CMRStampedeMay2012 by CMR Stampede

the

stampede

Street Surfers Longboarding fanatics take to the streets

An open forum for student expression

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NEWS....................Heisey Awards: Students receive awards based on citizenship, effort pg. 03 OPINION...................Staff Speculations: Stampede staff share opinions on annoying habits pg. 06 FEATURES...................Girl Scout Adventures: Sierra Rutledge to travel to the city of lights pg. 07 c.m. russell high school great falls, mont. ENTERTAINMENT...................Battling Boredom: Having fun at home this summer pg. 14 may 24, 2012 SPORTS...................Ripping Up the Roads : New extreme sport hits CMR pg.19 vol. 47, issue 9

happeningnow

print editor-in-chief

katie hodges

Seniors sit in a crowded Bill Will Hall on May 8, enduring the two hours of time that it takes for all their names to be called to recieve their scholarship or award. Photos by Stephanie McCracken.

Rustlers recognized

Anastasia Heryla

Students receive scholarships, department awards on the all school awards night

Marquis Archuletta

She received three memorial scholarships: Hoppock, Kelly Johnson, and Austen Shampo. “Receiving the Shampo scholarship was very touching because their son sounded like an amazing person. I admire the courage of the parents rewarding a scholarship to me only after a year of his passing,” Malisani said. The Hoppock scholarship was specifically made for a student interested in a career for math or science. Malisani is going to Gonzaga for either engineering or biochemistry to continue in the math and science field. Also announced May 8 were the department awards. “Department awards are teachers choosing the most outstanding student for their work or grades,” Counselor Patti Ashmore said. Senior Joelle Lundy received the family and consumer science department award presented to her by Teri Forde. “I was surprised; I thought I was just getting a scholarship,” Lundy said. The department awards are given in every department and are chosen by the teachers of that department. The teachers choose the students who put in hard work and dedication. Lundy has taken several family and consumer classes since sophomore year, including textiles and apparel, culinary arts, prep for life and child development classes. “It does show that teachers appreciate the student’s hard work.” Lundy said.

Katie Hodges

by stephanie mccracken Sitting under stage lights and the constant stare of the audience for two hours isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of the perfect award night, but for Tasha Heryla, who received six scholarships and awards, the time was well worth it. “I was a little embarrassed and thankful,” Heryla said. The senior awards happen every year, and it gives students like Heryla a chance to be recognized for their accomplishments. They also receive money, scholarships, or certificates that they have been awarded by teachers or committees. “This is one of my favorite nights of the year,” Principal Dick Kloppel said. The scholarships vary in amount of money given; they can be anywhere from $50-$10,000. Garrett Lankford received the biggest scholarship, a four-year renewable scholarship for $10,700, awarded at this year’s all-school awards night. “When I turned in my application I thought I had wasted my time and I would not receive the award, but when my name was called I was in utter disbelief,” Lankford said. Seniors can sign up for each scholarship that comes out every month for the scholarship scoop. Many seniors receive multiple scholarships, due to the amount of scholarships they fill out. Alyssa Malisani is just one senior who received multiple scholarships. “I felt very honored receiving all of them,” Malisani said.

Garrett Lankford

This is my last column. I can’t decide if I am sad about that fact or not. I love newspaper, and I have loved working with the Stampede, but the truth is, I’m tired. When I signed up to become the editor-in-chief last year, I had no idea how exhausting it would be. I thought working as news and opinion editor had prepared me for the work, but nothing could have prepared me for the challenge of leading newspaper staff. A year and six issues later, and I’m ready for a break. For the past four years, my life has been ruled by a cycle of stress as late night approaches, a sigh of release as the issue is distrbuted, or occassionaly another bout of stress if the issue contained anything controversial. To be fair, that cycle is deceptively addicting. I fell in love with talking to people, writing about them, helping others do the same, and putting together a newspaper. But, like any good love story, newspaper and I are coming to an end. After I put this paper and the senior issue to bed, I’m going to walk away from the newspaper room, and I probably won’t be back for a while. Newspaper gave me so much. It helped me learn how to talk, learn how to be confident, and learn how to listen. And I don’t think I can express how thankful I am that newspaper taught me how to do all of that. But I’m ready for a break. I’m ready to see what else I can do. I’m ready to rest. So I’ll walk away from newspaper, for a little while. I’ll probably miss it, miss talking to people and writing. But I won’t forget it. As I expand my horizons, and discover where my life is going, I will never forget everything newspaper did for me.

Alyssa Malisani

Chasing Sanity

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

HEISEY

Students awarded cash prizes for improvement, citizenship, effort

by olivia rudio

Coming back from Puerto Rico could entail bragging about sun tans and sharing neat photos, but senior Jake Hale’s homecoming involved diligent work and persistence. “I had to do my hardest to get good grades,” Hale said, who had to work extra hard after being gone on his vacation. In May, CMR held the 47th Annual Heisey Awards presentation in Bill Williamson hall. During each of the 47 years the Heisey Foundation has been carrying out the last wishes of Charles E. Heisey, whom the foundation is named after. Hale’s hard work got him nominated to receive a Heisey Award this year. As to who nominated him, however, it still remains an “unsolved mystery.” This is Hale’s second time receiving a Heisey Award and he said he is humbled by receiving it the second time around. Most people are trying to improve, and those kids should be acknowledged as well, Hale said. Each year one in every 20 students is selected to receive a $150 cash award. The students are either nominated by teachers or nominate themselves based off of their im-

Shaking hands with Principal Dick Kloppel, Jake Hale receives his Heisey award May 8. Photo by Alyssa McClain.

provement in citizenship, scholarship, and effort. “What I like about it the most is it’s based off of improvement,” Associate Principal Susan Quinn said. “You don’t have to be a straight A student to get an award.” This is an attribute many recipients find apealing. “I think it’s awesome; it encourages people to do well in school,” Melanie Locke said. She was nominated by Mr. Lins who she has one class and connections with. As far as the presentation of the Heisey Awards Locke was impressed. “I liked the organization of it,” Locke said. Greeting senior Taylor Green, Heisey trustee Chris Reiquam awards “I think it’s a good program.” the CMR student her Heisey award. Photo by Alyssa McClain.

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May 24, 2012 The Stampede

Power to the Newly elected 2012-2013 officers plan to unite student body, keep traditions by caitlin soltesz and mikayla reddick “Someone that appeals to both the students and the teachers, while getting the ideas out for the students. And a positive person the students can look up to.” That’s what next year’s student body vice president Jess DellaRossa said she will strive to be as a leader for the 2012-2103 school year. DellaRossa, along with Braden Murphy and Tess Sandefur, were elected as the student body officers on May 15. Murphy is the new student body president, and Sandefur is the secretary-treasurer. They said they plan to focus on traditions and school spirit next year. “I’m looking forward to making next year enjoyable for everyone,” Murphy said. DellaRossa said the trio decided to run for various reasons. “We had been in government every other year but we wanted to put a lot of effort into our school our final year and hold a higher position with more influence,” she said, adding that they are excited about winning and hope to accomplish a lot. For Homecoming next year they plan to choose a theme in which everyone will

feel “involved and included,” DellaRossa said. The slate wishes to have more of the student body attend concerts, plays, and art exhibits. Everyone – not just athletes – should feel important at CMR, she added. “We want to represent the student body and put their ideas into action,” Murphy said. The slate would like to make next year a good time while letting the students come to them with their ideas, he said. In the next school year they hope to keep the traditions of Theme Thursdays and Green and Gold Friday. Confident campaigning helped them during the election, along with their slogan “YOVO.” “We were confident, but also nervous because there were a lot of good candidates running against us,” Murphy said. They will put their plans into action next year by holding more student government meetings, getting everyone’s input, and involving the administrators more. “We thought that our slate could make a difference and share other people’s ideas too,” Sandefur said. “Leadership is being able to not only listen to others, but also having an input and getting the job done.”

Student body officers for the 2012-2013 school year are: (left) Tess Sandefur, Secretary-Treasurer; Braden Murphy, President; and Jess DellaRossa, Vice President. Photo by Beth Britton.

3 1 0 STUDENT BODY OFFICERS 2 2 1 s 0 President- Braden Murphy r 2 e c i Vice President- Jess DellaRossa Off Secretary Treasurer- Tess Sandefur

SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS

President- Justin Dean Vice President- Braden Leach Secretary Treasurer- Mckenna Fromm

SOPHOMORE Class President “I wanted to be president because I thought it would be a great experience and I wanted to change things up a bit. What leadership means to me is being able to stand up for what you believe in and to guide people in tough situations. Also, setting a positive example. Being a leader isn’t a once and awhile thing, it’s an everyday thing. My slate members and I want to create a better sense of unity within our class and school.” -Karlee Simonson

JUNIOR Class President “I chose to run for student government because I thought it would be a fun experience, and to represent my class. Plus I have a mean handshake.” -Brett Williams

JUNIOR CLASS OFFICERS

President- Brett Williams Vice President- Jacob Weill Secretary Treasurer- Brandon Mountan

SOPHOMORE CLASS OFFICERS

President- Karlee Simonson Vice President- Alex Strom Secretary Treasurer- Christian Rodriguez

SENIOR Class President

“President Theodore Roosevelt offered insight into motivation with his quote: “Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering.” So take this quote, substituting “senior class” in the place of “man.” As Senior Class President, my class, Vice President, Secretary and I can accomplish feats and leave impacts on our school and community that shall never be duplicated. These things have motivated my slate to the position that we are in now, ultimately boiling down to doing work and being remembered for said work. In the words of another outstanding man, Stan Moody, “It’s a great day to be a Rustler.” And so it is.” -Justin Dean

opinion

The tassel is worth the hassle In only a few days, our 291 seniors which crowd you belonged to during leave behind approximately 700 days the past four years, or the awkward of high school. Four years of secondary teenage phases you might have gone education is now completed, and a new through. chapter is about to begin. Your post-high school life doesn’t Here’s to all the care about that. graduating seniors who Make new impressions, make are about to head out to new commitments and follow new test their independence, impulses. Follow your heart, but ready to dress in other colors and call listen to your head. another campus or workplace home. Be Now is the time to follow your prepared to embrace new knowledge, new own path and make your dreams experiences and new memories. come true. Even though But, now is you are now also the time “Graduation is not the to keep your about to fly with your own mind open end. It’s the beginning.” wings, do not and continue forget what learning. -Orrin Hatch you’ve learned This is not in high school. the time to Regardless of what classes you might burn your textbooks and erase the have taken during the past four years, knowledge you might think you hopefully you’ve not only been educated in don’t need anymore. the curriculum, but also the development The end of high school should of social skills. Be ready to meet the world not mean the end of learning. as a great team player. Keep your brain active by constantly U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch once said challenging yourself. Push your “There is a good reason they call these limits and dare to be outstanding. ceremonies ‘commencement exercises.’ The possibilities are vast; it is now Graduation is not the end. It’s the up to you to grasp them. Remember beginning.” that no one stands in the way of your Keep that in mind, dear seniors. success – but yourself. With the end of high school comes an Kiss your class goodbye, and opportunity to start over. wave hello to the rest of your life. In the real world, outside the high The Stampede staff wishes you luck school bubble, it doesn’t really matter on your journey.

voice

BOX

our

lindsey buck

Buck Talk news/opinion editor

If you’re reading this, then you know about the secret organization. We’re “nerds,” they say, but I prefer to call us “the literates.” If you’re reading this, you also get a gold star for today. For some odd reason, in these modern times, reading is not considered “cool.” If you read the paper, it’s a waste of time. Reading books is for people without friends. Picking up a magazine is OK as long as you promise that you’re only looking at the pictures, and that no real words are entering your mind. It’s sad, but it may always be this way. There really is no changing of this mindset. However, don’t fret fellow nerds. You’re not alone. Keep being informed, keep being entertained, and keep loving. After all, there really is no greater form of love than knowledge. Your parents teach you how to walk because they love you. Your teachers teach you how to succeed in life because they love you. Your best friends teach you how to longboard, or do your math homework, or whatever else because they love you. And, beyond this, words teach you how to laugh, cry, know, and express, because they love you. That’s why you should always keep reading. The more you know, the better off you are. During my second period class, Mr. Greenwell said something that we can all hold precious and that can carry us through our summer. These words I will never forget: “The smartest people are always the most well-read. That’s what being smart is: being well-read.”

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

Charles M. Russell High School: The Stampede The Stampede, published approximately every four weeks, is a public forum for all voices on campus. These voices include the students, parents, faculty and the community at large. The opinions and views in this publication are not necessarily those of the Stampede staff, the student body, CMR employees or the school administration. The Stampede strives to cover the news accurately and fairly; however, when a mistake is made, a correction will be printed in the following issue. All writers are responsible for the content of their articles. Editors will edit all copy to be free of plagiarism and libel, and all writers will double-check their facts before publication. The Stampede accepts letters but limits the length to 200 words. The Stampede reserves the right to edit all letters; anonymous letters are not accepted. The Stampede maintains membership in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association and Quill and Scroll. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

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

staff greighsen adams ida andersen peyton fulbright whisper harris kendra hix claire knox de ja lacey abby lynes mandi monroe stephanie mouser ryan murphy caroline perkins kaidin phelan zach pottratz olivia rudio jake settera luke sisko keeli telleen jennifer verzuh Cover photo by Peyton Fulbright 228 17th Ave. NW (406) 268-6178 Great Falls, MT 59404 www.rustlernews.com

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

How do people get under your skin? “People who blatantly ignore what I tell them to do.” -- Tasha Heryla, 12 “People that hot rod around the parking lot. Or getting stuck in the mud.” -- Jared Davis, 11 “When people talk about me.” -- Junior RedDog, 10 “People who don’t understand how they should act, who act all high and mighty, and think that they can be be jerks to everyone because they’re so great.” -- Gabby Kaiser, 12 “Slow people! I hate walking behind them, especially when there’s more than one.” -- Miranda VerColen, 9 “Smelly, stinky, Griz fans! And the phrase ‘I’ll cut you.’ Who does that? Or when people don’t believe in the Illuminate.” -- Amanda Turner, 10 “Wanna-be farmers.” -- DJ Matury, 11 “When people text you and all they say is OK even after you wrote this huge long message.” -- Ali Coster, 12 “When people [tell] me all about their problems.” -- Lillian McGinn, 9

What’s buggin’ you? Feel free to admit “Yo no comprendo” by kendra hix There are some things I just cannot stand. OK, maybe more than a few. Like kids who walk up the stairs and text because they just can’t wait to send a message, people who don’t pull up their pants, and Katy Perry comparing how I feel to a plastic bag. One of the higher things on the list of things that make my head spin is the phrase “I don’t know.” As high school students, that insignificant, attitudinal three-word statement is just as common as homework. Sure, sometimes people irritate you and you have the urge to say something with sass, but saying “I don’t know” really doesn’t help your case. “I don’t understand” is really a much better declaration of your lack of knowledge. It’s not a bad thing; no one is going to laugh at you just because you don’t follow something (or you could just be a potential offensive person and say what you actually think the answer is). So I don’t understand why people think that they need to answer every little question with “I don’t know.” I mean, seriously? Some small part of your mind must have a sneaking suspicion that the answer is C. It’s not as if you walk around in a haze thinking of nothing at all, like a complete moron. You are smart, at least some part of you is smart, intelligent. It’s OK to admit that occasionally. To give your brain a little pat on the back and say, “Good job thanks for trying your best today.” So instead of saying “I don’t know” and sounding like you barely know how to tie your shoes let alone have an educated conversation, say something else. You could maybe even give your opinion, or maybe say yes.

US Army and Army Reserve

• •

The US Army and Army Reserve is a values based organization that trains and develops tomorrow’s leaders. Becoming a soldier is a great way for you to build a solid foundation that you can take with you into the future. Soldiers stand out above their peers in many endeavors taken in the civilian world.

• • • • • •

Name: Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Harris Military Occupational Specialty: Military Police Internment/Resettlement Hometown: Brentwood, CA Years of Service: 6 years U.S. High School Education: Deer Valley High School College Education: Currently enrolled at Columbia Southern University Most Memorable Army Moment to Date: Detainee Operations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba What the US Army has done for me: Offered me the opportunity for a career that I can be proud of serving both my local community and my country. It afforded me opportunites in leadership roles that I would had never received at this point of my career had I pursued it in the civilian market.

Be minimal when telling stories by kaitlin mosley “Did I tell that story before?” Yes, you did about five times is what I want to say when asked that question. When people tell me the same story over and over it always drives me up the wall. I understand if you said it twice because you might have forgotten that you had already told me, but when you say it four or five times it’s very irritating. It makes me even more irritated when you tell it multiple times within a few days because how could you not remember that you already told me. Unless you’re Dory or have Alzheimer’s you should know you have already told me, but chances are, you don’t have Alzheimer’s and you aren’t a fish, so remember! I always try to tell you that you have told me a few times so if I do it in a mean way I’m sorry, I try not to. It just makes me irritated. When people say it so many times to the point where I can say it back word for word, you should know you have told it to me way to many times, but you somehow you never do. Some people might think that it was really exciting or that it was really funny so you have to tell it to everyone and you might have accidently told me a few times, then that’s OK. When it’s really boring and you don’t have to tell everyone, but you still tell it to me over again, then that makes me angry. Which I think is understandable. Everyone gets a little angry sometimes, it’s how we operate. Don’t repeat yourself. Intstead of telling the same story and wasting your breath, tell a different one. Or maybe fib a little and add to the previous one.

kristi gange

features editor

EPIC

It’s supposed to be

featuring...

Yesterday I got sunburnt. Strangely, I found it to be a metaphor for my high school career. While it’s somewhat painful to endure my outermost layer of skin being burnt, I hope that a tan is my reward. Much like after tolerating the stress and rollercoaster ride that is high school; I’m hoping to walk away from it ready to face the summer and eventually, my future. High school is nothing like I expected it to be. Surprisingly enough, I wasn’t thrown into any trashcans or asked to meet someone at the bike racks to finish a “discussion.” But I did experience the stereotypical friendship hardships, alienation, and trying to find myself in a sea of other unsure teenagers. Thankfully, I finally found my place towards the end of my sophomore year when, as a last choice, I signed up to take “intro to journalism.”After deciding to join the newspaper staff and spending two years on it, I can happily say that I’ve gotten all that I could out of high school. I always thought I would never be sad to leave high school. But after being lucky enough to find an amazing group of friends, I’m sad to go. I’ll miss having a bell schedule and only being allowed to walk up one side of the stairs. CMR has done all it could have done and I’m pleased to announce that I’m ready for my college. It’s my future, and it’s supposed to be epic.

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

Voyage de sa vie

Rutledge to say “au revoir, mes amis” to the city of Great Falls, “bonjour, tout le monde” to the city of lights After making the decision to go, then Fourteen. came all of the paperwork. That’s how many high school Girl Scouts She had to submit essays, perform from across the nation were selected to go on community service, babysit, sell cookies, a trip to Paris this summer, and junior Sierra and make presentations to the Girl Rutledge is one of the chosen few. Scouts Board and various places around “I’m incredibly excited,” she said. town. Rutledge will be touring the city of lights In addition to balancing school, with her fellow scouts for nine days. band, and homework, she also is While on the trip, she said she hopes to an ambassador in her Girl Scout cultivate her love of traveling. group, comprised of several “I like different cultures and seeing how girls in grades K-11. other people live,” she said. She works with other girls She went to London with Girl Scouts her age, while also helping the in the summer of 2010, and since then has younger ones with characterfound herself with the travel bug. building activities and games. She describes travelling as Jorgie Hawthorne, a 3rd “magnificence.” grade student at Morningside “There’s pretty much no better feeling in Elelmentary, said “she seems the world,” she like she does said. everything “There’s pretty much right.” Though she is looking After putting no better feeling in the forward to in all of the hard the trip, the world.” -Sierra Rutledge. work, her troop’s decision to co-leader, Angie go was a Krause, said tough one for Rutledge. that Rutledge deserves it. “It was the hardest decision I had “I’m very proud of her. She’s to make,” she said. done a lot,” Krause said. She spent her summer of 2011 as Fellow CMR student and Girl a counselor at Juliette Lowe Camp in Scout Whisper Harris agreed. Missouri, a camp for girls ages 7-25 “I’m so happy to see her with physical or mental disabilities, going places and doing things where she took care of the girls and and just becoming this great provided them with a positive person.” experience. Rutledge was asked to return as a counselor again this year, but after much thought, turned down the offer. “I decided to go to Paris because camp Sierra Rutledge, beret in tow, prepares is going to be there for her trip to Paris this summer with Girl every year, and Scouts, where she plans to tour, sightParis is just this see, and eat crepes to her heart’s content. Photo by Beth Britton. year,” she said.

by abby lynes

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

Hard work really does pay off

CMR students share experiences about senior projects

Top: Senior Mandi Monroe with Leslie, the dog she is training for Canine Companions for Independence. Above: Senior Jarrett Workman displays the fur suit that he made, Thowan Fursona. Photos by Beth Britton.

by zach pottratz and khiriya vining When senior Jarrett Workman puts on his fur suit, another persona emerges. Workman’s project was building a fur-suit, and his alter ego, Thowan Fursona, was on full May 23 as the roughly 45 seniors who enrolled in senior project this year shared their presentations with the student body. Senior projects allow seniors to take on the challenge of constructing and producing a creation of something that interests them. Workman said his favorite part was “getting to experience something that a normal high school student would not.” The most interesting thing about being a part of senior project is being able to see work done by fellow classmates, he added. Another senior that completed a senior project is Mandi Monroe. She was a volunteer puppy trainer for Companions for Independence. “My favorite part about senior projects was being able to bring my dog Leslie to school each day,” Monroe said. Monroe found that the class helped her become a better person along with improving her work skills. “Senior Projects teach you about self-empowerment and also help you to make your dreams into reality by pushing you to put your mind toward a goal and achieving it,” Monroe said. “I would spend more time taking more adorable pictures of my dog Leslie and I would most definitely do it all over again.” Senior Abbie Black did a 45 hour internship at the Great Falls Clinic in the Immediate Care Center. “I was a physician’s assistant for Mark Hall,” she said. “I went around and did patient care.” Black got to do many different things at the Clinic. She took care of people who had colds, and “I took staples out of a guy’s head one time, and I also removed a lot of toenails. It was really fun,” she said. “I really enjoy Mrs. McGraw’s class. She gives us lots of time and she uses a good curriculum. We’re also starting a new presentation format this year,” Black said. Black later added she finds her experience doing the project to be enjoyable, some parts more than others. “I like to listen to everyone else’s stories and comparing them to see what I can do better,” she said. “I really liked seeing the little children too.” “There was never a bad part. The only thing that got to

Abbie Black elaborates on a case study she did during her senior project. Photo by Kendra Hix.

me was the stress of doing the speech, and having to speak in front of people,” Black said. While on the job at the Great Falls Clinic, Black said she shared wacky experiences with the full-time nurses. “I saw a guy who had a clot from his mid-thigh to his ankle, and we had to give him rat poison to get rid of it,” she said. Teacher Ed McNamee said he enjoys the connection the students establish with the community. “I feel [senior projects] ties in political science and sociology, and I really like that the kids try to tie Great Falls into their project,” he said. To be able to do a senior project there are certain criteria students have to meet during their senior year of high school. “You have to take Government, and another class called American problems, which is like a sociology class,” McNamee said. “And the med prep classes are starting to introduce a senior project class for people in the program.” Whether it’s building fur suits, training dogs for service or taking care of little kids, senior projects give seniors a way to “combine what they love with community service,” McNamee said. “Then [they] present it to the school in a way everyone enjoys.”

A snapshot of the year

Yearbook staff reflects on year of hard work, determination with release of book

Freshman Brady Bridgeman said he has also been changed by yearbook. “Yearbook helped me get out and talk to people. When you have to interview people you have to be willing to get out there and get a good story, no matter what topic you’re covering,” he said. But it hasn’t always been that way. “It was [hard] at the beginning, but it helps to just get out and talk to people.” Journalism has become a staple for Bridgeman. “I can’t see next year without yearbook—I just want to be part of it again,” he said. Taking a look, seniors Garrett Lankford, Cecily Meade, and Kristi Gange look at the current edition of the Bridgeman, however, can’t see Russellog during the May 17 release party. Photo by Whisper Harris. himself as a newspaper reporter. by whisper harris and isabelle weidmann “With newspapers people read It’s often said that it takes an entire village to raise a child. them and then throw them away. With a yearbook they keep it Well, it takes almost an entire village to create a yearbook. forever. I really like the fact that it’s not disposable.” Just ask senior Hannah Swant, the design editor of the 2012 Journalism advisor Beth Britton knows stress. After nine Russellog. years at CMR—six of them as “It’s hard to encompass how big creating yearbook advisor -- she said there a yearbook is and how many people it takes, are many things that are difficult, not only our staff but also our readers, the but the hardest thing is “working to “It’s hard to encompass artists, the people at the publishing plant get students to meet the deadlines,” how big creating a yearbook that help us with any problems we have, she said. people that spend hours in this classroom is.” Hannah Swant Receiving a yearbook is most just to finish up this book,” she said. students’ favorite part of the year, Though the release of the book is and she described the Russellog exciting, Swant said she’s nervous. staff as “little kids at Christmas” when they see the book for “It’s terrifying because I’m in such a high editor position it’s the first time. my responsibility to make sure everything’s done. I’m the last Her hope for the current edition of the Russellog is for one to see the pages. I’m the book’s last defense,” Swant said. students to appreciate the book. Journalists are required to get out and talk to others; Swant “I hope people like the book as much as my staff did. The said because of this yearbook has changed her. staff worked really, really hard to please the student body. I’m “I’m definitely less shy because I have had to go out and talk hoping they appreciate the hard work.” to people, even intimidating people,” she said.

Good luck on your finals CMR! Love, Key Club Meet with Key Club in room 325 Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Bathe Your Own Dog Grooming by appointment Owner/Operator: Ruth Johns Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

1100 Smelter Ave.

(406) 456-9963

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

What do you think of the yearbook? “It’s nice. There are a lot of pictures of me that I don’t remember. It feels nice.” Mandi Engen, 12

“I like it better than last year. I like the cover.” Lara Womann, 11

“It’s cool. I really like it, it’s a cool style and there’s a lot of really cool stuff in it. It’s a really cool style.” Monica Payan, 10 “I like that the [people] pictures start at the middle not the beginning. [I like that] they involved everybody.” Shelbie White, 10 “I like it. It looks very nice. The pictures are very good and I like the snapshots on the front. The folios are definitely unique.” Caitlin Soltesz, 9

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

Hatching into science Students design their own experiment, teach chickens to perform on command

by deja lacey Big walls and strange faces staring back at them, oblivious that they are already in training. On May 14, chickens were delivered to the school for sophomore biology classes. Biology teachers Tom Cubbage and Jon Davis hope to allow students the ability to design and run their own experiments with the chickens. Davis and Cubbage allow the students to work independently so that the experiment is based on what the students think is productive, helping them create a stable lab experiment. “It’s a fun lab, and some students come up with very creative ideas,” Davis said. One year Davis had a student who taught his chicken to peck at pictures of Osama bin Laden, no matter where it was. “Kids come up with something new every year,” he said. CMR had the chick lab as a tradition when Davis himself was a student. “It’s a great tradition that I remember. The chicken that I had I thought was stupid because it just wouldn’t learn anything,” Davis said. Even though it may be difficult to get a reasonable experiment set up, sophomore Jordan Williams said he enjoys the time he has had with his chicken. “Sometimes [my chick] is a bit slow, but she still gets around,” he said. Williams and his lab partner, Shane Mann, are teaching their chicken to identify color, and so far all she identifies is the sound of a finger against cardboard. “She runs around like crazy, but sometimes she does what she is supposed to do,” Williams said. Having to deal with their chicken’s constant refusal to do what they ask, disciplinary actions are called to order. “When she doesn’t do as she’s told we put her in the box and let her whine until she calms down; it’s very good discipline,” Williams said. Mann says that working with Williams on this experiment makes the project almost harder because it’s difficult to stay focused and not play with the chicken.

“It’s a great experience for me, and I’m enjoying it,” Mann said. The chicken is constantly having bowel movements during training time, making it a constant battle to train the chick because they spend more time cleaning it up than teaching it anything, he added. “She is a fast learner; she just never seems to remember the next day or doesn’t want to do it again,” Mann said. Cubbage said that in the time that his students have worked with their chicks, he notices the techniques that he has taught over the past year. “[The chicks] are nice and big, healthy, active chicks,” Cubbage said. Cubbage said that he isn’t surprised by much during the chick unit. “There are some really innovative mazes and specific intricate behaviors that [the students] are doing, but there is nothing that really kind of jumps out that I don’t remember students doing in the past,” he said. Even with the same experiments, Cubbage is able to find a bit of new excitement. “One thing that is always a highlight for me is that invariably I have students who will say to me things like, ‘Wow I’m just so frustrated with my chicken. It doesn’t do anything. I can’t get it to behave; we’re doing everything,’ and I get to say, ‘Wow, it’s just like being a teacher. We try and we try, and sometimes you guys just don’t ever get it,’” Cubbage said. Learning what it’s like to be in a teacher’s shoes is not the only thing that the students gain. It can be pretty humorous, too. “We have pooping units. There is poop almost everywhere. They start throwing food as they get older and scratching it. It’s kind of getting messy, but it’s a part of the activity,” he said. With all the poop and extra work trying to keep the area and chickens clean, it might make the job harder, but Cubbage said that it’s all worth it in the end. “It’s like anything. There are good and bad parts of the whole thing.”

Top. Running amuck, sophomore Cody Utphall attempts to teach his chicken to run a maze. Middle and Bottom: Sophomore Anne Swalek works to teach her chicken colors on May 18. Photos by Deja Lacey.

caitlyn aakre

I sunburn easily

entertainment editor

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

entertainment

Laying down the hammer

Cast, plot, action of “The Avengers” lives In eight days, I up to fans’ hype assemble with my

will classmates in alphabetical order and walk the walk to the Thunderdome, take my seat and listen to Mr. Dell conduct his last graduation performance. During Pomp and Circumstance, I’ll look for my family, friends and teachers. I’ll see the people who have pushed and pulled me through every project, tear, screaming match, failing grade, and triumph. They won’t be able to hear me then, so I’ll say it now. Thank you. Thanks for making sure I finished these 13 years. Thanks for telling me that I have a bright future and that some bad things are simply bumps in the road. Thanks for giving me extensions on assignments when I didn’t deserve them. Thank you for always listening to me complain about every single thing possible. Thanks for gossiping with me. Thanks for hugging me when I didn’t want it. Thanks for playing your trumpet into my ear in band. Thank you for coming in my bedroom at 7:15 and asking whether or not I’m going to school when clearly my alarm didn’t go off. Thanks for riding the rollercoasters with me at Lagoon. Thanks for telling me how it is when I didn’t want to hear it. Thanks for telling me I looked beautiful at prom. Thanks for singing to me while I cry. Thanks for bowling with me and doing crazy dances. Thanks for making me laugh at inappropriate times. Thanks for coming to lunch with me on days when I was flat-out terrible. Thanks for telling me I’m a great person. Thanks for pushing me to get my feelings out. Thanks for never giving up on me. Thank you to everyone who has helped me through this journey. I look forward to accomplishing further. I can say with confidence that without all of you people, I would just be someone who is easily sunburnt.

by jennifer verzuh

t last it’s here. After five films featuring Marvel heroes the monster of all superhero films is finally out and outperforms all of its predecessors. With an all-star ensemble cast, a huge budget, and heavy promotion, this film was bound to be a box office hit, but the question I was asking was would the film actually be any good? The answer is yes. Without a doubt, yes. “The Avengers” exceeded all my expectations in terms of acting, script, action, and character development. I can’t count the times I’ve seen filmmakers sacrifice plot and characters for explosions and a good fight scene but this movie has plenty of incredible special effects and intense action sequences without ever forgetting the story at hand or the struggles its characters are experiencing. The film’s large cast is top notch and features the ever charming and scene stealing Robert Downey as the cocky Tony Starke/ Iron Man, a role he was clearly born to play. Chris Evans also reprises his role as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, but with a new attitude. This time around, he is a lot darker, and Evans perfectly captures the struggles his character faces to accept the loss of all those he knew and find his place in the present. A new addition to the cast is Mark Ruffalo taking over Edward Norton’s former role as scientist Bruce Banner, or the Hulk. Though I was at first skeptical of this cast change, Ruffalo won me over and his turn as the most reluctant member of the team was much more impressive than I expected. Hunky thunder God, and my personal

Chris Hemsworth stars as superhero Thor, and Chris Evans is Captain America in the film’s big fight scene in May’s biggest blockbuster, “The Avengers.” Photo: Marvel/MCT.

favorite, Thor, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth, makes his triumphant return to the screen in search of his brother, the movie’s enemy, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), who is much more menacing this time. New hero and master archer, Hawkeye/Clint Barton, played by Academy Award nominated actor Jeremy Renner, also gets some great action sequences and character development. Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson also return as S.H.I.E.L.D. members Black Widow, or Natasha Romanoff, and director Nick Fury, getting some much-deserved screen time that they were previously denied. The film begins with Loki’s capture of the Tesseract, an extremely powerful energy source of an unknown orgin, from S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters with which he plans on taking over the world with help from the Other and his band of aliens, known as Chitauri. Fury assembles the heroes together to put an end to Loki’s plot, and while they don’t always get along and that’s half the fun of it. It’s entertaining to watch them attempt to coexist in an effort to save the planet yet again. In the last 10 years superhero films have been coming out like crazy, but which of these films will be remembered 10, 15, 20 years from now or will it join ranks with such other forgotten super hero flicks such as “The Hulk”, “Catwoman”, and “Daredevil?” If there is any justice in the world, “The Avengers”, along with “The Dark Knight” and the first “Spiderman,” will be.

Scarlett Johansson stars as sexy S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Natasha Romanoff, or the Black Widow, in “The Avengers.” Photo: Marvel/MCT.

I cannot recommend this film any more as it is the ultimate beginning to the summer blockbuster season which is to include “The Amazing Spideman” and “The Dark Knight Rises”, so don’t wait for the DVD release of this film, head to your local theaters and see it now.

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

Great Falls summer Summer activities in our own backyard

photo by kelsey smith

by kaidin phelan This summer is going to be a musical one, with many famous artists releasing new albums. Almost every genre ranging from classic rock to rap is to have an album release this year. Some artists are releasing an album that fans have patiently waited for and some are just adding more to the list. This summer will be witness to a plethora of talented artists releasing more lyrical magic to the public. If an artist on this list catches your eye be sure to set some money aside to buy the album upon release.

by claire knox The end of the year has come. Soon, everyone will be released from their classrooms and unleashed upon the city. Every year, during the three glorious months of freedom known as summer break, students have to try to find something to do with themselves. Some people may say, “We live in Great Falls. There’s nothing to do here!” I beg to differ. Although Great Falls might not be the most exciting summer destination, there are things going on right here in town that will occupy your time and get you out of the house. • River’s Edge Trail and Giant Springs – These are great iconic Milwaukee Station outdoor destinations in Great Falls. They offer great views of our town Summer releases include: and allow people to get exercise while still having fun. River’s Edge Trail provides a view of Rainbow Dam, the Missouri River and Giant • Slash - Apocalyptic Love (May 22) Springs. • Usher- Looking 4 Myself (June 12) • Electric City Water Park – This remains a constant summer • Justin Bieber - Believe (June 19) destination for all citizens of Great Falls. Besides the water slides, the • Smashing Pumpkins - Oceania (June 19) Flow Rider, and the grassy area with trees, the water park is having • Linkin Park - Living Things (June 26) some special events this summer. • Maroon 5 - Overexposed (June 26) July 11 – Watch your favorite local celebrities compete on • R. Kelly - Write Me Back (June 26) the Flow Rider to see who comes out on top in the Downtown Charlie Russell Statue • Chris Brown - Fortune (July 3) Celebrity Flow Rider Competition • Ludacris - Ludaversal (September 11) July 23 – Come dressed in your favorite aquatic costume and watch a horror movie at the Dive in Movie and In addition to music, Great Falls has a Carmike 10 Cinema that provides costume contest perfect entertainment for teens over the summer. August 10 – Come dance the night away in the Under the Many great movies are being released over the summer. Some old ones Stars Dance Party, open for people ages 16-20 from are being redone like “The Amazing Spiderman,” and new ones are coming 6:30-10 p.m. There will be a DJ! out like “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” • Municipal Band Concerts – Our city’s most talented musicians So get excited and mark dates in your calendar, because this summer come together at the band shell in Gibson Park every Wednesday just got a lot better. at 7:30 p.m. during the summer. From June 20 to Aug. 15, consider Rainbow Dam enjoying some great music in a relaxing outdoor location. For people • Snow White and the Huntsmen (June 1) interested in music, there will also be a Great Falls Symphony summer • Jack the Giant Killer (June 15) concert on June 27. • Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (June 22) • Alive @ 5 and Taste of Great Falls – These events allow anyone • The Amazing Spider Man (July 3) interested to get out and enjoy the city. Alive @ 5 offers delicious food • The Dark Knight Rises (July 20) and live music performances on the dates of June 7 and 14, and Taste of • The Bourne Legacy (August 3) Great Falls showcases the city’s best cooks and restaurant owners. Stop • The Expendables 2 (August 17) by, buy some tickets, and enjoy the food. • Glacier and Yellowstone national parks – Our parents have told us our whole lives that “you’re lucky to live in a place as beautiful as Montana.” It can get a little annoying. But, as you get out and Lewis and Clark Statue experience more of the world, you start to realize how true it is. We live near some of the greatest natural wonders in the world. Go enjoy them.

Civic Center Events June 23 Nick Di Paolo, comedian

June 20 Jack Hanna, animal expert

State Fair Fun •

June 8 Ron White, comedian

• • Gibson Park Pond photos by claire knox

Walk on Water: Float on water inside 6-foot inflatable plastic bubbles Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show: A hair-raising, spine tingling canine attraction Lou’s Traveling Zoo: A petting zoo of animals part of Montana’s agricultural economy

If you were a rapper, what would J-hop man! you call yourself? What princess/ prince would you want to be?

Jasmine! I want a Rajah

Eww, rap Princess Tiana, can’t beat New Orleans Jazz

If you could make Caitlyn’s Chem 101, duh an iPod app, useless what would it be statements called? If you were a fruit, Dragon fruit cause Mango-Pineapple, what kind would i like dragons they are both you be and why? awesome How do you feel about the new bro tank craze?

Uh...what?

Silly boys, tanks are for girls

Vanilla Latte Sleeping beauty, she wakes up without bed head I hate everyone because they are stupid Tomato either people love me or they hate me, no middle ground

Only if the guy is hot

ariel

Do my homework App Mango cause I like mangos I don’t care about that

ess princ

I-have-no-clue!!! Ariel the mermaid!

braaten

l isabe

zuniga

sia anasta

judice

heryla

hopper

The CHART jasmine

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

C. FAITH Ariel from the Little Mermaid Dark Laughing app

Mango because I like mangos I don’t really know what that is

keepingactive

alecks leavey

notes from a

smart-aleck sports editor

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

The clock’s reached triple zeroes. A four-year long match has finally ended. While I’m not sure what the final score was, I feel victorious. And with nearly 300 fellow seniors achieving the same goal, I’m ready for round two. The journey continues for me at Florida State, and I have a feeling that college is going to take sports as I know them at the local level and completely flip them upside down. No more half-filled gymnasiums or stadiums. Instead 80,000 fans all dressed in garnet and gold; a chorus of chants and victory songs. No more State tournaments. No, this is the ACC division: an annual competition for a BCS or National Championship berth, a spot in the Final Four. No more playing Butte or Bozeman, Great Falls High or Skyview. No, my rivals are now Miami and North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Duke. No longer are sports an extracurricular activity or a hobby to play on weekends. No, sports now are the molds of careers; dreams of the gridiron or court becoming your lifelong office space start to become a reality. No more being a Rustler. No, I’m a Seminole now. No more playing football for my school. No, that journey ended last semester. No more C. M. Russell High School? Well that sucks, I’m really going to miss it. The clock has restarted. Another four year-long match has started. I hope it’s as eventful and memorable as my time in Great Falls, Montana.

Sprinting to state

Students off to state with end in mind

hello to college head track and field coach For his final year, Trey Cates is going Scott Hartman knows that this is an anout with a bang in the world of track. nual thing. “This year was actually kind of a sur“It’s been a great year,” he said. “We’ve prise for me,” Cates said. “I did more for done better than I expected at the begintraining in the off season and I saw some ning of the year. You measure improvechanges, but I didn’t expect it to be so ment and do better than you thought. drastic because last year I didn’t qualify The only dual meet we lost was to Helena to go to state. It’s toward the end of the High. We finished third in the Missoula year and I’m still starting to peak and get Initiative. I thought we did very well.” better.” For next year Cates and some Hartman hopes to of his fellow ath“I still have goals get more kids out for letes are soon to be track. set. I’m not completeparticipating in the “To be a successstate track and field ful track team you ly satisfied yet.” meet on May 25-26 need to cover the Trey Cates in Butte. This will be events. We have good the final meet of the talent but don’t cover season. all the events. You can only stretch one According to Cates, he began track in athlete so far,” he said. seventh grade after his mom had him join. Junior McKenzie Weber is one of those “After I saw what I could do in track talented athletes who has participated it started to become one of my favorite in track since sixth grade and decided to sports,” he said. continue pursuing it in high school thanks For state Cates has qualified in the 100 to her coaches. and 200 meter dashes and the 4X1 and “I really liked the atmosphere,” she 4X4 relays. On May 18-19 in Billings at the said. Eastern Divisional Cates also qualified in Weber competes in the long jump, 100 the 400 meter. and 200 meter dashes and the long and Contrary to how he did this year, last short relays. She also recently qualified year Cates had troubles besting the other for state. sprinters and labels it as one of his biggest “It was a lot better than previous years. challenges. He’s also had some hamstring The team is really close. [It has] been a problems and has had to work on staying good year,” she said. healthy. According to Weber, she had a hard His hard work recently paid off with time with shin splints, but that it’s an ansome promise. Cates has been talking to nual occurrence. the track coach at MSU Billings and has “It’s a long season. It’s just something been offered a scholarship, but while he that happens,” she said. plans to take the offer he doesn’t foresee Next year Weber hopes to get her himself going far with track. times down and qualify in more events. “[It would just be] to help me out with Cates also continues to set the bar school,” he said. “I don’t see myself going high. any further after college.” “I still have goals set. I’m not comAs Cates leaves behind CMR and says pletely satisfied yet.” by kendra hix

Top: Participating in the shot put at the May 5 track and field meet. freshman Ashleigh Lehotsky preformed in shot put and javelin. Middle: Going the distance, the Rustler boys run the 1600 meter against Helena High School. Bottom: Jordan Williams, a sophomore, throws the javelin at Great Falls High on May. 5. Left: A few feet from the finish line junior Anna Weber runs the 100 meter dash. Photos by Kendra Hix.

Tennis players cheer for excellent finish by kimberly michelsen

Preparing to return a volley back across the net, junior Will Runkel defends his court at the April 24 meet. Photo by Jake Settera.

Excitement was in the air during the match on May 4. Freshman Lindsay Martinez and senior Lise Spencer played against Bozeman, one of the toughest teams in the state. “No one expected them to win, but they did,” coach Deb Erwin said. Erwin said that this extraordinary event made her very happy, and it was a perfect addition to her final year coaching CMR tennis. She has coached for 10 years and she said she “loved every minute of it.” The CMR tennis team has reached the end of the season. All the players are remembering their favorite moments and most are wishing that they had made it to the state tournament that finished out the season on May 18-19. One of those players is freshman Justine Runkel, who just started playing tennis this year. She said she loves the team trips and tournaments because she is “able to hang out with teammates who are also [her]

friends and being able to see other people’s skills in tennis from other places.” She said that when she’s playing she feels “excited, ‘cause you don’t know what’s going to happen next. One hit can change the whole game.” As a beginner, Runkel played only about five games. Senior Gavin Weissman, on the other hand, played at least 20 games. He said he lost track of how many he won after nine. “I’ve played since I was little, but really started playing serious these last four years,” Weissman said. He said that his favorite part of the season was the increased number of traveling tournaments and the good weather. Playing tennis is when Weissman said he truly gets in the zone. “If you’re winning, you’re kind of excited and play harder. When you’re losing you’re more careful and nervous.”

As she heads to the state tournament today, senior Haley Rowe can’t help but look back on the years of softball the members of the 2012 team have faced together. She remembers them fondly. “Most of us have played with each other for a while and we get along really well so it makes softball better and way more fun,” Rowe, the catcher, said. Varsity coach Lindsey Graham feels the same way. According to Graham, herself a CMR graduate and one of the most decorated softball athletes in school history, these athletes are gifted. “The most rewarding part of coaching is work-

ing with this specific group of kids; they are great kids,” she said. Last week during the playoffs, the team defeated Bozeman 10-2 and 21-4 to secure a spot in the state tournament. which is being held today through Saturday in Kalispell. Heading to Kalispell, the team has lost only four games throughout the season. Not only has Graham enjoyed the year with this team, but senior Jenni Peer has had some pretty great memories as well, and as a senior she says she’ll miss her team. “Being part of the team is what I’ll miss the most. My softball team has always been like a family to me,” Peer, who

As a senior, what has been your best memory?

Ben Gold (Tennis) “Probably making it to state my junior year. I just played a lot of good matches and had fun. Didn’t place or anything, but had fun.”

Lexi Pyette (Tennis) “My favorite memory is... I have a great friend named Lise, so playing with her and being on a team with her is always fun. In the middle of a match I made a couple girls cry because I was beating them. It was kind of wierd.”

Cecily Meade (Tennis) “My favorite memory was making it to state my junior year because that year my division was really tough and I felt really accomplished.”

Heading to state, varsity softball reflects on 2012 by amber challender

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

plays centerfield, said. Rowe agrees. Although she said she will be playing softball in college, she will miss the people here and the intense cross-town games. Graham, the “mother” of this softball family, said she is pleased with her team’s performance. “I guess my favorite memory this year would be our first Great Falls High game, maybe,” Graham said. “Every minute I get to spend with these girls is great; they make me laugh every day. Just the moments with them are my favorite memories.”

Haley Rowe (Softball) “Crosstown last year I made a catch holding the runner at third.”

During a 13-2 victory over the Bison on April 26, the varsity team runs out to congratulate a teammate on a homerun. Photo by Beth Britton.

Jenni Peer (Softball) “My favorite memory was robbing that home run against Great Falls High at the home game”.

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

Friendly frenzy of competition in fieldhouse

Intramural creates opportunity for students to compete, form bonds

While fighting for the volleyball on May 3, upperclassmen played multiple games to figure out who was the winner of their tournament. Photo by Caroline Perkins.

by caroline perkins Although senior Beau Bridgeman admits one of his sports of choice is usually widely dominated as a girls sport, he said that he still enjoys playing it. “I like volleyball. Period,” Bridgeman said. He participates in intramural volleyball and basketball after school during the week. “It gives me something to do on the week nights,” he said. Intramural offers students the chance to get together with their friends and play volleyball and basketball in the form of a tournament. While there might not be as much of a difference between a season sport and intramural, some of the basic concepts change. “Not as many rules—you can carry it and get a good volley,” Bridgeman said. Along with the sport being competitive, getting excited and involved in the games is something not hard to come across; Bridgeman said he is partial to going up in the middle of the net while in a game.

Like Bridgeman, senior Regan Tingey enjoys getting involved in the action during the game. “[My favorite part is] spiking it into someone’s face,” Tingey said. Even though it’s set up as a tournament, students still enjoy the experience of hanging with their friends and competing against other groups. “It’s fun and you don’t take it seriously. You go here to screw off,” Tingey said. There are many benefits of playing volleyball, and freshman Jared Dickson said one of them is teamwork. “Volleyball it’s an intense sport. It builds teamwork,” Dickson said. Participating and getting active in this sport wasn’t hard for Dickson. “It’s a big adrenaline rush, when the ball is going to the ground. You can dive and hit it up,” he said. Dickson just like Bridgeman said, it doesn’t matter volleyball is mostly dominated by females it’s still a sport he will play. “It’s important to bond with both genders.”

Intercepting the volley, Carly Gysler sets the volleyball to her teammate on May 3. Photo by Caroline Perkins.

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

Season of skating

As the weather heats up, students hit the roads to longboard

Carving her route on the concrete pathway, sophomore Hailee Dickhoff cruises on her longboard along the River’s Edge Trail near Giant Springs State park on May 7. Photo by Peyton Fulbright. by peyton fulbright

Last summer, senior Drew Storrusten learned that he can count on his friends to introduce him to new experiences. “My friend was selling a longboard and asked me if I was interested. I had to ask what it was, so he told me and I thought it was cool,” Storrusten said. A longboard is similar to a skateboard, except longer. The rider skates down hills, resembling snowboarding, just over concrete. According to Storrusten, its similarity to other sports made him take to it quickly. “It felt like snowboarding. It just hurts more when you fall,” Storrusten said. “I’ve snowboarded and skateboarded my whole life, so I caught on.” Having a similar experience is sophomore Hailee Dickhoff. “It’s fun, kind of like skateboarding. I’ve skateboarded for a couple of years, so I was pretty good at first,” she said. Without the past skateboarding experiences of Dickhoff and Storrusten, senior Garrett Lankford hasn’t had such an easy start. “I started during junior year because a lot of friends were doing it and seemed fun. I was terrible when I

started, and I still am. I don’t have the coordination for it,” Lankford said. He said the best conditions for longboarding are 70 degrees, sunny, and no wind. Storrusten agrees. “The best part is riding down a hill on a hot, sunny day. It’s no work. You can carve all the way down. It’s so smooth,” Storrusten said. Like Storrusten, Dickhoff got her start in longboarding through friends. “At the beginning of summer, my friends wanted me to come out with them, so I went out and learned,” Dickhoff said. Some people are scared away from longboarding because of the danger, but Storrusten says he is good at being safe. “I’m lucky, but I’m smart about it. I’m aware of my surroundings and watch every pebble and crack in the ground,” he said. Dickhoff hasn’t been as lucky. “I was going down a big hill in Fox Farm. My friends told me it was too big, but I thought I could do it. I got halfway down and face planted,” she said. Unscathed in his time skating, Lankford knows what he likes.

“The best part is being outside during the summer, Actually, I take that back. The best part is shredding the ‘gnar’.”

Channeling her inner airplane, sophomore Hailee Dickhoff falls off her board on May 7 at Giant Springs State Park. Photo by Peyton Fulbright.

May 24, 2012 The Stampede

Exploring a new

art form

Students go behind the lens, digitally enhance work in second semester photography class by katelyn kempa and jennifer boushee Push the button on the top of a camera, and you’re a photographer; know how to grab a person’s attention and show a story with one snapshot of a moment, and you’re an artist. For the few students at CMR taking photography from Tess Jacobs, they are learning the in’s and out’s of what it takes to capture a great photograph. Jacobs teaches black and white photography, digital photography, art workshop, and drawing, with the two photography classes split up into semesters. Between the two photography classes, Jacobs teaches her students how to get the most out of the pictures they take. Students are required to take some of their photos on their own time but are given the freedom to choose what they want. The class also spends time viewing each other’s edited work and giving feedback.

Desiree Parsons

Senior Christopher Ramos-Vargas said digital photography is ‘not easy’, but he does enjoy the class. Throughout the semester Ramos-Vargas has learned many techniques and skills on Photoshop, but learning to paint with light has been his favorite. For their final project, the class is given a famous photographer and they have to try to imitate their style. “It’s about learning how to take an image and make it better, in general,” Ramos-Vargas said. A highlight for Jacobs is interacting with her students. “I like to watch the amount of growth in my students,” she said. Jacobs said that the best part of the class is the amount of hands-on interactions the students get to have with the different types of cameras. Jacobs has a very clear goal in teaching the class. “I want [students] to see the world differently.”

Marisa White Kasey Bubnash

Lenaya Jung Padyn Humble Ida Andersen

Caitlin O’Connell

Amena Ziegler