S The Stampede
C. M. Russell High School Great Falls, MT January 28, 2016 Vol. 51 Issue 4 www.rustlernews.com
“I would have liked to come out with a win, but you lose some and you win some...� he said.
Page 21 An open forum for student expression
Freshman hits the trails with Huskies
Page 12-13
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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.
2015-2016 Staff Editor-in-Chief
The Stampede
C. M. Russell High School Great Falls, MT January 28, 2015 Vol. 51 Issue 4 www.rustlernews.com
Features Editor
Carli Dieruf
Christina Brennan
Online Editor
Entertainment Editor
Isaiah Vang
Clara McClain
News Editor
Sports Editor
Tamara Miller Opinion Editor
JJ Mitchell
Mackenzie George Advertising Manager
Emily Cappis
Staff members
Christy Armstrong Andrew Aron Sophie Aron Josh Botti-Anderson Mary Brown Julia Gremaux Allison Hanson Ian Kaiser Katelyn Morley Quincy Schemechel
Abby Shearer Jara Wilkinson
Adviser
Beth Britton Principal
Kerry Parsons
On Jan. 18, sophomore Julia Gremaux went to freshman Spencer Bruggeman’s house to experience the sled dog culture. The two went on a sled dog ride during the late afternoon. Photos by Julia Gremaux.
Contents
Cover photo by JJ Mitchell
2- Table of Contents, Carli’s column NEWS 3- Terror and tech, scholarships 4- Jazz concert 5- Student teacher, advanced classes 6- Finals stress, the weekend after OPINION 7- Jaylynn’s column, coming out 8- Student voices, NY’s resolution 9- Safe sex 10- Christina’s column, Philosophy club, playlists 11- Faces in the crowd 12-13- Sled dogs 14- Cabin fever, Netflix and chill 15- Lottery tickets ENTERTAINMENT 16- Clara’s column, what are you reading, clowns with guns 17- Best books, horror movies 18- YouTube vloggers 19- Release of GTA 6 SPORTS 20- Mackenzie’s column, winter running 21- Crosstown rivals 22- Wrestling, by the numbers 23- Swimming BACK PAGE- Super Smash Bros.
Carli Dieruf
Editor-in-Chief
I hate to admit that I really don’t want to have children under the circumstances of today’s society. I remember being five years old and having my parents cover my eyes when there was a racy scene during a movie, which literally consisted of some heavy kissing, touching over clothing, but only that on most occasions. Today, it seems that you can’t watch one movie without seeing a woman’s entire nude chest. What ever happened to modesty? And why am I unlucky enough to be in the middle of this constant sex craze? A little here and there on movies is OK, but why does the audience get to see all that goes on in the bedroom? We know what is going on -- we don’t need to see all of the action. There’s a difference between realistic fiction and pornography, and today’s movie makers don’t seem to
Editorial Policy
The Stampede -- produced by journalism classes at C.M. Russell High School -- is a public forum for all voices on campus. These voices include the students, parents, faculty and the community at large. The opinions and views in this publication are not necessarily those of the Stampede staff, the student body, CMR employees or the school administration. The Stampede strives to cover the news accurately and fairly; however, when a mistake is made, a correction will be printed in the following issue. All writers are responsible for the content of their articles. Editors will edit all copy to be free of plagiarism and libel, and all writers will double-check their facts before publication. Letters to the editor and guest essays are welcome. Letters are limited to 200 words, and essays 350 words. All submissions
understand where that line stands. So many women and men don’t pray for health and happiness anymore, but instead a perfect body like the ones they see posted all over. The skinny, dark, toned bodies that not even those models have without a little Photoshop here and there. We want something that those beautiful people don’t even have. Perfection. I live in a time when kids are having sex, many are doing drugs and young girls are starving themselves because the young boys are drooling over the half naked Kate Upton that they see in magazines. My sister in middle school comes home and hides in her room, sometimes crying, because the boy that she likes has naked girls as his cell-phone background, and she wants to look like them instead. I can’t bear to watch my sister go through this, and that is not what I want my children to go through either. I don’t know what the young generation will be like when I get to the age of having children, but I’m not ready to find out. I wasn’t meant for this generation. I require something that is rare today: decency.
must be signed and include a phone number so authenticity can be verified. The editors and/or adviser reserve the right to edit all letters for grammar and spelling as well as content that may include profanity, be libelous, obscene or not meet general editorial guidelines. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Submissions can be dropped off in room 326 or e-mailed to: stampede@gfps.k12. mt.us. The Stampede maintains membership in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association and Quill and Scroll. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
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January 28, 2016 rustlernews.com
NEWS
Tamara Miller
News Editor
The latest trend on Facebook at the moment is “#wastehistime and hertime2016.” Congratulations, people of Facebook. You just started another stupid fad. For those of you who aren’t active in the social media circle, the “#wastehis/hertime2016” is people posting statuses about how they can waste someone’s time this year, mainly if you have a relationship with that person, the main goal is to hurt them in the end. These “fads” are absolutely stupid. Seeing a status like, “Wait until he catches feelings and then ask him if his best friend is single. #Wastehistime2016” is just ridiculous. First off, no one cares to read that online. Secondly, why in the world would you do that to someone? You make yourself look like an awful person and end up making someone feel like a joke. Fads and trends like these make me sick, and this is the big thing to start off 2016? It isn’t right. This topic leads me into another subject about Facebook, the one thing I’ve seen on that dreadful site just about every other day: Facebook fights. I’ve had multiple adults tell me that “back in the day” if someone had an issue with someone it either got solved in person or it never happened because of the fact that they couldn’t cower behind a screen. Nowadays, if someone has an issue with someone, they hide behind a screen and act as if they are tough and prepared to duke it out, when in reality they would never bring it up in person. The “#wastehis/ hertime2016” is an example of people hiding behind a screen, making others look like jokes and being rude. Facebook is drama central. You can probably see a fight about every other day because of stupid posts like the one above, or because someone’s opinion isn’t liked. In my defense, I’ve been there and done that, been a part of a fight and calling others out. Am I proud of it? No, not at all. Looking back at it I feel completely stupid. I think high school would go a tad bit smoother if we didn’t have this drama online; it wouldn’t feed into the school. If students wouldn’t be so defensive about each other’s opinions we wouldn’t even have this issues. One thing that this generation lacks is respect for others. The majority of it comes from social media. Adults everywhere try and get us to stop, but it continues to go on. I hate being apart of a generation that has so much disrespect. Honestly, if I could go back and stop myself from getting involved in so much drama on social media I would. I still remember the multiple times I would walk into Officer Taylor’s office to ask for help with it, and each time he would say, “Just ignore it and move on.” Different issues with drama, but same advice each time. Finally I’ve started taking that advice, and it’s been one of the best decisions during my senior year. I advise every student to take that advice. It will take you further than you think.
Technology, media, and terrrorism by Josh Botti-Anderson, staff writer portions of Syria, where a multi-front civil war has allowed In today’s advanced age of technology, with mobile, the group to gain a foothold in an area devastated by years of Internet-carrying devices commonplace, online media informs conflict. According to the BBC, an estimated 20,000 foreigners the worldview of the young and aged alike. Technology has have joined ISIS in Syria and Iraq, a quarter coming from facilitated globalization, allowing for the immediate transfer Western countries. of information across the world, and has Online information has a virtual brought together cultures once separated presence. Modes of thinking exist within by thousands of miles. Reporting on the minds of individuals, requiring no events provides immediate coverage physical presence to spread. It is by this that can be viewed by anyone online, process that terrorism is becoming a regardless of location. growing threat. To the online forefront This vast connectivity of people of the war on terror, extremism is a virus from different nations is the next big that can lie dormant for years, only to step in solving some of the world’s erupt unexpectedly in a fever of terror. most pressing problems. However, In this way, ISIS and other terrorist such a powerful tool has increasingly groups have carried out attacks outside been put to ill use in the hands of those of their stronghold, in countries with a wishing to uphold and spread their Turkish policemen check a security camera near high level of security and stability. own extremist ideologies. To keep the site of a suicide bombing in Istanbul on Jan. The most recent attacks on society safe, governments respond by 12, when 10 people were killed. Photo: MCT the United States occurred on Dec. implementing online monitoring and 2, which left 14 people dead in San security technologies. Bernardino, Calif., and Jan. 7, when a Philadelphia police Terrorist organizations have extensively used social media officer was attacked and inurjed. In both cases, the attackers to spread their propaganda. The so-called Islamic State, or were born in the United States (with the exception of one of ISIS, poses an enormous threat to national security, and has the California shooters). According to the BBC, they also used acquired a reputation for using media sites to recruit and technology by being active on ISIS media sites, where they coordinate with foreign members. ISIS currently controls received assistance in coordinating their attacks. large territories in the Middle East, including significant
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Scholarship applications are available in the counseling center and online. Scholarship deadlines are just around the corner! (Dates vary) Don’t put this reminder off any longer, or you may be left in the dark. See your counselor if you have questions.
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January 28, 2015
News
Professors from University of Idaho joined GFH and CMR students on the night of Jan. 8 to participate in the 32nd annual Jazz Concert. Photos by Sophie Aron and Jara WIlkinson.
Students, professors celebrate 32nd annual jazz concert by Jara Wilkinson, staff writer Every year music professors travel to Great Falls from the University of Idaho’s Lionel Hampton School of Music to work with the CMR and GFHS jazz bands and choirs. They put a month’s worth of work, and pile it into two days; the outcome is amazing. Senior Garret Arps said he couldn’t agree more. “My favorite part of it all had to be the finale; it looked so put together. It was just really cool,” he said. Arps started choir in the seventh grade, and during his high school years he has moved up to be a member of the top choirs at CMR: Russell Ayres and Chanteur. “I started because it’s something I’m good at and something I enjoy,” he said. Arps said that the singers were required to stay after school both nights to learn and rehearse their pieces. The professors mainly worked with the students in whole groups. They broke down into smaller groups later on, and Arps said that it worked well for him. Being his second jazz concert, Arps said he has had a different challenge each year. He said this year’s challenge was learning how to work with students other than the ones he sees every day. “I’ve made a lot of memories and friends through events like these; friends and memories that couldn’t have been made without choir,” Arps said. Senior Colton Hamilton also has been a part of more than one jazz concert.
“This is my third one. As far as behind-the-scenes work, like practicing and preparing, there has been no changes. But the actual concert turns out different every year,” Hamilton said. Jan. 7 was the first day of the jazz workshop, and the professors worked with the both jazz bands for about five hours. The next day the professors again worked with the students for about three hours, by breaking them into smaller groups. Hamilton said it was a chance to get a few one-on-one minutes with them. “My least favorite part of the whole thing is when it’s over,” Hamilton, a percussionist in Russtones, said. Hamiton forms a grin when he thinks of his favorite part about the concert. “My favorite part of the whole thing was the drum break in the middle. We did good. But I also really enjoyed the solos,” he said. Professors that traveled here for this event included Jon Anderson on the piano, Dave Bjur on the bass, Daniel Bukvich on percussion and vocal, Alan Gemberling on trombone, Vern Sielert on trumpet, and Vanessa Sielert on the saxophone. Band director Russ Kellogg added that he was pleased with this year’s performance. “[The jazz workshop] gives students a chance to learn about jazz from experts. It’s a collaborative effort instead of lecturing. Jazz is music you have to live” he said. The school has held the workshop for 32 years, but the professors have gathered in Great Falls for a jazz concert for 40 years.
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January 28, 2015
News
Unique classes affect students
Active 4-H member becomes agriculture Teachers and students express importance of variety student teacher by Tamara Miller, news editor Being about 870 miles away from home may seem a little nerve wracking, but when it’s for a future job it turns into something exciting. Student teacher Lindsey Wilson will be graduating from MSU Bozeman this spring in Agricultural Education. “I wanted to do something with animals,” Wilson said. “I didn’t want to be a vet, so I figured Ag. was the best fit.” Wilson grew up in Oregon City, Ore. Her favorite subject is animal sciences, and horses were a big part in her life growing up. “Being part of 4-H and my family friend’s horses is Lindsey Wilson training what made be so her 2nd Mustang. Photo interested in them,” Courtesy of Lindsey Wilson said. Wilson. She participated in Mustang training competitions, which entail training a yearling for 98 days over a summer. This as well as being a part of 4-H and seeing her friends in agriculture was what persuaded her into this field. “My friends and family friends are what helped me get involved,” she said. “I was kind of jealous of what they did in Ag that I wanted to take part, too.” Wilson has made multiple visits to other schools, but she said she really hopes that her experience here will help her learn more about FFA since it wasn’t available back home. As Wilson helps out agriculture teacher Jodi Koterba, she gets a feeling of how independent the classes are. “Most of the time the students are on their own,” Wilson said. “We sometimes have a lesson plan planned out, but the students just work on their own.” Towards the end of her stay, Wilson will get the opportunity to take over Kotabra’s class and teach the kids herself. “I help with grading and a little bit of teaching right now,” Wilson said. “By the end of it, I get to take over, and I’m excited it will be a great experience.” After Wilson is done with college she plans on teaching at the high school level. “I want to teach High School Ag. I really like it here, but there are a lot of opportunities back home,” Wilson said. “I haven’t decided where I’m going yet.” Wilson will be with the CMR staff until April 20th and she hopes her experience will keep her learning. “The experience is the best,” she said. “In college they teach you what you need to know, and it’s different when you’re actually here in person.”
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by Mary Brown and Katelyn Morley, staff writers kids join. Senior Miranda Shular walks up the stairs two or three “The opportunities for AP and honors courses better times a day to grab the books that she needs for her classes. prepare us for life,” Wombolt said. Like many students, she is enrolled in an AP class and has There have been multiple students who have suggested previously been in honors classes. more diverse gym classes. Department leader Mike Henneberg Shular has decided that the classes are a fun way for her said that there is a reason that CMR doesn’t have more options. to learn. The reason she took the classes in the first place was While Great Falls High has a few more options for gym that she wanted to learn at a faster pace and classes than the CMR physical enhancement was worried about the other classes being department, teachers agree that adding more too easy. classes to the program isn’t something that “You should definitely try to push they want to do. yourself,” Shular said. Henneberg said that unlike Great Falls Another student with a similar mentality High, CMR doesn’t have the facilities for the is Emma Wombolt, a sophomore at Great most in depth programs. Unlike the multiple Miranda Shular gymnasiums and the swimming pool at Falls High School. She is a student council member who is currently enrolled in three Great Falls High, CMR only has a single honors classes. For her, she said, it’s all about prioritizing. gymnasium and as a result is limited to course options. The only negative comment she had on advanced courses However, he also said that they don’t want to separate was that there aren’t more offered. While there are some classes to be “honors and regular.” They feel that it is a class to courses offered for students who want a more advanced help students learn healthy habits and activities, and not to be curriculum in math or English, there are fewer offered in areas better or worse at physical fitness, he added. such as the art or mechanical fields. “We would like kids after sophomore year to [still] be Overall, however, Wombolt said that many courses, active,” Henneberg said. advanced or not, are offered for students. While there are already many kids in the programs, she suggests that more
“You should definitely try to push yourself.”
Teacher Mike Henneberg’s sophomore class works on conditioning during sixth period on Jan. 25. CMR’s small variety of honors, AP, and advanced textbooks. Photos by Katelyn Morley.
Rustler Advanced Classes Math
English
Freshman: Honors Algebra I Junior: Honors Algebra II
Senior: College Algebra
Trig
College Precalculus Honors Statistics AP Calculus
History
Freshman: Honors English 1-2
Sophomore: Honors English
Junior: AP US History
3-4
Junior: Honors English 5-6 Senior: AP English
AP Economics Senior: AP Gov AP Economics
Other
Science
Junior: AP Biology
Honors Chemistry Honors Physics Honors Human Biology Senior: AP Biology Honors Chemistry Honors Physics Honors Human Biology
Junior-Senior:
Advanced Drama AP Psychology Criminal Justice (Dual Credit)
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January 28, 2015
News
Is the stress for finals really worth it? A glimpse of what finals is like for the average student by Tamara Miller, News Editor Finals may have come and gone, but the stress from students before them have never changed. Students start to get crazier as they make sure they are earning passing grades and the credits necessary for graduation. Senior Katie Belcher is relieved that this is her last year for finals, but the stress has never changed. “I feel like as a senior finals are going to stress me out a lot more,” Belcher said. “Graduation is so close, and you know that if you don’t pass you may not graduate.” The stress isn’t the same for everyone; junior Talon Herigon has to balance studying for tests and going to work. “I feel alright about finals. They are stressful seeing as I have a job as well, but normally they fly by,” he said. Herigon is fortunate that his work has been flexible with his education. “Work is super flexible; they let me go early if I have school work to do,” Herigon said. “I’ve been able to take some days off to prep for the tests.” Some students -- like freshman Trinity Chesterfield -- are brand new to finals week. She said she is stressed, nervous and worried about passing. “I have a pretty good GPA,” Chesterfield said. “The stress of the tests and how much they affect my grades are just nerve wracking.”
Chesterfield agrees with Belcher about graduation. “I know that if you don’t do well on finals or in the class in general it’ll prevent you from graduating,” Chesterfield said. “I have some big goals for after school, so I’m just going to hope my studying pays off.” Chesterfield knows many upperclassmen and understands the struggle of being behind in classes and cramming assignments in at the last minute. “I don’t want to be that student who crams everything in the very last minute,” Chesterfield said. “I’ve seen many friends do it, and I’ve seen the stress they went through. I’m learning from their mistakes.” All three students have different methods for studying and keeping the stress off their chests. Belcher goes to one of her favorite environments, where she becomes calm and can think clearly. “I sketch a ton during finals week,” she said. “My AP art class is helping me stay calm overall because of the environment.” Chesterfield’s stress relief is a pair of headphones and her music. “When I’m stressed, I blast my music as loud as I can, and it usually calms me down,” she said. As for Herigon, he goes into the gaming world. “I play some PlayStation,” Herigon said. “Nothing like some video games to pass the time.”
Stress Relief Tips
Study Tips
Get active - even if you’re not an athlete or you’re out of shape, exercise is a good stress relief
Power down early - Shut down your devices at least 30 mintues before bed
Connect with others reach out to family and friends and make social connections
Do not wait until the night before to study for a test
Give yourself a foot massage - Applying pressure to different parts of the body eases stress
Take a bath - Soaking in water has soothing effects Lavender remides - the herb has a soothing scent that lowers the heart rate Laugh more - a good sense of humor can make you feel better
Take Notes - Always take notes for different classes and separate them from each other Be involved in your classes. You Spend about 30 are there to learn, not to be taught. minutes to go over and review your Highlight - Highlight each notes from each major topic and subtopic. Give class every night yourself an outline of your notes Never miss an exam and save everything
Sources from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stressmanagement/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257 and http:// www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20794075_4,00.html
Sources from: http://www.seventeen.com/life/school/a30651/ get-an-a-without-studying/ & http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/ fancher/study.htm
The weekend after
by Tamara Miller, News Editor & Illustration by Julia Gremaux Finals may seem to be the death of you, but when you’re done with that last test of the group the stress is almost lifted. Following up the same three students, they give us the scoop of how it feels to be done with finals. “I always feel a little anxious,” Belcher said. “Teachers take so long to put the scores in, and all I want to know is if I passed or not.” Teachers have until the end of the weekend to put final semester grades in the gradebook. Some students wait all weekend worrying about grades while others believe they did well and don’t worry. Freshman Trinity Chesterfield is pretty confident with her work. “I know I studied and worked hard. So it didn’t really bug me or make me nervous,” she said. Others, like Junior Talon Herigon, are just happy their over. “I’m really relieved that they’re over, and I’m excited for second semester to start.” Chesterfield agrees. “I’ve seen my semester grades. I’m pretty happy,” she said. “I’m definitely relieved they’re out of the way, and I don’t have to worry about them anymore.” For Belcher, the reality of them being over is very different than the other two. “It’s sort of overwhelming because it’s just a slap in the face that graduation is so much closer than you think,” Belcher said. All three students are relieved that finals week is finally over. “Finals aren’t that bad, but I’m sure they’ll get harder,” Chesterfield said. “Whatever is coming I’ll be ready for it.”
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January 28, 2015 rustlernews.com
OPINION
Jaylynn Mitchell
Opinion Editor
If you look up procrastination in the dictionary, there will be a picture of me. I am the queen of procrastination, and many people can tell you that is right. I do this column last minute on every issue that comes out. I did my first draft of my senior research paper the night it was due. I do my math homework in class without my teacher seeing me. It’s a really bad habit that I do this and I need to stop before I go to college. If I take my procrastination with me to Missoula, I am going to be a mess when it comes to my school work. I’ll probably be the last student to turn in my assignments and my professors are going to hate me. So my goal for second semester is to slowly stop my procrastination. That doesn’t mean that I will be the first editor on staff that has my column done or the first person in my math class that hands in their homework. When you first start something that is brand new you take baby steps, and that is what I am going to do. I’m going to make a to do list of what I need to get done and then once I get that whole list done, I will reward myself, with tea, because I love tea. And I will make sure I get the list done before I reward myself. I looked up tips to help with procrastination. There are a lot of websites that just list things you can do to overcome it and one tip stuck in my head. Eliminate temptation. My temptations are Netflix and YouTube. My parents have Netflix on and they are watching “How to get away with Murder” on the TV right now while I’m writing this column. I have music which is on YouTube in my earphone right now. And with both things going at once, I wonder what is taking me so long to finish my work. When I got Netflix I knew it was going to drive my procrastination up the wall and it did. I start the series “Secret Life of An American Teenager” and binge watching “Pretty Little Liars”. Both shows I watch every single day either I have homework or not. I watched both shows during finals weeks and that was a mistake on my part. YouTube is probably worse than Netflix. YouTube, I watch endless amount of vlogs, music videos and random videos. You watch one video that leads to another and another. Which then leads to spending two hours on the computer watching pointless videos, when I should be writing my column or doing my math homework. If you are in the same boat as me and your picture is next to mine in the dictionary, then you are probably thinking “what is my temptation” and if you find it like I did, then I hope you find a way to get it out of my life.
We’ve got spirit, how ‘bout you? Ever since CMR was built, it has been one, if not the, peppiest school in town. Every pep rally and school event has been filled with students -- students who are actually excited to hear about the events that are going on, who was playing the game that week, who had the most school spirit. The Rustlers took pride in their school; they believed in themselves. However, for the past few years we have witnessed a serious lack of pride, a lack of pep. The Rustlers have lost their spirit. Sure we have spirit, but not nearly as much as we should have. For instance, this year the spirit at the football games was great. We had pep and spirit. Students were excited about the games; some even arrived two hours early to get seats. But as the year continues, the spirit at games has been lacking. On average, there are fewer than two dozen students in our Spirit Section at the varsity basketball games. That is a record low for school spirit. From what we have observed, there are more CMR parents at the girls basketball games than there are students. Our gyms and our auditoriums should be filled with students, filled with cheer, filled with spirit. We should be wearing our Rustler clothing, the green and gold beads, the face paint, and the camouflage pants. We should be showing our spirit at these games. Well, not only games, but every school event. Students should be coming to support other events, such as choir, band and orchestra concerts, and drama productions. We should be supporting everything that our student body does. We have traditions at this school, traditions that should
be upheld throughout history, but even some of the simplest traditions have banished. For example, CMR has had the tradition of green and gold Fridays. But this year, it seems we have forgotten about that tradition. Few students wear the designated green and gold on Fridays -- heck, the least we could do is wear a green shirt, and it doesn’t even have to be a CMR shirt, just a green or yellow shirt. Some of the only people who we see wearing green and gold on Fridays are our staff, if they even wear our school colors. Bottom line, our school spirit has dropped immensely, and that needs to change. Let’s go, Rustlers!
During the JV game against Missoula Sentinal on Dec. 15, four Rustlers defend the ball against the opposing team.
Staff member addresses sexuality by Ian Kaiser, staff writer When I started fifth grade, I knew something was off. I saw my grade school crushes in a new light. No longer was I just focused on boys; I was starting to notice girls. I was scared. I thought that it wasn’t OK to feel like that about girls, being one myself. Years later and here I am, finally understanding what I felt all those years ago. I guess you could call this my coming out story. At the age of 11, I thought I had it figured out. I thought I was bisexual, which is being romantically or sexually attracted to both boys and girls. At the slightly older age of 15, I figured out that I was actually pansexual, which is being romantically or sexually attracted to anyone regardless of biological sex, gender, or gender identity. I wasn’t comfortable with telling anyone but my best friend, and even that took time. I had already experienced first-hand how rude people could be about it. Flash forward a few months, and I’ve officially come to terms with the fact that I don’t feel 100 percent girl. I did some digging and figured out I identify as genderfluid, which is sometimes identifying as male, other times female, both, neither, or any combination in between. I use male pronouns (He/Him/His), use the name, “Ian,” and am out to everyone, including my parents. This brings me to another point: coming out to parents. I actually came out to them first as bisexual, in eighth grade. It wasn’t until a few months ago actually that I came out as genderfluid and pansexual. It’s been more than a little hard having one parent support you and the other be ashamed by your “life choices” -- as if my identity as a human being is a choice. It is no one’s fault I am like this. I was not hurt or
pressured to be like this. I am who I am, and it’s taken me a long time to be OK with that. And I’m still not completely OK with it, to be honest. I still feel as if I don’t really fit into the LGBTQ+ community. I often feel alone and scared, even though I have friends going through the same thing. Sometimes when you introduce yourself by the “incorrect name,” (your preferred name) not everyone understands. I’ve had many slurs thrown my way, and I still do. They say it like my sexuality has anything to do with how I serve a volleyball or write an essay. I feel legitimate fear walking into the girls bathroom or locker room. I am so scared that one day my school will turn into another news story about some poor kid getting jumped for being different. Ever since I can remember, I did not fit in. I always felt out of place, and finally figuring out who I am has actually added to the stress of feeling not right in some way. A lot of people think if you’re out and open about these kind of things, that you’re happy. People picture only closeted kids as being the unhappy ones, but in reality it doesn’t matter if you’re out or not. I’ve been out and open ever since I figured it out, and I can still be unhappy. What I want readers to take away from this is that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are a lot of dark days, and it can be especially hard to deal with. I want people to realize that while a lot of us are, not every LGBTQ+ person is happy. I’ve definitely had my fair share of bad days, but there’s still some good underneath it all. I want everyone to understand that beneath it all, I’m still happy. I’m happy that I discovered myself. That I came out. That I’ve stopped apologizing for being “that way.” I’m just happy, even with all the bad things.
8 Opinion
January 28, 2015
STUDENT VOICES
What is your New Year’s resolution -- and do you think you’ll accomplish it? Hannah Bailey, grade 9 My New Year’s resolutions are like a lot of others: To lose weight, be more social, leave the house more, and to play my instrument better. I want to lose weight because I see all these people who are like “I’m 100 pounds” and I’m here like “I’m 131 pounds.” That is last time I checked. My mom and I have been going to the gym five days a week so she can beat her friend at steps. I want to be more social because every morning I get to school early and sit in German reading till the bell rings. Or I’ll be on my phone. Lately, I’ve been hanging out downstairs talking to my friends.
I want to leave the house more because I haven’t spent time in the sun for so long that now I sunburn easily. For 12 years I didn’t get a sunburn, and then last summer I didn’t get much sun. Also, I want to play my cello better because I have one at my house now so that I can practice. I want to be a better musician overall because I do church bells, too. And also I plan to watch all of the “Supernatural” episodes again.
Katrina Roberts, grade 10 New Year’s resolutions are one of the hardest things on Earth to promise yourself to keep. So this year, I have decided to make several resolutions, in hopes one might just stick for once. The first one I decided on was to learn something new every day. Since I am forced, by law, to attend school every day, I figure this is an easy A. I also lied to myself that I would pick up a hobby. But since I have a job, and two to three hours of homework per night, I doubt it will stick. Instead of making the resolution to lose weight, I also decided to try and eat fewer calories. I doubt that will stick, since I like pizza way too much. In the words of Matt LeBlanc, from Friends, “I’m curvy and I like it.” I also
made the resolution to move more. But since I am subjected to sitting down for seven hours and 10 minutes a day, this one will also not stick. I made another resolution to stop procrastinating. But who am I kidding? I’m 16! I already failed at this one. I decided on my final resolution: Be more confident. And it promptly was flattened as I walked into high school. My suggestion? Stop lying to yourself that you will keep a resolution. You want to do something? Go and do it. You be you. Don’t just exist. The best is yet to come.
Braedan Augustine, grade 11 New Year’s resolutions are certainly an interesting deal. They allow for people to have care, to better themselves, and strive towards a certain goal of their choosing. My New Year’s resolution is very straight-forward and simple: Just go with the flow. Life is a lot more stressful if you have fun with it and enjoy the moment. High school is supposed to be the best years of our lives, but we are constantly stressing out and about grades and homework. You can’t really enjoy these glorious four years if you are constantly focused on your studies. I plan to execute my goal by doing exactly that: To live in the moment. I plan to have fun in class and participate, express myself in new ways, and do something I never thought I would do. I won’t stress over classes and assignments. I will just go with the flow.
Austin Haney, grade 12 My New Years resolution is simple. It’s actually something I have done every year since I started high school. My goal every year is to be a better person than I was before. Whether it means staying healthy physically, mentally, or emotionally, I just try and keep improving myself however I possibly can. It’s something that means alot to me. Even if it sometimes doesn’t seem like that can be easily accomplished, I always know that just the act of trying is enough of an improvement in itself to mean something to me. Each and every year I’ve tried to improve myself as a person and it has honestly made me who I am today. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Terryn Premo, grade 11 I don’t really believe in new year’s resolutions, but some of my personal goals are to become more compassionate towards others and better myself as a person as I approach graduation. When I was a little kid, my resolution was to bring my dad home from Afghanistan. And when that failed, I stopped believing in resolutions.
New year, new me? by Carli Dieruf, editor in chief Talk about a busy beginning of the year. What a better way to start off 2016 other than jam-packing it full of unnecessary activities. Right? Most of us have decided on a New Year’s resolution, whether we like to admit it or not. Some of us have hopes of losing a certain amount of pounds, eating more healthy than usual, or accomplishing a certain GPA. There are a lot of things that people plan to do just because it is the beginning of the New Year, which in all honesty, is a bit extravagant and is rarely realistic. It’s common to make a big change in your life and make it stretch to about a week before the motivation has disappeared. Unfortunately I have grasped the hope of accomplishing some of these unrealistic goals, but I’ve altered them so I have a higher chance of accomplishing them. Starting on Jan. 23, I will have a lot more free time than I have had before. I will be coming to school everyday for lunch and spending the rest of the day in room 326 trudging through deadlines for yearbook and newspaper, but this will be the only time I will spend in the school after second semester. I have made a promise to myself that I will still get up at the early hours of the day and do my normal morning routines as if I was going to be in my class by 8:05am. I think this is a simple realistic goal that will keep me on a good sleeping schedule and will benefit me greatly. I tend to be grumpy if I am able to sleep in, weird how that works. One of the activities that I have slowly drawn away from is working out. I am a fan of yoga and pilates but enjoy teaching it rather than mocking the teacher at the front of the room. I am going to start going to the gym every morning (with an occasional break here and there). I know what you’re thinking. “Everyone says they are going to start working out for new years,” trust me, I think the same exact thing. But I used to be really good at staying active and I would never miss a workout. I’m not going to do the typical lifting weights and running on the treadmill kind of work though. I will be doing yoga, pilates, swimming, stretching, volleyball, and the occasional lifting/running here and there. A balance is important and that is the key to keeping this kind of New Year’s resolution. Everyone will get bored of the task they decided to take. You can’t drain yourself out by doing an activity you hate and wanting an impossible outcome. Balance it out, and find something that you will really enjoy.
“The biggest thing that I want to accomplish is simply graduating high school and get ready to head off to Missoula to begin my career in journalism.” JJ Mitchell “I’ve decided to start eating better and doing yoga every day. I want to feel healthy.” Clara McClain “I really just want to make the most of every day and get in better shape. And probably get more sleep.” Mackenzie George
Opinion
January 28, 2015
9
Recognizing safe sex ASHA names February national condom month by Carli Dieruf, editor in chief It is common sense that sex is a part of life, but something that sometimes goes unspoken is the importance behind staying safe while engaging in sexual activity. I’m not here to tell you to have sex or not to have sex -- I’m simply sharing some important information. The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) -- along with many other institutes of health and well-being -- recognize February as national condom month. Each year there are almost 20 million new cases of STI’s and STD’s, about half of which are in teens. Some of these infections have no symptoms and may be hard to detect until it is too late to do anything. According to the ASHA, using condoms is important each time someone has sex. Engaging in sex without using protection can be dangerous for both partners. ASHA President and CEO Lynn Barclay explains in interviews and articles that studies show the decreased chances of contracting an STI or an STD when one uses a condom. “Using condoms is one of the smartest and simplest things we can do to protect our bodies,” Barclay said. It is no one’s business what one does on his or her free time, but it can become a much bigger problem if one becomes infected or pregnant. One of the biggest problems with condoms is the fact that most high schools no longer educate students on how to properly put one on or when to. I think that is one of the most important things that educators can teach students because it could affect their lives in many ways. Considering the dangers posed by infections, everyone should be eager to protect themselves. Senior Mikaela Snider said she wishes she would have been given more advice to ensure that she is always able to protect herself. She said there are many students who feel this way because they are often taught so much about abstinence and
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then left in the dark about anything else having to do with sex. “Schools touch the subject, but they really support abstinence and not much else,” Snider said. “It would have been nice to have been taught about condoms and ways to prevent pregnancy simply because there are so many young people getting pregnant in this generation. It’s like a normal thing.” That is why the ASHA has dedicated the month of February to the use of condoms. Research shows that teen pregnancy numbers have skyrocketed and are among some of the highest numbers in history. Being a pregnant teenager in 2016 is common and doesn’t faze many teenagers in today’s society. “It seems like every time that I log onto Facebook, there is another girl my age that is pregnant,” Snider said. “It really is a big deal, but it’s almost just shrugged off as though it’s nothing. Safe sex with condoms is so important, and so many people don’t realize that.” Like Snider, senior Sierra Keith says that teaching the proper use of condoms to teenagers is just as important as teaching the importance of abstinence. “Condoms are so important to consider when anyone is sexually active,” Keith said. “It’s the only near 100 percent protection that’s constantly effective when used right.” Keith believes that parents often avoid conversations about the proper use of condoms because of the possibility of it being an encouragement. Adults might not want to talk condoms and safe sex, but many teenagers want the education. “I think so many teenagers don’t use condoms because they are curious from never having the talk of how important they are,” Keith said. “Learning about the importance of condoms is so important, and I think that having a month dedicated to that is a big deal. Whether or not people take the advice, that’s on them. But who the education on condoms is helping is really going to have a positive effect on their lifestyle.”
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FFA is a national organization for youth interested in agriculture. It develops Premier Leadership, Personal Growth, and Career Success through hands-on real world experience. To be in FFA, you have to be enrolled in an Agriculture Education Course. There are many levels to choose from. Agriculture does not formally meet during the day,but rather online and by appointment. The curriculum and instruction will focus on life knowledge and skills such as interpersonal relationships, information literacy, problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. All Agricultural Education has three components: Classroom, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), and FFA.
For more information contact teacher Jodi Koterba in room 401 or go to the FFA website at electirccityffa.theaet.com
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January 28, 2015 rustlernews.com
FEATURES
Christina Brennan
Features Editor
Being a senior in high school is emotionally difficult for many reasons. For example, I am 18, but I still need to ask before I can use the bathroom. I also try to be as independent as I can, but at the same time I just want to be a kid again. This is such a complicated time for me, and there is nothing I can do except sit and wait it all out. One thing that has been bothering me lately is that most of my friends I have made over the years, the people I have met in high school, will be out of my life forever once I leave Great Falls and head off to whatever college I go to. Yeah I know I’ll see some of them again during holiday breaks or even at college, but I’m not talking about the friends I see everyday and will probably see after graduation. I am talking about those people I see in the hall and always smile at. The relationships I have made with people over the past six years since middle school. Those people I have known but not necessarily been best friends with. I’m going to miss those relationships the most. For example, I’ve known some of my classmates since seventh grade. We have casual conversations when we happen to be in the library together or walk the same direction to fourth period, but besides that we don’t talk as much as two best friends might. Although these relationships seemed small and almost insignificant freshman year, as a senior I cherish them as much as the friendships I have had since fifth grade. When I talk to these people lately all I think about is how after graduation I will never see them again. How I don’t know if they are going to be OK or if they are going to be moving on after high school. What will Steve do if his plans for the military fall through? What if Kelly gets pregnant her sophomore year of college? I don’t know because they will be out of my life forever! This is just something that has been giving me anxiety for the past couple of days. Not only do I get a knot in the middle of my chest when I think of all the relationships I will be unintentionally abandoning, but I also get really distraught. The relationships, the memories, the laughs, everything that I have ever experienced with my peers, will all be over as soon as we throw our caps in the air and head off to the all-night party. Right now I am working on learning to let go of what high school has been and move on to what waits for me in college. The transition of high school to college life will be hard and I know that in the process I will lose people but I am also going to meet new and exciting people. The relationships that are true will stay and everything will be alright. I am typing this mostly to relieve some of my own stress. I want all of my readers to go out and actually talk to the people around them. It doesn’t have to be a deep life changing conversation, just say hi to someone you normally wouldn’t. It will brighten their day and it might spark a relationship that has some kind of meaning when you graduate. Share my pain, develop relationships with the people around you at school.
by Quincy Schmechel, staff writer Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Camus, Locke, Marx. Each of these famous philosophers had to start somewhere, had to learn from someone. Here at CMR, there have a new way of learning about these famous philosophers and their different ideals, a miniature Plato’s Academy taking place one Thursday a month in room 311. Supervised by Jeremy Comstock, Philosophy Club is a new club to CMR this year. Comstock says he was inspired to start the club after last year’s sophomore honors English class completed an ethics unit during second semester. “A lot of students seemed interested and wanted [some sort of] class, so I decided to start the club and meet once a month,” Comstock said. From there, the club took off. Topics are chosen by being posted on the door and then voted on. Discussion topics this year have included the morality of a capitalistic
economy, the differences between knowledge and beliefs, whether or not it is possible to know something, what is happiness, and “why haters hate.” Comstock said he organizes the club by first researching the month’s topic for an academic background to give to club members. The discussion then starts in a general fashion as students bounce ideas, opinions, beliefs, and examples off each other. The club keeps organization in the discussion in a rather unique way: a shell. “Things tend to get a little bit unruly, so one of our club members bought a conch to use as a talking stick with inspiration from ‘Lord of the Flies’,” Comstock said with a chuckle. However the club keeps the peace, one thing is for sure. In the words of Comstock, “People show up, so I think they [must] like it. Our official mission is to promote general awesomeness.”
Philosophy Club
Jeremy Comstock leads future Rustler philosophers
What’s on your playlist?
by Quincy Schmechel, staff writer When walking through the commons or halls of CMR, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of oncoming students rushing from class to class. Many of these students walk with Risa Hibbert, grade 10, cords running from ears down their necks, shows album art for her listening to their own private concert as they favorite artist, Troye Sivan’s hustle into a classroom, plop down into their first album. seats, and eventually pause their music to listen to math lessons or to read their English novels. Perhaps one of the most intriguing things about music is that it’s something that has existed hand-in-hand with humans since recorded history. Over the years it has evolved from Mozart to Elvis to One Direction, but it’s never lost its meaning to people. Music means something unique to each listener and tells a Samantha Workman, grade 11, shows cover artwork different story to each pair of ears. Sophomore for Kanye West’s album, at CMR, Risa Hibbert is a lover of music and “Yeezus.” can usually be seen with her headphones stuck in her ears. “Music distracts me from everything else. It’s a way of self-expression. It’s something that surrounds my everyday life, and it’s so easy to be passionate about it,” Hibbert said. She added that she enjoys a large variety of music, as each type offers something different. “I’m a really huge fan of Troye Sivan. He’s an artist I’ve followed since the beginning of Courtney Flickner, grade his career. I also really enjoy Halsey’s music 10, displays cover art for ODESZA, one of her favorite and, of course, High School Musical.” artists.
Junior Samantha Workman agrees about music being about self expression. “Music lets you express yourself in different ways and connect with different people who you [may not] be grouped with normally,” Workman said. “Music [really] depends on my mood. Sometimes when I’m down I listen to slower songs with more meaning to them, but sometimes you’ve got to have your hype rap songs to get you pumped for the day.” Workman also said that she enjoys a variety of music, ranging from latterday music to modern alternative. “I like 70’s music a lot, like Fleetwood Mac and the Bee Gees. But, more modernly, I really like Twenty-one Pilots, Yeezus, J-Cole, and Kendrick Lamar.” Sophomore Courtney Flickner agrees with Workman, saying that music and her mood has extreme correlation. “If it has a good beat or when I’m in a mood like being angry or being sad, music sort of speaks to me. It makes sense,” she said. Flickner added that her music taste includes artists such as ODESZA, Frank Ocean, and lots of remixes to give a fresh spin on different kinds of music. “When I listen to music I kind of think of it as a place to go somewhere else, to get things off my mind, or just something that’s just, like, a good beat that I like to share with my friends and just dance or sing to.”
Features 11
January 28, 2015
Faces in the Crowd
Photo by Rebecca Bergman
It’s hip to be square
Michael Denham
by Katelyn Morley, staff writer After two hours of attempting to solve the fourby-four Rubik’s Cube, junior Michael Denham has accomplished this goal. Denham picked up his unique hobby of solving Rubik’s cubes a month before Christmas. “I was bored one day, and decided to try it,” he said. Many people are familiar with the three-by-three cube, but that isn’t the only one that Denham has to solve. He owns a two-by-two ball, two-by-two cube, two of the four-by-four cube, and many other rarely heard of cubes, he said. Such as a three-by-three cube with a hole through the center. Another special cube is a three-by-three cube with tubes that one has to line up to put marbles through, Denham said. The list owned by Denham continues on with a 12-sided cube and a three-by-three void cube, which
has a hole through the center, he said. “I’ve competed with friends with a three-by-three,” Denham said. He hasn’t participated in any real competitions yet, but his first choice to compete with would be with the three-by-three, he said. “If I was going for speed I’d do [the] two-by-two,” Denham said. He has been able to solve the two-by-two cube in 30 seconds, the three-by-three cube in one minute and the four-by-four cube in two hours. This hobby and talent requires the solver to be self confident in his or her abilities. It is also key not to give up right away, he added. “Don’t be intimidated just because you think it’s difficult.”
Be a cool “Kat” and volunteer by Mary Brown, staff writer At the end of the school year, many students have more free time and a less hectic schedule. Sophomore Katrina Roberts, however, has a busier schedule than ever. This sophomore spends more than 100 hours in the summer volunteering for just one organization alone. Her first major volunteering opportunity was with the Special Olympics. Roberts got involved because her brother Nick has William syndrome, a cognitive disability. Currently, she is the youngest member of the board of directors for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics of Montana. She also is a member of the Youth Activation Committee of Montana. Roberts travels around the state and helps to work with Montana schools to help improve their special needs programs. Due to the time she spends with the group, she says that they are all very close. “I have so many friends there; it’s more like a family,” Roberts said.
The group that she dedicates the most time to is Pet PawSee,which works through Petco to help animals that need good homes. Roberts fosters kittens, which takes a lot of time and energy between the vet visits and general care. At one time Roberts had 11 cats to take care of. Currently she has two cats -- Mama and Frodo -- in her care, and spends just as much time with them as she does with her own cats. She also helps train others who work through the Pet PawSee. One of the most rewarding parts of the whole experience, she says, is helping others who are just starting out in the program. “It’s more than just volunteering. It’s all for the greater good,” Roberts said. According to Roberts, her volunteer work has just begun and she hopes to go further into volunteering in the future. She plans on joining new organizations and keeping her ties with old ones. “I definitely hope I get further into Special Olympics in my life.”
Katrina Roberts
Upper left, junior Michael Denham creates a unique pattern on one of his Rubik’s Cubes during class. Photo by Beth Britton. Part time volunteer Katrina Roberts is proud of her achievements with the communtiy. Photo by Mary Brown.
Have you done or will you do a COOL math, science or art project for a class assignment before April 2? You can tweak your project to fit the STEAM guidelines or even create a new one!
If so, why not showcase it in the STEAM EXPO ( a celebration for ALL students K-12). This event, will inspire students, teachers, and community members with the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Register at http://events.gfps.k12.mt.us/?registration P.S Juniors and Seniors talk to your counselors about the STEAM scholarship!
14 Features
January 28, 2016
Netflix and Chill with Christina
Chills from Cabin Fever
Students have some chills from the winter season by Allison Hanson, staff writer During the winter many people don’t like leaving their house; it snows and people just hide in their blankets and fuzzy socks. Some say they are just having a lazy day, but others can say they have been diagnosed with cabin fever. Cabin fever is an idiomatic term for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated or shut in a small space with nothing to do for an extended period. Sophomore Ramsey Baez, who moved to Montana a couple months ago, has been experiencing extreme cabin fever the past few months. Baez moved here from Hawaii due to military deployment. “It was very different. It went from extremely hot to extremely cold,” Baez said. Although, Baez’s dad warned his family about how cold it was, Baez wasn’t expecting Montana to be this cold. “He told us before we moved that it was cold. I wasn’t expecting below zeros, though,” he said. Since he moved to Montana, Baez said that he spends most of his time inside. Usually, Baez said he just watches Netflix or plays video games. “I’m not a fan of the snow,” he said. Many students, including junior Jaquan Mitchell, aren’t fans of the cold weather.
“[I usually] stay inside. I only go outside when I need to,” Mitchell said. He moved to Great Falls from South Carolina several years ago. “I wasn’t expecting it to be that cold,” he said. Senior Karli Burk also doesn’t appreciate the winter season. “[I hate] the ice, sliding in a car on it, and slipping on ice falling in front of people,” she said. Burk prefers to stay inside during the winter. “I either drink hot tea or hot cocoa, stay in bed, play video games, and listen to music,” Burk said. During the winter months, most students aren’t aware of the many activities available in Great Falls. “I wish we could have a hub where we all hang out,” she said. While there are many students who aren’t fans of the winter, junior Devin Cichosz is not one of them. “I like the winter. It’s calving season and it’s cold,” he said. “I like being outdoors during the winter. I ice fish and drink coffee.” There is one thing Cichosz would like to see in Great Falls. “They need to open more hills for sledding,” Devin said. Many sledding hills in town were closed due to safety precautions.
Need something to do to relieve your cabin fever?
Winter Golf: Eagle Falls Golf Course Price: Free
Events around town to help you out
First Friday Art Walk Museums
Movies
CMR Sports: Hockey, Basketball, Swimming, and Wrestling
Dinner
Bingo:Elks Lodge Price: Free
Pintch Pots Class: Have the ability to create pintch pots Price: $5
Ice Skating : Gibson Pond/ Ice Plex
Showdown, MT Teton Pass: Outside of Choteau, MT Various events that happen at the Montana State Expo Park Downtown Brush Crazy
by Christina Brennan. features editor Most high school students spend their weekends hanging out with friends at parties, browsing at the mall or just driving around town. I, on the other hand, spend the majority of my free time watching Netflix, having one-person pizza parties, and browsing the Internet. I rely on Netflix to fill my free time and distract me from the world. That sounds a lot deeper than I meant it, but I mean it in the nerdiest way possible. Trust me. I like watching shows that take place in alternate universes. Like “Merlin,” “Supernatural,” “The X Files,” and my latest obsession, “Death Note.” Binge watching these shows is like taking a mini vacation to a place that is so unlike my normal life. I’ve used this alternate universe way of coping since I was little, although at that point I went on these mini vacations by reading for 17 hours straight. I would do this when I had a bad day and all I wanted to do was escape. I read books about vampires, the future, the past -- anything to get my mind off of the here and now. I still cope with the world in the same way, except now it’s with Netflix instead of books. I don’t think this makes me uncultured or just another mindless teenager. It’s the way that I relieve stress, the saving grace to a long week at school. Who knows where I would be if I didn’t have Netflix to calm me down? Yeah, I could go outside and look at the sky or watch some birds, but no one wants to do that when it is nine degrees and snowing outside. I’ll save the outdoors for the deer and the hedgehogs. I would much rather curl up with my cats, a hot cup of coffee, and my laptop and do nothing other than watch “Parks and Recreation” for eight hours straight. Everyone has ways of dealing with stress. Mine just happens to be not doing anything and staring at a screen for hours at a time. Live your life, go on cool adventures with friends to far off places like Canada or Belt. I’ll be busy staying safe in my house, memorizing all the words to every episode of “Star Trek.” In all honesty, although I thoroughly enjoy a good day with my cats and a marathon of scary movies, I do need to have my time away from the screen. Sometimes I can’t help but get extreme cabin fever in the winter because it seems like all I do is sit in my room. I occasionally switch things up and move to the kitchen or living room, or go to school once in a while, but that’s not always satisfying to me. Maybe that’s why I get so antsy for the warm spring to come, so I can at least go watch Netflix outside. If you would like to watch a “Day in the life of Christina Brennan ft. Netflix” video, head over to rustlernews.com. Its pretty funny.
This video includes: Snacks for your netflix binge day What to wear How to be emotionally prepared And what not to do http://www.rustlernews.com/funvlogs/2016/01/13/netflix-101/
January 28, 2016
Senior would use money to make a change by Carli Dieruf, editor in chief High school is all about homework, boyfriend/girlfriend drama, the latest and greatest trends and much more to list, but for senior Daniel Wilson, he’s interesting in being involved in much more than that. “I buy lottery tickets about every two weeks,” Wilson said. “I buy them when I’m feeling lucky, and I just hope that I’m able to get a little extra.” Hitting 18 is a milestone that many people remember when they are older. The new adult will usually hit a gas station and buy a few lottery tickets and occasional paraphernalia, sorry parent readers. Wilson was eager to hit the store on his 18th birthday because he had money he had been saving up for the big day. “It wasn’t a big deal kind of thing,” Wilson said. “It’s just a crazy feeling to grow up and do things on your own. Gambling is kind of an adult thing, that’s what everyone thinks when they hear that word, but thinking of me gambling is really a straight hit of reality that I’m an adult now.”
Wilson says that he enjoys the risk of taking a chance with money. He said that he understands the unlikelihood of winning something big, but it’s still nice to think about. He imagines different things he could accomplish if he was awarded such an amount of money. “I would do so much with that money,” Wilson said. “I would give a lot to help with those who aren’t as fortunate as I have been. I would give to those with cancer, the homeless and I would definitely do everything I can for my family so they could live comfortably forever. Although Dan may wish for the win, he wouldn’t want his life to change just because he became rich. He says he enjoys his current lifestyle and that winning money would just give him a chance to help others. “I would still want to be the same person I am now. I wouldn’t let money change me,” Wilson said. “I would want to live my normal life how it is now. Everything that I would do from there out would be for someone else. I just want others to live happily.”
Would you consider buying a lottery ticket?
Yes Kylie Greenwell “I guess my reason is why not? They’re really cheap, like they’re inexpensive and you have a chance of winning a lot. I guess I would never get crazy buying them, like one here or there. You still have a chance to win, buying one.”
No Devin Hardin “‘Cause I don’t have the time, and it just seems kind of senseless to me. I just think the probablity of you winning is really low.”
by Christy Armstrong, staff writer
Depends Lea Martin
“Because of the possible thrill behind possibly winning the money, but I mean the chances are pretty low, but why not try it once or twice a year? I just don’t see the point in wasting money constantly buying one.”
Features 15
What would you do if you won the lottery? Students dream of spending big winnings
by Carli Dieruf, editor in chief It seems my parents are running around the house screaming “I need to buy more of those lottery tickets,” much more than they usually do lately. But who would blame them? With the latest lottery sky rocketing above a billion dollars, who wouldn’t buy a ticket just to be included in that number? The odds are ridiculous and supposedly you are more likely to be bitten by a shark and electrified by lightning at the same time than you are to win this lottery. Just walking into gas stations around town during the last drawing, I heard people constantly complaining that the lottery is ridiculous and a complete waste of money. It is a waste of money, but in my eyes, it’s still worth the chance. If you buy a ticket then you are included in that drawing automatically, even though your chances are very low, it’s still worth it to me. You never know. Crazy things happen, and this would be a crazy great thing to happen to someone. God, I would be the happiest person in the world, just like anyone else would, if I won enough money to support me and many more people for the rest of our lives. What would I do with a billion dollars? Things I absolutely should not do, probably. I think the first thing that I would do is pay for college immediately. I would get it completely out of my hair so I wouldn’t have to worry about it ever again. I would definitely pay off my parents’ house and car payments immediately as well. I would need to hire a financial advisor. I don’t think I could handle all of the money because I could honestly probably go broke even though that sounds impossible. I would have nice vehicles and an amazing home that I designed myself, and after I did all of those things then I would put a small portion into separate accounts. One for me (which I would not touch), one for each of my siblings, one for each parent, and a few others. I would make sure that everyone in my life is able to live comfortably and never have to worry about not having money to support themselves. I would love to feed all of the homeless people here in Great Falls with some of that money. There are so many people who are stuck in the homeless shelter and it’s been my dream since I was a little girl to help those who don’t have the same opportunities that I have gratefully had all my life. Even at a young age, I remember taking my allowance to go shopping for a new toy, but instead would end up splitting my ten dollars between the two homeless people on the end of the walk when you enter or exit Walmart. I know, “that person probably isn’t even homeless, you just bought someone’s alcohol,” people always say to me. But what if I didn’t? What if I just bought someone a day’s worth of food? That’s all I care about, and taking the chance is worth it to me, especially if I have a lump sum of money that I can easily share. Winning the lottery is a dream that many of us have. Not a realistic dream, but one that most of us sit and think about often, imaging the things that we could have if we had the lump sum of money.
It’s all about
LOVE. LOVE LETS LIVE
Before you choose to have an abortion or encourage someone you know to have one, take the time to get the facts. Visit abort73.com or nrlc. org for facts, statistics and educational materials.
For free literature about abortion and the alternatives, write to: Great Falls Right to Life -- 500 Montana Ave. NW -- Great Falls, MT 59404
S
January 7, 2016 rustlernews.com
ENTERTAINMENT
C lara McClain
Entertainment Editor
Old books are one of my favorite things to buy. There’s so much history held in their yellowing pages that I find so interesting. Recently, I went to Cassiopeia Books, the used bookstore in downtown Great Falls, and bought an old copy of Shakespeare’s plays. I looked closer at it when I got home and discovered that it used to be a classroom copy so there’s notes from students scribbled in the margins and on the cover. Also, I got a copy of “Richard Carvel” by Winston Churchill. It was worn, and the spine was cracked in the middle from being set on a table to hold a reader’s place. It was such a cool find, and I’m glad I found it. From the spine it doesn’t look all that impressive; it’s not an exciting color, and of course it was cracked so I didn’t expect much when I pulled it from the shelves and flipped through it, but I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered it was written by the Prime Minister of England during World War II. The moment I stepped through the doors of Cassiopeia Books, I was met with my favorite smell of all time: old book pages. It’s such a comforting smell to me, mostly because it reminds me of my great-great-grandma and running around her house when I was little. She was the littlest old lady and she was always giving me little knick knacks from her cupboards. So old books remind me of a simpler time from when I lived in Missouri and didn’t have to worry about things like grades, friends, or anything else. That’s probably why I love this little bookstore so much, but I still recommend going there at least once and browsing the shelves. My mom and I were browsing when we found something super cool: a book from the 1890s with a letter pressed in the pages from 1892 and seemed to be addressing the leader of a book club or even an English teacher who had been absent from class for a few days. If you have the opportunity, visit Cassiopeia Books on Central Avenue. It’s quaint and inviting and the owner is so helpful. Walking in is like getting a big hug from the books inside; they just welcome you to come and flip through their pages, find the adventure within your mind. I love reading a book that just pulls you in, making your mind become completely immersed in the world that the author paints for you. Books are a great way to see into the minds of those that came before you. I also picked up an old classroom copy of Shakespeare’s plays, complete with students’ notes scribbled in the margins and on the title page. The pages are worn soft from years of use by different children flipping back and forth through them, attempting to answer questions asked by a teacher standing at the front of a classroom.
WHAT ARE YOU READING? Bailey Collins, 12
What She’s Reading
“I am reading the first Beyonders book by Brandon Mull. It’s about two kids from our world who get transported to this world called Lyrian and get involved in a rebellion trying to overthrow an evil empire.” Genre “Definitely fantasy.”
How many books does she read per month?
Jeremy Comstock
What he’s Reading
“I am reading a book called “What Philosophy Can Do”by Gary Gutting.” Genre “Nonfiction.”
How many books does he read per month?
“My goal for this year is to read one book a week. So far I think I’ve read four... so I’m pretty on track.”
Michelle Li, 10
What She’s Reading
“I just started reading ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ by Jay Asher. This girl leaves 13 tapes of why [she decides to commit suicide]. It’s a pretty good book for how dark it is.” Genre “Realistic fiction.”
How many books does she read per month? “Probably like one and a half.”
“Oh goodness. Every week, depending on the size of the book and how much time I have I can get through two to three. Every month, anywhere from five to ten, I’d say.”
“Clowns with GUNS”
Play to be performed on Feb. 5 in Missoula by and for Montana’s Thespians
by Christy Armstrong, staff writer Although the play “Clowns with Guns” will not be available to the general public, the Thespians of CMR have been working hard to guarantee that it will be ready to perform at the Thespian festival in Missoula on Feb. 5. The play was written by drama teacher Chris Evan, and the upcoming performance marks the first ever runthrough to test if it is fit for publishing one day. The play has a unique delivery which acts as a way to deliver its message about gun violence in schools without beating viewers over the head with it. For senior Austin Haney, the play has an interesting, satirical lampooning take on gun control. “How would I describe this play? Well, it’s a rollercoaster, to put it lightly,” Haney said. “It will take you through a gauntlet of everything you can imagine, but overall I just want people to approach with an open mind and enjoy it.” Haney plays the part of ‘Thoughts’ in a duo named ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ with fellow actor sophomore Aidan Evans. The duo delivers physical comedy along with their lines by being as over the top physically as they can. Having performed in theater for several years, Haney has developed his skills and love for theater through other plays he has taken part in, including CMR’s “The Foreigner”. But this play is the first that lets him really play with new sides of his performance, he said. So far he has experimented with the physically demanding and darker aspects of his character. “This play is supposed to make you laugh, cry, want to jump out of your seat and stop it but enjoy it at the same time,” Haney said.
Fellow Thespian Bailey Collins agrees. She said that they have talented people who will make it fun to watch, and in a setting with a ton of artistic people it will definitely have an impact. “I feel like it’s an attempt to present an artistic representation of how absurd and nonsensical violence tends to be, especially in school shootings,” Collins said, adding that a third of the audience will be very thoughtful, a third will be laughing, and a third will be staring at the stage mouthing ‘what’ in shock. Micael Lynn, fellow Thespian and press member actor, agrees that the play gets a little crazy at times. “Well, it’s kinda like a crazy Bugs Bunny version of ‘Circus’ and ‘American Roulette’ mixed,” Lynn said. “It’s really crazy, it’s like a cartoon in a way.” Lynn said that the play will be a three round knockout, fast and to the point. People will question what just happened. The message it represents has been important to Lynn since “American Roulette” got cancelled last spring. “Roulette tore me up when it got canceled, and I don’t normally like showing emotion, but when I heard it got canceled I kind of teared up and I wasn’t even a main character, I was an understudy,” Lynn said, adding that if you learn from such a play, learn this. Even if you just say ‘hi’ to another student in the hallway, even someone you don’t know, that could be the highlight of their day. “Being an actor has changed my life. If I can just make someone smile I’ve done my job. If I can make someone happier than they’ve been in awhile I’ve done my job,” Lynn said. “Being in the arts lets us share experiences, at least that’s what it means to me.”
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January 28, 2016 rustlernews.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Best Books
CLARA MCCLAIN Eragon The Only Pirate at by Christopher Paolini the Party This is one of my favorite series of all time. My older brother gave me this book when with
by Lindsey Stirling and Brooke S. Passey
This is Stirling’s breakout novel, as she isn’t a writer by nature. In fact, she’s more well known for her presence on YouTube and on stage holding her violin. She created a new genre of music that fit her interests more than any of the classic pieces Stirling was learning as a child. Including dubstep and dancing into her performances made her YouTube channel very popular for music lovers. “The Only Pirate at the Party” is Stirling’s memoir that gives you a window into her life that you don’t get to see from her YouTube channel. She talks about her struggles with an eating disorder through her dismissal from “America’s Got Talent.” In that instance, one of the judges told her that no one would want to listen to her music because, “You’re not untalented, but you’re not good enough to get away with flying through the air and trying to play the violin at the same time.” She took those words and used them as fuel to sell out concerts and get millions of views on her music videos. Her story is one that everyone can look at and believe that they can achieve their dreams.
I was in third grade. He thought I would enjoy them, and he was right. Not only is the author from Montana, but he started writing “Eragon” when he was 15. Also, interesting side note, when Paolini started writing this, the main character’s name was Kevin, not Eragon. “Eragon” is an interesting take on a coming of age story. He’s a farm boy who finds a dragon’s egg while he’s hunting deer in the mountains. The arrival of the egg scared the herd of deer he’d been tracking for the past few days. Naturally, he doesn’t know that the object is a dragon’s egg and only hopes that it can buy him some meat from the local butcher. Dragons only hatch for the person they deem worthy enough to be their Rider, and so when the egg starts to hatch for Eragon, he’s confused and worried that he’s committed a crime. The current king of Alagaesia has banned all dragon riding, so when a little blue dragon erupts into Eragon’s life, he was suitably scared.
Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte
This is a classic tale that I love every time I read it. The story is like an old friend that I love visiting time and time again. The characters are wonderfully written and I really felt like I got to know them through the course of the book.. They were flawed and a little broken, but they weren’t set in stone. They progressed, learned about each other, become better people, and the romance that became a big part of the story later on, wasn’t alluded to in the beginning. I was invested in the story line the first time I read “Jane Eyre.” I recently got a new copy for Christmas and I was so happy because my old version is falling apart. The spine is cracked in all my favorite parts and the pages, I’m a little reluctant to say, have some tea stains on the edges. It’s a “classic” that won’t bore someone to death while they’re reading it. My older sister suggested it to me when I was younger and I read it with some apprehension
Blood, guts, and suspense galore How horror movies have changed over the years
UST SEE
by Christina Brennan, features editor Blood, sweat and tears: the three ingredients to any horror movie ever made. From “Creature from the Black Lagoon” and Stephen King’s “The Shining” to newer favorites like “The Conjuring” and “Insidious,” horror films have come a long way. To the untrained eye, older films may seem dull or unrealistic. But to someone who has dedicated his or her entire life to watching scary movies, the classics are just that: classic in every way. The first horror movie ever made was a three-minute, black and white, silent film called “Le Manoir Du Diable,” or “The Devil’s Castle.” It was made in 1896. The plot is a bit unclear, but for the most part it has devil magic, skeletons, spooky people running around, and two guys who think the other is dead. In the end, one of the men finds out the other is alive and gets scared. Needless to say it is not necessarily a classic, but it did get the ball rolling for horror movies of the future. “There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.” This was said by renowned film writer and director Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock, in many horror fanatics’ eyes, including my own, was the father of fright. He put fear into the minds of even the smallest spectators with films such as “Psycho” 1960, “The Birds” 1963, and “Vertigo” 1958. This was the time when suspense ruled the theaters and nothing was scarier than the moment of silence before Lila Crane, one of Hitchcock’s characters, was stabbed in the shower by the seemingly sweet motel owner Norman Bates. That moment when the bad guy slowly creeps past a closet where the babysitter and the children are hiding, waiting
Frightning Films
2016
“LEATHERFACE”
“THE BOY”
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to escape. That is the suspense that was so loved in the early days of horror. I believe that the thought of the bang being less exciting than the anticipation has gone away in recent years of horror. With films such as “Saw” or “Hannibal,” the NBC original TV series, it is obvious that people crave more gruesome crimes to be committed before their eyes than to watch a character struggle to survive and fight for his or her life. For a while horror films were, for the most part, filled with fake blood, huge gashes to people’s heads, and women in skimpy clothes. Horror had gone from the violins screeching in the background while the antagonist creeps towards its victim to a girl screeching in front of the camera as she hangs, only half alive, in a meat freezer naked. It is unclear exactly when horror films made this change, but it seems as if writers and directors are starting to morph the movies even more. With blockbusters like “Oculus,” “The Babadook,” and “Sinister,” writers are beginning to take a deeper look into the supernatural realm, a place that is unfamiliar and quite eerie to us all. The concept of not knowing what lurks in the dark or the light is something that taps into an audience’s deepest fears. Not knowing what will pop up when they turn around, or the feeling of being followed in their own home though no culprit can be found lurking in the shadows is a different kind of suspense that brings audience members back to the theater every time a new horror movie comes out, despite the ridiculously high ticket prices and stale popcorn.
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18 Entertainment
Vloggers take over YouTube
January 28, 2016
by Sophie Aron, staff writer
Louis Cole
Casey Neistat
Channel Name: CaseyNeistat Channel Name: funforlouis Subscribers: 1,993,476 Subscribers: 1,696,741 American film director, producer, creator Louis Cole is a British filmmaker andCounty Cascade DUI Task Force of popular YouTube videos, and co-founder makes daily vlogs. His vlogs follow him of a social media company. He is known as he travels around the world sharing his for his creative, high-quality daily vlogs. experiences with Internet viewers.
Ben Brown
Channel Name: Mr Ben Brown Subscribers: 478,895 Ben Brown is a two-time kayak world Name; Julia Gr champion. Along with that, he is a successful filmmaker and YouTube creator with a quickly growing following.
You’re not just hurting yourself...
Be safe or Be sorry What’s your plan? New Year,New you .
What’s your plan?
A message brought to you by the Cascade County DUI Task Force
A message brought to you by the Cascade County DUI Task Force
Entertainment
January 28, 2016
19
Gamers await release of GTA 6
by Carli Dieruf, editor in chief Longtime Grand Theft Auto fans are anxiously awaiting the release of GTA 6, which has yet to be announced. Unfortunately, we’ve come to find out that the date is not approaching any time soon. There are a lot of rumors floating around about what the new game may bring to us, but there are no guarantees yet. Some of the Rockstar sponsorships have released some thoughts and predictions that we may get to see, and some of them have me ready to pre-order the game. If you follow any of the game hype, you know that sponsors have talked about having the map be the whole world, rather than just the few cities, mountain landscapes, and water regions that we have now. I can’t image a map that big. The friends who I play with have the current map memorized to a T, and I’m not sure how they are even able to pull that off. I have a few parts of the map memorized. Mostly just the clothing shops that I know sell my favorite designer tee, and I know where one Ammu-Nation store is simply because the building stands out among all of the others. With the struggles that I have to memorize the current map, I can’t begin to imagine what it will be like attempting to navigate through the new realm. The rumors of a world map rather than a few cities is likely false, but we can all still hope. In addition to the new map, there are a few other things I’d like to bring up, such as the probability of there being a female protagonist. Not that I’m against the idea, but I’ve grown to like the current characters that we play as now. I have a hard time transitioning from something that I’ve known for a long time. Right now, GTA consists of three main characters: Franklin Clinto, Michael De Santa and Trevor Phillips.
MrMtnDewd “I really like all of the new content that Rockstar brings in every update. I think the coolest thing right now would be the yacht that you can purchase. Aside from that, I like customizing my own car and buying the new apartments when they come out.”
Austin Enriquez, 11
The lead role currently is Trevor, but rumors have it that a female character will snag the role this time around. Perfect way to ruin it, in my opinion. I enjoy playing online much more than story mode anyways, simply because I find it more interesting when I can play with people all over the world who have the same interests. I have a tendency to cause havoc with other players. I have a bad habit of shooting other players, and then the battle really begins. But that’s what I like to do in the game. It’s the challenge of beating other players and seeing my KD ratio increase that I have the most fun with, if I can control my temper. Obviously the game will continue to bring character and style of what the original GTA is all about. Cars galore. We are given a good variety of options currently, but I think we can all look forward to an even larger selection of cars looking much like the most popular cars of today. I’m hoping they bring more of a retro look to the new game. I’d like to see more classic cars, rather than the sports cars that are popular right now in the game. They should bring the classic look of the ‘69-’78 vehicles but bring the speed factor that the newer cars bring. My favorite looking cars online are the ones that the computer operated people drive. I tend to like the muscle car body style, but often get disappointed because they aren’t rare. Bring back old styles more often, Rockstar. Cars are cool, definitely, but I tend to travel on foot when I’m playing unless I have friends that are in my session. Driving is not my strong suit. But I think it’s much easier to just run during the game. I discovered it’s much easier for me to hide from cops that way because I can climb up buildings and jump over fences, rather than crashing my car every time I turn when I see the flashing police light moving closer to me on the map. I definitely need to
Carli Belle I think my favorite part of the game is playing with people that I don’t know. It’s interseting to see what other people like to do. I like doing challenges although working with other people is difficult, especially if you aren’t actually talking to them. It’s all a guessing game, but that’s the best kind.
Carli Dieruf, 12
work on that. I tend to crash into just about everything. I manage to knock over every traffic light and stop sign in sight, usually run over at least five people each block, and occasionally crash head-on into trees, which unfortunately don’t move. If I hit the trees hard enough my car gets completely totaled, and I either have to drive around looking like a fool or steal a new vehicle. I’ve been working on it, though. I participate in as many races as I can, usually by myself if possible. I know what you’re thinking. “So you’re racing yourself?” Yes. I definitely am racing myself. I just set a goal to beat my best time, and I’m usually successful. But for now, I’ll leave most of the driving up to the people who are actually “pro-racers,” because sadly I’m listed as an “unlicensed” driver, and that’s just embarrassing. I wish we had more opportunity to do things around the cities. Sure, we can go into barber shops, ammo shops, clothing stores, gas stations and a few other places, but I would be a little more addicted to playing if we had more freedom around the city. I think Rockstar should make some changes and allow gamers to enter houses and random buildings. I think getting to go into houses and buildings that we haven’t before would give us a whole new level of experience -- especially when hiding from the cops. Can you imagine how much fun it would be to hide in houses rather than just alleys when we have to get away with the crime? I would hope it would be more difficult to get away, though. There are a lot of things that I wish to see in the upcoming game, but sadly I don’t have enough room here to explain all in detail. I’m happy with GTA 5 and am looking forward to what the new map has to offer. Maybe I’ll even memorize the current one before that release date.
AnarchySon75 “I love all of the different cars that are available. I can design and modify a vehicle any way that I want. It gives me ideas on what I want my cars to be like when I am older. I just love the costomizations, especially with the muscle cars. I feel like I’m making a beast, like my very own frankenstein and I would do anything to have my Chino low rider in real life.”
Talon Herigon, 11
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January 28, 2016 rustlernews.com
SPORTS
Mackenzie George
Sports Editor
Time. It’s something that we never seem to have enough of, regardless of how well we plan for things. The beginning of second semester is an opportunity to reminisce on how we spent our 2015 while making plans that will take up more of our time in 2016. I look back on the year in the rear-view mirror and feel a twinge of regret. Could I have accomplished more? Should I have used my time more wisely? I could be spending all my waking hours participating in some activity and still wonder if I’ve taken full advantage of my time. I can never shake the fact that we only have so many years to accomplish things. Looking back at the end of the semester, it seems like only a few weeks ago I was walking back into CMR for the first day of school with the weather still warm. It’s a sharp contrast to now, when I have to scrape a blanket of snow off my car windows before driving home from school. Soon it will be prom season, and by May there will be a stream of graduation parties as we say goodbye to the seniors. It doesn’t feel like I am almost halfway done with high school. I can’t imagine how the seniors must feel. JJ Mitchell is heading to Missoula for college, and although she’s excited, she’s mentioned how different life will be. “I’m going to be away from my parents. My friends are all leaving. I’m going to know people in college who went to CMR, but it’s going to be so different,” she told me. Perspective also plays a role. Staring at the clock during a particularly boring lecture seems to make the minute hand stop; contrastly, lunch flies by. In a basketball game, depending on the score, the final four seconds before the buzzer can take ages or be over in the blink of an eye. I can remember being so anxious to transition from school to school: leaving elementary school for North, which seemed bigger and better; then walking into CMR and thinking that three floors was a lot. In the fall, I was complaining about being stuck here for three more years. Now two and a half seems like nothing. So instead of making the standard goal to exercise more or eat healthier, I just want to slow down and enjoy the year. Most of last year was a blur--a good blur, but there was so much going on I didn’t really take time to stop and soak it in. School might not be the most fun thing in the world, but in a few years, I know I’ll look back on high school with fond memories that I didn’t completely appreciate when they were happening. This year, I hope to remember to take a break once in awhile to capture the memories that I might have missed in 2015.
Runners hit the stairs and hallways this winter
by Mackenzie George, sports editor For truly dedicated athletes, there is no offseason, and several Rustler runners take the mantra seriously. From January until track season begins, athletes can be found running stairs every weeknight. Junior Sydney Dickinson is among them. Dickinson said that Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays consist of difficult stair workouts, but Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for easy days. “That consists of two or three miles, and then usually after we do abs or some other type of workout,” Dickinson said. “We always make sure to stretch afterward.” Coaches Nathan Gregier and Branch Brady facilitate the runs. Dickinson enjoys having them running with the team. “Gregier motivates me to run every day and doesn’t let me [skip]. And Brady intimidates me so I will run faster,” Dickinson said. The point of winter training is to help get the athletes’ legs back for track season. Dickinson said stairs are what get her in shape for when the season rolls around. She runs the mile and the two-mile races. “It’s preparing me because we run laps upstairs, and running the mile and the two-mile is running laps, so I am getting used to that repetitive motion,” she explained. Distance runners’ workouts vary greatly from sprinters, whose workouts mostly include plyometrics, Gregier said. Middle and long distance runners are spending time working on their base, so the two groups have slightly different schedules. “If [long distance athletes] aren’t running at least a few days a week, then they’re going to struggle once the season comes and we pick up the tempo and try increasing some speed,” Gregier said. For students considering track, he advised to try different events to see which is the best fit. Gregier also suggested talking to an area coach. Ryan Anderson and Burke Allen
The track team is all smiles during their workout on Jan. 26 on the third floor. Each winter, the team builds its base by running stairs. Senior Vince Bohl, above, is in his fourth year of track. Photos by Julia Gremaux and Sophie Aron.
coach the throwers; Travis Crawford assists jumpers and pole vaulters. Prospective javelin throwers should talk to Mitch Maki. Both Gregier and Branch Brady will work with distance runners. Mike Henneberg is the head coach of the track and field program and primarily helps sprinters. The stairs may seem daunting now, but Dickinson knows she will be grateful that she worked hard now when the season comes around. “I can’t wait for track to start and see how much my time as dropped this season from last.”
YEARBOOKS FOR SALE
For the price of $70, you can remember your 2015-2016 high school experience buy your yearbook today, before they sell out! order in the finance office or online at
www.yearbookordercenter.com and use order number 7732
January 28, 2016
Sports 21
Crosstown Rivals
CMR boys fall to Bison
by Mackenzie George, sports editor Head coach John Cislo summed the game up in a single sentence: “We did a good job 1 defensively, we just couldn’t score.” It was no secret that Cislo’s team was the underdog on Jan. 14 in the legendary crosstown matchup at Great Falls High. Not only did their opponents have the home court advantage, but the Bison’s team also includes AA’s leading scorer in junior Brendan Howard. Howard is currently putting up 26.3 points per game and leads the state in rebounding as well, averaging 11.5 each contest. The crowd was surprised--and the student section was excited--when the Rustlers came out strong in the first quarter, jumping to a 6-2 lead. Containing Howard was one of the biggest goals of the night, and in the first half 2 the star junior was held to just four points. Unfortunately for the Rustlers, the relentless defense faded after halftime. The Bison outscored the Rustlers 39-27 in the second half, led by Howard’s 17. “We had a plan to contain Howard by double-teaming him,” junior Xavier Pace said. “We executed pretty well in the first half, but then in the second half we got tired and 3 lost focus.” (1) Senior Trevor Pepin runs down Cislo agreed that while the team did a the court as his name is called good job of stopping Howard, other Bison for the starting lineup during the players stepped up. crosstown game on Jan. 14. “The other kids from Great Falls High did (2) During the team’s warm-up, a good job of scoring,” Cislo said. junior Caleb Gagne goes up for a layup. (3) Senior Chris Moore Getting points on the board was an issue listens to John Cislo, the boys head for the Rustlers. basketball coach, during a timeout. “They did a good job contesting our (4) Senior Karl Tucker II yells out shots,” Cislo said. “We need some of a play as they take on the Bison. our other players to step up and He fouled out during the fourth score.” quarter. Photos by JJ Mitchell.
Pace was the leading scorer for CMR, with 16 markers. Senior Karl Tucker scored 14 for the Rustlers before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Trevor Pepin added six. “I think we played with a lot of emotion,” Pace added. “We played hard. We could have executed a little better on both sides of the ball, both offensively and defensively.” Pace said that the number of people who attend crosstown makes the game much more fun. With the increased spectatorship comes more noise, creating a great atmosphere. “It makes you play with emotion, makes you play on adrenaline,” Pace said. “It was crazy; it’s always super fun to play with a lot of people.” Although the outcome wasn’t what the Rustlers had hoped for, there were bright spots, especially in the first half. “I would have liked to come out with a win, but you lose some and you win some,” Pace said with a shrug.
4
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Senior shares her experience being on the court for crosstown
by JJ Mitchell, opinion editor Walking into crosstown, the atmosphere was different in the fieldhouse than a regular girls basketball game. You could see the rivalry on both sides of the fieldhouse. For senior Stevi Farren, it got her fired up for the game. “It got my adrenaline pumping right away,” she said. When the game started, the crowds got louder and it was hard to hear each other on the court. “It was crazy to hear the team when we would try to call out plays, and it was really hard to hear Crosby,” Farren said. She had goals for both herself and the team. “I didn’t want to foul out and let my team down, but I was proud of our defense,” she added. The team had a game plan for
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containing Great Falls High’s Nora Klick with her average of scoring 11 points per game. “We knew she could shoot with a hand in her face. Our defense was the main goal of the game,” Farren said. With a final score of 49-41, she has high hopes for the next game they play. Farren has a good feeling about the JV team coming up to the varsity level next year. “I see JV stepping up in the future. They are willing to listen and to learn, which is really nice.” As for their next game, Farren has a positive attitude. “Our goal is always the same. To get a win under our belts.” Next year, Farren plans to go to medical school and leave her basketball career at CMR. “I want to focus on school and studying.”
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6 (1) Taking the ball down the court, sophomore Addison Gardner dribbles the ball to one of her teammates during the crosstown game on Jan. 12. (2) Senior Courtney Schroeder looks to pass during the game. (3) Cailey Froehle jumps the ball at the beginning of the game. CMR got the ball at the start of the game. (4) During halftime, coach Brain Crosby talks to the girls about the plays. (5) Sophomore Kylie Burtsfield does a cheer in front of the student section. (6) The Wranglers perform during halftime at the game. Photos by JJ Mitchell and Christina Brennan.
22 Sports
January 28, 2016
CMR Wrestling Scoop
By the Numbers
Season goals and team growth on the agenda for wrestlers
sports news from around CMR
The team gathers together at the Dec. 19 Holiday Classic in the CMR fieldhouse.
Senior Noah Danielson takes down an opponent at the Holiday Classic. Photos by Tamara Miller.
by Tamara Miller, News Editor Forty schools, eight mats, one gym and one goal: win the Holiday Classic. On Dec. 9-10 schools from around the state came to the CMR fieldhouse for a fight to the finish. Seniors Dennis Nordell and Noah Danielson both won titles at the classic. “We both got first Holiday Classic champs, 205 for me and heavyweight for Noah,” Nordell said. The team did very well in the tournament and have been doing so for the majority of the season. “The team has been wrestling tough this season, we started out kind of slow losing to Bozeman,” Nordell said. “We have progressed since then, though.” Danielson agreed. “We wrestled pretty well; we just kind of [have to] sharpen up the little things,” he said. Junior Graydon Irish believes the team is more than just a team, it’s a family. “We one person gets down after a match we pick them up,” he said. “We aren’t just a team. We are a family. Having a good relationship helps the team.” The team has had some complications with injuries, but even when some of the top players are out the team sticks together.
“I personally have been sidelined for about two weeks with a concussion from the Helena duals,” Nordell said. “The only low points to the season so far are the Bozeman dual, and me and David Bennyhoff getting sidelined with injuries.” Every team and every season has certain goals, and both Nordell and Danielson have personal achievements and standards for their last season. “I have won two tournaments this year, but I really want to keep focusing on staying hungry for the wins,” Danielson said. “Also to stay motivated though the state, too.” Irish’s goal along with the team is to make it to state, and get everyone they can onto the podium. “[Our goal is to] have everyone perform to their best and get as many of us that we can to the big tournament (state),” he said. Nordell knows exactly what he wants to accomplish. “[We want] to become state champs and push my team to the point of being successful.”
Senior Karl Tucker takes his place in the starting lineup on Jan. 14. Photo by JJ Mitchell. Senior Trevor Lebrun tries to overturn an opponent at the Holiday Classic.
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Junior Max Sechena wins his match during the Havre Dual on Jan. 14.
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The score of the Russell girls swim team on Jan. 22 when they defeted Havre 170-104.
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The score of the crosstown basketball game on Jan. 14, when the Bison defeated the Rustlers. Junior Graydon Irish gets ready to face a two-year state champion on Jan. 14.
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Points scored by sophomore Addison Gardner in the Rustlers’ crosstown loss to the Bison on Jan. 12, 49-31.
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Upcoming Meets
1/29 GFH @ GFH-OG JV/V 6:30 p.m. 2/6 Divisionals/Seeding @ Bozeman V 10 a.m. 2/12 State @ Billings V 10 a.m. 2/13 State @ Billings V 9 a.m.
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Meets Mondays @ 4 p.m. in room 325
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Meet new people Be informed Earn career tech credit Gain writing skills Learn design Shoot photos & video Improve communication skills Learn time management Be part of a team Have fun
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Sports
January, 28 2016
Swim team makes a splash CMR swim team focuses on goals as a whole team by Jara Wilkinson, staff writer When freshman Noah Brennan signed up for swimming in the seventh grade, he didn’t know he was signing up for something that would change his life. “I met a lot of good friends, and I’ve improved my shape a lot,” Brennan said. Each day he practices old and new techniques and endurance skills to cut time off of his meets. “My event is the 100 yard backstroke,” Brennan said. Brennan’s personal goal for this swimming season is to reach 57 seconds on the 100 yard backstroke. He said his goal for the team is to make it to state. “I plan on continuing swimming after high school, and I really hope it works out,” Brennan said. Junior Megan Carroll also plans on continuing swimming after she graduates. “I’m really hoping a good college will recognize me for swimming,” Carroll said. She signed up for the sport when she was just ten years old. She said her parents encouraged her to find something she loved and something she was good at. “Once I started getting used to it, it was something I felt like I could excel in,” she said. Carroll said she has met lots of good people while competing in meets. She has made a lot of good memories and improved her communication skills a lot. “My teammates and coaches are always pushing me to do better and helping me reach my goals. I have lots of friends that support me as well, and that helps a lot,”
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Carroll said. Sophomore Blair Hebnes also uses her friends, coaches, and teammates support to push her to reach her goals on the team. “I learned how to swim when I was little. About 4 years ago, I heard people talking about it and I missed it. So I got back into the sport,” Hebnes said. Hebnes used to practice every day with varsity, but that changed when she had to excuse herself from the season for a surgery. “I’m actually just getting back this week, and I will start practicing with jv every day,” she said. Hebnes said she pushes herself to work her hardest during every practice, and she’s excited to be back. “I’d have to say that my favorite part is the environment, it’s the people,” Hebnes said. Hebnes’ event is the 100 yard breaststroke. Her goals for this season include shortening times and going to state. Her goals for the team is for everyone to do the best that they can. “It’s teaching me teamwork, and how to be a good friend,” she said. Hebnes said she hopes to continue improving her skills so she can continue swimming after her high school career. “State is Feb. 12 I believe, and my hope for the team is to win.”
CMR students gather at swim meets on Dec. 18 and Jan. 16. Photos by Clara McClain.
Familiar faces Molly DeMarco, 10
Favorite quote
Andrew Spragg, 11
Favorite quote
Tana Debolt, 12 Favorite quote
“It never gets easier, you just get better.” Unknown
“Don’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get.” Michael Phelps
“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplins practiced every day.” Jim Rohn
Event; 200 IM and 100 backstroke.
Event; 50 free and 100 free.
Event; 100 free.
24 Back Page
January 28, 2015
super smash Bros. by Carli Dieruf, editor in chief, and Mackenzie George, sports editor It’s rare to see more than three dozen teenagers crowding the CMR library after school. On Jan. 21, a Super Smash Brothers tournament brought students together for an afternoon of competition and fun. The turnout was much better than predicted. “We expected 10 teams, and there’s 20,” junior commissioner Trevor Funseth said. The tournament, a brainchild of juniors Xavier Pace, Funseth, and Max Sechena, was offered to teams of two. The money raised will be put toward next year’s prom. Nearly all of the pairs were male; the bracket contained just one team of girls. “I know I’m going to be able to do pretty well,” confident freshman Amanda Houston, who partnered with Faith Coffey, said. Senior Brandon Maynard had some doubts about his teammate, Collin Buck’s, ability. “My partner may be some dead weight, but I’m ready to accept the consequences,” Maynard joked. Buck believed the key to success may have been
making a fashion statement. “We’re the only ones with matching outfits,” Buck said proudly. At the end of the evening, sophomores Aidan Evans and Matthew Mickolio were crowned champions and given CMR Smash Brothers Championship Tag Team belts, courtesy of Funseth. The Smash Brothers competition is one of many events that students organize to raise money for things that go on during the year, including prom and morp. Ryan Anderson and Brittany Light are the adult supervisors of student government, and they said they always look forward to seeing the different things that the students want to try. “The student government kids do such a great job of coming up with ways to raise money for prom -- painting the hill, the senior gift and much more,” Anderson said. “Super Smash Brothers and many other events were their own ideas. They come up with the ideas and we roll with it.”
What got you started? “I’ve played with my character for a long time. Five years now. I like to think that I’ll make it to the finals.” Nathan Ross, 11 “I got into it when the Wii version came out. Depending on how [the competition] is, but I’ve had a lot of practice with my character.” Ethan Slaughter, 9 “[I’ve played] probably about four years. We have a good chance; there’s a lot of good competition here.” Lucas Ross, 9 “I’ve been practicing a little bit with Brandon here. I’m feeling pretty confident.” Collin Buck, 12 “I’ve played for the last two years with my family. I know I’m going to be able to do pretty well.” Amanda Houston, 9
The Super Smash Bros. competition on Jan. 21 had a good turn out. The media center was filled with boys and girls eager to take a turn. Photos by Sophie Aron.