CMRStampedeJan2012

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Crosstown Combat Basketball teams prepare for winter season to heat up

An open forum for student expression NEWS....................Tardy for the Party: Reflection of absences in school pg. 02 OPINION...........Feb. 14 Survival Guide: Because love isn’t complicated enough already pg. 10 ENTERTAINMENT...................The Twitter Revolution: #socialnetworking grows wings pg. 17 FEATURES...................Cheating the System: Teachers, students speak out pg. 12 SPORTS...................When Pins Fly: Ali Coster’s bowling season pg. 20

www.rustlernews.com

c.m. russell high school great falls, mont. jan. 26, 2012 vol. 47, issue 5

happeningnow

kathleen hodges

print editor-in-chief

Chasing Sanity

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

I’m kind of a scaredy cat.

No. Really. I’m a scaredy cat and it’s a prob-

lem.

Of course, I don’t have the luxury of being scared of regular things. I love heights, I’m the official spider killer of my household, and I’ve never had a problem with the dark.

I am afraid of the things most people take for granted. Talking to people, staying out late, and being around a lot of people are all on the list of things that tend to frighten me to death.

And this is a problem, especially with the whole journalism thing. Suprisingly, it turns out that journalism actually requires talking to people.

Actually, joining newspaper staff my freshman year was probably the best thing I could have done to help me get over the fear of talking to other people. Sure, I spent most of my freshmen and sophomore year on staff dreading every single interview, but it taught me how to get over my fear and actually listen to people.

I’m still scared (some of the time) of approaching people I don’t know and asking them to talk to be. But I know how to deal with this fear.

Fears don’t just disappear, and if you have a fear, you need to know how to deal with it. To deal with fears, you need to do things that scare you.

My current goal is to do one thing a month that completely freaks me out. Staying out late on a Friday night, going to a midnight movie premeir, or driving on icy streets. Anything that takes me decidely out of my comfort zone.

Even though I haven’t loved all of these experiences (driving up an icy hill: scary!), I have laughed more during some of them than I ever would have thought possible.

02

Sit down students, it’s time to take roll

CMR students, faculty reflect on absences in the school by zach pottratz In South Africa, it would be called jippo. In Australia, it’s referred to as wagging. In Labrador, they call it “on the pip.” In America, we refer to it as skipping school, being absent, or being truant. Sophomore Nick Moulton knows all about it. He has missed many days of school this year.

“I’ve missed around 65 [class absences], I think,” Moulton said.

People may miss for illness or a funeral, but Moulton has other reasons for being gone from school.

“The majority is for sports. I play soccer. Others are for when we went hunting, for when I was sick, or when it was family-related,” he said.

Absences impact the learning of students, and one glance at attendance records for first semester point to how common absences are.

According to the CMR administration, just this year students have missed about 3,148 class periods – or 450 days -- altogether for medical reasons. They have missed 25,546 class periods -- 3,649 days -- for illness; 360 class periods – 51 days -- for family reasons; and 19,100 class periods -- 2,728 days -- for school-related reasons.

When Moulton is gone from school, he makes sure that he is not gone for very long.

“The most I’ve missed at a time is about two or three days,” Moulton said. Many students feel that make-up work is hard to do when they are gone, but Moulton finds ways to get his homework done.

“When I know I’m going to be gone I usually get [my homework] beforehand, then I turn it in either before I leave or right when I get back,” he said.

“I think the worst subject to miss is math because if you miss one day, you miss so much information, and it takes a while to learn all the stuff again,” he said.

Students, however, aren’t the only ones who struggle to deal with absences.

“My record of absences was last year, when a kid never came to class. He just roamed the halls and didn’t come to class,” freshman English teacher Ryan Anderson said. Anderson said most of his students find the time to do their classwork.

“Most of the students make it up,” Anderson said. Up until last year, the school had been enforcing a rule where students could miss 12 days before their credit for a class was pulled, he added.

“Last year the school really didn’t do anything about the absences in the school. They used to have the ‘12-day rule’,” Anderson said. “They didn’t use it last year, but they are trying to get it back.”

The CMR administration also recognizes the problems absences

Located on the Bill Will Hall side of the commons, the attendance office helps students check in when they’re late, and check out when they have a pass. Photo

by Jake Settera.

can cause. Although the dropout rate has not been a problem this year at CMR, the number of truancies remains high.

“According to our records, eight students have dropped out to work on their GEDs, three went to Montana Youth Challenge, seven dropped to be home schooled, and 17 students dropped with no future plan in place,” the administration wrote in a statement provided to the Stampede.

Truancy, by definition, is an intentional unexcused absence, while a regular absence is excused by an adult. According to the CMR administration, the freshmen (including second-year freshmen) have accumulated 941 truancies (class periods), the sophomores had 176, juniors had 260, and the seniors had 293.

No matter the reasons, Rustlers missed a lot of school first semester, and the administration deals with absences on a student-by-student basis.

“There was no 12-day rule. There was a 10-day rule in effect up until the end of 2009-2010. The School Board then implemented a policy that was more reflective of what was already in practice. The 10-day rule was good in theory, but having a black and white rule is not realistic in this setting. Each student comes to school with a different story, and we work to customize learning and attendance plans for each individual. The policy as written does give administration the latitude to customize an attendance plan that tolerates FEWER than 10 absences if that is what is best for the student,” they wrote.

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Prospective academies Specialized learning coming to Great Falls

ible, he said. Academies are beneficial to the stuAcademies are a thing of the future in high dents trying to discover themselves and prepare schools across the United States, and business for their futures. It is giving students more opteacher Kelly Parsons believes the future will portunity to customize their school day. soon be upon us.

“There are a lot of misconceptions and con“I think that over the next three years we’ll cerns,” Moore said. see great development in pocket academies,” One of those concerns is sports. The longParsons said. time rivalry between Great Falls High School From Anaheim Calif., to Philadelphia, Penn., and C. M. Russell High is evident. full-fledged academies have been adopted by To play on any varsity team a student has to many high schools. go to school at the school he/she wishes to be a In Great Falls, the district administration has part of for a minimum of 20 hours a week (four started moving toward a common goal, devising classes, five days a week). multiple academies at C.M. Russell High School, Another concern is the music program.

Great Falls High School, and Paris Gibson.

“Music is very important to our commuAt the December Academy nity,” Moore said. The music “[School] needs to be Steering Committee meeting, rigorous and relevant to program will be a struggle to Steve L’Heureux, an architect prepare students for college. figure out and will still exist, working on the Great Falls High Our idea is to create more he said, but students and facSchool renovation plans spoke. choice.” ulty will have to be flexible.

Parsons said his presense was an For Moore, it is about makTom Moore aggressive step. ing learning personalized and “[We] talk about Montana relevant.

Pathways and try to see how to get our acad“You see kids with plan, purpose and pasemies into these pathways,” she added. sion,” he said.

During the Jan. 11 Academy Steering ComMedical Prep teacher Christie Virts agrees. mittee meeting, more than 55 parents, admin“You’re taking what kids are interested in istrators, staff and other community members and making it relevant, really learning,” she listened for an hour and a half to Assistant Su- said. perintendent for Secondary Schools Tom Moore Virts is the Human Body System, Athletic discuss the current ideals of the Academy pro- Training, and Advanced Health Science teacher gram. in the newly founded Med Prep program.

“All kids need to be accommodated,” Moore Along with Virts in the Med Prep program is said. “[School] needs to be rigorous and relevant English teacher Jamie McGraw. to prepare students for college. Our idea is to “We really enjoy our team, making conneccreate more choice.” tions between medicine, English, and history,” Moore said he hopes to establish several she said. academies in Great Falls; business, STEM, inThe kids are more engaged, interactive in the dustrial technologies, agriculture, communica- community and they are benefiting, McGraw tion and fine arts, as well as a culinary arts pro- said. gram.

McGraw and Virts’s students perform 45 to Great Falls already has several academies in 90 hours of internships, which leads into their the trial stages, including the Med Prep, busi- senior projects. ness and automotive.

“When you see their enthusiasm it makes “[We’re] taking information from staff and it worthwhile,” McGraw said. “We feel great tweaking it to make better changes,” Moore said. about what we’re doing.”

Everyone is going to have to be more flexby kendra hix

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

03

Talking Rustlers prepare to give state their all of four weeks, Rosenleaf added.

The “street fight factor” is a way In his fourth year of debate, team the speech and debate team consoles president senior John Thomas said themselves if they lose at a tourna- that during this year’s season not evment. ery participant has been placing in all This includes engaging in physi- the tournaments, but some are doing cal contact with the other team, senior well.

Justin Dean said while joking around.

Such students like senior NaThe Rustlers haven’t lost in the street than Maycroft placed second in the fight factor yet, he added.

Lincoln Douglas debate at Carrol The Speech and College, and freshDebate team is alman Maddie Hobbs most done with their and sophomore Soren season, and is comOrmseth placed third ing up on their final in the novice policy tournaments.

The debate in Missoula. state tournament is “It’s been really out being held in Helena of the park,” Thomas this weekend, and the said. “Even though team members are we aren’t all placing, prepping for their last we’re still placing.” competition.

They In preparation for also are going to start the upcoming state their fundraising so competition, the team members of the team has been coming tocan attend the nationgether after school and al qualifiers and buy practicing. extra supplies needed “We’ve been pracGiving a dual Shakespearian for the team. ticing and practicing,” “In tournaments monologue, sophmore Hannah debate coach Tom you are given a topic Cubbage prepares for the Cubbage said. that is already chosen upcoming Speech and Debate Some of the stufor you and things state tournament. Photo by dents that are in that I would usually Caroline Perkins. speech and debate think are dumb turn out to be inter- have the option of going to the Naesting,” debater Dean said. tional Forensic League tournament In practice, the debaters look at after placing well enough in the naboth sides of a topic to get a better un- tional qualifiers February 10-11 in derstanding, and they conclude with Butte. a stronger argument than they would Thomas knows just how valuable have started with. an experience the national qualifiers “In the beginning we had a lot of is. success; the first couple of tourna“If you make it you’re extremely ments got us energized for the entire lucky and extremely good, and even season,” Speech and Debate coach if you don’t make it you learn a lot.”

Alex Rosenleaf said. The team had four of its first tournaments in a span by caroline perkins

04

Lifeafter

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Jacie Schoenen’s

high school

tips to success

Students devote life Out of State -Apply early to serving, seek new -Make sure you have two years or more years of foreign experiences, new language - Take two or three SAT subenvironments ject tests -Take your ACT/SAT at the end of junior year in order to ensure a better score

In State

-Save your money; it takes around $35 to apply to a college -Apply at different places -Weigh all of your options -Don’t immediately decide to go to the first college that you get accepted to by kristi gange and lindsey buck Along with respect, dedication, and hard work, folding laundry has taken a role in senior Matt Hagler’s life.

“You learn the core values. We also learn how to roll up shirts and socks,” Hagler said. According to Hagler, a long line of family history inspired his choice to enroll in the Air National Guard after high school.

“I come from a military family. The opportunity to serve is huge,” he said.

However, Hagler’s transition into the guard wasn’t easy. He spends every Sunday in physical training. He takes mandatory tests involving running a mile and a half and recording how many push-ups and sit-ups he can do in one minute.

“If you’re going to be in the military be dedicated. It’s a serious career,” Hagler said.

Along with Hagler’s choice to join the guard, there are many other options for students after high school. Senior Isabel Judice dislikes Montana for its cold, and she is starting anew out of state.

“I’ll have to learn to make new friends in new environments, and it will push me out of my comfort zone,” she said. Although

already accepted to the University of Wyoming, Judice said she hopes to attend the University of Utah.

According to Judice, college visits are important. Different campuses helped her decide on which colleges to apply to.

Campus location was also an essential part of senior Alex Potts’ decision to stay in state.

Planning to major in food and nutrition, Potts was accepted to Montana State University in Bozeman.

“I chose it because it was close, but not too close, to home, has great outdoor recreation, and has a really good food and nutrition program,” she said.

With all the advantages of going in state, Potts also recognizes the disadvantages.

“It’s a smaller school, and I will still know some people there,” she said. However, Potts said that the benefits outweigh the challenges.

“I’m really excited to go. I’m excited to study for what I want to do and to make my own decisions. I can’t wait to start a new chapter.”

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Ammons works, visits locals in Dominican Republic by jennifer verzuh

School supplies aren’t something you’d expect to find on children’s wish lists, but when Megan Ammons gave children in the Dominican Republic just this for Christmas they were overjoyed.

“Every afternoon we would travel to a village that had a school or an orphanage and throw them a Christmas party,” Ammons said.

Ammons, a CMR senior, and a friend from Missoula traveled to the Dominican Republic with the South Texas Home Ministries for a mission over winter break as a part of her senior project and her internship for med prep. It also gave the fourth year Spanish student a chance to practice her language skills.

“Ever since I was little (I) really wanted to do mission.

It might be my calling,” Ammons said. “I saw senior project [as] a really great opportunity to go on my first trip and decide if this is really what I’ve been called to do.”

The experience, however, was difficult for both her and her family.

“This was the first time I’ve ever been out of the country, except for Canada, and I was alone,” Ammons said. “It was really hard for our parents to let us go, but allowing us to go shows how much they trust us and support us, too.”

Financing the trip was no easy matter. The total cost, including airfare, was about $2,000. She raised the money through donations from friends and family.

It was worth it, Ammons said.

“It surpassed anything I could have imagined, in an ex-

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05

Far Left: Wrapping paper flies as children from a Dominican Republic village open Christmas presents at a party Megan Ammons helped throw with the South Texas Home Ministries.

Left: A young Dominican Republican boy participates in a game that involves using spaghetti noodles to pick up five penne noodles.

Bottom Right: Megan Ammons and Alice Thurman, a nursing student from Auburn University, work at building a chapel.

Photos courtesy of Megan Ammons.

cellent way,” she said. “Being there made me really realize this is really what I want to do.”

In addition to throwing Christmas celebrations for children, she helped build a chapel for a couple from the church congregation and took part in medical clinics the group set up.

“It [was] really sad,” she said. “It made me realize we are really spoiled here.”

The trip not only helped Ammons decide what career to pursue, but it also helped her connect to God, she said.

“I’ve never felt so in tune with God in my life,”Ammons said. “It was amazing.”

The experience also really opened her eyes to the current situation in third world countries and the kindness of the people there.

“The people down there have nothing compared to what we have. They just invite you into their homes and feed you everything they have, even if they can’t afford it,” she said. “They just want to share the blessing they do have with you.”

“One of the phrases me and my friend have from the trip is ‘ees okay.’ If you messed up they would just tell you ‘ees okay.’”

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opinionvoice it

I’m sure that you must know everything, but what about that kid down the street? He’s an idiot.

It’s going to be a battle for you, but you’re going to need to stay strong and witty in order to completely force your correct opinions upon him.

English might be your favorite subject, but there’s one word that I’m going to need you to throw out. That word is this: indecisive.

There’s no such thing as indecisive anymore. It will be replaced with the word “smart” or “open-minded.”

Writing my opinion piece on teacher tenure this month, I went to gain more information on the topic with a completely set mind. Don’t follow my example.

Walking out of Mr. Kloppel’s office, I got more than a good mind changin’. I learned an extremely valuable lesson: No one’s always right. No one knows everything, and just because you’re the loudest with your opinions doesn’t mean you’re the smartest.

Chances are you actually sound dumb. Don’t be hesitant to be “indecisive.” Instead, dive right into being “open-minded.”

You can never learn too much, and you can definitely never change your mind too many times. Humbleness is key.

So be willing to take others’ advice, be willing to discover your opinion is completely and utterly wrong, be willing to take a bit of criticism, and be willing to change everything you believe.

Hopefully someday this world will be filled with people who might sound a little quieter, but definitely a little smarter.

06

Academies deny students opportunities, limit exploration of different career paths voice

BOX

our

lindsey buck

Buck Talk news/opinion editor

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

There’s something scary infiltrating the halls of CMR and Great Falls High.

It has nothing to do with a crosstown rivalry or even dancing styles. Instead, it’s a lot less noticeable, but could soon take over the way high school stu-

dents learn.

We are talking about the “academy” style learning that district leaders such as assistant superintendent for secondary schools Tom Moore are encouraging in Great Falls.

Academies allow students to focus on one subject or potential career path, such as medicine or agriculture (both examples of academies offered at CMR). There is currently talk of expanding the academy program, potentially to the point where every student would be enrolled in some type of academy.

In academy-style learning, students focus on one subject, whether it be music or foreign languages. All of their classes would incorporate elements of their chosen subject, and they would take classes with other students interested in the same subject.

Although academies seem to be a good way to prepare students for college, they will ultimately destroy some of the best aspects of a high school education.

Academies should not be encouraged within the school district.

Academies force students to not only decide what they potentially want to spend the rest of their life doing at age 14 or 15, but focus on one area, ignoring the variety high school has to offer.

There are two problems with this.

The most obvious is the first. Most seniors don’t know what they want to study in college. How are freshmen in high school supposed to make essentially the same decision?

The more pressing issue is the opportunities academies deny students. Although they may give students a chance to explore a certain field, they take away the chance to explore different options. Sure, a student might think that they want to be a nurse, but when they focus

solely on preparing for med school, they might never figure out that they have a passion for art or drama.

High school is the only opportunity most people will ever have to take free classes in any topic that they are interested in. This allows them to discover passions, things they care about, and things they excel at. Taking these electives and discovering a new passion might derail a master plan to become a doctor, but an art teacher passionate about her subject will always be infinitely better than a doctor who is only doctoring because someone told him to do so.

So don’t give academies a chance. Take a variety of classes and refuse to pigeon hole yourself. If you think that a medical career might be for you, take a med prep class and see if you like it. But don’t rule out other classes. Explore your horizons; find out what you really love.

High school isn’t the time for deciding who you are going to be, it’s the time for figuring out who you are. And you can’t do that if you don’t figure out what you love.

Explore your opportunities. Take every chance possible. You might regret pinning yourself to one career at the tender age of 15, but you will never regret exploring your options.

Charles M. Russell High School: The Stampede The Stampede, published approximately every four weeks, is a public forum for all voices on campus. These voices include the students, parents, faculty and the community at large.

The opinions and views in this publication are not necessarily those of the Stampede staff, the student body, CMR employees or the school administration.

The Stampede strives to cover the news accurately and fairly; however, when a mistake is made, a correction will be printed in the following issue.

All writers are responsible for the content of their articles.

Editors will edit all copy to be free of plagiarism and libel, and all writers will double-check their facts before publication. The Stampede accepts letters but limits the length to 200 words. The Stampede reserves the right to edit all letters; anonymous letters are not accepted.

The Stampede maintains membership in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association and Quill and Scroll.

Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

editor-in-chief katie hodges online editor elizabeth stanley visual content editor corey allen design editor meg smith news/opinion editor lindsey buck business manager tayler korb features editor kristi gange sports editor alecks leavey entertainment editor caitlyn aakre adviser beth britton

staff greighsen adams peyton fulbright whisper harris kendra hix claire knox de ja lacey abby lynes mandi monroe stephanie mccracken ryan murphy caroline perkins kaidin phelan zach pottratz olivia rudio jake settera luke sisko kelsey smith keeli telleen jennifer verzuh

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

meg smith

HEAD2HEAD February 14 Faceoff

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

07

kristi gange

To love or not to love; that is the question. On Feb. 14 couples around the world prepare romantic evenings and confectionary treats. However, the possible commercialization of Valentine’s Day has sparked major controversy concerning its actual romanticism. So, in an attempt to sway you towards or against this holiday, two journalists face off about the day, the love, and the hypocrisy.

What’s so wrong with romance?

Love. Romance.

Cynicism.

The defining moments of a good holiday are the good, the bad, and the bitter.

Quantified on Feb. 14 every year, couples break away from the mundane and engage in some good, old-fashioned chivalry.

Around the country we see beautiful moments up to the high, romantic standards of “The Notebook.”

This is the day when “that only happens in the movies, kid” gets thrown out the window and true gentlemen emerge from the woodwork to wine and dine their special ladies.

Now, I understand that cynics (singles) hail this day as the apocalypse and declare themselves above such commercialized love.

Well, shut up.

Your negative energy can be turned off temporarily to allow the happy people of the world to experience love and romance turned up a notch.

Before you jump down my throat with objections about the harshness of sentiments, stop. A party of one can have just as much of a

good time on Valentine’s Day as can any party of two.

Take yourself out on a date. Get dressed up, do your hair, and splurge on an expensive steak dinner at a local, classy restaurant.

Whatever you do, don’t join in on the desperation sweeping the nation. Instead, allow yourself to enjoy the simplicity of dating yourself.

Let’s look at the positives.

For the women: You know all your favorite movies and you’ll never say the wrong thing. You can tell yourself that of course that dress doesn’t make your butt look fat. You can order the biggest steak at the restaurant because there’s no one to tell you that women should only eat salads, flavor on the side.

For the men: You’ll save half your income by avoiding expensive jewelry and chocolate boxes. You don’t have to worry about cleaning the suit and tie you’ve only worn twice this year. You avoid discussing the insecurities of your date and consoling her hurt body image.

So, I’m for the couples and I’m for the singles.

Just, leave the desperation at home and enjoy the romance.

The Hallmark holiday hold-up Uh-oh.

Looks like Hallmark got you again. That’s unfortunate.

Valentine’s Day: a day full of candy hearts and meaningless cards with cartoon characters on the front. So, how did they get you to subscribe to a “holiday” that is comprised of purely superficial undertones?

It has been engraved into our minds since elementary school that February 14 is the most romantic day of the year. But what actually makes it so romantic? The overpriced candy or sitting in a crowded restaurant with a bunch of strangers invading your elbow space?

Valentine’s Day is just a reason for card companies to sell even more pointless merchandise than they normally do. According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion Valentine cards are sent each year. This makes it the second largest cardsending holiday of the year next to Christmas.

The fact that people will spend up to $6 on a card that will play 15 seconds of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On” baffles me. Also, the fact that their significant other finds it to be the most romantic act ever made is ridiculous.

It’s basically a reason to spend an obscene amount

of money on chocolate, flowers, dinner, cards -- allegedly all in the name of romance.

You might not have known, but Valentine’s Day also goes by the alias “Singles Awareness Day,” whose acronym is SAD. There isn’t a worse day of the year for singles than February 14.

It’s a day that over-glorifies relationships and makes people who aren’t in relationships resort to an unhealthy night that consists of “Jersey Shore” re-runs.

And why is there one decided day a year on which couples are supposed to be extremely romantic?

How does that conversation go?

“I’m sorry, I forgot that it was the fourteenth day of February.

Let me get your door for you and compliment you all night.”

It’s not cynicism, it’s reality.

Valentine’s Day is nothing more than an institution endorsed by candy and card companies in order to get all of the money out of you that they can.

Don’t succumb to the least impressive stereotype that exists this February. All you will be left with is your Marvin Gaye music card and stale candy hearts.

08

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Teacher tenure destroys value of education, causes wrongful cuts, promotes age over educational merit by lindsey buck You’re fired. You’re the inspiration for that student over there, and that one there too. You spend hours at a desk writing lesson plans, figuring out ways to teach the kids in your class who have problems, and grading homework.

You spend every day trying to make a difference on that whiteboard with those old Expo markers that you paid for out of your own pocket. You’re still fired, and you want to know why?

It’s your third year, and that’s why.

Teacher tenure. It’s a controversial topic that everyone is a little too shy to talk about-- or agree or disagree with. With the current economy, it’s a topic that simply cannot be left unaddressed.

The hard facts have to be faced: Great Falls citizens don’t want to spend that extra $20 or $30 on their taxes to help support education. This is evident in the past failed mill levy.

Cuts have to be made, and some teachers have to lose their jobs.

With teacher tenure in effect, teachers who have been in education for more than three years are usually safe, but new educators are on the line for who could be cut next.

Life certainly isn’t always fair, but education is a valuable part of our lives as students. Students should be getting the best education they can receive; there’s no question about that.

Teaching is one of the noblest careers on the planet.

There are teachers who will always deserve to be in education. There are teachers who devote every second of their lives to helping students learn.

But, along with those teachers, come other, less noble educators.

I have no doubt in my mind that you’ve all had “that teacher.” The one who is always in a bad mood when you need extra help, who refuses to talk more than 30 seconds a class period, and who you are convinced is only here for the breaks and summer.

Age, or amount of time in education, has little effect on a teacher’s dedication.

A new teacher can be 10 times more inspiring than a tenured one, or vice versa.

The judge of a teacher’s value, or whether they are laid off, should be based upon the teacher’s dedication, hard work, and love of education, rather than the years they have spent on the job.

The work of a teacher can be a beautiful thing, and every teacher, regardless of their years in education, should have the chance to prove their merit.

Art by Corey Allen.

kristi gange

features editor

It’s supposed to be

EPIC

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Robert Frost, Dr. Seuss, and Smokey Robinson.

These are just a few of the greatest poets of all time.

With a new semester of English came the start of our poetry unit. I like to pretend that I hate poetry, but the truth is, I am a fan.

My affection isn’t as prominent as those who subscribe to “Bieber Fever,” but there are some similarities in our affections.

For example, when I hear a poem that I love, I assume that my excitement is comparable to when a Bieber fan hears “Baby.”

As much as I would like to deny that Justin Bieber has any kind of artistic ability (sorry Beliebers), I suppose that in some miniscule way he is a poet. He makes people feel something. Whether or not that feeling is disgust or admiration is up to you.

In addition to my dislike of Bieber, there’s another thing that I’m realizing: poetry is everywhere.

From your favorite song to the nursery rhyme you heard every night before bed: poetry is there.

It’s lurking behind every corner, evoking emotion, and it’s a glorious thing.

So before you make up your mind about poetry being “mushy,” spend a minute evaluating your favorite heavy metal song or the lines from your favorite movie.

Because believe it or not, poetry is the purpose behind all forms of literature.

And you’ve all been subjected to it whether it be from Bieber or Shakespeare.

So open your mind and bask in the magnificence that is poetry, because you don’t really have a choice.

featuring...

Sewing into adulthood

09

Family consumer science department teaches life skills

by deja lacey

If sophomore Kirsten Kaste was stuck in the jungle and became Jane in the middle of Tarzan’s crazy world, she would be able to survive all because of one class she took in high school.

“It’s a good opportunity. If I couldn’t go out to buy my clothes, sewing would be my first alternative,” Kaste said.

By taking Interior Design, Textiles and Apparel, and Developing Child, students have the opportunity to learn skills that will benefit them in the future. In these classes students learn to design a room, make clothing, and protect a baby through its development.

Kaste has been involved in Textiles and Apparel for one semester of her sophomore year. In the short time in the class Kaste made skirts, pajama pants, yoga pants, and a pin cushion.

She has ventured out from playing basketball and soccer to see what other things she is successful at.

“Sewing is not for everyone because it’s time consuming, but I’m not all that bad at it,” she said.

Unlike Kaste, senior Whittney Braxton knows that she wouldn’t be able to keep herself clothed in the middle of the jungle.

“The skill comes in handy just in case I need to fix something, but I don’t think that I would be OK in the jungle with my

sewing skills alone,” Braxton said.

She admits that Textiles and Apparel were not her first choice, but it has now become a favorite class.

“It’s easier to get help in the class since there are only eight of us,” Braxton said.

Even though Braxton is in the class and enjoys working with the teacher, she doesn’t plan on continuing the skill outside of high school.

Another class that is useful outside of school is Interior Design. Students plan and build small layouts of individual rooms.

“I can use my imagination and take advantage of that piece of my brain I hardly use,” Michel Enochs said.

Enochs is a freshman and chose interior design because he thought it might be beneficial to him.

“So far we’ve made a pin cushion and designed a room inside of a shoe box.

Mine wasn’t all that good, but it was cool to see everyone else’s designs,” he said.

Even though Enochs is studying interior design, he doesn’t think that he wants to continue any design work when he finishes school. “[Design] is time consuming and sometimes it’s really hard to come up with new ideas,” Enoch said.

Time consuming projects and long

laboring thoughts are what junior Jessica Thompson has to deal with in Developing Child.

Thompson said that she enjoyed taking the fake babies home.

“Mine cried a lot, but it was still kind of cool,” she said.

Developing Child is a class in which students learn to properly take care of a child and keep it away from hidden dangers.

“I think that the most surprising thing I’ve learned from the class is what happens to babies when people shake them.

It’s scary to think that people would do that to someone who hasn’t done anything wrong,” Thompson said.

Even though she has learned a lot and has taken care of her fake baby, Thompson doesn’t want to be a mother anytime soon.

“I just know that I’m way too young to have any kids, plus I cherish my inner child too much.”

Top left: A display before entering the culinary and interior design room where students make clothes and build small room models.

Top right: Kirsten Kaste finishes a leopard print dress before finals.

Bottom right: Whittney Braxton hems a purple sweatshirt made just for her senior year. Photos by Deja Lacey.

10

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Guy’s Guide To a Successful Valentine’s Day

by ryan murphy February 14th is a day many guys dread. Now, all you girls out there may simply roll your eyes and say, “Guys are just afraid of commitment” or “They just don’t care.”

But in all honesty, guys do care. The pressure to make Valentine’s Day as romantic and memorable as possible is extreme. However, many of us may be inept when

Leaders speak up

do you have a girlfriend?

Do you have plans?

Make plans Do these plans involve ...

make new plans Fast food?

Grocery store

flowers?

over

Homemade “coupon books”?

golden!

A

heart shaped box of chocolate?

Key Club members convene to discuss issues on Tuesday night. Photo

it comes to the more delicate parts of a relationship, so by Jake Settera. hopefully this simple guide can spare any unnecessary pain and suffering. Some of the items in this flowchart come from personal experience so you can learn from my past mistakes, and others simply to avoid the overly by kaiden phelan Many students at CMR have amazing talents, and they cliché, and being “that guy.” To all the guys out there, meet together in clubs like the one that senior Mandi Engen good luck on this pivotal relationship milestone. is president of.

As president of drama club, Engen is as passionate about her club as one would expect of someone holding her position.

“I love it. It gives me more responsibility; underclassmen look to me for advice,” Engen said.

She is one member on a board of three that organizes fundraisers, get togethers, and community service projects.

The title comes with its challenges, however. Besides having issues with money, there are other problems.

Get one One challenge is “getting people in the clubs that are as committed to it as the other officers and I,” Engen said.

The club doesn’t make her miss too much school because they meet only on club days; the only school she misses is because of the State Thespian Festival.

“The club is super fun and you don’t need to be a super good actor to be in it. It will help you come out of your shell and open yourself up to new things and wonderful people,” she said.

Try harder!

Claire Knox is the vice president of Key Club.

As the VP she takes care of leading meetings, going to events, and recruiting.

“People are depending on you and you don’t want to disappoint them,” Knox said.

Key Club members perform volunteer work and hold fundraisers to help the community and the school. They also run the concession stands that sell popcorn and slushies at home games.

Stay home and play Skyrim “[Key Club] is fun and it’s not just about work and volunteering. We also do babysitting and the club looks good on a resume,” said Knox.

Key Club does a lot to help the community, and its members are dedicated to helping others in whatever way they can, whether it is a fundraiser or just plain manual labor.

The newly formed band council is another organization made up of dedicated individuals.

The elected President of the band council is senior tenor Start saxophone player Olivia Moulton.

“Since the band council is new this year, we are kind of figuring it out as we go along,” Moulton said.

Wow. Really?

In order to have fair representation in the group, there are four representatives, one from each class in Symphonic band. In addition to the representatives, there is an elected President, Vice President and Secretary.

“We represent the interests of the band program and we are all very dedicated to both music and the sense of among the band members. We love being part You’re Have fun! community of the band.”

Moulton said she enjoys being on the band council.

“I love it. Being involved in the band as much as I can is what I love to do, and that gives me a unique opportunity to do what is the best for the band as a whole,” Moulton said.

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

11

As high as the eagle soars

Freshman Brennan Lukas achieves the highest honor in Boy Scouts

ing the required 21 merits to be beThe eagle is a sign in our country, for leadership and come an eagle. honor. To be an eagle scout is the biggest honor any Boy He learned about maturity, what it takes to be a Scout can earn. leader, and life skills, Mike Lukas said.

“I was ecstatic. I wanted to jump up and start dancAfter getting the required merits, Boy Scouts have to ing,” freshman Brennan Lukas said when he got his come up with a final project that helps the community. eagle.

The scout needs to be the leader of the project.

Lukas received his eagle at the age 14 after getting 25 Lukas, with the help of his father, who is also his merit badges and completing his eagle project. scout master, and other members scraped, repaired,

“He worked extremely hard; you usuand painted 55 picnic tables at the fair“I was ecstatic. I wanted to grounds in four days. ally get the eagle at 18,” Sherri Lukas, jump up and start dancing.”

Brennan’s mom, said.

The completion of this project earned Brennan Lukas him his eagle scout.

After starting Boy Scouts as a tiger cub in the first grade, Lukas gradually worked In honor of earning his eagle scout at his way up, going to summer camps, parsuch a young age, an American flag was ticipating in activities, and learning to be a leader. flown over the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C. He finally succeeded in getting what he had worked He can continue working on merits, called eagle for – the eagle. palms, and now be a staff member at Boy Scout camps, “It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice,” Mike Lu- his father said. kas, Brennan’s father, said.

“He has done an awesome job, he will always be a Because he always put Boy Scouts first, Lukas sacri leader,” Sherri Lukas said. by stephanie mccracken

Top: In celebration of becoming an eagle scout, Brennan Lukas, shows off all his badges, and new eagle sash. Photo by Beth Britton.

Top left: The American flag that was flown over Washington, D.C. Middle: Eagle badge, worn on Lukas’s uniform, and medal. Top right: Eagle sash that was replaced with Lukas’s Boy Scout sash on his uniform. Photos by Stephanie McCracken.

cramming+chaos = CMR finals week + Teachers, students share expectations, preparations for semester tests ficed weekends and summers working toward earn-

Coffee

by whisper harris

For the last couple of weeks, nights and weekends have been nothing but normal for freshman Rebecca Rutledge. Instead of hanging out with friends or catching up on the latest episode of “Glee”, she spent hours pouring over textbooks in preparation for her first finals week.

For someone who has never taken a final, the tests can be intimidating.

“I am really scared to take finals because I am not good at tests, [and] I don’t want to fail my freshman classes,” Rutledge said.

Teachers prepare students for finals in several ways.

Review packets are a popular choice.

Rutledge said that the packets are “helping to refresh my memory.”

After finals, Rutledge said that the packets proved to be successful.

“My finals went really well; the review packets helped me a lot,” she said.

For senior Princess Braaten, review has been an im-

portant part of taking finals.

“I make sure to study before [finals week]. If I need help I ask my teachers,” Braaten said.

After all her tests were taken, Braaten said, “the thing that helped me the most this semester was just paying attention in class.”

Some students cram the night before the big test, while others spend weeks in preparation. For teachers, preparation can begin months ahead.

“I have to make sure tests are written that cover everything we’ve gone over, ”AP calculus, algebra 3, and geometry teacher Marcia Anderson said. “The review [also] has to be planned.”

Anderson said teachers are allowed to go in almost any direction with how they give their finals. Some give a big test, whereas others are more carefree with their finals and make them easy.

For his finals, drama teacher Chris Evans has his students memorize and preform a monologue.

“Monologue is a true test for an actor to see if they are

absorbing what I am teaching,” Evans said.

Evans grades the monologues differently than other teachers.

“It’s real subjective. Everything is on a 10 point scale,” Evans said.

Like Evans, Anderson has to decide what things are important for her students to know.

“I decide what is important for the students to know [and] what they really need to know for their future,” she said.

Every year there are students who fail classes. A student who fails has to retake that class in order to earn the credit.

Having students fail is, “one of the hardest parts about my job, “Anderson said.

14

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Iraq war hits close to home for CMR staff, students before going to war, Schalin has noticed some changes by peyton fulbright Recently, freshman Trina Schalin learned that the in her brother.

“He’s not a person who’s afraid. He’s really tough.

U.S. Air Force can take you near and far, and that is exHe’s stronger, and even a lot nicer,” Schalin said. actly what has happened to her enlisted siblings.

While it’s hard to have a family member serving “Whenever my mom is asked about my brothers, she always tells them one is going to heaven and one to overseas, it’s no treat to be serving. Freshman science teacher Mike Beck served in Iraq from November 2004 hell,” Schalin said.

Schalin’s brother Thomas will be deployed to the to November 2005.

While deployed, Beck worked as an infanMiddle Eastern warzone in June, try company commander. He was in charge and her other brother, Terrence, is currently stationed in Hawaii.

“It gets to be where you of 135 men and an 1800 square kilometer area.

Thomas is training to be a don’t know what day of the They were responsible for security of local vilpara-rescue jumper. After a pilot week it is, because you work lages, facilitating city governments, training is shot down, his duty comes into every day. You have a mission local security forces, and supervising public work projects such as building schools and waplay. He jumps out of a plane every day.” ter treatment plants. and rescues the pilot. He can ap Mike Beck Fellow CMR teacher Dennis Mora was in ply basic medical services while the same company as Beck. According to Beck, they wait to be picked up via heMora recently got back from a second tour overseas, licopter.

“When he left I wanted to start crying; it was sad,” where he was a sergeant for a different company.

The hardest part of being deployed is being away, Schalin said. “I’ve never had this. It’s a first time for all Beck said. He was away from home and family for a of us.”

Although the family is concerned and doesn’t want year and a half because he went to train in Texas for four him to get hurt, they remain supportive of his decision months and then to Louisiana for two months before goto serve his country. After all, it’s somewhat of a family ing to Iraq.

It has changed now, but when Beck was serving, soltradition. His father served in the U.S. Marines, and his grandfather was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Although diers could have a half hour a day in the tent that conit’s family tradition, Schalin doesn’t want to serve. She tained telephones and computers. Of course, they could only utilize it while they weren’t busy. Beck said he conplans on going to college.

As you can imagine, enlisting can change a person. tacted his family about once a week.

“It gets to be where you don’t know what day of the Having a strict schedule, and becoming mentally strong and physically strong are all essential to serving. Even week it is, because you work every day. You have a mis-

sion every day,” Beck said.

Another consequence of war that is less apparent is what it’s like to come back. Beck missed experiencing his son learning how to ride a bike, both his and his family’s birthdays, the holidays, and his own anniversary.

As hard as it is to have family serving, it has been senior Alex Pope’s whole life. Her father, now retired, has been serving for 24 years.

This last April, he got back from six months in Afghanistan as a member of the Red Horse squadron. According to Pope, when Red Horse came back, they had all of the soldiers’ families in an airplane hangar. There they waited until the doors opened. In walked all of the soldiers, they joyfully reunited with their family.

Staying true to the expected, the Pope family has lived in many different locations. Before living in Great Falls, they lived a short hop over the pond, in England.

Right before making the move, they learned that he would be serving as a member of Red Horse as soon as they came to Great Falls.

According to Pope, having her father away has gotten easier as she got older. Now, she can be emotionally there for her mother.

The hardest part for Pope was the little things. No family dinners, not opening Christmas presents with him, not having him around for birthdays. To make up for missing the holidays, the Pope family had a Thanksgiving gathering before he left for the Middle East. He even felt so bad for missing Pope’s birthday, that he went to great lengths to make up for it. He bought her a car.

“It was nice, but I’d rather have my dad than a car.”

Great Falls Costumes

Over 100 gorgeous gowns and we will alter to fit

WE NEED YOU! It is time for enrolling in the 2012-2013 school year courses at Great Falls Public Schools.

Agriculture Leadership: This course would not formally meet during the day. Students will complete a SAE program, participate in a FFA committee and Career Development Events (CDE’s).

Agriculture I-IV: These are grade specific courses. They focus on Physical and Biological Agriculture Systems then allow students to explore specific areas of interest to them.

Check the School Course Catalogue for more details.

Advisor: Jodi Koterba Phone: 406-268-6213 Fax: 406-268-6109 E-mail: jodi_koterba@gfps.k12.mt.us

We also have tuxedos in many colors to choose from Instock tux rental starting at $25 311 Central Ave. (406) 771-0900 Hours: 11-5 Mon.-Tues Thurs.-Fri. By appt. on Wed. and Sat.

Help support CMR’s Business Professionals of America with RUSTLER GEAR! White and gray t-shirts Long-sleeve t-shirts Sweatshirts Hoodies Find RUSTLER GEAR at all basketball games or call Mrs Parsons 268-6245

PROM

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Planning underway for 2012 by keeli telleen

Taffeta, bow ties, and fake tanning are about to make their annual comeback at CMR. That’s right, prom is a mere nine weeks away.

After some speculation due to MORP’s cancellation as to whether the school would even host the event, Associate Principal Julie Tramelli confirmed that prom will take place.

“There’s still planning to be done,” Tramelli said. “But yes, we are having it.”

Prom will be held in the CMR Fieldhouse on Friday, March 30, from 8-11:30 p.m. It is the end of the quarter, so it’s a half day for students.

“We are talking about possibly catering the event and having a sort of dinner,” Tramelli said.

A meeting is set to be held today, Jan. 26, at 3:20 p.m. in the media center to help further plans and make decisions.

What to consider for the big night:

• Matching- Coordinating corsage and boutonniere flowers is generally essential, and you can also consider matching tux vest and dress colors with your date.

• Dinner- If all you want on prom night are some chicken nuggets, you probably don’t need to call ahead to save seats at McDonald’s.

However, if you want to eat out somewhere like Jaker’s or Macaroni Grill, make reservations early.

• Pictures- Warm up your smile muscles, because you are almost guaranteed to be grin sore by the time you get to the dance. Work with your group to figure out when and where your families want to capture you looking all glamorous.

• Shoes- Stillettos are probably not going to be your friend this evening, ladies. You can brave them if you wish, but keep comfortable footwear in mind. This goes for guys as well.

15

Teachers reflect on prom experiences by keeli telleen

Growing up in Roundup, Mont., English teacher Brian Crosby had slim pickings when it came to taking his prom date to dinner.

“There were really only two nice restaurants in town,” Crosby said. “My junior year we went to the Busy Bee; I think I had fried shrimp.”

Chemistry teacher Karen Spencer’s junior prom in Bozeman had some rough moments.

“My date wanted to show off his Jeep after the dance, but it was rainy and it got stuck in the mud. We had to hike out,” Spencer said. “Of course we hadn’t changed; I was still wearing my dress.”

Her senior prom, however, was entirely different. Spencer spent the end of her senior year in Peru, and was able to attend prom there.

“It was very cool,” she said. “It was held two weeks after graduation outside at a fancy country club. The weather was nice, and the band that played was the top band in Peru at that time.”

Ice sculptures and a huge buffet completed the outdoor Peruvian prom.

Instead of sporting sparkles and candy colors, though, the girls bore more resemblance to brides.

“It was customary to wear a long white dress there,” Spencer added.

be gorgeous... be beautiful... be fabulous...

1102 Central Avenue Great Falls MT 59401 761-6338

Girls know prom is all about the dress. Choir director Jennifer Cantley had several opportunities to go to prom when she was a student at CMR, and wore a variety of strapless gowns to her dances.

“We didn’t wear long dresses,” she said. “They were either calf-length tea dresses or very short. One of my dresses was electric blue, one was iridescent purple, and my senior year it was white with black polka dots.”

Government teacher Brian Halverson shakes his head when he recalls his own prom attire.

“Looking back, the fact that I was wearing a mauve and white Miami Vice tux is embarrassing,” Halverson said.

“My mullet was also laughable.”

Halverson remembers sprucing up his car in preparation for the formal evening.

“I spent two hours shining up a black Honda Civic thinking it was a serious pimp ride,” he said.

Locations, styles, and music choices may vary, but prom is a common high school experience for every generation.

“I definitely had a lot of fun,” Cantley said.

Crosby advises students to go and enjoy themselves.

“It’s what you make it,” he said.

“People put a lot of pressure and stigma on it, but in the end you should just relax and have fun.”

caitlyn aakre

I sunburn easily

entertainment editor

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

DJ Earworm is a man who creates mash-ups of popular songs and recently he released his 2011 yearin-review song entitled “World Go Boom.”

It features 22 of America’s pop hits, and two “late-breaking” songs (Rihanna’s “We Found Love” and LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It).

His first year-end mashup was released in 2009 and got some radio airplay.

This year, it was a quieter release but fantastic, just the same.

It’s obvious who the noisemakers were in 2011- the song includes three songs from Katy Perry and two from both Adele and Bruno Mars.

Upsetting to me, my Mother Monster, Lady Gaga, had only one song represented, “Born This Way.” To balance that, however, my new favorite band, Foster the People, had their mainstream hit “Pumped Up Kicks” honored.

These songs are all different in theme and voice, but Earworm manages to create a collage, if you will, that paints a beautiful picture of catchy lyrics and beats that united us in 2011 at school dances and car rides on a Friday night with our friends.

I’m a fan of every song on the list, as a major fan of mainstream pop music. As a celebration of 2011, the mashup is the perfect way to ring in 2012. I look forward to the mashup for next year.

Music brings listeners together.

It’s a unifying part of our society. I encourage you to join in the love and visit www.djearworm.com and look for the song. It’s available for free download.

entertainment

16

Things

you must experience before the end...

• Anchorman

• Step Brothers

“Where did you get your clothes? The… “Why are you so sweaty? I was watching Toilet… store?” cops.”

• The Hangover • The Other Guys “I didn’t know they gave out rings in the Holocaust.”

• Austin Powers “Judo CHOP!”

• Hot Rod

12 most quotable comedy movies you must watch pre-pocalypse...

- “Alright! High five!”

n.

lle rey a

• Borat

ar

co k by twor

• Napoleon Dynamite

• Airplane!

“Chip, bring me my chapstick! Gosh!”

“Surely you can’t be serious. I am serious… and don’t call me Shirley” •Tropic Thunder “What do you mean...

• Forrest Gump you people?”

• Listen to a FULL Beatles song.

• A sick dubstep bass drop (Check out Bass Nectar, Datsik) • Freak out to Crazy 80’s hairband ballads • Get “Rick Rolled” by Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” • Survive “LoFi” music (bad music on purpose/dirty hipster music) • Penguins can jump up to 6 feet into the air • On average a 4-year-old child asks 437 questions a day

• Superbad • Listen to some bluegrass music

• Get through “Concrete Angel” by Martina McBride without crying

• Blast some “Celtic Folk Metal” • Grit your teeth through “Friday” by Rebecca Black • Mosh to a metalcore breakdown (Parkway Drive) • Be wowed by an epic blues guitar solo

• Indulge in some 80’s one-hit wonders (Vanilla Ice; Ice Ice Baby)

12 pieces of ear candy required to die happy...

12 crazy facts you absolutely can’t die without knowing...

• As you age, your eye color gets lighter • There is about 200 times more gold in the world’s oceans than has been mined in our entire history • It takes about 20 seconds for a red blood cell to circle the whole body.

• Termites eat wood twice as fast when listening to heavy metal music

• The chance that you will die on the way to buy your lottery ticket is greater than the chance of you winning the big prize in most lotteries

• Owls are the only birds who can see the color blue • A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue

•72% of Americans sign their pets’ names on greeting cards they send out

• When a cat rubs up against its owner’s legs, it may be thought that this is a sign of affection. However, by doing this the cat is marking its territory or property • The youngest pope was 11 years old compiled by corey allen.

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

17

The evolution of Symbolology

#

The “hashtag”

typically used in front of a (jumble of) word(s) to indicate a “trend.” example: #ILoveShoes

@

The at-sign

used to communicate with other tweeters. example: @jenni_ peer, hey girl. wanna get lunch?

Make sure to follow us! @RustlerNews

#WhatIsThisTwitterThing? by caitlyn aakre

Just like any other social networking site, Twitter has grown quickly in a short period of time. It was first launched July 15, 2006 and has grown into one of the most popular ways to keep in touch with everyone from Justin Bieber to your Uncle Bill.

Many may describe the site as “basically Facebook statuses,” but it is much more than that. It allows for networking and short information to be received in an efficient, quick way. Now with over 300

million worldwide users, Twitter is finally flooding the halls of CMR. Students and faculty alike take part in the 140-character fun.

The simplicity of Twitter is also an appealing factor for users. There are no games, no reports on what articles you’re reading, no relationship statuses and biographies are kept to 140 characters, as well. Pictures are uploaded to Twitter, but unlike Facebook, you have the option of clicking a link to see the picture rather than seeing it in full size on news feed.

Seniors ‘tweet’ out about #ImportantIssues Garrett Lankford

@lankford59548: if I could have one person follow me it would be @taylorswift13 because she writes mad cool lyrics.

Lexi Pyette

@Lexidog23: I use Twitter to follow my friends and look up basketball, and other sports scores around the state. I also like to follow new trends!

Jenni Peer

@jenni_peer: my famous favorite tweeter is @MichealPhelps. #nodoubt.

Lenaya Jung

@lenayaaa12: Mr. Hibbert or Greenie [would be the faculty members I’d like to see get a Twitter.]

Mandi Engen

@mandirocksyo: Oh my god! It [my dream follower] would be @aplusk. mmm, that boy! <3

#StatSwag tweets have to contain 140

characters or less.

Lady Gaga has the most followers with 18, 412, 647+ people subscribed to her tweets.

40% of tweets

are categorized as “pointless babble.”

144 million

tweets are tweeted, on average, every day

11%of tweeters are ages 11-17.

18

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Jazzhands!

Annual festival celebrates riffs, rhythms, and radical ranges The annual Jazz Festival was held January 5-6 and featured instructors from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.

The Russtones and Russell Ayres

spent two days working with the professors to prepare their Jan. 6 concert.

Great Falls High School’s Blue Notes and Delphian choir joined CMR’s finest in the concert.

The Russell Ayres perform at the Jazz Workshop concert on Jan. 6. Students received specialized training from University of Idaho music professors.

Great Falls High School’s Delphian choir joined the Russell Ayres to perform. At left, junior Brianne Chibroski and senior Jordan Kemp work to perfect their vocals during a rehearsal. Photos by Beth Britton.

Above, juniors Tanner Gliko and Logan Sobin play a bowl and sink as part of the traditional percussion ensemble. University of Idaho’s professor Dan Bukvich coordinates the ensemble every year.

Below, the Russtones’ trumpet players rehearse for their Jan. 6 concert. At right, Russ Kellogg speaks to the audience before a song. Photos by Beth Britton.

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How many resolutions have you failed so far?

r

0. I forgot to make any.

sa

h ra

I can’t remember if I made any.

Describe the standing outside cheesiest I can’t think of window with guitar Valentine’s date one. ever in 5 words.

When is it inappropriate to Tebow?

How did the chicken cross the road?

Do you believe in life after love? special celebrity question!

When you lose to the Patriots.

Very carefully.

I’m still alive.

sa

ra

Do you believe in love after life?

sa

ra

All of them... (I didn’t every one that I have make any New Year’s made :) resolutions.)

Dinner with your boyfriend’s grandparents. during

At Applebee’s?

He took the crosswalk, safety first of course!

wier

ge

?

Any scene from Twilight movies. middle of a marathon

well...

one foot in front it didn’t of the other.

fly

yes, life goes on

I feel something inside me say I really don’t think I’m strong enough, no.

19

buley

b

rid

mauseth

carpenter

scholten

The CHART

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

a sa r

none- just had one, so far so good!

red roses and dark chocolate. during singing in class! on his tip toes.

keepingactive

20

alecks leavey

notes from a

smart-aleck sports editor

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

There is no middle ground with Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.

You either love him or you hate him because it is impossible to simply “like” him. No, Tebow is too polarizing a figure to be disrespected with a “ho-hum” opinion.

There are dark cults who worship the former Gator in the darkness of their basements and sermons on Sunday mornings describing his inexplicable fourth quarter comebacks. Kyle Orton has nightmares of him seducing Mrs. Orton, and fantasy team owners have given up trying to guess if he will complete more than four passes or sling for 300 yards.

This guy is the clean version of Charlie Sheen; he’s the less annoying Rebecca Black. He is everywhere. Kids are getting suspended for “Tebowing” in hallways. Even I can’t help but drop to one knee when I accomplish seemingly meaningless tasks, like not burning my toast or opening a book to the exact page I wanted.

He’s made being a Christian cool again, and in a way that is tantalizingly impossible to define. His confidence in himself and his Denver Broncos teammates is the gear that keeps “Tebow Time” up-to-date.

And while it may not have improved his accuracy, his unshakable faith seemed to have paid off through all the media and all the miracles that have occurred on his football field.

But alas, all overhyped athletes must eventually fall down to Earth. Unfortunately for Tebow, he not only landed on solid ground, but was buried by the likes of Tom Brady. Face it Broncos faithful. God is a Patriots fan.

Striking up success

Ali Coster shares her life in the lanes ey,” she said.

Turning a fun time with friends into a Last summer in Billings she won a gold competitive way to earn scholarship mon- medal for scratch and won a gold medal for ey is right down senior a team event. Coster has “Now it’s more I’m competing, been doing well in her Ali Coster’s alley.

I want to do well. I want to win sport and was named Starting in third tournaments.

grade on Saturday athlete of the week in the Ali Coster mornings, Coster met Great Falls Tribune in her friends at the bowling alley for fun.

December 2011. Coster’s old way to have Now years later in high school, she goes fun with friends has turned into something bowling twice a week, and once a month different and sensational for her. she participates in a traveling league that is “Now it’s more I’m competing, I want comprised of the best bowlers in the state. to do well. I want to win tournaments,” This traveling league voyages to cities Coster said. “ It’s fun and I love it.” around the state and partakes in different Coster’s bowling has been an influentournaments. tial part of her life, giving her different op“My mom got me started when I was portunities beyond the scholarship money. younger. I really didn’t know about it,” “I met so many new friends and Coster said. formed lifelong relationships,” Coster said.

Her fun is a stepping stone to earn cash “I absolutely love it, I love that anyone and for college. To win scholarship money, everyone can do it.”

Coster had to apply through United States Coster will be attending Montana Bowling Congress, or USBC. During tour- State University in Bozeman next autumn, naments, Coster now wins scholarship where she will continue bowling in the city money if she places in the top five or actu- leagues. ally wins.

“In November, I was in Butte for Ringin’ Ten and won $300 in scholarship monby mandi monroe

Top left: Showcasing success at the state games, Ali Coster poses with bling.

Bottom left: Playing to win down in Billings, Coster competes in the State Games with teammate Gretchen Fasting.

Top right: Practice makes perfect for Coster as she refiness her technique at the recently closed Pin and Cue bowling alley. Photos courtesy of Ali Coster.

Sara Lexi

Colton

Joey

the starting lineup

Why do you play basketball?

‘Cause of our great coach, John Cislo. :) Why is boys basketball going to win this year?

‘Cause Colton Carter plays.

Marzion

Why do you play basketball?

I play basketball because I have a huge height advantage over everyone. I’m 5’0. :) Why is girls basketball going to win this year?

We have good team chemistry and good teammates. Plus we do Chaddy O conditioning.

Why do you play basketball?

So I have an excuse to hang out with Paste. OMG lolz, he is so cool.

What are you doing this year to win?

Taking lots of bathroom and bus pictures with my teammates so we can come together as a team.

Josh

Carter

Pyette

Why is girls basketball awesome this year?

It’s my senior year and our team is much closer this year and we have a better sense of teamwork.

Why is girls basketball better than any other sport?

Girls. Basketball. Do you really have to ask?

What have you been working on to be better this year?

I have been working on my jumpshot. I can hit shots from anywhere on the court. I have also been trying to be better friends with Paste.

Why do you play basketball?

I play basketball because it is a really fun sport. It also gives me a chance to play with Paste (Jayce McLean).

Russ

Horner

Wier

Why is girls basketball going to win this year?

Girls’ basketball is going to win this year because we have Kaydee Parsons.

What are you doing to be better this year?

Passing the ball more to Kaydee Parsons and yoga in the morning, pilates in the evening. Not to mention private lessons from the Wranglers.

Why do you play basketball?

It’s easy! For the ladies, obviously.

Why is boys basketball going to win this year?

We will win because we expect to win and we play wanting to win every game. We will also win because we have six players that can dunk! We also have the best coach in the state. JOHN CISLO!

Morin

Kumm

Why is girls’ basketball awesome this year?

Obviously because of Chaddy O Conditioning Why is girls basketball better than any other sport?

Because Kaydee Parsons always has the best jokes. So there’s this guy named Steve...

Cameron

Why is boys basketball going to win this year?

We hustle lots. We have the one and only “Paste.”

Boyle really stepped up for us. We ball so hard.

What are you doing to be better this year?

We are having more team bonding. We play lightning and tips to get better at shooting. Layup game is also helping us be better all-around players. Tony (Roni) Lewson inspired us.

the startinglineup

Brandy Hannah Diondra

Vining

Why is girls basketball going to win this year?

Because we have Kaydee Parsons on the team and she is going to take us where we need to go.

And also we have Chaddy O Conditioning.

Why do you play basketball?

So I can hang out and talk with Brandy. And pretend like I have friends.

21

Oswood

Denton

Rustler Basketball

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Thinking about your future?

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22

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Catching up with athletes on the go Behind the scenes of swimming, wrestling through eyes of competitors

Harris overcomes injury, Michelotti, swim team strive towards state win continues swimming by katlyn mckay Now sporting CMR colors, senior Aubrey Harris competes against old friends.

“I’m perfectly fine with it because I used to go to Great Falls High—we’re all family,” Harris said.

Harris took swimming lessons in sixth and seventh grade and also took swim class her freshman year at Great Falls High. Since sophomore year she has been competing against her first high school at CMR. One thing that not many people know is that the swim team has a great sense of unity, and team members cheer each other on as loud as they can, Harris said.

“I make it a source of personal pride to be the loudest one,” she said. “The unity that we have—we have to make sure we’re working hard to beat the other team.”

Her strategy isn’t necessarily to win, but she competes in the longer distance events with her freestyle stroke, something that no one else does.

In swim meets, Harris competes for letter points in the 200 relay and 500 relay events.

Even though she injured her hip rotator last year, Harris underwent physical therapy over the summer and was able to continue with her high school swimming career. Harris said that her hip is fine now.

Harris said the hardest part about being on the swim team is practice and dealing with irritating people who don’t want to finish the sets.

She said she loves it when she passes her record times and either practices laps or does whatever the coach says in order to achieve these goals.

“I’m proud when I cut 19 seconds off my state time in the 500.”

by ryan schlosser Running a mile is no small feat. Double the distance, add water, and subtract breathing, and the solution equals an average swimming practice for sophomore Joe Michelotti.

“We swim about two miles a night,” he said. “You have to keep going.”

To further complicate the equation, Michelotti has been a part of the CMR swim team for two years and has felt the wear and tear begin to take its toll.

“You’re constantly being torn down by the practices,” he said. “I’ve had several teammates who have had injuries.”

And with merely four other boys to call teammates, Michelotti has grown a deep bond with his fellow swimmers. “[We’re] a family, and we are trying as hard as we can,” he said.

They are trying to succeed personally and collectively with their eyes on the final test: state.

“It is the climax of the season,” Michelotti said. “[Last year] was a really good experience.”

Given his physical stature, it’s no wonder backstroke is his preferred method of transportation. ”I’m tall and skinny, so it’s good for backstroke,” he said.

“I feel it’s natural to me.”

But he warns outsiders of the dangers of the sport he loves.

While some believe swimming is “easy, fun, or recreational,” Michelotti knows that it’s anything but.

Michelotti admits that the sport is brutal and “the practices are hard.”

“You can hyperextend your back, [and] there is tendonitis in your shoulder,” he said.

Perhaps one could solve the complex problem mentioned earlier, but the physical detriment is the true challenge.

However, Michelotti doesn’t let the potential for injury stop him from competing.

“You just have to keep going,” Michelotti said. “Eventually [it] gets better.”

Brugman prepares to sweat, win matches by luke sisko For sophomore Travis Brugman, wrestling is more than just winning; it’s breaking a sweat and working hard to prepare yourself.

The strategy of winning is “don’t get pinned, just keep fighting. Have your feet offset and be in a good stance position,” Brugman said. The hardest part about wrestling for Brugman is “being able to have the mental toughness to keep going,” he said.

In preparation for wrestling, it’s all about “picking up our conditioning and getting ready,” he added.

For Brugman, college wrestling may be a possibility for him also.

“I don’t know if I will make it or not,” Brugman said.

Some freshmen have doubts about being a wrestler, and they believe the sport will be easy, but Brugman has some wise words for those who are thinking about trying out for the team.

“Don’t underestimate it,” he said.

This is Brugman’s third year of wrestling, which shows him that he has strong passion for the sport.

He skipped driver’s education in order to devote time to his sport.

“My friends talked me into doing wrestling,” he said. “I was debating on whether to start it in high school. My dad said you can learn to drive for the rest of your life, but you only have these four years of wrestling.”

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

The battle across the river

23

Rival schools prepare to compete for triumph

by alecks leavey

Every school, every town, everyone has rivalries. Some are just not as intense as the relationship between Great Falls High and C.M. Russell.

Bison versus Rustlers, blue versus green - no matter basketball or wrestling, each anticipated matchup is sure to produce sparks. And where there are sparks, there is fire.

The swimming teams have signed a temporary peace treaty, and for good reason. Practicing against your opponent everyday could be straining.

Wins, losses, ties, blowouts, and buzzer beaters have raided the treasured history of these schools while generations of coaches and players have left their marks upon the campuses.

What will this year bring the town? We can only wait and see.

Next chance to witness the rivalry Feb 2: Boys/Girls Swimming Crosstown @ GFH 6:00 p.m.

Feb 9: Girls Basketball Crosstown @ GFH 7:30 p.m.

Feb 10: Boys Basketball Crosstown @ CMR 7:30 p.m.

Top: Both the Bison and Rustler swimmers take to the water for their regular daily practice on Jan. 12.

Bottom Right: In a tough win over her former team, senior Brandy Kumm takes the ball down the court on Jan. 10.

Bottom Left: Grasping for a final breath, CMR and GFH prepare to dive into the Bison pool on Jan. 12.

Top Left: Confident in his abilities, senior Blake Cotton attempts to take down his GFH opponent on Jan. 19 Bottom Left: Locking arms with another wrestler, junior Riley Wavra stays focused on Jan. 19.

Photos by Kelsey Smith

24

Jan. 26, 2012 The Stampede

Not simply a game

A quick lesson on Super Bowl 46

New York

Giants

by alecks leavey It took the fear of a lost season, the struggle to solve a lockout, and five months of the preseason and regular season to finally reach the ultimate game.

The Super Bowl is the most watched television program in the entire world with over 100 million viewers tuning in for the match, the commercials, and the halftime performance.

So you’re not a fan of either team; Feb. 5 will be a show for all casual observers as the New England Patriots meet again with the New York Giants in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII. While Boston looks for revenge, New York looks for complete dominance of their rival on the biggest stage.

It’s the Red Sox against the Yankees, it’s the Celtics versus the Knicks. It’s the two most successful cities going toe-totoe under the bright lights and flashing cameras.

Both teams took two very different paths to Indianapolis.

After breezing through the regular season with a highpowered offense and a dangerous tight-end duo, Tom Brady and the Patriots gave no hope to Boston faithful with three straight playoff loses; the porous defense and no name cor-

46% of surveyed students say the Giants will lift the Lombardi Trophy

“I think Tom Brady will do better against the Giants secondary than Eli Manning will do against the Patriots secondary.” - Sophomore Alex Ingram

nerbacks didn’t help either.

Can you guess the top rated defense in the playoffs now? If you’re surprised that its the Patriots’, then you’re not the only one. Bill Belichick has righted the ship just enough to squeeze his team to the Super Bowl after destroying the Broncos and surviving the Ravens. Brady looks for his fourth ring and more cement to solidify his Hall of Fame resume.

New York on the other hand suffered a bumpy road.

Nearly an afterthought towards the middle of the season, the Giants and Eli Manning won when it became necessary, and haven’t stopped. With a 9-7 regular season record, the Giants played spoiler to the best of the best; including the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49’ers.

With his big brother out of the way with injury, Eli hopes to prove he is elite; a task he has surely already accomplished with this playoff run. He’s tasted ultimate victory at the cost of a perfect Patriots season in 2007, and is hungry for the same outcome.

Both he and Brady will not accept defeat next weekend, but someone will be handed it.

Take Your Pick CMR

“Giants win because Joey Marzion and Brandon Knowles are Patriots fans!” - Senior Colton Carter

New England

Patriots

54% of surveyed students say the Patriots will be victorious on Feb. 5

“I think the Patriots will win the Super Bowl because they have been videotaping the Giants’ defensive signals. If you can’t beat them, just cheat!” - Senior Darby Lacey

“Giants [will win] because they have a strong defense with a solid quarterback behind them.” - Junior Marcus O’Campo