The Courier 905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND - Volume 26, Issue 5 - April 2018
iCHEAT Technology can allow students to easily cheat. How students and teachers feel on pages 16-17.
FORTNITE PERSPECTIVES Fortnite is the game sweeping the nation. Read two of our editors’ opinions on pages 4-5.
From The Editors...
Happy Spring! Well, happy spring-winter. We have been working very hard on the newspaper. Most recently, our senior reporters as well as us editors just got back from San Fransisco, CA from the National High School Journalism Convention where we all took classes on editing, writing and leadership skills. We learned a lot from this convention and look forward to bringing all that new information to the newspaper. In this issue, we have a few articles that our very near and dear to our hearts as well as a few fun ones. Our senior reporter, Maiya Fleck, wrote about feminism on Page 08. This topic has been something she has been wanting to write for a while. Our staff recommends on Page 06-07 was a lot of fun to do. We always like the entire staff to come together on one piece. We only are distributing one issue after this issue. This year feels like it just started and we have enjoyed every part of being the editors of this paper!
Brenna Hammer and Shantel Jangula, Co-Editors-In-Chief
Correction: In the March issue of the Courier, we incorrectly reported that FFA was the only club in the vocational wing. However, Skills USA and TSA are located in the wing. The map located on that page also had errors. The room labeled “TSL Classroom� is the Tech Skills Classroom. We also incorrectly reported that Tanasha Wanner was a Chapter President, when she has only been Chapter Secretary and Reporter and a State Officer.
Courier Staff and Editorial Policy Shantel Jangula..........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor Brenna Hammer.........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief Feature Editor Owen Piehl...........................................................News Editor Sports Editor Maiya Fleck..................................................General Reporter Santanah Gerhart..........................................General Reporter Savanna Hagerott..........................................General Reporter
Ryan Phelps..................................................General Reporter Riley Griffin..................................................General Reporter Ben Gartner...................................................General Reporter Kenna Heidt..................................................General Reporter Courney Entzi...............................................General Reporter Maggie Knoll................................................General Reporter Madi Just......................................................General Reporter Liberty Hurley..............................................General Reporter Hannah Cahoon...........................................................Adviser
The Courier is a news/feature magazine that is published throughout the school year. As an open forum for student expression, all content online and in print is decided and moderated by student editors. The staff welcomes letters, articles, submissions, of any student, faculty, or community interest. Submissions may be turned into the Courier, room 221, and by message to mhscourier@gmail.com. All submissions must be signed by the author if they are to be published and subject to editing if space is restricted. The Courier strives to be objective in its news coverage. Columns and letters reflect only the opinions of the writers, not those of the Courier staff, administration, teachers, or student body. Editorials that are not signed reflect the consensus of the staff. The Courier is funded entirely through advertising sales. Contact the Courier at mhscourier@gmail.com if interested in advertising.
02
April 2018
Opinion
express yourself How our school rules interfere with how students act and present themselves
KENNA HEIDT General Reporter
As I walked into high school on the first day, I expected to have the same old rules that have always been put into place: no skipping class, no smoking, PDA in the halls and no weapons. Then, I start hearing teachers tell me that I can only go to the bathroom during their class three times in 18 weeks. I started writing down rules I disagreed with right then and there. High school should not just be preparing us for college, but for life in general. There are all sorts of rules that are put into place in high school that do not allow students to be ourselves or to be treated like young adults teachers claim us to be. There are pages and pages of rules in the handbook, syllabus upon syllabus, and lecture after lecture on the first day that we, as students, all have to follow. To most of the students, including me, all of the rules sound the same, and I cannot help but block them out. Partially, because I do not agree with half of them. Having the rule of strict dress code such as no hats, no bandanas, no headbands for boys (yet girls can wear them) and more can definitely change the way a student is seen in other peoples’ eyes and even their own eyes. There have been numerous times that I have been dress-coded. For example, during freshman year, I was wearing a headband that looked like a bandana. I got scolded and was told to take it off. I am one of those girls that likes to follow rules, but I cannot really express myself the way I want to due to the rules put into place. I cannot wear my favorite hat that I do everyday during summer. During Homecoming, I cannot show the full potential of team spirit by painting lines under my eyes like football players do to school. At this point, the rule that bothers me and many other students the most is the bathroom passes. Only allowed two to three times in a whole semester to go to the bathroom is absurd. Girls especially have a problem with this rule. When girls have to go to the bathroom and do not have any bathroom passes left, just let us go. It will not end well for any girl if we are not allowed to go take care of business. I am almost positive that all of the rules in our school have a clear reason why they are put into place. The fact is, a lot of students, including me, do not really see the point without administration telling us why the rules are put into place.
Being in high school for everyone is a once in a lifetime chance. We all want to have as much fun as we can. Due to staff not treating us like young adults, a lot of us cannot have as good of a time that we would all want to have. It is the same old things everyday. No talking when you are done with things, if someone touches their phone, it goes down to the office and if a student gets out of their seat, you get yelled at. I think we could all make school a fun and accepting place if we were all a little more understanding. There also is a rule of absences that most students do not agree with. If you are sick for more than two days, sorry, but you may have to take semesters. If you do not have an “A” in the class. If someone has an appointment, that is another absence against them. When I had a medical issue that needed to be taken care of earlier this year, I was gone for about two weeks. I was unable to come to school physically and mentally. I got a doctors note, and I still ended up having to take some of my semesters that I did not have an “A” in. To have the rules that we do in schools definitely limit the creative opportunities for students in my eyes and those of many others. Having these limits can often determine if a student likes to go to classes or not. This article is not intended to make Mandan High the bad guy in a situation. Simply, this article is meant to raise awareness to the voids that are limited bathroom passes and inability to express oneself through specific clothing choices as hats and bandannas. Hopefully, there will be changes made to accommodate these issues at hand. Everyone needs to have a lot of sympathy and to be able to understand different perspectives of people. I think that some of the school rules can be a little more lenient.
Be yourself
Opinion
April 2018
03
The
Real te ni rt Fo
Piehl OWEN PIEHL
News / Sports Editor Teamwork. Competition. From young boys playing sports all the way up to professional athletes, these traits are crucial. Sports are the obvious way to put these characteristics to good use. Imagine, however, that there was another way for men and women of all ages to use these vital qualities, all in the comfort of their own home. Sounds great, right? Well, the miracle is here. Fortnite (not to be confused with a fortnight, a span of 20 days, or just a night spent in a fort) Battle Royale is an online multiplayer game which pits people against each other in either solos, duos, or squads. In each match there are 100 people, and the goal is for you or you and your team to be the last ones alive. This can be achieved using weapons, shields, bandages, traps, materials and many other items scattered across the always changing and interesting map. As the game progresses, a circular storm, which does damage to you if caught inside it, slowly closes in on the map, gradually bringing the last surviving players inside the storm’s “eye” toward each other until there is only one remaining. This person earns a “Victory Royale”, bragging rights and often, a cool Snapchat story.
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n o i it
Ed
So basically the whole point of the game is to try and win. This is where playing Fortnite becomes intriguing, as it takes a lot of practice and skill to be capable of winning a game. Playing in solos is especially hard due to the fact that you are the only person on your side. Everyone in Fortnite, except your teammates, is an enemy. Occasionally, however, human kindness prevails, even amidst the wildness which is inherent in any match. On multiple occasions, I have seen players armed with weapons encounter another, unarmed player, and instead of eliminating them, they become friends. Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, include many ways to express yourself in the game, including dances, emotes, skins and costumes. People use these to create special moments within the game, adding to the emotional appeal which draws many into Fortnite. I am by no means a gamer. I have played first person shooters and have never been much of a fan; they stress me out too much, and I have always just been more of a Netflix kind of guy anyways. Fortnite, however, is different for some reason. The excitement and rush you feel during a fight within the game is exhilarating, and every game you become better and better. A lot has been said as of late about shooting games contributing to recent gun April 2018
violence. I recognize these concerns. For an older generation, one which did not grow up with exposure to these kinds of games, seeing shooting and guns on a game for kids can seem scary. I will admit that there are games which probably should not be played by kids. Fortnite I believe, however, has found a sweet spot, as it has a moderate amount of guns and shooting, but has no blood or gore, and also takes so much concentration and talent that the fact that your character is shooting and being shot at becomes secondary to your instincts to try and win. Fortnite also provides a kind of excitement and pride that is hard to create outside of a sporting environment. The feeling after a Victory Royale is, frankly, impeccable. If you do not believe me, go online and find a video of a few teenage boys sitting around a TV when one of them takes a dub (a win, dub stands for a W, silly). The screaming, the jumping in the air, the hugs and the pure joy you can see in the faces of them all will tell you all you need to know about why Fortnite has become such a sensation. Fortnite has become sort of a guys’ hobby, but it is not limited to any one group of people, as evidenced by my friend Brenna Hammer, who wrote quite the Fortnite poem for you all, found on the next page. Nobody on Fortnite cares about your age, gender, race or anything else you could possibly think of, because if you find yourself in the middle of a fight, you better be ready to brawl. This winter has been long and grueling, and for many people Fortnite has been a kind of light in the darkness. It is not only a game. It is work, it is a lifestyle, but most of all, it is a brotherhood. I think any Fortnite player would back me up in saying that the people you play Fortnite with will always have a special place in your heart. It is something that brings people together, and how can you not like that? So anyways, that is about all the room I have. Maybe Fortnite will be around for a long time, or maybe it is just a fad. All we can do is enjoy the phenomenon while it lasts. And on that note, if you want to discuss this topic with me further, I will be dropping in Tilted. Real Piehl logo by Owen Piehl. Banana graphic by Shantel Jangula.
Opinion
The
Hammer Times
BRENNA HAMMER - Co-Editor-In-Chief
A love note to Fortnite Fortnite, oh fortnite The relationships you have ruined. A game like you comes around Only once in a blue moon. If you have not yet been told By all your male pals, A boy is not a man Without a #1 victory royale. The game is despised By every boy’s girl. So here is what happened When I gave it a whirl. If Call of Duty and Minecraft married, Fortnite would be their child, And when played with 100 strangers It can get pretty wild. A golden chest proved To be my best friend, But it was not enough For my 73rd place end. My second attempt Gave me more success As my sixth place finish Was enough to impress.
On my third attempt I sure had some guts. I jumped off the battle bus And then I went nuts.
I looted the gas station, Where I found a gold chest. Equipped with an assault rifle I was sure I would be the best.
I full sent my dive Right into tilted But when 40 others did the same, My confidence wilted.
I kept a low profile And stayed in the storm’s eye. I was now in the top 20; This is not a lie.
No mercy was shown As in that round I reckoned I was taken out In about 32 seconds.
Taking cover in a bush, I tried to keep my cool But someone tried to hide in the same bush So I took out the fool.
A few attempts later, Maybe my 25th time, I was getting the hang of it And busting a rhyme.
I felt so empowered. I had finally found my stride. I was in the top ten But once again, I died.
You would not believe My newly-found skill. When I finally did itI made my first kill.
Fortnite is difficult, I must admit. But I still do not understand Why boys are so obsessed with it.
A few attempts later, All my confidence turned to mush When, God only knows how, I was killed by a bush.
Though a girl who plays fortnite Is every guy’s type, I cannot say the game Lived up to the hype.
Nonetheless, I persisted And began the next round. I found myself in tomato town When my feet hit the ground.
So as I set down my controller, I have to say that this gal May just retire Without a #1 victory royale.
Move
Shoot or swing (RT)
Look around
Switch weapons (RB)
Look at the map and freak out about the storm
Build things
Dance (VIP)
Pick up things you find like bandaids. Also use this to bust open llamas.
Background photo used with permission from flikr.
Opinion
Jump
How-to-Fortnite for beginners April 2018
05
Staff Recommends
Recommended by SHantel Jangula I recommend getting the Joico Color Endure Violet shampoo. Anyone who has unnatural blonde hair knows how hard it is to keep your hair looking alive and not like a bronze-toned mess. This shampoo is a little pricey, but keep in mind that the bottle holds 30 ounces of product. I have tried every purple shampoo in the books. However, there is truly nothing that leaves my hair as cool-toned and bright as this shampoo. If you know me, you know I am a hair connoisseur and I would not recommend anything less than amazing.
Recommended by Courtney Entzi I strongly recommend Diet Lipton Iced Tea. You can almost guarantee that I will always have one with me and best of all you can get one right down in the cafeteria. It’s a good pick-me-up that helps me get through the school day. Any of my friends can tell you I am obsessed with iced tea! There is nothing that makes me look forward to summer more than a sweet ice tea.
Recommended by Owen piehl Recommended by ben gartner I recommend that you eat at Sweet Treats: Cupcakes and Bakery. Their cupcakes are very delicious and come with a variety of options to customize your cupcake. You first choose the cake part. Next, you get to choose what frosting you want. Finally, you get to choose what kind of topping you want on it. I would recommend that you get a chocolate cupcake, cookies and cream frosting with oreos on top.
If you are like me, you love to make a quick run to good old McDonald’s every once in awhile. I have eaten many things under the golden arches, but the best one is not even included on the menu. Order yourself a McChicken and add Mac Sauce. This will add Mac sauce along with the normal Mayo included on your McChicken, and it will also blow your taste buds away. Trust me. Just eat it. It goes great with a Sprite.
Recommended by brenna hammer Mocha Mamas is a small coffee shop located in the Gateway Fashion Mall in Bismarck. They have wonderful coffees and candies at fairly low prices, but the true gem is the Italian sodas. The beautiful combination of seltzer, flavored syrups, and a splash of cream will make your taste buds dance with joy. I highly recommend the huckleberry flavor. Better yet, if you go in on a Wednesday, you get a double punch on your punch card!
Recommended by Liberty Hurley I will always recommend fun socks for my peers. When I wear fun socks, my day seems to have a purpose. Looking down and seeing hot dogs, gum balls or puffins on my socks it just reminds me that life is good. Socks can be cheap and a great buy. I recommend Old Navy for your everyday sock needs. If you want to hide your personal love for fun socks, there are fun patterns on crew socks. If you want to be loud and proud about your love of fun socks, there are loads of options for you. If you religiously only wear sandals, then bring that classic socks and sandals look back with a nice pair of USA inspired socks. Fun socks are a go to for a fun day.
Recommended by Riley Griffin I recommend getting your haircut often, because getting your haircut leaves a sense of restarting a new chapter. This always makes me feel better after because when I get it cut I feel sharper. I always get a cut, shampoo and condition, shoulder massage, and a beard line up when I make an appointment, and the total only comes out to $15. I recommend tipping at least 20 percent. Go out and get your haircut, you are guaranteed to feel better after!
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April 2018
Opinion
Recommended by Maiya fleck I have tried many brow products that have broke my wallet or even broke themselves from being bad quality. I have found a drugstore combination that, if when lost or stolen, can easily be replaced. It’s the NYX Micro Brow pencil used with the NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel Clear. The duo when purchased together at Ulta is around $17. The tip of the pencil is ultra thin for precise skinny strokes and the clear gel holds them into place all day! Eyebrows frame the face and are a perfect way to express individuality.
Recommended by savanna hagerott Any time you go out to eat at a fast food place where you are able to fill up your own drinks, I highly recommend this trick. The two ingredients you’ll need for the lovely masterpiece is blue Powerade and Mellow Yellow. Do not go into this thinking you can just mix these two together half and half. Because I can guarantee that it will disappoint. The trick here is to mix twothirds blue Powerade to a third Mellow Yellow. This is a complete game changer, I swear. It is perfect for your quick trip to Panchero’s or Pizza Ranch.
Recommended by ryan phelps If I had any one thing about my life that is positive enough to recommend to other people, which I do not, it would be reading. In particular I would recommend Isaac Asimov’s science fiction trilogy The Foundation. Published in the 1950’s, the books served as a huge influence for the star wars trilogy. A Galactic Empire is falling, and the only one who recognizes it is the scientist Hari Sheldon, who uses the fictional science of psycho-history to limit the age of barbarism to a mere 1000 years. They are strangely page-turners.
Recommended by Santanah Gerhart
Recommended by Maggie Knoll I will always love smoothies. However, finding smoothie places around Bismarck or Mandan is very hard. I recommend going to a new smoothie place called Smoothie Spot on the north side of Kirkwood mall. I ordered the Yo Berry smoothie and it was just delicious. This smoothie had strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, which is the perfect trio in my opinion. Smoothies remind me of summer and I will definitely be visiting this place often as it warms up!
I’m a sucker for facemasks and instagram ads, so when I saw an ad for the Shills Purifying Black Face Mask, I obviously couldn’t resist. It cost me about $10, but the price varies based on where you order from. After applying a thick layer and letting it dry for about 30 minutes, my skin looks and feels so clean and smooth; although I do have to admit, it was pretty painful to peel off. Overall I’d say it definitely lived up to its hype. 10/10 recommend.
Opinion
Recommended by madi just I recommend the book “There’s Someone Inside Your House” by Stephanie Perkins. This book is full of mystery and amazing twists and turns that kept me guessing all the way to the end. It is super creepy and scary, especially when you consider all of the main characters are of high school age. What I do not recommend, however, is reading in your house alone and in the dark, unless you like being paranoid about a murderer sneaking into your room at night.
Recommended by Kenna Heidt I recommend the series “Dance Academy” on Netflix. The show is really addicting and contains a lot of drama—which everyone likes in their shows. There are three seasons with around 20 episodes every season. The shows last around 25 minutes per episode, and for every episode there are lots of British accents, romance and petty fights. It is always my go-to on Netflix. I know when you watch the first episode, you will be hooked on it too!
Recommended by Hannah cahoon
If you’re a coffee lover, you need to try cold brew coffee. Ever since I tried it, it’s almost all I drink. It’s possibly the most customizable coffee ever and the best, smoothest tasting because the heat doesn’t cause it to get bitter like hot coffee brewing does. You can make it as strong or as weak as you want by diluting with water, milk or cream. If you want to try it once before making a whole gallon batch at home, I know Starbucks, Caribou, and Dunn Bros. sell it by the cup or growler.
All photos by respected recommender. Design by Shantel Jangula.
April 2018
07
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When I first heard the word “feminist,” I asked my mom what it meant, curious of this new term. She replied— informing me they were women that did not shave their armpits or wear bras. That is what I thought a feminist was for years, but over time I would learn what exactly this word symbolizes: equality for all. I even learned that there was a whole movement of influential women behind it. After the countless stereotypes are diminished, it is not about one sex being superior than the other. Feminism is not about women thinking they are better than men; it is the definition of the fight women have endured over years to get to the point where they can be viewed as equals. The fight has come in waves beginning with equal pay, then sexual expression into our generations battle of equality for every human. After understanding what feminism was, I thought back to the many times where if feminism had been present, the world would have been a better place. Without double standards for all sexes, people would not have to conform. They would have freedom to live comfortably. Flashback to Pre-K: the beginning of boys running faster and being stronger than the girls in the classroom, allowing the thoughts of inequality to cross little girls minds, and putting pressure on the boys to live up to masculine standards. Girls were handed dolls and groomed to sit still and act nice, while boys were handed trucks and expected to be the rough ones. Elementary school taught girls that if a boy was teasing
April 2018
you he liked you. Paving a foundation in girls brains that if they were treated badly, it was admiration. The bad actions of the male students covered with the infamous “boys will be boys” quote. Middle school gave every student, male or female, the rules for the school dress-code. The everyday outfit teenage girls were wearing, were distracting the adolescent boys. This turned what girls wore into an excuse for the unjustified actions, like an invitation for being objectified. The term flapper is a historical term to define early women that spiked a revolution of dressing how they pleased and acting in ways that made them liberated. Feminism gives women the option so they don’t have to be stay at home moms or be viewed as bearers of children. Without this movement, little to no rights could be possible for women. It’s 2018 our generation could be the one that ends inequality. The answer as simple as that. The prejudices against gay people, colored people, immigrants, transgender or any other hate of people should be left in the past. Living in North Dakota with a primarily conservative demographic, feminism takes a lot of heat. Ask yourself: do you believe every person is entitled to equality? If the answer yes flowed through your brain, join the movement that ends inequality and identify as a feminist. Feminism has evolved from women not having the right to vote to women running the world, but will not rest until equality is fulfilled for all individuals. Each person withholds the tools to join the movement.
Nodak Livin’
Reasons to stay in North Dakota RILEY GRIFFIN
Pictured above is a sunset on the Mandan horizon.
General Reporter
You walk outside with your hoodie and jeans on and it is a frigid -20 F. The wind is blowing, hard snow hitting your face resulting in it becoming increasingly more red. You ask yourself, “Why is it always so cold? I am sick of it here. I am leaving this place as soon as I can.” These are the thoughts of many North Dakotans when they go out in the winter months. Although this may seem like the ideal choice, the pros of North Dakota living are far greater than the cons. There are two major cons to the state: it is cold and there is not much to do. The average temperature in winter is less than 10 F without windchill. This means that a simple walk outside with a hoodie and a pair of jeans could mean frostbite is in the near future. This issue is fixed by three simple things: a warm hat, gloves and a good quality winter jacket. If you are dressing appropriately with winter gear then you will not be cold. Spend a hundred bucks or two on a decent high quality winter jacket; it will last a long time and is a good investment. Gloves should be waterproof as you are most likely going to have to deal with pushing snow off of something and wet fingers are the worst to warm up with a car heater. The second con is that there is nothing to do. I always find myself with a group of friends not knowing what to do and sadly, most of the time we always end up cruising main street or hanging out at a friends house playing ping pong, which gets old after 3 weekends in a row. Though there may not be anything to do in the Bis-Man area, there are other cities in the state where there are plenty of things to do. Both Grand Forks and Fargo populations have 50,000+ people. Also, most cities are growing within the state. With the oil boom peak back in 2012, North Dakota is being more recognized which means new options for fun are coming to the state. So even though there may not be that much to do at the moment, some of your favorite businesses are likely to come. North Dakota has excellent wildlife for hunting, fishing and other outdoor sports. There are many lakes and rivers for boating and other water related activities. I like nothing more than going out with a couple friends, listening to some music and casting some lines in the water. North Dakota can be quite the cozy place to stay. If you do not like it here after all of the good things about the state, then you can
Opinion
find a cozy home in the state and travel often. It makes no sense to go out to California or Florida to buy a house and try to make a living once you are older and spend twice the amount as a North Dakota home. One of the best feelings to me is when you walk outside after a week of cold and you feel the warm air and the vibrant sun shining on your face. It gives a sense of relief that winter is over and the warm summer is getting closer and closer. A smaller con to the state are the attitude of the people. Many consider the people to have the attitude of a “redneck” or a “hick” and this is not the preference of many people in the state. These people are considered to be unintelligent and uncultured, which does not appease to many. While this may be a problem, the fix can be as simple as moving to one of the larger cities, such as Fargo. Fargo has a large urban influence and if you stay in certain areas of the city, you are sure to stay away from the hicks. Another reason you should stay in the state is because of the incredible sunrises and sunsets. There are plenty of times when I am driving to school in the morning and I see that gorgeous sunrise and I think to myself, “There is no way I would be able to see something that beautiful anywhere else.” Speaking of driving, in North Dakota it is much better than other states. If you have traveled somewhere else, then you know how bad traffic can be. Here, there is rarely heavy traffic, and most traffic is caused from major road fixings or construction. One of the biggest reasons I plan on staying here is because of the driving. I love going out around sunset, my windows down with wind blowing through my hair and just cruising to music or with some friends. North Dakota has some great roads for driving like the very popular River Road in Bismarck. The single most important reason to stay hits the closest to home. It is your family. Your family is here, and you should stay to be with them and to be there for them. Imagine if your mother was in the hospital, would you really have the time or money to go visit her when your halfway across the country? I doubt it. Many people around the United States never get to see their families for various reasons. So I guess if you like leaving your family behind in their time of need, then go right ahead.
April 2018
Picture by Maiya Fleck
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BLAME GAME END the BLAME GAME END BLAME GAME GAME BLAME BLAME GAME SANTANAH GERHART General Reporter BLAME GAME
It’s time to
Generation Z is being called “millennials on steroids” but before judging us, hear us out.
From the time we are born we are told that “the world is our oyster” and we “can be anything” we aspire to be: an astronaut, a rockstar or even the president. Yeah, the world is at our fingertips, but that does not mean it is easy to keep its immense weight from crushing us. As teens today, our problems are no longer materialistic; they are existential, internal. We are no longer worrying about growing food or staying warm in the winter. As times have changed and technology has advanced, those things that used to be allconsuming are now simply given to us. However, just because our external needs are now met easily does not mean that all of our problems just go away. Instead, they have moved inside us, making our young spirits their homes. We are the generation of kids who were overprotected. We are the kids who were given participation awards just for showing up. We are the kids who had to wear helmets and elbow pads and knee pads just to go out and ride our bikes. Yeah, it is great that we were brought up protected, but maybe we were a little too protected. No one warned us of the ever-increasing standards for getting an education or the skyrocketing cost of living that our wages are failing to keep up with. No one warned us about how much self destruction social media could bring. No one ever told us how important it is to take as much care of our mental health as our physical health. So we go into our lives expecting ourselves to live up to these unattainable standards set by ourselves, our family and social media. It is like you either make it or you do not. There is no in between; there are no participation awards in the real world. That’s what gets us. On top of that, the criteria we are expected to live up to is growing all the time. A lot of jobs that now require a degree did not in the past, making a college education almost necessary. Because more students are applying and colleges are harder to get into, the pressure put on us to get perfect grades and build a resume good enough to impress any college at all is allconsuming. We have to put in more time and work twice as hard as previous generations just to make it into college. Many of us turn to caffeine, adderall or cheating to get a competitive edge over our naturally unattainable expectations. Yet, we are labeled “bad kids” for doing these things. We are “bad kids” for getting homework answers from our friends in class because we fell asleep trying to do it the night before, exhausted. We are “bad kids” for using drugs like adderall and excessive amounts of caffeine just to stay awake during our classes that we have to wake up way too early for. We are “bad kids” for doing whatever it takes to get one step ahead because we only want the
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best for our futures. But what happened to giving a kid some free time to find genuine passions, or the freedom to discover who they are and who they want to become? What about a little extra space to mess up and bounce back? Shouldn’t these things matter just as much? We are all working hard to get that job, that college acceptance letter or that plane ticket out of here, but a lot of times we will not get it because everyone else, it seems, is doing even more. So we stay where it is safe; we apply to mediocre jobs and colleges where acceptance is guaranteed. We do not live up to our potential because we are now being told that our dreams are impossible and we need to just work harder. Yet adults sit there and tell us “I had it so much harder when I was your age.” But no generation before us has had these social media expectations to live up to and online presence to create. No generation before us has felt the emotions that come with inescapable, constant comparison and nearly humanly unattainable social and educational standards. Twitter tells us “self care above all,” so we become selfish. Instagram tells us “look like this model,” so we change what we look like. VSCO tells us to “party or you are not cool,” so we go to parties. We are pressured by so many different places and all we are trying to do is fit the mold of what society is telling us we should be. Yet we are constantly criticized for doing these things. Society tells us to “do this” and “look like that,” but turns around and labels us as “self-centered teens who need to get their nose out of their phones and set their priorities straight.” We are being pulled in so many different directions that we lose track of which way we were trying to go in the first place. No generation before us has had such high anxiety, depression and eating disorder rates, but God forbid we take a selfie and love ourselves for a minute, right? And they say our generation is going to ruin America, right? Yes our wider acceptance of diversity and minorities is just going to run America to the ground, so much worse than previous generations’ segregation, prejudice and injustices, right? And they say we have such bad morals for idolizing the Kardashians and rappers, but didn’t their generations idolize the heroine addicted rockstars of the time who did nothing to improve America either? Now I am not saying our generation is perfect or better than others in any way, but our elders’ complaints about us are getting old. Before you keep thinking so lowly of us, consider who made us this way in the first place. Sure we are not perfect, but
WE WE ARE NOT ARE NOT WORSE, JUST WORSE, JUST DIFFERENT. DIFFERENT. April 2018 Opinion remember that you are not either.
Courier Calendar April 17-May 18
RYAN PHELPS General Reporter
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Concert Band @ MHS
Girls’ Soccer @ Dacotah Centennial Park
April 30 CBIII Concert-6:00 P.M. April 30 CBII Concert-7:30 P.M. May 1 CB I Concert 7:30 P.M.
April 24; vs St. Mary-7:30 P.M., April 26; vs Jamestown- 7:30 P.M., May 8; vs Minot - 7:30 P.M.
Girls’ Tennis @ MMS
Boys’ Baseball @ Veterans Memorial Ballpark
April 23; vs Bismarck-4:15P.M. April 27; vs West Fargo-12:30 A.M. April 27; vs Williston-4:15 P.M. May 3; vs Legacy-4:15 P.M May 5; vs WF Sheyenne-9:00 A.M. May 15; vs Minot High-4:15 P.M. May 17; vs Dickinson-4:15 P.M
April 24; vs Williston-4:30 P.M. April 24; vs Williston-6:30 P.M. May 1; vs Legacy-4:30 P.M. May 10; vs Dickinson-4:30 P.M. May 10; vs Century-6:30 P.M. May 15; vs Minot-4:30 P.M. May 15; vs Minot-6:30 P.M. May 17; vs Bismarck-4:30 P.M. May 17; vs Bismarck-6:30 P.M.
Girls’ Softball
April 20; vs Jamestown-4:30 P.M. @ Fort Lincoln Field April 28; vs Watford City-1:00 P.M. @MHS May 18; vs Valley City-4:30 P.M. @MHS May 18; vs Valley City-6:30 P.M. @MHS
Only includes Home games
Girls’ Softball Girls’ Tennis
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Girls’ Track
May 12 - all day
Clubs
FCA; Friday @ 7:30 AM FCCLA State Convention April @ Ramkota Hotel
Legend Boys’ Baseball
Concert Band
Girls’ Track
School
Club event
No school April 2018
Girls’ Soccer
News
Students Construct in Class
The answers to what is really going on with the house in the parking lot LIBERTY HURLEY General Reporter
Driving back from going out to eat during first lunch, one might see hard hats and hammers hard at work on the structure inside the chain link fence right past the Braves Center. Well, the house is not just there for looks. Even though some students and staff may be upset with the lack of parking since the house started to be built, the students in class believe the outcome of the construction project will truly be worth it. Throughout the school year, the students of Nick Krush’s Construction I and II classes have been planning and building what a lot of students refer to as “the house.” Located in the far parking lot off of the Brave’s Center, the house has taught students construction and communication skills that they can bring forth to their future jobs. “I have always been into construction, and that is what I want to go into after high school,” said Construction I student and sophomore Devan Forde. Building the house has taught students many things they would not have had the opportunity to learn in another CTE class. “[It has taught me] shingling, basic skills and using a level,” Construction I and junior Andy Saucedo said. “I had never used a laser level.” The students in this class are the sole people working on the house, with Construction I students prepare to the exception of start construction on the house. A plumbing, electrical, large part of the process is making taping, texturing and sure everything is ready before Krush’s watchful eye overlooking them. their head out to work. “Mr. Krush likes to
rotate us out so everybody gets to do a little bit of everything,” Construction II student and junior Justin Kilen. “Everybody gets up there and does their part.” Construction I and II are joint classes because after one student dropped out, Kilen was the only student left in Construction II. The house Safety is important to Krush and his is expected to sudents. Students are required to wear get done by hard hats and other safety equipment. next year’s Construction classes. The class is a good way for students to learn not only skills in construction, but skills they can use for the rest of their lives as well. “It taught me about hard work,” Construction I student and senior Ty Thomas said. “You have to work hard or else it will not get done.” Saucedo nicknamed the house “the monster” from all of the effort that needs to be put into it. “It can be kind of a lot sometimes,” Saucedo said. The house will be auctioned off next year when it is finished. Although sometimes tedious, the class is proud of their work. “We are doing a pretty good job with it,” Thomas said. “Whoever gets it I feel will be pretty happy Construction I student works outside on with it.” the house. With the chilly weather they Through have to bundle up and get back to work. all of the bad weather touh tasks, the students have persevered and some even suggest the class to incoming students. “If you did sign up next year, you’ll have fun with it,” Thomas said. “It’s fun to do something different other than sit in a classroom. It is just fun going out with your classmates.”
“It taught me about hard work. You have to work hard or else it will not get done.”
News
April 2018
Photos by Liberty Hurley
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New Computer Science Class To Come Next Year SAVANNA HAGEROTT General Reporter
A new class is set to be added to the 20182019 school curriculum. “Introduction to Computer Science” is going to be added to give students more options when they go into college than what the high school has provided before. According to Principle Mark Andresen, he difference between the new class and the computer classes the high school offers now is that it is going to be more Information Technology based. The school has had computer science classes in the past, but time has changed s t u d e n t ’s interests. “We used to teach IT, we used to teach a lot of intro to computers,” said Andresen. “It went away because a lot of students got into webpage development. Since that time apps have become the big thing, as you can tell in our society today. The process is the need to bring back some things that can possibly interest kids or give them a general background, introductory knowledge, about computer science in general.” This class is the result of an idea from the superintendent after attending a presentation that featured TEALS. According to TEALS website, “TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools) helps high schools throughout the US build and grow sustainable computer science programs.” The beginning of March was when the school was approved to have the class, but it was not an easy feat. The school was in charge of finding a partner and a teacher, which they have already done. They are going to be partnering
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with National Information Solutions Cooperative to bring in people to help teach the students and expose them to different challenges that may happen in the real world. They have also found a teacher for the class, Kelsey Brashears. The school was also responsible for making sure students had the proper technology for the class. However, according to Andresen, tthe school is looking at replacing a couple computer
labs i n the career tech areas anyway. In order to actually make sure the class will happen, there needs to be interest. “Our magic number is about 12 kids,” said Andresen. “That’s the ideal number, so if we get 10 to 12 kids, we’re going to have it.” Adding this class will help many students who are looking to pursue computer science in the future. According to Andresen, previous graduates often start classes 1 to April 2018
2 months behind the others because they have not had an introductory computer science class. Junior Jordan Webb has expressed interest in the class, and has also realized that this is opening up new options for careers related to computer science. “It wasn’t an option before, but it’s definitely an option now. When I first started high school, I was looking for a class like this, just because in my view, it’s really important,” Webb said. Andresen also thinks the class would be more interesting for students now that they have technology at our fingertips. “We’re using iPads. It would be cool if our kids could learn how to develop our own apps, right here at Mandan High School.” Webb is one of the 15 students that are interested in taking this class. Like Andresen, Webb thinks that this class is becoming increasingly important as technology advances and becomes more popular. ““In its own way, it’s just as important now as things like economics and general classes we need to take just because this day and age coding is, in its own way, its own language,” Webb said.
News
Grocery Store “Glo-up”
A look into the redevelopment of Mandan’s West Main Street MAGGIE KNOLL General Reporter
could include 3D printers, audio and video tools, plus art and craft The Mandan City Commission is working to transform Mandan’s supplies.” West Main Street into a modern area with multiple multi-functional Students at Mandan will possibly have more attractions in buildings that could potentially be known to local residents as downtown Mandan that they “The Railyard.” will be able to go to. The plan could possibly “It could help attract more involve moving the library restaurants and places to shop into the previous Central for young people,” Huber Market evacuating the library said. “If the project were to building which then could be become a reality, it could used for restaurants. The plan provide young people more could also include a mixedplaces to go.” used building which could be Not only is there possibility used for apartments and retail. to attract young adults, but “More activities could be held there is also the ability to with an indoor event hall,” said attract adults and senior Ellen Huber, City of Mandan's citizens through community business development and activities. communications director. The possibility of apartments “There could also be the being available above the opportunity for an enhanced mixed use building and the public library.” This is a possible redesign of the current library building Thrifty White building for sale With the new Starion Sports brings potential for residents that could be called “The Railyard.” Complex and other buildings to go to Mandan Main Street such as Thrifty White Drug more often. moving away from the “If there’s a way to redowntown area, there is less imagine this space that’s traffic in the downtown area. maybe less impact to the With the addition of several citizens I want to make new attractions to Main Street, sure we aren’t leaving those more traffic will be directed stones unturned,” said City towards this area. Commissioner Shauna Laber. Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling If the plan becomes a reality, has a goal to increase the construction will hopefully traffic in downtown Mandan. begin late this fall with the “The plan is to bring back hope of being completed in some type of anchor along 2019. with people back to the west “Hopefully it will bring side of Main Street,” Helbling people back to downtown said. Mandan,” Helbling said. Surveys have been done This is a possible modernized library idea that could be “It will not only help asking residents about what businesses, but also enhance located in the previous Central Market building. they want to see come to the great events Mandan holds Mandan. Results show that downtown.” residents are looking for more restaurants, retail, event space and more community events. “The library could include a ‘maker space’ where patrons could All photos used with permission by Tim Helbling make things using technology,” Huber said. “The technology
News
April 2018
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Teachers and Students views on cheating and technology COURTNEY ENTZI General Reporter
Teachers’ point of view Picture this: there are five minutes before fifth period ends, and your homework is less than half completed. There is no way of finishing it on time: at least not without some “help.” This is a thought that crosses through many student’s minds everyday. Slader, along with many other homework “helping” sites, have a huge impact on many students and their homework. “Like anything with technology, there is good and bad,” math teacher Stacey Fitterer said. “The problem is that too many students use it to do their assignment for them.” Although Slader is blocked on the school’s server, this does not stop many students from finding a way to get their answers. “I didn’t even know the school blocked slader,” Fitterer said. “How do you catch a student using Slader? They use it at home so I won’t know if they are using it or not.” Most teachers consider these homework “helping” sites as cheating.
“Instead of the students thinking about the questions being asked, they now look to find the answer so they can just copy it down,” Chemistry teacher Dewit Mack More than once a day said. “They aren’t learning, they are Once a day just learning how to Once a week copy things down from other sources.” A couple times a week Technology is a big Never factor in the cheating happening throughout A couple times a month the classrooms, Once a month giving students access to homework Rarely assignments and Survey of 303 Students sites like Slader. “Technology is making it easier for kids to cheat,” English II teacher Seth Petersen said. “iPads, phones and Apple watches are difficult to detect.” Although Slader and other homework “helping” sites may have a few flaws, they can be a very helpful tool when used correctly. Not all teachers believe these homework Hurtful “helping” sites are all that bad. “Some do it just so they can get their homework done quickly and others Helpful use it to help them when the come across problems they don’t know how to do,” Fitterer said. “I think it can be a useful tool but if it’s abused then Survey of 303 Students students are only hurting themselves.”
How often do you use Slader?
What’s your opinion on apple products in the classroom?
April 2018
Feature
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assignments and answers to tests. The iPads provide easy access to resources students find helpful for school work. “The answers are just a click away,” Brytni Thornson* said. If you could guess, how many of “Even though the school blocks sites, we will look them up on your peers cheat? our own devices and on our own time.” Some With many assignments being handed out with little time at Getting home late and having hours of None the end of class and being due homework to do is a daily struggle for right away when students get to most students. It is a problem for most class, it gives students a limited All high school students to decide whether window of opportunity to get they should get enough sleep, or stay up Most help from administrators. all night doing homework in order to get “The assignments are always a good grade. due right away in the beginning Survey of 303 Students Students have the responsibility of of class,” Jane Klein* said. “I trying to balance after school activities have no time to ask the teacher with sometimes hours of about the assignment homework. The easiest until after it is due, solution to find enough time and I don’t always for everything is for students know how to do the to cheat on their assignments. 200 assignment.” “I have a lot of Research shows that Misunderstood Check Answers extracurricular activities cheating is not always Information going on,” Sally* said. 150 for the students that are “Cheating is my last resort.” Time struggling, but is also In the past two years, done by students who technology has played a big 100 are doing well and are Laziness role in the Mandan education cheating to get even system. The use of the more ahead in classes. iPads in the classrooms has 50 Studies show that increased by a great amount. cheating is a way for Homework assignments, students to not have to 0 quizzes and even tests are think for themselves Reasons for using being taken by students in which can hurt them in multiple classes on the iPads. college and later on in life when the students Survey out of 303 Students With this increase of the use of technology in our have to use their problem solving skills to school, it brings up more opportunities for cheating figure out a situation on their own. to happen. “I definitely think cheating isn’t good,” Jack Nelson* said. Answers to homework can be found online as well as help on book “It’s something I need to do to pass.”
General Reporter
Students’ point of view
Number of people
Why do you use Slader or other resources?
Graphics and designs by Maggie Knoll and Courtney Entzi
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*Pseudonyms used to protect the identities of the students interviewed for this article. 8374 wery 9238 skeir 98792 987 sd976 9873h o 987 3 23847 987 0987 77 77 087 0970 oiy 0866 iuyio 876 kjyig 87fjht 87uyyg76jht 75 7jyt 85 875 76 kjyh98 986 ikg 86 986 ttguyt67r568 87 876 8 76 jht875 jht865 98hksuey 986 ieuyr 986692 kuysd owe 98632 928 426 293846 2 93462938 92836 kjsdy9876
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MAGGIE KNOLL
School Policy
Penalty for cheating which includes plagiarism and inappropriate use of electronic devices (discretion of the teacher) – 1) First offense – “0” on that test or project. Loss of Semester Test exemption in that course; 2) Second offense – “F” (60%) for the Nine Weeks’ period.
Feature
According to the MHS Student handbook April 2018
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Students Receive Access To Electronic Books Library budgeting for an electronic library app for students SHANTEL JANGULA Co-Editor-In-Chief
The school library will be purchasing electronic books and building up a collection for students to access in the upcoming months. Librarian Scheryl Bjorndahl made the decision to purchase eBooks to cater to all students in the school. “If a student does not want to check out a physical book, they can go through the app and check out the book,” Bjorndahl said. “They don’t even have to go through the library.” Students will be able to access the app through their Self Service on their iPads. The app is called Destiny Discover. “It’s actually a library management program, and we have to transfer over 11,000 items from the library,” Bjorndahl said. “[Students] will be able to search our whole library.” The idea to start an electronic book collection came from the Mandan Middle School library. “Mrs. Greff from the middle school helps me a lot,” Bjorndahl said. The eBooks, according to Bjorndahl, only make sense to have at the high school. “With all the iPads, it makes sense for students to have eBooks,” Bjorndahl said. “We need to bring our library back into the 21 century.” The selection of books vary from required English class novels to newer releases to keep students interested. Currently, the app has “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “The Great Gatsby” and “90 Days of Different.” “I am trying to get newer books,” Bjorndahl said. “However, some of them are going to be the required books for
English classes.” the eBooks making their debut, Bjorndahl Once a student downloads the app, is also trying to make the students aware of the app requires their student login and other resources the library offers. password. After that, students can check “A lot of kids do not know we have an out books right at their fingertips. online website for the library, but we do,” “Once [the books] start to get used and Bjorndahl said. once people start to realize how fun they The Library Media Center found on the are, they will get used more and more.” school website has links to help students Bjorndahl said. with citation help, paper editing help as Teachers have well as a guide for research papers. shown interest in the The media center also has a link to the eBooks as well. Dual Gale Virtual Reference Library. Through Credit U.S. History the reference library, students are able to teacher Ryne Jungling sign in with their school emails to highlight thinks the eBooks will and bookmark parts of a book that could be be beneficial to the essential to research papers. The reference students. center also offers MLA and Chicago “With the presence of citations. iPads at Mandan High “I want kids to realize how easy this is to and soon the entire actually use.” Bjorndahl said. district,” Jungling said. With the library now purchasing eBooks, “Migrating part of the library resources to the book lovers who prefer physical books eBooks is a smart decision.” will still be able to pick up their books in Jungling challenges his dual credit the library. students with a research paper that requires “We will always be purchasing physical a lot of book research. books, but more of our budget will be going “Accessing eBooks should be much easier to our e-books in the next couple of years to for students and, at a research level, has build up our collection.” some distinct advantages.” A couple, which Jungling notes, include the reduction of weight when students carry around their backpacks, the integration of eBooks and videos and the wider range of access to information through credible Photo by Shantel Jangula sources. The Destiny Discover app requires a student login to In addition to
“We need to bring our library back into the 21st century.”
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access the books.
April 2018
News
Breaking down the JUUL What really happens while using a JUUL
LIBERTY HURLEY General Reporter
The day starts out with a plan to meet in the bathroom at 2:20. The next step is to sneak out of Braves’ Tutorial to meet your friends without causing too much commotion. Finally, you are in the bathroom and the only business being done is watching the door, so you can fan away your vapor before your seventh period teacher walks in. The JUUL, one of the many electronic cigarettes in the world, has invaded the halls of Mandan High. With its compacted size and instant nicotine high, it has gotten a lot of attention. A lot of students are very unaware of the actual facts about on the JUUL. The official JUUL website describes the JUUL as a satisfying alternative to cigarettes. But, does that make it better? Because it is compact and makes little sound, it is easily snuck into classrooms, the cafeteria and the walk between the Braves Center and the main building. A student could simply bring their hand up to use their JUUL and make it look like they are sneezing or wiping their face. Some students in the school are in fact not minors, making them an easy hook up for buying a JUUL without going through JUUL’s website which checks for age verification. If the company itself does not want minors to have their hands on this e-cigarette, that raises the question of whether JUULing at such a young age is in fact bad. The JUUL was originated as an alternative to smoking, but it is not doing its job. “At this point, no E-cigarettes have been proven to quit smoking” said Tobacco Prevention Coordinator at Custer Health in Mandan Brady Weaver. JUUL’s official website says it was “designed with adult smokers in mind.” Without the intention of doing so, the JUUL was not designed for adults, but instead targeted for minors. This article is in no way attacking people for their decisions, nor is it advising minors owning or using a JUUL. JUULing is illegal for people under the age of 18 and an unhealthy activity especially for those under the age of 25. All facts and statistics are from e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov
Feature
“Friends introduced me.” What does it really do
“Once you have it in your pocket 24/7, that is when the problems start.” “You usually “It is easy to get them from just hit people that are it.” older than you.” Students discuss JUUL usage.
“They do not think about the long term effects.”
“I first bought it because a lot of people had “They do not them.” want to be the odd one “You can out.” try it just “Sneaking it in your pocket is pretty easy.”
“The cost to do not JUUL is insane. get one Insanely of your expensive.” own.”
“I would not put it on someone to use it, but I would not tell someone not to.” April 2018
to your body?
There are many kids who started JUULing because their friends were doing it. This becomes an issue when they do not know what is happening to their body while doing so. Until about age 25, the brain is still developing. This means that the feel good chemical in your brain called dopamine is released when you take a hit off of the JUUL. When the body constantly gets this chemical from an outside source, the brain produces dopamine itself less and less each time. This all affects the brain’s chemistry by forcing your brain to crave something it can not naturally produce itself without one more hit. When a developing brain uses an electronic cigarette, it can cause a lot of risks. These risks include permanent lack of impulse control, increase in mood disorders and nicotine addiction. “As your brain is still developing, you are more vulnerable to that [nicotine] addiction.” Weaver said. Each time a memory or idea is created there are pathways that are created called synapses. In a young person’s brain, these pathways are formed much faster, making them more prone to addiction at a younger age than adults. They can also cause addictive personalities to be further subjected to future addictions to much more lethal types of drugs. Not only does it affect your brain, but it has some serious physical health dangers as well. When people take a hit, a push of vapor comes out, but it is not just vapor. In the vapor, there are small particles, like diacetyl, that go deep into your lungs and are known to cause lung disease. There are also compounds like benzene which is found in car exhaust, and heavy metals, such as tin, nickel and lead. JUULing is a growing trend that has taken the attention of many Mandan students. Whether or not you are meeting at 2:20 in the bathroom or doing it in the parking lot before school the facts are the same. Everyone should have the chance to be informed about what they are doing to their body before they do it.
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Get to Know the SRO
The inside story of what a student resource officer does BEN GARTNER General Reporter
“I usually come to the high school The safety of a school is important, first and check out the hallways,” Breid and that is why Mandan has a Student said. “With the Resource Officer 1000+ students to help protect that are in the the school from hallways every any dangers. morning, there Officer Michael can sometimes Breid has been a be issues.” student resource The first hour officer in that he is here, Mandan for three he goes around years and has and catches up been a student with things that resource officer happened the for five years in night before and total. with the staff. “I would not do Then, he will my job if it was work on any just the guns and reports that he the glory,” Breid has, whether it said. “There is a is threats coming reason I chose into the school or this job, I was a student under not just assigned Photo submitted by Michael Breid the influence. here.” Officer Michael Breid reading to He is usually Before elementary school students. in the hallways becoming a between periods SRO, Breid was to make sure everything is running a patrol officer and a deputy in Adams If County, but says he enjoys being a student smoothly. s o m e t h i n g resource officer more. catches his eye “This is probably the best job a police officer can do,” Breid said. “It is the most then he might pull someone rewarding.” aside and talk to He and his family decided to move to them. Mandan and they plan on raising his “Nothing is daughter here. better than sitting “I like the people in Mandan, the in the hallway students are awesome and it is a friendly and saying ‘hi’ place,” Breid said. “You can strike up a to students or conversation with anyone.” chit chatting with He starts his day by going to the Police Breid Department to get in his uniform and get them,” said. ready. After, he comes to the high school He deals with or one of the three elementary schools he any threats that is in charge of going to (Roosevelt, Mary Stark, and Fort Lincoln).
happen to come into the school and students that are under the influence. The reason that any school needs a student resource officer is a safety aspect, just in case anything bad happens. In the Maryland shooting on March 20, it was the resource officer that stopped the shooting. “He’s always in [the office] with us, and he pays attention to what is going on in the hallways” secretary Kelly Kline said. “I feel safe with him here.” An SRO is also important to help keep the relationship between the community and police good. They are here to protect the community. He is the only SRO at the high school but he says that the staff is awesome and will help him if he needs anything. “My best resource to help me is the staff,” Breid said. “From Koenig, Andreson, or any of the teachers, they are awesome to help out if I need it, but supports wise everyone helps.” If he needs other help he will call the resource officer at the middle school or any other patrol officer. Sometimes he has to have the Juvenile Court or Youthworks come when needed. Usually the school will handle situations that involve students unless it becomes a police issue, then he must step in. He says that the kids are awesome here and loves working with them. “I have yet to find a bad kid at Mandan High,” Breid said. “We do not have bad kids here, we have kids that have made mistakes.”
“I have yet to find a bad kid at Mandan. We only have kids that have made mistakes.”
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April 2018
News
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Senior Eleanor Bierman
Believes that prom is not worth all the money
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Photo by Owen Piehl
Junior McKenzie Ulrich
Believes that prom is worth the money
Is prom worth the money?
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I say that people do not need to spend a lot of money for prom. On my junior year, I went to prom and looked nice for under $100. I will admit, I spent more than that my senior year, but one can still do it for less than $100 for a dress. One does not need a limo, one could carpool with friends, ask one’s date to pick one up, drive one’s self, or, if one must, ask a parent to drive them. I asked a family friend to do my hair and makeup my junior year, and I have gotten every prom dress I have worn at Macy’s, each one less than $100. I know that many of my friends have asked their friends to do makeup for them, and one could turn it into a before prom party, of having fun getting ready together. In short, one does not need to break the bank for one night at prom.
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Photo submitted by Eleanor Bierman.
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General Reporter
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RYAN PHELPS
Graph by Ryan Phelps
Prom is worth the time and money since it’s an experience one can always remember. The pictures and memories made at prom are things you can hold onto for the rest of your life. Prom is also a time to forget about school for the evening and socialize with friends. Some may say prom is too expensive, but there are many ways around that. One could buy a dress or tuxedo from a thrift store or make their own corsages. I feel that everyone should go to prom at least once in their high school years to have that full high school experience.
$500 A A
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A A A AA A AA AA A The average amount of money spent on prom at Mandan High
April 2018
Feature
Mekhi Dunn
What is something crazy that happened while you were subbing?
What is the worst thing about subbing?
Where is the coolest place you have lived?
Sub Edition
General Reporter
MADI JUST
“Some Horizon kids played a game where they hid a balloon from me.”
*Each month the Courier will feature one male and one female student to be the noobs of the month. Noobs are randomly chosen by staff.*
If you had to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be? “Ratawuille” Why do you deserve to be Noob of the Month? “I stand out from the other noobs by having the last name ‘Wu’” What would you like the students of MHS to know about you? “I really like K-Pop and I want to meet BTS.”
“When the students tell jokes.”
“There isn’t a worst thing.”
“Fargo.”
“Monterey, California.”
“Walking into a classroom not knowing what the students are supposed to do.”
Mr. Andring
Mr. Peterson
Noobs of the Month
“A student asked me how I knew the earth isn’t flat and I had a set answer for him.”
If you had to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be? “Space Jam” Why do you deserve to be Noob of the Month? “I am a funny guy and I feel like I would be a good participant” What would you like the students of MHS to know about you? I am a god at Fortnite, I love basketball and football and I love tacos.
“Winter”
“When you come into a room and there is nothing to do or planned.”
“Mandan.”
“Nigeria.”
“Elementary School.”
Mrs. Bethke
Mr.O
Nicole Wu
“Technology.”
“When a teacher doesn’t leave a detailed assignment for the class.”
“Mandan.”
Mrs. Frankie
Photos taken by Madi Just
Racism: Present and Painful
Students share their stories about their encounters of racism RILEY GRIFFIN General Reporter
Imagine this: you are in class with some friends talking and one says, “I hate all the natives around here” and you see your fellow Native American classmate put their head down. You go to talk to them after class to ask if they are alright. They say with a shy voice, “Yes, I am fine.” This is a natural occurrence at Mandan. Many students go through these similar struggles. If a person has a skin color other than white, there is a likely chance they have experienced some type of racism. These are traumatic times for these people. “This one time, I took my little sister to the gas station and this older man said ‘why are these rezzers everywhere,’” sophomore Nevaeh Quarry said. How often a person is called names or made fun of for their skin color varies. It can occur almost never or even daily. “I don’t typically experience racial remarks at this point in my life, the ones that I do remember however are from when I was in elementary school,” senior Jamaika Lee said. The first time can be a traumatic experience for someone who is called a name. It usually sticks with them and is the most traumatic for a person. “In the first grade my ‘friend’ said that, ‘Only white girls could be cheerleaders,’ and, ‘White boys only like white girls.’” Lee said. “People didn’t have to say things to me for me to realize that I was different. I knew I had different skin and different hair but I didn’t realize it until I hit grade school.” This happens to siblings as well, it may affect them harder because they are not used to it. “My sister recently experienced something on her bus ride home when a boy in her grade called her an offensive racial word. She had never experienced something like this before and it tore her apart,” Lee said. “I would never want her to go through what she went through. It brought me to tears and my heart hurt for her.” These victims have their own opinions on why people make racist remarks towards them. “Around here, there aren’t many people of color. I think that subconsciously, it’s just something they feel the need to point out,” Lee said. “Because I don’t look like the majority of the people at
the school (because of my skin color), it’s not hard for people to accidentally judge me.” Students are not the only ones who notice the racism, the teachers see it too. They sometimes have to help students who encounter it. “I have talked to some of my own English learner students about it, but I don’t have to do it often,” said Spanish teacher Lucia Shelley. The exact level of racism of the school is undetermined, although some do have their own opinions on it. “I think that it’s not terrible. I consider it more students getting used to a different race or ethnicity around here,” Shelley said. “I understand that its mainly just Caucasian students here, it’s just getting them used to the diversity.” There is a plethora of ways to act when being called out for being a different skin color. Many have experienced it so many times that they have come accustomed to it. “It’s lack of understanding. For example, for the Puerto Rican students, many of the students here at Mandan High School don’t understand that they are U.S. citizens,” Shelley said. “They say ‘go back home’ but they don’t know that this is their home as well.” There are right ways and there are wrong ways of dealing with racism. They always say violence is not the answer. “Well we have to teach them that there are proper channels to solve this issue, because being in silence is not the answer but being aggressive is not the answer either,” Shelley said. “I think that if we help them to find the right channels for both parties, those that do not understand this new diversity and those that are angry when someone shows them rejection, that opening those channels of communication will make it personal, will help them understand that this is a person just like you.” There are great hopes for racism in the school and racism everywhere to change. “Maybe I’m too soft, or too understanding, but I like to believe that everyone can be a good person. I believe that the only way to end racism or respond to it is with kindness,” Lee said.
“Maybe I’m too soft, or too understanding, but I like to believe that everyone can be a good person. I believe that the only way to end racism or respond to it is with kindness.”
Racism- prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.
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April 2018
Feature
Shedding Light On Learning Disabilities An in-depth look into what it is like for students with learning disabilities SAVANNA HAGEROTT
“Some kids with ADHD, just a classroom The biggest difference, according to of 30 kids can be super distracting and they Rasset, between her class and regular can’t focus on the education In 2006, a nationwide study was done test,” Rasset said. is that they Every day, TLS is that found that 4.6 million school aged go more in of the children were diagnosed with a learning scheduled for one depth with disability. That means roughly 9.2 percent period just like any the subjects. of children enrolled in a school in 2006 other class. Each “We will who received kind were diagnosed with a learning disability, week students work of yet somehow learning disabilities are still on different things special education in 2014 have attempt to seperate days. not completely understood. break the a learning disability. In Rasset’s During high school, learning is different concept for every student, but for kids with learning room, the students According to understood.org. that they’re disabilities it is even more different and work on math on learning in Mondays, reading on Tuesdays, writing class down a little further,” said Rasset. difficult to grasp certain concepts. For Senior Riley Glandt, however, it is on Wednesdays, different life skills on “In a regular [education] setting there’s Thursdays and checking anywhere between 20 and 30 students, and not as difficult grades on Fridays. to learn as they’re all at different levels, and that’s the Each student has it is to keep In 2014, challenge for a regular [education] teacher, of students a subject that they is that they’re trying to find that point where organized with with a learning disability struggle with more than they’re hitting the most students.” ADHD. others, and in TLS the “I am really Some students also have an IEP, main goal is to help Individualized Education Program, that [unorganized], them in those areas. also help them succeed by allowing so I have to spent According to Rasset, the them different accommodations and really pay attention to of their day in general most common subjects modifications to assignments. students struggle with how I organize As a teacher, Rasset is able to see the education classrooms. are math and reading, struggles some students with learning my things, or According to understood.org. which is often even disabilities have, like reading aloud in class I’ll easily mess seen in students without or taking a test with a full class of students. up,” Glandt said. “I’m constantly having to write in learning disabilities. “You may not be able to see that they’re a Rasset understands the my planner and write on a piece a piece of little different, struggles these students paper what I have to do.” but sometimes Students who may not have a learning go through daily. there’s little “What may take you disability, but a different struggle that things that makes learning difficult, like ADD, ADHD, or someone else 10 stand out, like anxiety or depression, have the 504 plan is minutes, it could take if the teacher an option, but Glandt has chosen not to take them an hour to get,” asks them a Rasset said. it in high school. question, they In TLS, teachers use Glandt had the plan in middle school, but may not get it she found that some teachers realized that many acronyms, like or if they’re she was in it and almost tried too hard to FAST in math, (find asked to read what you are looking for, help sometimes. out loud Other students who have a 504 plan find ask yourself what information is given, set they may really struggle, so in a regular help in many different ways, according to up the equation, and take the equation and classroom setting, be considerate for them, Special Education Teacher Alexis Rasset. solve it) to make it easier for students to because they have to deal with it, they Students go to TLS, or Teaching and grasp concepts in their various subjects. know it’s a problem for them, and they get For Rasset, each lesson she teaches is really self conscious,” Rasset said. Learning Services, if they need help on homework or if they just need a different around 15 to 20 minutes, and after that it is homework help. environment for tests.
General Reporter
42% 5.7 million students
68%
at least 80%
“What may take you, or someone else 10 minutes, it could take them an hour to get.”
Feature
April 2018
25
The Golden Rule in the Classroom
How mistreatment in the classroom can affect students and teachers
KENNA HEIDT General Reporter
A lot of things can cause a student or even a teacher to not want to go to a certain class. The problems can be a variety of things such as the homework, notes or the whole class itself. Depending on all of this, problems can very easily change the success rate of the students and even the teachers. According to the American Pyscological Association, studentteacher relationships are the most important thing when it comes to the success rate for the students in school. “If you connect in the appropriate ways, success and learning skyrockets,” art teacher John Gieser said. “If you don’t, the learning opportunity is wasted as it plummets to lower levels, often becoming dysfunctional.” Not only does the problem between the student and teacher affect the two of them, but it also affects the rest of the students in that classroom. “If you don’t connect, you don’t succeed as an effective educator... period,” Gieser said. “Situations like these can rob everyone else of their full-strength learning opportunities and possibly tainting the learning environment that day or even longer.” Although a lot of people do not think of bullying to be between a student and teacher, it could very well be that way because according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, bullying is abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful. “It’s just the fact that the teacher can be really mean to certain people over and over again,” sophomore Caleigh Reedy said. Even if there is a clear instigator to the problem, nobody can blame one party. “The blame game is a waste of time,” freshman Kaylena Fried said. “People are going to either fight back or defend themselves.” Students often get confused when they do not know what they have done,
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and the same goes for the teacher. Mixed signals generally interfere with the situations that happen also. “When mixed signals come into play, I feel that expectations get a bit blurry and behaviors in the classroom become more unpredictable and vary greatly at times, thus having a constant direct effect on student success,” Gieser said.
" If you connect in the appropriate ways, success and learning skyrockets." Many people have gone through this, and most do not know why it happened in the first place. “Yes [I have been through this type of situation], a teacher that I have now always seems to yell at me for talking when I am not talking at all,” Reedy said. Students are going to act differently during the period that they have problems with the teacher in. But, how students act varies by student. “I tried to stay the same, and I tried to give the teacher the same respect that everyone should always get.” Fried said. Not only do teachers cause situations like this students also can. There are a lot of things that parents, administration, teachers, and students can do to put the disagreements to an end. “Altogether, trust, personality and professionalism are huge issues we all must take into account every hour of every day both in and out of the classroom,” Gieser said.
April 2018
Feature
It Is Not Just A Shoe...
Sneakerheads discuss their shoes and the trends of Mandan RILEY GRIFFIN General Reporter
Picture this: you are walking down the High school can be considered one of Big names like Kanye West, Tinker hallway, keeping your head down to avoid the largest places for students to “flex” on Hatfield and Ronnie Fieg seem to come to passing students, and something catches or attempt to look better than their peers. mind more than others. your eye. It is the symbol of a man jumping, Many students buy their sneakers for “My favorite sneaker designer is Tinker legs spread and reaching out into the sky precisely this reason. Hatfield. He’s been such a big name for with a basketball in his “I buy shoes to please so many years, from when Jordan was hand. You do not know myself, and I’m not going on the court and in commercials wearing what it is about it, but to lie, sometimes I’ll buy shoes designed by Tinker that people were it seems to scream them to show off to my mesmerized by,” said Felch. “To the Air coolness and you now friends, but not in a mean Mag from Back to the Future, to retros become increasingly or bad way. I mean it in people can’t wait to get their hands on interested. Many a way if the shoe is new today.” students already know or really wavy, I’ll be like Mandan has its fair share of trendy what this symbol is, it ‘look at these shoes I just sneakers, but the expected big name brands Photo by Riley Griffin is the symbol of Air The Jordan 1, a popular shoe got’,” said Walker. like Jordans, Nikes and Adidas’ are not the Jordan. It is almost impossible most popular . Air Jordans, around the school, pictured in for some students to not “Dudes everywhere. I’m not the biggest the ‘New Love’ color way. designed by Tinker have a favorite. Whether fan but they seem comfortable,” said Felch. Hatfield and worn by it is the supreme history, Many shoes are blown out of proportion the famous basketball player Michael they woke up extra early for that release around the school. A trend can become too Jordan, are among the many sneakers that or one they had waited years for and saved trendy and some are quite sick of seeing you see sneakerheads wearing around the up all their money for it, this one sneakers some of them. school. means everything to them. “I wish I could stop seeing those These sneakerheads are unlike other “My favorite pair of shoes right now are leather moccasin/shoe things. They look students, for they have a passion for the my Jordan 1 Bred like something objects they wear on their feet. Whenever Toes because the cavemen would they hear the term, “It’s just a shoe,” they Jordan 1 is such an wear,” said Felch. roll their eyes and turn their heads. It is iconic shoe and the Opinions of other more than just a shoe to them, and now the color-way is one of students are likely reasons why are about to be told. my favorites,” said to be the reason Sneakerhead is a loosely defined term. sophomore Kaden trends become Some define it as a person who collects Felch. trends. Students limited sneakers, others define it as a Not all shoes are care dearly about person who keeps up to date on all the super flashy and what trends are Photo by Riley Griffin going around and latest releases and some place the term as many are basic. The Jordan 3, another popular someone who really likes sneakers for what School is one place what other people they are. where many basic think of them. shoe around the school, “I consider myself a sneakerhead shoes are worn, “I don’t really pictured in the ‘True Blue’ because I enjoy expressing myself through because it is more mind these trends. color way. I think shoes sneakers,” said junior Sabin Vandal. likely for them to get really make an outfit. Someone can have There are tons of brands of shoes scuffed and stepped on. in the world. Some are more popular, “My go to sneakers for school are black good clothes and all, but if they’re wearing some are more flashy and some are more high top Chuck Taylors. They go with some wack shoes, their outfit needs to comfortable. almost anything and they look good brand be checked,” said Walker. “The person “My favorite brands are Nikes and new or beat up, you can’t really go wrong wearing them probably thinks they’re killing it, and that’s what really matters.” Jordans. They create a look and put the with that shoe,” said Felch. whole outfit together,” said senior Alexys Sneaker designers come in varieties Walker ranging from basketball fans to rappers.
Feature
April 2018
27
Girls’ Soccer Spotlight
MAIYA FLECK General Reporter
World Atlas declares soccer the most popular sport in the world, and three seniors Juli Spilman, Kylie Meyer and Tayla Gange are preparing for their last senior season in the Mandan program. The athletes have dedicatedly played soccer kindergarten through high school. The girls have overcome injuries, sad game loses and made lifelong memories in the sport. They have goals to accomplish and are ready to leave their hard work on the field. “When you’re a senior, you see it as an opportunity to push harder,” senior Kylie Meyer said. This year one of the team’s main goals is to overcome communication problems and execute good teamwork. When these struggles are overcome the team is hoping to make it to state this year, and hopefully beat Century like they did last season. The win against Century was a major motivator for this season and a weighted accomplishment to the girls. To accomplish this goal the girls
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2017 Results Date
Opponent
Score Record
4-7 4-11 4-13 4-18 4-20 4-22 4-29 4-29 5-4 5-6 5-9 5-11 5-16 5-18 5-23
Legacy @ Minot Bismarck High @ Century @ St. Mary’s Fargo South Fargo Davies Fargo Shanley @ Legacy Jamestown Minot @Bismarck High Century St Mary’s @ Jamestown
2-0 W 0-3L 2-2T 1-3L 1-2L 0-1L 0-2L 0-2L 2-1W 0-3L 1-5L 0-0T 2-1W 2-2T 0-4L
1-0-0 1-1-0 1-1-1 1-2-1 1-3-1 1-4-1 1-5-1 1-6-1 2-6-1 2-7-1 2-8-1 2-8-2 3-8-2 3-8-3 3-9-3
2017 Indivudual Team Stats WDA matches Player
G
A
Pts
A. Allickson K. Hopfauf S. Bussman E. Geiger M. McCowan
3 1 0 2 1
0 1 1 0 0
3 3 2 2 1
will be conditioning harder which includes running more, something the athletes are not that excited about. The team’s defense is better than their offense they are hoping to strengthen the offense and score more goals. A problem they run into is they are good at defending, but not executing the play and scoring the goals. With all the hard work the girls undergo a lot of injuries because of the intensity the sport. Senior Tayla Gange has broke her nose, popped her jaw out of place and fractured her ankle three times. “It’s like running, but fun. It involves full body intensity,”senior Juli Spilman said. The reason the girls have actively participated in the sport for so many years is they find soccer to be a place everyone can find a position to play. “I like to think there’s a position for everyone, so if you don’t like running there’s always goalie,” Kylie Meyer said.
Goals are worth 1 point; Assists are worth 2 points
April
2018
Sports
Playing in the Big Leagues Life of a middle school athlete and the controversy surrounding them MADI JUST
General Reporter
Being asked to play varsity is one of the biggest honors a Mckenzie Prochnow said. middle school athlete can receive. It means that the coaches saw In a poll taken by 226 students, 46.5 percent said that they something special in them and thinks that they are ready to take agree middle schoolers should stay at the middle school. Their their sports career to the next level. reasons vary, but most students opposed to it agree that the “I was just very happy when I maturity levels and experience was asked to join the varsity team,” levels of the athletes are the main sophomore and varsity soccer player reasons they should not be brought Alonna Alickson said. “I’ve never had up. that feeling before.” Yet some coaches say that the In a poll taken by 203 students, 63.1 middle schoolers they brought up percent said that they have had middle all have high maturity levels and school athletes on their various sports will learn what they need to in order teams. to play with the varsity team. Teams and coaches pull up athletes “We look for athletes that have for various reasons like a shortage of those leadership skills and that players or the athletes having talent and maturity level before we pull them a good work ethic. up.” Thomas said. “We pull girls up because we think The coaches say that they they’re ready for it.” Assistant Girls understand the older athletes Track Coach Mandy Sheldon said. concerns about having the younger But talent does not have everything athletes play, but insist that they to do with getting pulled up. A lot of are trying to help Mandan Athletics coaches will take a good attitude over succeed. raw talent. “I think they feel like they are Photo submitted by Alonna Alickson being overlooked, but that’s never “We always look for the kids that are coachable and have a good attitude.” Head our intention,” Thomas said. “Our Alonna Alicksom playing soccer with the intentions are to make our team better.” Girls Basketball Coach Abby Thomas said. varsity team as a seventh grader “Having talent is great, but we would take And to those who say that the middle coachability and leadership and selflessness over talent.” school athletes are not welcome on the varsity teams, coaches Girls teams, such as track, pull up girls from the middle school have a simple, but powerful message. often, but boys teams usually wait until the athletes reach high “Once you’re in a varsity sport, grade level doesn’t matter school for them to play varsity. anymore,” Thomas said. “Whether you’re an eighth grader or a “The biggest reason we don’t pull up boys is because of senior, if you’re on the varsity team we expect the same things.” physical development,” Boys Head Track and Football Coach Todd Sheldon said. “Female athletes are usually developed enough to play at the varsity level.” Naturally, getting pulled up to play varsity can be stressful and intimidating for anyone, but for a middle schooler it is a whole different situation. “I felt nervous being around people who I didn’t know and weren’t in my grade.” eighth grader and varsity track athlete Mckayla Lindbo said. Some coaches do things like partner work and team building to help the younger athletes get to know the older ones. “We do things like pairing up a senior with a middle schooler and having them run laps or the warm up together,” Sheldon said. Despite the unanimous opinion of the coaches interviewed that the middle school athletes make the teams better, many high school students are upset when they get pulled up to play varsity. “I feel like since the high schoolers have been here longer and have more experience that they should be the ones to play and the middle schoolers should stay at the middle school,” sophomore
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Sports
April 2018
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Athletes of the Month SANTANAH GERHART General Reporter
Wrestling- Senior Isaac Berger “Being on a team with my bros and traveling” “Mean” “Squeezing people’s heads off”
Isaac
“2”
berge
r 200 freestyle relay team Joey: “It was a very calm experience” Matheus: “Much better than in Brazil” David: “Crazy rush of excitement and pride” TJ: “We felt extremely grateful for the experience and everyone who helped us get there” Joey: “Definately TJ” Matheus: “TJ” David: “TJ TJ: “Tbh probs TJ”
Tj Reinhardt, Joey Clark, David Hoffman, Matheus Laperriere
Joey: “TJ- consistent or bootylicious (by his request)” Matheus: “Joey- GOAT” David: “Matt-loud” TJ: “David- driven”
Basketball - Sophomore Lakyn Darras “It was a great feeling because it feels like all our hard work paid off” “It’s an honor to get to play with the upperclassmen”
Lakyn 30
“Third grade, because I just love the sport”
Darra
“A monkey”
s April 2018
*All photos courtesy of respective athlete.
Sports
Sports Round-up BEN GARTNER General Reporter
Boys’ Track & Field
The Mandan Boys’ Track & Field team made state last year with their fifth place finish as a team at WDA. They finished their year with an eleventh place finish at the Class A State Tournament. Their first meet was inside and was just to get their feet wet. No times were official and not everyone competed. One player to look out for this year is senior Isaac Watson who placed in pole vault at state last year. There are many distance runners who have made improvements as well. The team’s biggest loss was Andrew Morgan who placed three times at state last year. “We have had to battle the rough weather and practice inside,” head coach Todd Sheldon said. “I think the kids have grown and can push for quality times at state.”
Boys’ Golf
Girls’ Tennis
Mandan Boys’ Golf did not make it to the state tournament in 2017 with a tenth place finish at the West Region Tournament. They have a young team this year. Most of them are sophomores and freshmen with only one junior. They are hoping to qualify for state this year. They had one athlete who qualified for state last year, freshman Treyton Hohbein.
The Mandan Girls’ Tennis team had two athletes make it to state in singles and none in doubles during the 2017 season. Elizabeth Felderman and Kenna Vogel both made it to the state tournament but neither of them placed. The team was 6-7 in the regular season and 6-9 including the west region tournament. “Right now we feel that we are in the middle of the region,” coach Megan Hanson said. “But we hope that by the end of the year we will be in the top four.” They did not lose any seniors last year, and have a very young team going into this season. Some athletes to watch out for from Mandan this year are Felderman and Vogel.
Girls’ Track & Field
Girls’ Track and Field took sixth place at the WDA Championship tournament in 2017. They went on to take fifteenth at the state Photo by Brenna Hammer tournament. Senior Lizi Leingang winding up for a ball in the They have been waiting to get an outdoor meet in to check out the 2017 Spring softball season. competition and show what the Mandan Boys’ Baseball made team is capable of. it to state last year after their win “We had a great senior class last year,” against Century in the state qualifier game. coach Brooke Weidrich said. “The great They won that game 5-4. At state they lost thing is we have girls stepping up and their first two games which eliminated Mandan Girls’ Soccer lost to Jamestown taking the responsibility and hard work to them from the tournament. in a match that would have taken them to In the regular season the team had 18 the state tournament. Their overall record fill in the spots.” wins and 14 loses. They had 20 wins and for the season was 3-9-3. 17 loses after West Region and state. “We have a very young team this year, The team is fairly younger, with six seniors having lost eight seniors, so we are in a bit Mandan Girls’ Softball team won their graduating from last year. They have a lot of a rebuilding year,” head coach Stephen WDA play-in game but they lost their next of freshmen that went out this year. Weston said. “I expect us to challenge for a two games and were not able to make it Their biggest rivals are the Bismarck spot at the state competition.” teams, but the biggest threats to them this Century, Minot, and Jamestown all lost into the state tournament. They were 6-25 season are Minot and Century. their top players from graduation, so it in the regular season and 6-27 including Head Coach Dewitt Mack believes that should be a pretty even playing field for WDA last year. they will make it to the state tournament everyone. this year.
Boys’ Baseball
Girls’ Soccer
Girls’ Softball
All statistics and information comes from wdasports.org and the respective coaches. All of information up to date as of April 10.
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