.

Please just don’t do it. Rule number four: Remember your final that is worth 20 percent of your grade, really won’t drop you more than four or five points.

Stressing about something that will affect you very little is not worth it, take it from the girl who stresses about literally everything.

Rule number five my final and most important rule: Not doing well on one

final won’t be the end of the world.

You will still achieve your goals. You will still go to college. You will still be a good person. Not doing well on a test is what makes you human.

One test will not matter in 15 years, you will be ok. I often have to remind myself that after this test I get a clean slate. A reset button for the new year, new grades, fresh attendance, new teachers etc. After finals it feels like a massive weight has been lifted off your shoulders, like you can finally breathe.

I completely understand why kids struggle with test anxiety, we have been taught that a test determines our fate in this world. But like I said, that is not the case. As clique as it sounds when we fail, the only thing we can do is try again and hope to get better.

Finals suck, let’s all just face it but I hope my senior prospective can shine a little light for those who struggle like I do.

Senior Quincy Schmechel reviews math notes in prep for finals week.

Global climate change continues to threaten lives across globe

by Clara McClain, edtorial board Global climate change isn’t just about the weather getting warmer, despite what President Donald Trump would have you believe.

It’s about the damage we’re doing to our planet that is causing it to fight back and threaten the lives of many people across the globe.

So the President’s remarks dismissing the obvious changes that are occurring on our planet are damaging, and I frankly don’t understand how there are people who are still convinced that climate change is a huge hoax made up to fund some left wing agenda.

There are heaps of evidence demonstrating that the climate is changing around us, and it’s troubling that the leader of our country would dismiss these claims and cut the funds to the organizations that were put in place to combat this issue.

Just in 2017 we had 16 natural disasters across the globe, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They categorize natural disasters as droughts, floods, freezes, severe storms, tropical cyclones and wildfires.

When you take into account the

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amount of money the government has had to spend on rebuilding after these events, you’d think they would be willing to accept the fact that we are contributing to the damages to the planet. If they want to decrease this damage, we need to take actions to make our energy uses cleaner and make big companies take responsibility for their actions in regards to climate change.

The icecaps are melting and if they continue at the rate they are currently, Florida will be under the ocean by 2100.

Not to mention the fact that the polar bears are losing their habitats along with thousands of other animals that are being forced out of their homes by businesses expanding into the natural landscapes.

Mother Nature is starting to fight back and can we blame her?

S Features

January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Early grads venture into real world

by Sophie Kluge, staff writer For all high school students, graduation is what they look forward to most. For some, it’s the fact that high school is finally over, and for others it means the start of something new. For senior Sammie Jo Anderson, it was the latter.

“I wanted to graduate early so I can start working on moving out and affording college,” Anderson said.

She is one of the eight students who are in the early graduation program this year at CMR. The early grad program allows seniors to graduate a semester early from the rest, making it possible to start their careers and higher education sooner.

To qualify for early graduation, the student must be a junior who only needs three and a half more credits to graduate, equivalent to seven classes over the course of a semester. The program does come with a little work, however. If a student is interested in graduating early, they must take English 8 over the summer. Before budget cuts, English 8 was offered right after the student’s English 7 class, but now students have to take care of the class on their own time.

“If you’re doing English 8 over the summer, you’re obviously dedicated to graduating early,” counselor Brittany Light said. She added that thinking about your aspirations after high school is more beneficial than just getting the credits. Brenda Lowry, the counseling department leader, said that graduating early is nice, but CMR has lots to provide.

“We encourage kids to take advantage of everything we offer here senior year,” Lowry said.

Classes that can be taken at the college can also be taken at CMR for a fraction of the cost, like government, math, English, welding, and engineering classes.

Light also added that graduating early isn’t always the best route.

“You’re probably saving yourself more money by taking dual credit classes here than graduating early,” she said. But for some kids, like Anderson, they are just eager to get out of high school and start making money.

“I would encourage kids to do the early grad program because you can always come back and visit, and you can start working sooner,” Anderson said. Now that she is graduated, she works full-time at St. Thomas daycare and starts college on Aug. 27

to become a child social worker. She said that she plans to continue her job while she attends college.

The program has its good sides, but it also has it bad sides. Lowry said that some kids who graduate a semester early tend to not have a clear plan as to what they want to do.

“It’s right for some, but not for all,” Lowry said.

She also said that kids and parents may not know the full extent to which early graduation may affect them.

“I think there are a lot of things that kids and parents might not think about on the surface,” she said. Things like immaturity, lack of motivation, or just becoming distracted can plague anyone who graduates early, and that’s why if a student decides they no longer want to graduate early, staying for the second semester is easy. The student just talks to their counselor, who schedules them in for a second semester without an English class.

Graduation alone is an exciting and scary thing all at the same time, but graduating early seems even scarier. Anderson said she would recommend it, however, because “all the fun senior stuff happens in the first semester.”

Pros:

You miss out on the senioritis You get the academic challenge we all need.

You get a headstart on continuing education or work

Cons:

You miss a semster of activties

College requires a lot of maturity that some of us do not have yet.

CMR offers dual credit, for a cheaper price than colleges.

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Underwood doesn’t let anything get her down

by Holly Spragg, staff writer Teaching is an incredibly difficult and complex job and it leaves some too wonder how they do it all and stay motivated.

Special Education teacher Pam Underwood does it almost effortlessly.

“I enjoy it and I like to see the kids learn,” Underwood said.

Every teacher has a reason they became a teacher, and Underwood is no exception.

“I had a sister who had Down Syndrome. It was something I always wanted to be,” she said. She added that spending time with her sister was really the turning point to become a teacher.

Teachers have some sort of bond with everyone they work with, and Underwood said that is not only the students who bring joy.

“I work with lovely staff,” she said. She also added that the only way you can do well is with some very helpful staff.

Some teachers have specific students or experiences that they will never forget. However, Underwood doesn’t think they only one student can do that.

“I think they are all so individual,” Underwood said.

Underwood said that is becuase of the students and kids that she is still teaching.

Not only does Underwood get to teach these kids, but sometimes she gets to see them when they are adults as well.

“I coach an adult Special Olympic team,” she said. She is one of the head coaches for the spring Special Olympics.

Sometimes it is hard to get up in the morning and leave your bed, everyone relates to that, but Underwood has found a way to make sure that isn’t an issue.

“As long as when I wake up and I want to go to work, then I know I am at the right job,” she then added, “So far, so good.”

Underwood said that she loves seeing the kids and that it is an exciting part of the overall fulfilling job.

For information about volunteering for Special Olympics please contact Kathy Wanner at 8688849 or Mary Beth Tolin at 1-218-779-3830 at the earliest possible date.

Clara McClain

Editorial Board

Senior editor contemplates the end of her Stampede career The number of issues that I have left with the Stampede is slowly dwindling, and I’m not sure what I’m going to do with all my free time once I’m done.

There will be no next year to look forward to and start compiling ideas for. No more reasons to look at the design choices of magazines and wonder how I could incorporate them onto my pages.

That thought terrifies me. I’ve been doing this for four years -- what do you mean it’s not going to be a part of my life once I’ve left the gym after the senior celebration on May 23?

The Stampede staff has been my built-in family for my entire time at CMR, and I’m not ready to leave them behind.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m chomping at the bit to be done with high school and just move on, but

it hasn’t sunk in until now that once I leave CMR as a graduate, I’ll be leaving the Stampede staff. I want to be out of Montana and in Virginia as soon as possible, but I want to drag out my time on staff at the same time.

Senior year is a lot of lasts for me. My last first day (of high school at least), my last finals week (at CMR), and my last year in B’s classroom. But it was also a lot of firsts for me too. My first time applying (and getting in!) to the college of my dreams and my first time being so close to leaving home for longer than a week.

After this summer my friends and I are going to go our separate ways and as much as I want to cling onto the way that our relationships are now, I know we’re going to grow and change as people. That doesn’t mean I’ll love them any less, but it does mean

that there is an increased chance of us growing apart which scares me.

I need to spend time with them now though, and try not to push them away early. That will be tempting as it will make leaving easier, but I don’t want to sour the great relationships I’ve built like that.

There’s nothing I can do to make time go faster or slower at my will, however which just means that I need to be aware of the short time I have left in room 326 and take advantage of the time I have with all my fellow staff members.

Senior year is scary, but I think I’m ready for what comes after, even if I’ll miss my family in room 326 when I’m gone.

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January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Features

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Teenagers learning computer languages

by Kaylebb Stahmer, staff writer When it comes to classes that are applicable to real life in an era of technology, computer science classes are seen as definite contenders, whether it be for a career, or in Riley Kutzler’s case, if it was just “something fun to do.”

Kutzler is a junior who is taking an independent study to learn JavaScript, a programming language. The class was cancelled at the start of the year due to a lack of interest, but he’s doing it anyway with the help of Computer Science teacher Stacy Dolderer.

While Kutzler is not aspiring for a career in coding -- he wants to be a pilot -- he found he enjoys making his own programs in JavaScript.

“I like to make my own programs and stuff,” he said.

Senior Janae Voss has said the field “opened a whole new world” to what computers can do for her. She hopes to go to college for cybersecurity and is learn as much as she can about it.

“I never really knew anything about this, and it was brought to my attention by one of the counselors when I told them I liked using computers,” Voss said. “It’s something that’s growing in our future, and I know it will need a lot more people to figure out, and for the growing community of technological advancement.”

Voss started taking Computer Science classes her sophomore year and loved the challenging aspects of it.

She also joined Cyberpatriots, an extracurricular activity that teaches about cybersecurity through the Air Force, though she did not know the club existed until recently.

She was pointed to Cyberpatriots also thanks to her counselor.

Computer Science teacher Stacy Dolderer instructs on the positives and negatives of Web Design in her period “Computer Science isn’t really a big thing in High six class on Jan. 23. Photos by Beth Britton.

School, but it’s growing to be,” she said.

Voss has taken multiple classes for Computer Science, including Web Design and Python.

Xavier Coates is another senior who has been taking as many classes as he can to pursue his dream career in Game Design. The ideology that brought him to Game Design was simply that he spent a lot of his free time playing games, and wanted to make a career out of it.

“Since I didn’t really have any goals, and I was kinda pretty lazy, I thought ‘Why not make a career out of it?’” he said.

Coates is involved in a program at the college that allows him to spend the latter half of the school day at the college. He got involved in it last year, but the future of this program is unsure as enrollment in it is scarce, with only Xavier and one other there according to him.

Dolderer, who teaches computer science at CMR and GFH, said the skills learned in her classes are applicable to all careers. While CMR offers a limited number of computer science classes, she said she hopes to expand into multiple levels of programming and AP classes, and possibly certifications for various careers.

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January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Features

Q&A

Students work to balance school, work

by Grace Carr, staff writer After school, Talon Kristenson, Braden Younkin, Brianna Berryman, and McKenzie Connell head to work.

They leave for McDonalds, Ace, Great Falls Gymnastics Academy, Great Harvest, and sometimes Service Master.

They all are sophomores attending Charles M. Russell High School and are already working fairly long hours.

The three can all agree that they generally enjoy their jobs, but what effect is it having on their school work?

In 2013, one in four high school students age 16 and older work, according to data released by the U.S. Census.

The circumstances for these individuals vary based on their needs and workplace.

Their way of balancing other requirements and activities also vary.

Kristenson works at McDonalds “five of seven days a week.”

“I need money to pay insurance, gas, and my phone,” he said.

On average, Kristenson finishes work between 9 and 11 p.m. He comes home, completes his school assignments, and heads to bed. Since he has a class at 7 a.m., he gets about six to seven hours of sleep each night.

For a teenager, this is not a substantial amount of sleep. The Mayo Clinic says a teen can “get by” on seven-and-a-half to eightand-a-half hours. Kristenson may benefit more if he got extra sleep.

Thankfully, he has not struggled too much completing his school work.

“Homework is not that hard -- just geometry pretty much,” he said.

He admits his classes are not very difficult.

If Kristenson was not working, then he would be enjoying extra free time and focusing more on math work.

“It’s like I’m doing an extracurricular activity every day,” he said.

Younkin has other methods of keeping up with school work.

He works at Ace Hardware and said he enjoys his job.

He works four days a week for 24 hours each week.

He claims he does not have any complications

The Story of

US

by Callan Garner, staff writer With the passion for travel already in his family, junior and foreign exchange student Daniel Watkinson grew up with a mom who worked for charities her entire life. Getting to travel every year to go and volunteer, Watkinson accompanied his mom to numerous places.

“She used to work for SOS children’s villages... where she worked with getting donations, [from] private and companies,” Watkinson said. One of the most impactful places that really stuck with him was Southeast Asia.

“We went to Vietnam. That really showed me how different Vietnam is from Sweden,” he said.

completing his school work. Younkin gets home around 9 p.m. and heads to bed. So when does he do his school work?

“Because I get off at nine, I do my homework during my 0 period,” he said.

Berryman is managing to balance not only work and school, but also sports. She will be playing soccer in the spring and will “work around schedule.”

The sophomore is a gymnastics coach for young children at the Great Falls Gymnastics Academy and sometimes does work for Service Master.

Her job consists of “coaching 5-year-olds and cleaning residentials and hospitals,” she said.

She works 10 to 15 hours a week and about four out of five work days. Like the other students, she enjoys her job.

On average, she is home a little after 8 p.m., but she does not struggle to finish her work.

“Sometimes when I work late I try to get back to bed at a decent time,” she said.

Connell has more to balance compared to most students. Some of her extracurricular activities include track, cross country, violin, piano, church group, and 4-H. Her daily schedule starts 5 a.m. She leaves for church and is at school by 7 a.m. for her first class. Eight periods later, without a study hall or an open, she heads to work.

Connell’s family owns Great Harvest Bread Company.

She works there for free until 6 p.m.

“There is no payout other than learning good work ethic,” she said.

She then leaves to attend running practice, violin lessons, or 4-H activities. Connell is home, fed, and in bed by 9 p.m.

“I have no time for homework unless I do it in class,” she said.

Not every student is negatively affected by working, but it certainly puts stress in different areas of an individual’s life.

He emphasized just how it makes you really appreciate what you have. For these people, the only difference between them and himself was the location of birth. And that decided their future. For the members of the community that lived there, they had to begin work around the same age as him (15-17) and no longer continue an education.

“The difference between me and someone in Vietnam is where they were born,” he said. “Most times we travel we’ll be in London or the US, which are first world countries along with Sweden, so it hits you pretty hard when you see other parts of the world, people making next to nothing, no education, insurance and training to raise a family [within] all this. It’s really different.”

Feeling guilty for not taking advantage of the luck he has been given, Watkinson said he tries to incorporate that into his daily life. Trying to improve himself, and help others around him, Watkinson realized that

13

Travis Crawford

many Q: How recommend

hours a week do you students in high school

work? depends on the class load. Seniors A: “It with less classes may work 4-5 hours or more. Students with a full [schedule] may find it more difficult to work that much.” are the best places to work or best Q: What types of jobs for students? would say work somewhere your A: “Iinterested in starting your career or at a job you want to pursue. Some of my students work at coffee shops or retail places with flexible hours.” do you think students should Q: When start considering applying for their first job?

student is a little different.

A: “Every Some have responsibilities or others just want some spending money.”

you had to assist students who are Q: Have struggling balancing work and school?

“They had to work because they their own responsibilities. Work became a priority but they were able to make it through [their schoolwork].”

A: had

advice would Q: What working student?

you give to a

let your personal brand be shown A: “To at a young age. Take on work in a positive frame of mind.”

becoming a foreign exchange student would offer him opportunities that were not originally possible.

Going through elementary, and into high school, Watkinson and his best friend always did everything together. Yet as they continued through high school, kids became harsh, mean even.

So wanting to get away and just really experience something new, both of them decided to ask their parents to see if they could become foreign exchange students and both said yes.

Watkinson’s best friend is spending the year in Portland, Ore., and he, obviously, landed in Great Falls.

“It’s actually funny. Montana was never on my list of possible choices,” he said.

Yet thoroughly happy with how things played out, Watkinson wouldn’t change a thing.

“I’ve made so many friends. Everyone here is so nice.”

S Entertainment

by Mackenzie George, editor in chief Like a good news article, the story never lags.

Like a well-cut sports bite, the videography is clean, creative, and draws viewers in. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks anchor as Washington Post mogul Katharine Graham and editor-in-chief Ben Bradlee, and director Stephen Spielberg, true to form, delivers a must-watch in “The Post.”

Graham and Bradlee clash and connect time and time again: over the paper, finances, politicians.

By day, Graham the businesswoman shatters glass ceilings and leaves an impressed trail of secretaries in her wake. At night, she plays the delicate, damaged socialite, someone who once rubbed shoulders with the likes of John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Robert McNamara.

(Throughout the movie, she refers to the former Secretary of Defense as “Bob” and “one of my dearest friends.”)

Hanks, gruff and honest, is a refreshing contrast to the politicians who say little in many words.

Bradlee stoically seeks the truth regardless of the consequences.

Wealth, legacy, guilt, and a gauzy white-andgold dress -- all these encircle Graham at one of her parties when her deepest fear becomes a possibility. Bradlee and his crew have spent the entire day locked in his home with 4,000 pages of

Staff members of the Washington Post watch the news reports on the Panama Papers. Amblin

the Pentagon Papers to be sorted, condensed, and regurgitated in article form. To break the story of these astronomical g o v e r n m e n t misdoings would be a huge coup for the Post. But when the possibility of Graham and Bradlee going to prison comes to light, tensions Meryl Streep, the star of skyrocket.

As the only skirt The Post, poses on the in a roomful of suits, red carpet. AdMedia/Zuma Graham’s poker Press/TNS/MCT. face rarely slips except when faced with the monumental decision that makes the movie: to publish or not to publish? While hindsight is 20/20, it is impossible to overstate the height from which Graham stood to fall.

This feat would not have been possible without Daniel Ellsburg, whom a Vietnam soldier calls “the longhair” when the film opens. His reservations about pinching the papers is apparent as he pauses at the doors of the government office, the documents burning a hole in his briefcase.

But observing McNamara lying to the American public and watching young boys die overseas has hardened his resolve. The audience is right there with him. Ellsburg takes the papers.

“The Post” may be filmed through a lens of optimism, but perhaps that is appropriate. Timely and witty, it reiterates a lesson that is sometimes shuffled to the side but ultimately resurfaces: the First Amendment is first in the Bill of Rights for a reason. Without it, where would we -- as a country, as individuals -- be?

Emily Cappis

Editorial Board

Entertainment/MCT.

Sophomore artist shares her love for painting with supportive family

by Quinn Soltesz, staff writer Anytime someone who knows her sees an extremely impressive doodle or sketch, they immediately guess that CMR artist Emma Bergman created it.

From a small, technical drawing of a complex geometric figure in math class to a painting taller than the artist who painted it, an Emma Bergman creation is instantly recognizable to those who run in her circle. This kind of artistic esteem is hard to achieve, especially when we are constantly exposed to so much art on social media platforms.

Bergman has been involved in art all of her life, but says she only really started participating in it “when I turned about 12. I guess a switch just turned on in my brain, and I was obsessed.”

She says that her parents and grandfather were key figures in her journey toward artistic expression.

“My parents have always been really ‘art-open’, and my grandfather actually taught art at CMR,” Bergman said.

Living in an ‘art-open’ household has truly made Bergman blossom. In the past few years she has earned a variety of awards and recognition for her work.

Bergman won the design contest for the button that was used to advertise the 2017 Great Falls Christmas Stroll. She also designed the logo for the CTE program. In addition to these, Bergman has been featured in a variety of art shows throughout her life. She says her most important accomplishments are “my personal ones.”

Bergmans originals:

Bergman has been working on stills of plants and large mural with stained glass corners this year. Top left: photo

by Callan Garner, staff writer. Top right photo courtesy of Emma Bergman.

Editor focuses on deeper meaning of being “happy”

In larger cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle there are thousands of people without shelter. Very few know these people by name. On Jan. 8, a beloved Great Falls man passed away. This man was Larry Kiedrowski.

Larry was better known as “Larry the Homeless Guy.” He was commonly seen pushing his carts all around Great Falls. I remember my first time seeing Larry walking down Central Avenue, and all I could think was “Wow, I really like that suitcase.” I remember it was blue with brown polka-dots. My mom told me that Larry wanted to live his life pushing his carts, and that’s what made him happy. Many community members who weren’t familiar with Larry’s

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Well-timed, well-cast, and well-written, “The Post” asks viewers to choose truth

January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

situation offered to help him “get back on his feet,” but the truth is that he was on his feet. It just happened to be that his steps weren’t what society approved of.

After reading the article about his death, it hit me that not doing what society declares as “normal” is OK. Everyone deserves to do what makes them happy without the judgement of others. Doing what others think is normal is so common in high school. Any kid who thinks a little different, does something not common, or looks different is automatically pegged as weird. But why would we say they are weird when they are just doing what makes them happy? Who are we to

judge? We all do things that are “weird,” but that is what makes us human.

Doing what makes us happy is such a crucial part of life. I encourage you to be more accepting of those who want to push their cart around because it makes them happy.

As I said in my last column, I am excited for what is to come, but one of my definite resolutions is to find happiness is the little things. There are so many things in this world to be happy about. Whether it be pushing your cart down the street, or the excitement of your dog when you come home. Just be happy, and let others do the same.

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January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Entertainment

2017 IN A NUTSHELL Last year was a long one, but what happened at CMR? January 4-5

March 21

March 22-25

May 16

June 3

September 13

September 27

October 2

October 6

Professors come to CMR from the University of Idaho to lead an annual jazz workshop for students. This gave musicians from both local high schools the chance to work with music instructors, learn new techniques, and expand their musical knowledge.

CMR students gathered in the upper part of the fieldhouse to donate blood for the annual spring blood drive. More than 75 people donated to the American Red Cross.

CMR’s golf team wins the AA State Golf Championship. On the successful team was Duncan Hollar, Tucker Thomas, Ben Kaul, Tucker Pietrykowski, and Zane Pottratz.

ESPN comes to CMR for film footage of Ryan Leaf’s hometown and high school. They created an E:60 special featuring our school.

The Electric City FFA takes first place in the national chapter application and was named the best chapter in the state. Some participants who had individual success include Katie Koterba, Taylor Bogdan, Mary Brown, Nick Lunnie, Megan Toplovich, and Morgan Zuidema.

CMR students and staff gather outside the fieldhouse to break ground on the multi-purpose facility. This was a part of the $98 million bond passed to make improvements around the district.

The CMR Class of 2017 celebrates during the graduation ceremony in the fieldhouse. Three hundred eighteen graduates receive diplomas with ninety-five graduate with honors.

Seniors gather on pride field to take a group shot of the class. This is also the last day of Homecoming week so the students are all decked out in their CMR gear.

Powderpuff football game is canceled due to poor weather conditions.

This is the first time the girl’s football game has ever been cancelled.

October 21

October 17

Cooper West wins the AA State Cross Country Championship with a time of 15 minutes and 31 seconds. This was Great Falls area’s first AA boys championship win in over two decades.

CMR commences an earthquake drill to teach students what to do in the event of this natural disaster.

October 27

The Great Falls Memorial Stadium is re-dedicated to war veterans and fallen soldiers so the community could show its thanks.

October 27

The varsity football team defeats the Bison at the crosstown game with a score of 42-21.

page by Grace Carr and Clara McClain, staff writer and editorial board photos by Julia Gremaux, Sophie Aron, Pat O’Connell and Beth Britton.

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January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Entertainment

16

The man behind the pep assemblies

Sanchez and his team work hard, play hard in an effort to boost school spirit

by Mackenzie George, editor in chief have the last semester stand out to the senior class. To him, Nico Sanchez remembers his predecessor’s pep in the end, it’s all about class sentiment. assemblies with glee. They are part of what encouraged “I want the juniors and the sophomores to look forward him to run for student body president. But it’s also the to next year. I want the freshmen to look back and talk senior’s commitment to music that inspired him to expand about how fun their freshman year was,” Sanchez said. his involvement to other areas of CMR. As the face of CMR -- recognizable through pep “I knew that I impacted people with my music,” Sanchez assemblies and as a student board representative -explained. “I challenged myself and ran for student body Sanchez understands the importance of being president in hopes that I would win and a good role model. He said he strives to relate I want to leave a connect with people in a different way.” to others through his writing and his smile.

So in the spring of his junior year, legacy that people want to “I’m interested in a variety of things...I’ve Sanchez pulled together a slate. With chase after and obtain for experienced a lot of things in life. That enables Julia Gremaux as his vice president me to give advice,” Sanchez said. “I’ve always themselves...One person and Cole Strong as secretary/treasurer, been a down-to-earth person, and I’m real…it the trio won a contest over three other can make a huge difference, allows me to relate [to other students].” slates. Sanchez soon found that the most but a group as small as five Student body secretary/treasurer Cole challenging part of office was not the Strong, who met Sanchez in seventh-grade can do even more. election. percussion class, said he and Sanchez partially Nico Sanchez ran to prove something to themselves.

“We aren’t able to please everybody,” he said. “That doubtful thought that you “Nico’s a hard worker and always gives aren’t doing as much as you could -- that’s the hardest everything his all in life,” Strong said. part.”

The pair did not just help organize the Super Smash To combat this, Sanchez enlists the help of both Bros. tournament, held Jan. 19 in the media center -- they administration and student feedback in order to get a participated. It is part of their hands-on approach that positive response from what can often be a tough crowd.

Sanchez says will make the difference.

Still, Sanchez and his team have set lofty goals for “Unity…[we have to] reach out to one another,” Sanchez their final semester at CMR. Prospective events include a said. “It’s as simple as that.”

Super Smash Bros tournament, spike ball, and badminton.

Sanchez wants to “finish up what I promised to do,” and

“

”

S Sports

January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Staying SAFE

winter during

Wrestler transfers his countries

by Gabrielle Pope, Online Editor It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt, and with winter and more specifically winter sports here there is no better time than now to make sure that you are practicing proper winter safety.

This includes staying on trails, staying away from trees, wearing the proper gear and most importantly staying away from cliffs and taking precautions on jumps. Our own junior, Conner Reardan can speak personally on this topic.

Reardan was was skiing with some friends and decided he was going to take a risk and go off of a jump, unfortunately he ended up breaking his femur but was okay other than that. Reardan is thankful that he was wearing his helmet, “If I wasn’t wearing a helmet I’d be a vegetable right now,” he said.

Reardan was going off of a jump when his feet got out from under him and he ended up flying through the air parallel to the ground. He hit the ground on his back and broke his femur when it whipped onto the ground. Reardan is thankful that he got out of the accident with a broken femur and nothing else that was injured there are other people who didn’t get out so lucky.

Recently in Montana, 22 year old Conner Heidegger died doing something similar to what Reardan did. He was snowboarding off trail and ended up jumping off of the cliff which in turn ended his life. Another incident that has happened recently was when a 28 year old, Scott Robert Hornstra got stuck in a tree well and ended up dying there.

Those who are going outside during the winter months, whether that be to go skiing or snowboarding or snowmobiling or whatever it may be, safety can often be shrugged off in the events of things that are flashy and exciting, when really things like those are the ones that safety needs to be thought of the most. When you are skiing it is easy to venture off and go on different paths, some that are intended for people to go down and others that aren’t really made for people to go down. Trouble comes when we go down paths that aren’t made to be traveled on.

Being active outside can be fun and a great way to stay in shape but the most important thing is to assure that you are staying safe while you are doing the things that you enjoy.

by Holly Spragg, staff writer meets here compared to Germany, he Sports, the way they are played, added. and even what they consist of vary “In Germany, they had more across the globe. Wrestling is no coaches than wrestlers,” he said. exception.

Sophomore Brandon They also had people known as Mills got to see sponsors that help two sides of the athletes in wrestling, in general. both Germany Most people and CMR. have someone or Mills lived something that in Germany encouraged them to for five years get into a sport or and started activity, and Mills is wrestling his not different. freshman year.

“Some seniors He said he on my old football Brandon Mills takes on an oppenent noticed one big team got me into difference when he during the Holiday Wrestling Classic on it,” Mills said. came to Montana He said that he this school year. enjoys the competition of the sport “People here know what wrestling and of that his goal is to get better is,” he said. Wrestling is more popular this year and make sure he makes here, and there are twice as many improvements.

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STATE SWIMMING SWIMMING

by Gauthier Paget , staff writer The 2018 State swimming competition will be Olivia Bauman in Great Falls on Feb. 9-10. Athletes from across the state are practicing to be ready for the biggest swim meet of the season. CMR’s swimmers aim to represent the green and gold as they take on statewide teams, including last year’s champion, Missoula Hellgate.

17 years old Olivia Bauman, a senior fly swimmer, is really Senior excited for the state competition.

“It’s been a long season for also really fast Fly Stroke because it’s my last year,’’ she said.

Last year she finished third, and in her sophomore CMR year she finished second. Sophomore Ben Huotari, a freestyle swimmer, is “ready to win the state.” #3 and #2 at the State “I think it would be cool,” Huotari said about taking home a title. Last year, Huotari did well. He 100 Yards dropped time on his favorite races: the 50 and 100 free. It is a really fast event, he said, and he would “ DO THE BEST ” try to pass his record of 23 seconds this time around for his 50 free.

Bauman said she enjoys the fly stroke because “it’s harder.” She “[works] hard ‘’ to be good, she Ben Huotari said. In general, the fly stroke is not common, and not a lot of swimmers swim it. Her goal for her last state, she said, is to pass under the minute in the 100 fly. Currently, Bauman’s personal record is just under 1:01.

CMR swimmers are ready for state; each one has a goal to accomplish, whether it be to drop 16 Years Old time or simply “be the best,” Huotari said. Be ready and present to encourage our swimmers.

Sophomore Each year at state the swim team has a tradition. At the beginning of the season girls Free Stroke and boys don’t shave their legs or don’t cut their hair. Right before state, “the girls shave the guys’ CMR heads,” Bauman said. The week before state, swimmers wear CMR colors or are dressed up.

50 & 100 Yards Free It can be team gear or swimming state shirts.

The state is the biggest meet of the season, as “ BE THE BEST “ athletes worked all season for it. Before state, practices begin to be easier to “keep your energy,” Bauman said. Friday will be the first state day, and swimmers who pass finals prepare for a “better race on Saturday,” she said.

Be ready and present in 16 days.

Photos by Gauthier Paget

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January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Sports

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Color Guard presents the Montana flag, CMR flag, and American flag for the National Anthem at the pep assembly on Oct. 25.

Color Guard builds flourishing legacy under Jordan

by Quincy Schmechel, editorial board Football, basketball, volleyball, baseball. No matter what sport event you attend, it’s likely that one experience is always the same: the National Anthem. For the last 53 years, CMR Color Guard has been dedicated to flying CMR’s three flags at each and every home game, supporting patriotism and school spirit without fail.

And for the majority of those years-- since 1980-- the team has been led by Velma Jordan.

“I came to CMR… when they first opened,” Jordan said. “At that time they had a mounted Color Guard.”

Jordan said that when an all-weather track was installed in Memorial Stadium, the five horses of the Color Guard weren’t allowed.

“At that time you couldn’t buy costumes,” Jordan reminisced. “So the home ec. teacher and I sewed [the costumes].”

Jordan says that after that year, she was asked to coach Color Guard.

“We were feeling pretty popular at the time,” she laughed. “So I said yes, but only [if I had] 30 flags.”

Jordan said that Color Guard is important to the community because it instills respect and and patriotism in young people.

“You’re not going to make a living in Color Guard,” she said. However, she said that if you know how to treat the flag you can go far in life.

She says that she has past students that have continued Color Guard in military careers, such as the Marine Corps.

Jordan says that if there were one thing she’d change about Color Guard -- and spirit teams in general -- it would be the declining interest.

“Times have changed. Young people have changed,” she said. “But you have to be willing

to change. We used to have 100 kids trying out, but now we have to beg.”

Jordan wishes also that the students at CMR could see the dedication of the Color Guard, and the pride the kids take in the team.

“When I blow that whistle, it’s up to them,” she said. “It’s their show out there.”

Freshman Tenley Webber says that joining Color Guard helped her find her place at CMR, and even helped her pick CMR as opposed to Great Falls High when she moved to Montana from Louisiana last fall.

“When I was in Louisiana, I did Color Guard there. We even competed,” she said.

She said that she watched both CMR and Great Falls High’s Color Guard before choosing which school to attend, and CMR was the clear Photos by McKenzie Connell and Callan Garner. choice.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said.

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January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Sports

Cmr colors crosstown in camo Swarthout becomes Bison hunting ground for boys basketball

by Quincy Schmechel, editorial board Wilkins agreed wholeheartedly.

Since 1965, crosstown has represented a rivalry that “We want to play at a faster pace and with more competes with that of Shakespeare’s Montagues and confidence,” Wilkins said. “If we do that, I’m excited to Capulets. see where we go from there.”

Tuesday Jan.9 marked the first crosstown clash of The team looks forward not only to improving in this year’s basketball season as students poured into dynamic and playing style, but also competing in the Swarthout Fieldhouse, some even before 3:15. Ready to get Eastern AA Conference. rowdy, Rustlers donned camo and orange vests to begin “[It’s] full of great teams,” Wilkins said, “so we’ll be the Bison hunt. However, not every tested for sure.” hunt comes away with a victory, and Byrne shares Wilkins’ the Rustlers faced a tough game, pun enthusiasm for the oncoming intended. Bison came away 68-36. competition.

“We were simply not playing like “If we can beat a couple ourselves that night,” senior Jake of those [tough] teams [in our Wilkins said. “Things just didn’t go conference], I think we can really our way in just about every phase of get the ball rolling. the game, and we could’ve done a CMR faces another crosstown better job responding to adversity.” week in February, and the boys Wilkins’ teammate, senior Kyle are more than ready to reopen Byrne, agreed. hunting grounds.

“They hit a lot of shots,” Byrne Senior Maddi Payne dons camo to support the “We’re hoping to welcome the said of the Bison’s offense. “But we Rustlers at Jan. 9 crosstown game. Photo by JJ Bison into the Thunderdome for a didn’t do anything to help ourselves Slater. completely different ballgame,” on offense, and our defense struggled Wilkins said. in the first and fourth quarter.”

Byrne has a similar, confident outlook, saying he’s “We just played too tight in general,” Byrne said. hoping to give the Bison a taste of their own medicine by Despite the tough loss, the team is resilient, and eager “shooting their lights out” and playing a more aggressive to greet the season’s future. defense.

“How we react in these next few weeks will say a lot “They’ve shown they’re a fantastic team,” Wilkins about who we are as a team,” Wilkins said. “I’m confident said. “They can play well on the big stage, so when the we’ll bounce back from it.” time comes we’re going to be more than ready for another “We have really good chemistry,” Byrne said. “Once we chance to play a very good opponent. We learned a lot loosen up and start playing like we have in the past, I think from that game, but there’s more to the story for 2018 CMR we’re going to be one of the better teams in the state.” basketball.”

Lady Rustlers defeat Bison in Thunderdome

by Quincy Schmechel, editorial board The atmosphere in the Thunderdome was electric on Thursday, Jan. 11, as the Lady Rustlers and Bison competed in their own crosstown matchup. CMR’s girls came away victorious after fighting fiercely until the fourth quarter, when they pulled away, winning 48-38.

“In the first half we weren’t really playing to our ability, and we were playing really slow,” senior Akasia Denton said. “We really got the momentum in the second half, and that fueled us the rest of the game.”

Denton, who’s played varsity for the Rustlers for the last three years, says every crosstown is important because of the rivalry it represents. She said that the competitive spirit runs beyond simply being rival schools because players square off against their peers.

“Winning this one in the gym meant a lot to our seniors,” Denton said. “It just feels great to have another win against them.”

Denton said that the players aren’t the only ones who understand the weight of crosstown; it’s really shown in the crowd.

“The crosstown atmosphere is like no other game,” she said. “It is loud and it is intense. There’s a lot of pressure, but I think we handled it very well. It’s the kind of game you dream of as a kid, and at the end of the day [we know how important it is] that we won.”

Denton’s teammate, senior Kyra Willis, expressed similar sentiments about the crosstown environment in the

Thunderdome.

“Playing in crosstown is awesome because of how many people come,” Willis said of the vibrant atmosphere the game provides. “It puts this kind of pressure on you that you can’t lose. That’s what I like about it.”

Willis believes this pressure helped push the Lady Rustlers toward victory.

“It’s great knowing that you are a step ahead of your crosstown rivals,” she said. “Next [time] we play, we’ll be more offensively and defensively sound.”

Willis said that despite the dynamic season the Lady Rustlers have been having, there’s still room for improvement.

“Having a few wins under our belt gives us momentum to keep winning and keep getting better,” she said. “I think we are a very defensive-based team, and we still have yet to play to our full capability. We just need to keep working on stuff and practicing; things will start to fall into place.”

Denton agrees.

“I think the biggest thing we have to work on is just scoring. We take pride in our defense and being able to stop the other team,” she said. “We have a great group of girls, but at the end of the game it doesn’t matter how good of defense we played if we didn’t score more than what we held them to.”

Denton said that as the team continues to improve, she’s excited to see where the season takes the Lady Rustlers.

19

SPORTS UPDATE

Girls Basketball

“ I would say we are improving everyday.

As a team get along well, and all enjoy each other.” - Addison Gardner 1/6 vs. Butte 50 - 45 CMR 1/11 vs.GFH 48 - 38 CMR 1/19 vs. Bozeman 49 - 40 Bozeman

Boys Basketball

“It’s been really encouraging lately because we’ve gotten a few big wins and now it feels like we’re gonna start rolling. There’s a good energy about it.” -Kyle Bryne 1/6 vs. Butte 71 - 40 CMR 1/9 vs. GFH 68 - 36 GFH 1/19 vs. Bozeman 56 - 42 CMR

Swimming

“I think swim season is going really well; everyone from CMR and GFH has been putting in a lot of work these past months.”

- Olivia Bauman 12/16 Great Falls HS Relay meet Girls 2nd , Boys 2nd 1/20 Missoula Invite Girls 4th, Boys 4th

Wrestling

“On the team perspective, we’ve got some good talent and most of our wrestlers are peaking with only two weeks left to go. ” -Carter Carroll 1/12 CMR 36;24, Senior KC Buday made it to quarterfinals 1/20 GFh 63, CMR 24

Winter Wonderland S

January 25, 2018 rustlernews.com

Back Page

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by JJ Slater, staff writer

Morp Preparations

Morp came with many long nights filled with planning and preparations for a fun evening full of dancing. Junior Carly Cushman was a big influence of this year’s semi formal held in the fieldhouse on January 12. Many obstacles were tackled due to Cushman’s quick problem solving, “It’s figuring out how to decorate the gym to the best [of its] ability. At first we didn’t know anything going into Morp, then we realized everything you do, like posters and tickets, you have to get it approved by your AP. You have to manage your budget,” Cushman said.

Many students don’t want to spend the money for a ticket or they can’t afford it. This year the junior student government helped fix that problem by shaving $2 off each ticket.

“Last year tickets were $12 for couples and $8 for singles, and prom is always more expensive. We wanted to drop it to get more people [involved], we got a lot more tickets than I thought we would,” Cushman said.

Choosing a theme for anything can be difficult, especially for a dance that high school students attend.

“It’s always hard to pick a theme and for kids to dress up. We talked to kids from last year that went to Morp and thought making it kind of classy would be smarter. Lots of other schools have two proms or a winter formal and then their prom so we were kind of copying from other schools,” Cushman says.

“Prom is fancier than Morp [ so we created this dance to be more laid back and] cheaper to bring in more people. Freshmen can [now attend in larger numbers] because the price is low and many don’t have much money to spend. So it’s a good way for everyone to get their foot in the door before prom,” Cushman said.

The Main Event

Photos by Sophie Aron

Morp, a night full of memories for every person in attendance. The darkness of the gym, not threatening but exciting, foreshadowed a night of fun as the colorful flashing lights illuminated the dance floor. Walking through the breezeway the music is already loud and blasting a popular song. Students rush in from the cold excited to start the night they have been anticipating all week. With the DJ blasting music students start to dance together in groups and mingle between one another. Outfits range from prom dresses to jeans to sweatpants but no matter the outfit CMR students were uniting and having the

time of their lives.

“Morp was a fun time with some of my closest friends, it was worth going,” junior Laura Smith said about her evening.

Not only students were dancing the night away, so were the staff and teachers overseeing the dance. The overall turnout for the dance was great too according to Carly Cushman and other student government members.

“I think we had a great turn out and it was fun to see all the students and some teachers dance!” junior representative Hayden Hilyard said.