C
905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND Volume 30, Issue 5- April 2022
Courier
Learn about cyberbullying and its lasting effects on page 9.
From The Editor...
April 2022
As graduation day is approaching and the nights become longer and warmer I grow not only anxious but excited. I am confident in my career path, but the simple fact that the next year is so unknown is equally scary and appealing. At first, I would worry that not going to college would cause me to feel sad about not getting all the experiences that my peers get to have. However, with a lot of reflection I have realized that the traditional post high school route is not something that makes sense for me personally, which is completely fine. This quarter we have added a new editor to our team; her name is Jasmine Patera. Jasmine is an incredible journalist noticed her devotion to the Courier and we decided as a team that an editor position would suit her well. With her work on this issue, it is clear that we made the right choice. As always, I hope you all enjoy this issue and if you have something to say about anything written in this issue feel free to email us. We love your feedback!
Scout Hurley, Editor-In-Chief
Staff
Scout Hurley...............................Editor-In-Chief Ariana González .......Assistant Editor-In-Chief
Feature Editor Leah Emineth.............................Opinion Editor
McCartney Fix................................News Editor Jasmine Patera..............Assistant Feature Editor Nathan Stramer......................................Reporter Gabriela Martin....................................Reporter Emmanuel Dolo....................................Reporter Michael Pfliger.....................................Reporter Emma Helbling.....................................Reporter Cambry Fyllesvold...............................Reporter Lily Giggee...........................................Reporter
Opinion 02
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.
April 2022
April-May Calendar — Emma Helbling, Reporter
Other
VERY IMPORTANT May 29, 2022 Graduation @ 2pm
May 9, 2022 Guitar Concert @ 6 pm May 15, 2022 Broadway Show- Mixed Choir
Boys’ Golf May 10, 2022 Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ 10 am
May 15, 2022 Broadway Show-Womens and Concert Choir @ 4:15 pm
Boys’ Baseball
Girls’ Softball
Boys’ Track
April 3, 2022 vs BHS @ 4:30 pm
April 1, 2022 BHS @ 4:30 pm
April 19, 2022 vs Legacy @ 4:30 pm
April 3, 2022 Legacy @ 4:30 pm
April 14, 2022 meet vs Multiple Schools @ 2:30 pm
April 23, 2022 vs Fargo South @ 12 pm
April 19, 2022 vs Century @ 4:30 pm
April 23, 2022 Mandan Invite vs Multiple Schools @ 11 am
May 3, 2022 vs Watford City @ 4:30 pm
April 22, 2022 vs Jamestown @ 4:30 pm
May 3, 2022 Meet vs Multiple Schools @ 2:30 pm
April 23, 2022 vs Dickinson @ 12 pm
May 13, 2022 Meet vs Multiple Schools
May 10, 2022 vs Jamestown @ 4:30 pm May 12, 2022 vs Legacy @ 4:30 pm May 14, 2022 vs Century @ 4:30 pm May 26-28 2022 Regional Tournament
Girls’ Tennis
Girls’ Soccer
Girls’ Track
April 12, 2022 vs Legacy @ 4:15 pm
April 12, 2022 vs BHS @ 7:30 pm
April 19, 2022 vs Jamestown @ 4:15
April 22, 2022 vs Williston @ 7:30 pm
April 12, 2022 Meet vs Multiple Schools @ 2:30 pm
April 26, 2022 vs st. Mary’s @ 4:15 pm
April 26, 2022 vs Jamstown 7:30 pm
May 7, 2022 vs Sheyanne @ 9 am
May 3, 2022 vs Minot @ 7:30 pm
May 19, 2022 vs BHS @ 4:15 pm
May 7, 2022 vs St. Mary’s 2 pm May 10, 2022 vs Legacy @ 7:30 pm
April 23, 2022 Mandan Invite vs Multiple Schools @ 11 am May 3, 2022 Meet vs Multiple Schools @ 2:30 pm May 14, 2022 Meet vs Multiple Schools
May 20 2022 vs Century @ 7:30 pm
News 03
April 2022
Brave the Shave Returns — Gabriela Martin, Reporter Kids with cancer may go through treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and cell transplants. These treatments can cause hair loss in kids.
At the main event, the families and teams create a theme to make the event more fun and exciting. The theme this year is Dr. Seuss.
Brave the Shave is an organization that helps donate hair and money to families with kids that have cancer.
“We take that theme and decorate, wear costumes, and it is so much fun,” Oothoudt said.
“We have created as much as we can, an emotional support system,” Family Representative and Board Member Taner Ohlsen said.
Brave the Shave has been running annually since 2008. The money that is fund raised also helps organizations like Andrew McDonough Be Positive (B+) and Brave the Shave Family Fund.
Brave the Shave is a North Dakota organization that helps the families of children with cancer. Brave the Shave holds and helps out with several events throughout the year.
“We make a lot of mortgage payments,” Ohlsen said. “That’s what we do.”
“We do this Bobcats game, we raise money, there is a motorcycle rally, there's a lot, '' Junior Mari Oothoudt said.
When Brave the Shave first implemented the family fund, they started with 32 families. Brave the Shave now helps 153 families.
Along with these smaller events, there is a main event; called “The Flagship Event”. This year it takes place on Saturday, April 9th starting at 1:30pm at the Bismarck YMCA.
“Cancer is expensive, while we were going through treatment we racked up over a million dollars in costs,” Graf said.
“It's a free event,” Executive Director LaShae Graf said. “Families can come together and create a memory.”
Brave the Shave is completely nonprofit and all the money raised goes towards kids cancer research and Brave the Shave families.
“It's definitely a North Dakota organization,” Oothoudt said. 4% of the National Cancer Institute's funds are dedicated specifically to kids' cancer research. The other 96% is dedicated to other adult cancers. “Aren't our kids worth more than four percent?,” Ohlsen asked. Over the last 25 years, 1 new kidspecific treatment has been put in place. “We can’t find a cure unless we do it ourselves.” Ohlsen said. Brave the Shave allows anyone to donate money or shave their head, however, the hair does need to be at least 8 inches to be donated to make a wig. “Having the courage to shave it all off, that's a big step,” Oothoudt said. Brave the Shave’s goal is to create a personal and safe environment for families that suffer from pediatric cancer.
“I started out as just a mom that didn’t know anything about Brave the Shave until our child was diagnosed with cancer,” Graf said. In order to be a part of the family fund, the family needs to have a child diagnosed with cancer. The family members also need to be ND residents.
News 04
Photo Submitted By Junior Mari Oothoudt
Taner Ohlsen shaved his head for his son Dash. Currently, the Ohlsen family is about to celebrate Dash being 5 years cancer free.
April 2022
Behind the Truth of Terms and Conditions
T
— Michael Pfliger, Reporter
erms and conditions are something almost everyone has agreed to without reading thoroughly, but those that do will be surprised by what they say. Companies can hold you to their Terms of Service as long as they have obtained acceptance from the consumer in the proper way (usually the button that people press without thinking about it) and the Terms and Conditions are clear in their intention. Sometimes websites “hide” their Terms and Conditions in the popup box that comes up when you enter their website “By clicking accept you agree to our terms of service and that you have read our privacy policy,” Terms and Conditions are a contract as long as they meet the elements of a business contract as specified by the law.
“When you share, post, or upload content that is covered by intellectual property rights (like photos or videos) on or in connection with our Service, you hereby grant to us a nonexclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to host, use, distribute, modify, run, copy, publicly perform or display, translate, and create derivative works of your content. This license will end when your content is deleted from our systems,” Instagram said in their Terms of Service under permissions you give to us. This shows that places like Instagram are free to use their users’ content as they see because it is in their Terms of Service and it is a legally binding contract.
Some of these elements are the company offering to do something for the user, the customer accepting the offer, the customer providing something in return (usually money from purchasing products) and both parties agreeing that the terms can be enforced by either one of them. This means that when a company says something in their terms and conditions they can hold you to it. “You also agree that you will not use these products for any purposes prohibited by United States law, including, without limitation, the development, design, manufacture, or production of nuclear, missile, or chemical or biological weapons,” Apple said in their LICENSED APPLICATION END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT in subsection G. This means that if their products were used for the aforementioned things they could hold the user responsible in a court of law for violating their Agreement. If companies do not wish to take a user to court for violating their terms and conditions they can withhold their services from them. Wwe may limit or block your vehicle’s ability to use the related services until payment issues are resolved,” Tesla said in it’s General Payment Terms. Some companies can choose to use their users information as they desire as long as it is clearly spelled out in their Terms and Conditions. Many times how they use information will be buried under many many words of legal jargon, like Snapchat’s terms and conditions that comes in at 10,400 words and in the midst of all that there could be something very important in there.
Photo by Michael Pfliger
Here a student is shown selecting that they have read the Terms and Conditions.
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April 2022
Helping the Homeless in North Dakota — Michael Pfliger, Reporter
Homelessness is a worldwide problem that affects an estimated 150 million people worldwide. 541 of them are estimated to live in North Dakota. Some people have decided to do something about the issue, and have opened homeless shelters or food pantries with the goal of either getting them off of the streets or giving them food to eat.
goods,” said Case Manager Tanya Smith from the Salvation Army in Bismarck.
The Men’s Winter Refuge has a physical shelter where they take in homeless men from November 1st to April 30th, they also provide many other services year round, such as helping homeless men that use the shelter get jobs as well as shuttling them to and from locations.
“All months vary. However, we had 919 people come in just for our bread rack, where they can get bread, milk, veggies, salads, grapes, cakes, pies, and other items as it comes in,” Smith said.
They also receive lots of help from the community in the form of volunteers, some of which stay the night to assist the men with anything they may need throughout the night. “I would say in a normal winter at least 70% of our volunteers are air force men and women. They support all sorts of Minot non-profits,” said Executive Director Mike Zimmer of the Minot Area Men’s Winter Refuge. The Minot Area Men’s Winter Refuge accepts donations from everywhere if someone would like to donate then they can do so by either dropping the items off at their door at 1038 43rd Street SE, Minot, ND 58701, or they can send them via mail to the same address. Some items that they accept are men’s winter clothing, toiletries, cleaning products and breakfast food. Many more items can be found by scanning the QR code below. “A person can donate cash or food to the Salvation Army in office, or they can mail their payments to us. We also accept debit cards and credit cards for money donations only. We do not have a thrift store, so we will not accept clothing Items or household
The Men’s Winter Refuge Donation Page.
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The Salvation Army is a International organization that helps many people suffering from a variety of things from homelessness to Human trafficking.
Many homeless shelters rely on volunteers and not employees to function; this creates a high demand for people to help. “People can help by volunteering and or collecting food donations for our emergency food pantry. We also accept donations of money in an amount,” Smith said. Shelters like the The Minot Area Men’s Winter Refuge offer a place to sleep as well as resources to get food. Usually they are only able to hold about fifteen men per night but COVID has forced them to change. “Since April of 2020 we have been doing exclusively hotel rooms so since then all the way through now we have been putting our clients in hotel rooms instead of staying in the shelter so that’s been a big change for us,” Zimmer said. With the change, The Minot Area Men’s Winter Refuge has actually been able to help more people than before because now they do not have limited space.
Salvation Army Donation Page.
April 2022 April 2022
New Club is Making a Difference At Mandan High
— Cambry Fyllesvold, Reporter
This new club at Mandan High is making students look outside themselves and help others around the school. Peer to Peer is a new club that is growing in popularity. At meetings, students with disabilities are mentored by members of the club. “The mentees really enjoy Peer to Peer,” Advisor Amber Allers said. Mandan High has 11 special education students that are mentored in Peer to Peer. Members get together during Braves Tutorial almost every Wednesday in the auditorium to do activities and play games. Peer to Peer Club has had a great start to it’s first year with over 70 members. “For the end of the year field trip, we are looking at going to either the zoo or bowling,” Allers said. Members of Peer to Peer run the coffee shop every other Friday. This helps the mentees learn positive life skills for when they are out of High School. “I am excited to do things with them at the coffee shop or outside of school,” sophomore Mikayla Fleck said.
Allers is hoping to make the club into a class for students to take in a couple years. “Because it is our first year we can’t make it a class because we don’t know how many kids are interested.” Allers said. Allers explains how students around Mandan High have been reaching out to her special education students to say “Hi” or sit with them at lunch. These acts of kindness have positively impacted the special education students’ self-esteem. “I hope students at Mandan High can advocate for not just kids in the school, but out in the community as well,” Allers said. In Peer to Peer members grow relationships with each other. “I am looking forward to engaging with the kids,” Fleck said, “I want to grow bonds and relationships with all of them.” Allers hopes all students around the school, regardless if they are involved in Peer to Peer Club, will interact with the special education students throughout the school days. “I enjoy working at the coffee shop with them,” sophomore Alex Arnegard said, “It is fun to get to know them.” Overall, Peer to Peer Club is a great way for students to connect with each other and get to spend time with the special education students. The club benefits everyone involved and can make a difference in not just the special education student’s lives but the mentor’s as well. If you or someone you know is interested in joining Peer to Peer, talk to Ms. Allers in room 134.
Photo by Cambry Fyllesvold
Peer to Peer members enjoying some floats with their mentees.
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Here’s The Deal, With The Slangin’ Shpeel
April 2022
— Nathan Stramer, Reporter Crampin’ - Adj. - Shaming someone in any particular way; ruining their day by provoking discourse. “Man, I got up today and my mom told me I stink, straight crampin on my style, bruh.” Bussin’ - Adj. - Something that is so amazing that you simply can’t comprehend to say anything else except bussin’; short for busting. *Man takes a bite out of a kumquat* “Bro this thing is BUSSIN’!” Trippin’- Adj. - When someone is letting their emotions get the best of them and it can make them do questionable things; someone who is overreacting. “Calm down, I know you lost your bathroom door but you’re trippin if you think you’re gonna get mad at me cuh.” Simpin’- Adj. - Ditching the home boys and girls, to hang out with your significant other; catering to their needs whatsoever; being nice to your spouse at all. “Aye, cuh, you’ve been mad simpin recently if I ain’t gonna cap with you.”
Juiced - Adj. - Amped up; Ready for an adventure or a fun time; right before turning turnt. “Dawg I am so juiced for this party. I heard George Clooney is going to be performing a balancing act.” Shlumped - Adj. - Tired or out of energy; Used when wanting to stay awake but still extremely tired. “Bro, we still gotta go to the Kanye show? I am completely shlumped, dawg.” Cuh - N. - Another term for cousin or homie; used in a moment of greeting mainly. “Aye, whats good, cuh.” Finna - Cont. - In reference to someone who is going to do something; shortened version of “Fixing to,” “Man, I’m finna ride this donkey to the moon and back, just watch.” Cappin’ - V. - to joke around or lie; used often when calling out others. “I do not believe you at all dude, you’re legit cappin’ so hard.” Drip - N. - An item of extreme value or fashion; fashionable items that look good. “Oh my gosh, bro, you are absolutely dripped out today.” G.O.A.T - Acronym - Greatest Of All Time. “I don’t really think Eminem is the G.O.A.T of the rap community anymore.”
On Jah - Int. - Another way to say “I promise.” Used in reference to the late rapper XXXTentacion whose full name is Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy. “Bro, I’m not kidding, that time we jumped off the Burj Khalifa was the best thing ever, on Jah, bruh.” Pressed - N. - When someone is angry over something miniscule. “Aye, dawg, why you so pressed about the dog on the balcony? He’s just trying to chill.” Mid - Adj. - Describes something that is neither above average nor below; simply something that is completely average “Yea, I mean Nike’s cool and all but their product is just mid these days. They used to be great.” Boolin’ - V. - Doing something fun or chillaxin’ with the fellas and fellettes; also a term for going fast in any sense “Bro, we always just boolin’ in these streets. It don’t get much better than this, on Jah.”
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Photo by Ariana González
Regular man shlumped after an extreme night of Monopoly
April 2022
“Should I post this?” — Emmanuel Dolo, Reporter
When certain people look back on their first time getting on the internet it can welcome feelings of past trauma or bullying.
“It doesn’t affect me as much as real life, but it’s definitely an issue,” freshman Ja’Vontae Billie said.
Teens and adults alike don’t always pay close enough attention to what they put on the internet, some only see the fun of scrolling through Tiktok, or Instagram. Many don’t realize that what they put on social media will be there forever.
The majority of these situations tend to come off as jokes or harmless play, but they can have major effects on others. Many teens are aware that they don’t pay much attention to the way they affect others online.
No matter how many delete or archive buttons one may press, that deleted picture, post, or video will remain in the network forever. This correlates to cyber-bullying because not having enough knowledge to protect oneself can lead to dangerous situations.
Since there is a lack of ability in terms of teachers being able to truly deal with cyber-bullying, it may be helpful if teens inform teachers, loved ones, and family of the struggles they face online.
“I feel like because of my age, I don’t think I’m well educated enough to know what, and what not to post on social media.” a freshman student said. The internet is often a duality of both good and bad. There is a thin line dividing safe, fun, kind content, from rude, derogatory, and dangerous issues. People may find it difficult to stay on the right side of things, because funny comments or reactions can easily become defamatory and damaging to one’s reputation as a whole.
Being online gives some individuals the opportunity to find friends, some that may last forever, or for five minutes. A lack of education on internet safety can be hard for an individual to protect themselves. “I had an online friend that I trusted with a lot of information about me, but once we got into an argument I regretted sharing it.” Billie said.
Photo by Emmanuel Dolo
Making a rude comment on someones post can affect them forever, be mindful of how you contribute to a person’s life.
Humans are prone to making mistakes on the internet. These mistakes can affect another individual’s natural flow of life and self-image as a whole. 70% of 137 answers on the controlled poll sent out to students have testified to being cyber bullied. 47% claim that these situations were recent. “Even if you aren’t a terrible person, but the way you affect someone else’s life can damage your reputation,” freshman Jasper Fowler said. According to the Pew Research Center, the most common type of harassment youth encounter online is name-calling.
Knowing what certain boundaries a person can set with a stranger online can be a struggle, especially if one is lacking education on situations of social safety.
Many people tend to forget that the internet is far from reality. This misconception of what social media is, can lead to an individual having unrealistic expectations such as body image, characteristics, and an overall difference in personality. This need to be like the unrealistic things and practices one sees on social media, creates a fixed mindset in teens, which may lead to negative emotions, with themselves, and life as a whole. Although it may seem like fun and games online, the internet can be a negative space for some people. Realizing when the internet starts to have negative impacts on a person’s life, can save them.
Feature 09
April 2022
The Batman Fix From Fix
I am vengeance, I am the night, I am reviewing three of Batman’s best live action outings! — McCartney Fix, News Editor
“The Batman” Dir. Matt Reeves
Photo sourced from Alternate Movie Posters
Paul Dano is infinitely superior to Jim Carrey in the role of the riddler, imbuing him with a sinister, domestic edge!
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Batman is not scary, he is not some horrifying, humanoid creature, he is fear itself, the concept of it incarnate and Matt Reeves perfectly grasps this. In such regards, The Batman is the very best comic book film ever made. Robert Pattinson’s initial casting news was met with great dissatisfaction, Edward from twilight embodying the suit previously filled by Oscar winners and cultural icons, seemed a recipe for disaster. How wrong he proved the legions of detractors, Pattinson may very well be the greatest live action incarnation of the caped crusader in history. A deeply faithful depiction in which Bruce Wayne is as much a detective as a brawler. He is a solemn loner, edgy, slight and wirey, his body carrying scars like a canvas. This atypical depiction of Bruce fits fantastically the world Reeves crafts, one which finds a great deal of its footing in a genre entirely unlike the choogie tales of cowls and tights anchoring Keaton and West. This is a murder mystery, albeit one centered around a (deeply tortured) billionaire with an inexplicable affliction for bats. I say a great deal and not whole because most audience members well versed enough in the storied inspirations of The Batman(Chinatown, Se7en, etc.) well recognize the campier, if re purposed elements of the film. Farrel does a fine Lamotta under 50 pounds of thick makeup, and Danos riddler latte foam arting a question mark prior to his detainment is about as on the nose a film can get, but it all works. It contributes to the sense of great admiration for Comic Books as an artistic medium Reeves and co. clearly have. It is not embarrassed, on the contrary, deeply prideful of its comic book roots and wears them as a badge of honor through the whole of its run time. It is dark and Gothic and should probably be lame, especially with how shamelessly earnest it is, but damn is the commitment there, and the execution so flawless I couldn’t help buying into its universe entirely. I have seen it thrice over and look forward to my next three viewings as eagerly as my first, and if that is not the tell tale sign of a great film then I do not know what it is. Now if you will excuse me, I am off to recite the whole of the opening monologue (much to the annoyance of Mrs. Cahoon) again!
April 2022
“Batman”
“The Dark Knight”
Dir. Tim Burton
Dir. Christopher Nolan
Photo sourced from Alternate Movie Posters
Jack Nicholson does his best Jack Nicholson impression in this movie!
The impact of certain pieces of media is difficult to quantify in retrospect. When reading the reviews of Tim Burton’s “Batman”, It is hailed as an unprecedented masterwork. Gothic, rich iconography, combined with a uniquely dashing Michael Keaton squaring off with peak powers Jack Nicholson make for a pure, pulpish blockbuster for the ages; or at least it did. What I’m clumsily attempting to maneuver around is the fact of the years having not been so kind to this one. Brooding and eerie and atmospheric, Batman still deserves praise for the technical achievement Burton puts to the screen, but artistically, it lags. Nicholsons scenery chewing turn as a more mafiosa-esque Joker is significantly worse for the wear of time, due to just how many fantastic Joker interpretations there have been. He acts primarily as a gang banger, wearing the makeup more as a mask, meticulously applied, never so much as smeared. His violence is satisfactory in volume, but in a calculated, premeditated manner, eschewing the sporadiscm of prior and future interpretations. As a whole there just seems to be an IT factor missing, though what that is specifically is difficult to pin down. Perhaps Batman could do with more on screen time as in that regard he does not even beat out his antagonist. The Batman as a whole is a commendable outing, mostly undone by its many shortcomings, to the point where it’s much easier applauded than consumed.
Photo sourced from Alternate Movie Posters
I know this should go without saying, but Heath Ledger is superior!
This movie is not flawless. It drags at times and the contingencies of its antagonists plan are so airtight as to likely render the whole of it obsolete were a driver swings an errant right. But oh my god, when firing on all cylinders, this film is simply a marvel, a near unparalleled masterclass of intelligent, emotionally riveting, heart pulsating superhero cinema. The performances, direction, scoring and scripting are magnificent. Heath Ledger is a revelation, Aaron Eckhart is so phenomenally slick, and Christian Bale turns in his very best toned down Bateman. I could gorge myself on the eye candy of this film for ages. I love the Dark Knight, it was integral to my progression as a film fan, and without it the present column very likely would not exist. To further impart upon you my impartiality I will now list everything about the film that does not work: Nothing. I kid, but barely so, the above two pieces of criticism are nearly all I have for the picture. I’ve often dismissively regarded Christopher Nolan’s films as little more than set pieces upon set pieces, but the fluidity with which these spectacles intertwine astounds the mind. I have heard it said that TDK inspired a slew of inferior imitators coasting off of its success and furthermore darkened the general tone of future films, but one can clearly see why such efforts were made. The standard bearing piece of 21st century entertainment thus far may very well be Nolans second outing directing the caped crusader. It may not be perfect, but darn is it perfect for me.
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THE
Flipside — Jasmine Patera, Asst. Feature Editor
Freshman Megan LaFleur
April 2022
“Animals.”
“A shark.”
What is your favorite thing about nature?
If you were an animal, what would you be?
What would you bring to a deserted island?
“My cats, food, and a shark.”
Photo by Jasmine Patera
Sophomore Audrey Duppong
“Monkey.”
“I like walking when the weather is nice.”
“A philly cheese steak, a hammock, and a strawberry banana smoothie.”
Photo by Jasmine Patera
Junior Evan Morales
“A giraffe.”
“Experiencing the world around us.”
“Food, Xbox, and internet.”
Photo by Jasmine Patera
Senior Damian McCormick
“Tiger.”
“The smell.”
Photo submitted by Damian McCormick
Mr. Nieuwsma
“A cellphone, a knife, and I’ll probably say a good book.”
“My phone, fresh water, and sun screen.”
Mrs. Bender
If you were an animal, what would you be?
“I would probably have to be a cat.”
“It’s serenity, it’s calmness.”
Photo by Jasmine Patera
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“A cat. Duh.”
What is your favorite thing about nature? What would you bring to a deserted island?
“It’s nature. It’s free. It does what it wants.” “Electricity, pet cats, and a bridge to the next.”
Photo by Jasmine Patera
April 2022
Mandan High School Students Share Experiences With Sexual Violence
— Ariana González, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Millions of people are affected by sexual violence in the US alone. According to rainn.org, an American is assaulted every 68 seconds. While there is an estimated amount of how many sexual violence cases happen yearly, the official numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, as many cases go unreported. With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, being aware of these situations and knowing you are not alone can be beneficial to anyone going through a similar experience, regardless of who you are. A lot of factors can play in victims not coming forward; often victims feel embarrassed, or are afraid to tell anyone. In many cases, like in this anonymous students’ experience, victims hesitate on coming forward due to their belief that the situation was their fault.
“I remember feeling a sense of dread when visiting that friend again,” the anonymous student said. “One night, everything rushed back and sent me into a panic attack. I almost wish I hadn’t remembered because I can’t even do anything about it anymore.” While taking away consent is often defined as a clear and verbal “no,” being unsure or being pressured into committing an act you don’t want doesn’t count as giving consent, like in this anonymous student’s case, who had been dating someone for around 3 or 4 months. “They were always trying to do stuff with me, but I never wanted to because I was unsure or I just wanted to chill,” the anonymous student said. “They were okay with it for a while, until one time when they said that if I really cared about them, I would go through with it. When I was still unsure, they threatened to break up with me if Photo by Ariana González I didn’t.”
“I was at a friend’s house when it According to d2l.org, almost 70% of all happened,” the anonymous student said. “I had known this person for a sexual assaults (including on adults) occur to After breaking up with their couple of weeks at the time, and they significant other, the anonymous children 17 and under. were older than me so I felt cool. student found comfort in surrounding They peer pressured me into getting themselves with their friends and intoxicated, and I didn’t wanna look stupid so I did. One thing people who cared about them. led to another and I couldn’t even muster the strength to say no.” “I will always be grateful to the people who supported me Even years after this event, the anonymous student continues to through my healing process,” the anonymous student said. “They deal with the psychological damage the event caused. were all understanding and respectful of my boundaries and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.” “I struggled with severe depression and anxiety,” the anonymous student said. “I also developed severe trust issues and wasn’t able Many survivors struggle with the idea that it was their fault; to hang out with someone by ourselves without having panic convinced that if they hadn’t been with that person alone, if they attacks.” hadn’t been intoxicated, if they had been wearing something different, the outcome would have been completely different. Sexual violence can also be geared towards children. According to d2l.org, about 1 in 10 children will experience sexual violence “The truth is that it wasn’t your fault,” one of the anonymous before their 18th birthday. Another anonymous student’s students said. “It will never be your fault, regardless of what other experience with sexual violence happened when they were only people think or even what you believe. Realizing and internalizing 9 years old. this is a key step in beginning to heal.” “I was getting babysat by one of my mom’s friends’ while my mom was at work,” the anonymous student said. “Her friend’s son was around 14 or 15 at the time. He convinced me we were playing a game.” A struggle many child sexual violence victims face is not fully grasping what had happenened until later on in life.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or any form of sexual violence, please tell a trusted adult or seek help from the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673.
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April 2022 Change - J. Cole
Starting with a strong hi-hat/snare drum beat, Change, by J. Cole, speaks about violence in his childhood community. J Cole tells the listener that change is coming, and violence doesn’t help in the fight against violence. The entire song consists of Cole talking about man-on-man violence in communities that should be uniting against a common cause. Background vocals and heavily muted vibraphone take his message and carry it all the way to the brain. The song quickly cuts to a beautiful piano solo and what sounds like a funeral procession taking place for an evident childhood friend of Cole. Change makes me feel like I can do the things I want without the use of force, or being anything aside from myself. It taught me that petty things aren’t worth the trouble it brings to the people involved, and getting angry only creates more problems. I won’t ask anyone to take a step back or cool off, because it doesn’t help at that moment. Think about the smart way to get what you want. There are other ways to spark change, and people are more likely to be heard when they are smart, and collected in toiling situations. Photo sourced from Amazon
Song Spot
— Nathan Stramer, Reporter
New Faces v2 - Mac Miller (Feat Earl Sweatshirt and Da$h)
Childhood friends decide to make a song about how they’ve changed and grown over the years. Who would be better to do that with than the people you grew up with? Mac Miller, Earl Sweatshirt, and Da$h must have been asked this question at some point, because this trio is the only correct answer. Released on Mac Miller’s “Faces’’ mixtape in 2014. It starts with a perfectly melodic organ and Earl talking about his success, and quickly adds in a high pitched yet soft ring in a simple tune. The song itself is composed of four instruments, and each of them plays an extremely vital part to the song. After Da$h’s quick verse, the chorus comes in one last time and then Mac comes on in an interestingly honest and meaningful couplet. New Faces v2’s message is to be content with whoever the listener is, it is a little bit of them bragging about how they did it but, The point is this: However people change, whoever they end up being, people must find what they like, and do it no matter what they are told or what happens, and not in a school sense. They speak in the sense of life, if you don’t like what you chose after so long? Go do what you do, no one can say otherwise about it, because it is no one’s place to tell people what they want to do, that’s up to you
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Photo sourced from Youtube Music
April 2022 93 ‘Til Infinity - Souls of Mischief
The bassline starts off this song and adds in a barely audible glockenspiel, with the group talking on the beginning of the mixtape. Shakers join in with a sequential alarm like a ring. This continues for the entire beat, except from the chorus when an electric glockenspiel is added for a nice touch. This song is one that I can listen to when I need to chill out or when I have nothing to do and I’m just home alone doing my thing. That idea also ties into the point of the song very well. The point is the Souls of Mischief telling the listener how they just chill, as they say. The reminder to relax is often overlooked because people are on the go. People like to get things done and advance their life as they wish, but sometimes it can get to be a lot. Souls of Mischief reminds the listener to think of the important people in their life, and just relax. Find what lets you relax, and do it, even just for a bit. Everyone needs a break every once in a while. Photo sourced from Spotify
That’s Life - Frank Sinatra
Photo sourced from Youtube Music
Sinatra’s “Nothing But The Best”, provided us with some of… well his best work. The one song that has the most meaning to me would have to be “That’s Life”. It comes in with a beautiful organ riff that would make anyone jumpout of their seats to hit the dance floor. Sinatra comes on with bold vocals that tell you exactly what you need to hear; “That’s life”. The background vocals, key changes, and booming brass chorus brings the entire piece together in what should be referred to as only the holiest of matrimonies. “That’s Life” is a very straight to the point song, but in an uplifting way. It taught me contentment in a day where happiness with myself and my choices was hard. Sometimes, deficits appear when you do not need them to. Sinatra reminds me to deal with things the best I can, and be content with things that I can’t. Unfortunately this can come off as careless, but anyone who is important enough to be in your life will realize that it’s simply contentment. It is hard to do, and definitely not something that everyone is capable of. The good thing is, Ol’ Frankie only wants you to try your best though, that’s all that matters.
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Deeper connections in 36 Questions April 2022
If you are looking for an easy way to be more vulnerable with your friends or significant other this the route you should take.
The 36 questions is a series of questions that you ask friends or anyone you want to get closer with, then you make 4 minutes of uninterrupted eye contact. There have been studies done by psychologist, Arthur Aron, that these questions bring people closer together. I tried a variety of different friends who I have known for a variety of different years. The questions can be very serious and uncomfortable to ask people and it is used a lot of first dates between people. Most times I have a hard time opening up to the people around me on a personal level. I find it hard building a personal connection with people. The first person I decided to interview was a long time friend of mine, Ellie Diffley. After I asked these questions we felt definitely closer. We do talk a lot and share a lot of memories about different school things or student council activities. One of the questions was our most treasured memory. Both memories had to deal with student council activities, mine as junior and her as a freshman.
— Lily Giggee, Reporter
way. There is no right or wrong way to answer the questions, the only thing is to answer truthfully and honestly, to your partner and to yourself. Being vulnerable to yourself and even to anyone can help a person grow and mature as a person. What I like so much about these questions is that it gets you to open up in ways you may never expect yourself to. I never thought I would be ready to talk about the things these questions brought up. If you want to become better at making eye contact with people I would recommend this. If you are not ready to ask these questions then wait, there is no harm in waiting unless you have. In all honesty I would recommend these questions to anyone if anybody wants to build a better connection with someone. Doing this has really opened my eyes to those that are closest to me and that I really do not know everything about them, while they do not know everything about me. Walking into this I did not think that these questions would make me feel so much. At first I thought it would be easy and fun to do. Now I feel like more people know how I really feel. I really opened up with these questions and that is something I would have never thought I would be able to do.
The next friend I decided to ask was one of my closest friends, Morgan McMillian. We are really close for how long we have been friends and I thought these questions would be interesting to ask her. After asking her these questions we felt a tiny bit closer. The questions were things we already knew about each other, but the questions really made us elaborate on those feelings and thoughts. The worst memory really hit me hard, because I never really took the time to process what happened. To get that off my chest to someone I know who cares deeply about me felt awesome and gave me more closure. Telling your life story is hard since you do not get the chance to do it very often. You get a chance to look back and reflect all your life choices and aspects of your life that shaped you to who you are today. These questions hit hard in some aspects. They not only bring you closer to the person you ask them to, but also to yourself in a
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Photo By: Ariana González
Juniors, Morgan McMilian and Lily Giggee hold hands for comfort
Scan this QR code to ask the people around you the 36 Questions.
April 2022
The Struggle of an Unseen Illness — McCartney Fix, News Editor April 23, 2021, the date of the accident. A minor car wreck, limited damage reported on the vehicles involved . No insurance claims made, within two weeks the matter is resolved, the ticket paid, and the involved parties are free to move forward with their lives. Except it wasn’t that simple, at least not for me. I developed brutal, pulsating head aches alongside cognitive issues and memory loss. “You are just tired, that’s normal.” my mother said . “Sleep it off,” my father said . “In a few days time it will be like nothing happened.” But it was not a few days’ time, nor a few weeks. Months upon months came and went with only minimal signs of improvement. I begged my family to set up an appointment of some sort, any sort. I was desperate to see a doctor but as I found my way into their office, a similar diagnosis of more rest was given. I felt myself spiraling, a depression ensued. Assignments piled up, due dates registered more as suggestions, I was lost. I was so tired, but then again I was always on the lazier side, my motivation rarely came by honestly. I tried so hard to rationalize it because, truthfully, I was scared. I’d never felt so legitimately directionless, so unsure of the way forward. It was disheartening. I would find myself with tears in my eyes far more often than ever before, I had lost myself. I laughed, yet struggled to remember the joke. I would vibe to entire albums, only to not remember a note once the needle lifted. I needed a change, the current path was unsustainable. I would build myself up, falsifying confidence to get through the day, then watch as the facade crumbled behind closed doors. But I refused to self victimize, I was strong and capable enough to better the situation of my own accord. I absolutely wasn’t. But furthermore, this was no indictment of my strength, I couldn’t have worked my way out of this thing, this post concussive thing. After a few months of internet sleuthing, I stumbled across that name. With that nugget of info in hand I decided I would bring it to my next appointment as a crumb of sorts. The doctor elaborated upon what that was and for the first time in months I had felt a genuine sense of optimism. The appointments piled up, but what they promised allowed me to not feel so tired. There was a promise of improvement, of normalcy, of feeling like who I had once been again. I knew the road was going to be
Number of individuals suffering from different forms of TBI Penetrating- 5,215 Mild- 315,897 Moderate- 37,424 Severe- 4,067 Not Classifiable - 21,344
Statistics sourced from the Department of Defense 2022 report on TBI’s a trying one, chalk full of obstacles, but once I got to where I had most wanted to be, the effort would all be worth it. I do not tell this story in hopes of eliciting sympathy, or pity, but for the possibility of a kid, in much the same boat as myself, realizing that suffering in silence is not an inarguable reality. That an unseen ailment does not preclude you from receiving deeply necessary help. You are a victim of a Traumatic Brain Injury, but you do not need to be victimized. You are likely scared, isolated, and seemingly incapable of accurately communicating your symptoms. However, you are valid, and one singular good break away from turning the corner. Please do not lose hope. You are doing the best you can, which is more than good enough. I am McCartney Fix, a sufferer of Post- Concussive Syndrome, but that does not define me.
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E H T
April 2022
Question Corner
— Gabriela Martin, Reporter I didn’t have a clue what I was doing when I first started high school. I find myself continuing to want the same guidance now as I did back then. This article is for the kids that have the same burning questions I used to have.
Those are the biggest things that come to mind. Buy what is needed and only keep one semester of supplies in the backpack at one time.
How to juggle school, work, and friends?
How do you physically introduce yourself to people in this day and age?
Life is so busy. Making sure that grades are kept up, having time to socialize, and working a job are adult skills that so many teenagers deal with and it gets stressful.
Meeting people is hard. Especially since people are very much engrossed in technology and we are still living in a pandemic.
I don’t work a ton throughout the week. Lowering my hours is something I had to do in order to keep up with schoolwork and not lose my sanity.
When introducing myself I usually start with a compliment and say my name. From there it’s just small talk.
As far as social interaction, I try to plan a few days ahead of time so I can coordinate my schedule. Honestly, the biggest thing is time management. Time management is so hard sometimes so do not feel too bad if plans need to change. What is the best way to keep your backpack organized? Do not overbuy supplies!!! This was my biggest issue my first year of high school.
For some they work great; but for me binders do nothing but take up space.
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My advice, just put yourself out there. The worst that could happen is that it doesn’t work out. How do I join the courier in the future? I am so happy about this question! Being a part of The Courier is so much fun! Journalism 1 needs to be taken before Journalism 2. J1 is basically the prerequisites and the basics. J2 involves actually writing articles, designing the pages, and publishing articles.
I only ended up using about half the supplies I actually got. I think 5 subject college ruled notebooks are fantastic. They are put to good use and it keeps my backpack clean. Personally, I really do not like binders.
I will admit, it can be pretty uncomfortable and awkward, but meeting new people really did build my confidence as far as my social skills.
Photo By Gabriela Martin
Life is a mixed bag full of unpredictable and chaotic events as portrayed in this photo. The individual items in the bag are meant to represent the events.
Being on staff is a lot of work, but the satisfaction of seeing an article you wrote being read by so many people is indescribable.
-Be a hard worker -Enjoy being creative -Take Journalism 1 and Journalism 2 when registering for classes
January
April 2022
ATHLETE THE MONTH OF
— Scout Hurley, Editor-in-Chief
Senior
Wyatt Hermanson
Sophomore
Jericah Lockner
Photo submitted by Wyatt Hermanson
What has been your best team memory?
“Definitely Henry Bierman roasting people on the bus ride home from state this year. He didn’t hold back, don’t play with Henry.”
What has been your biggest achievement throughout your high school athletic career?
Photo submitted by Jericah Lockner
What has been your biggest achievement throughout your high school athletic career?
“My biggest achievement of my high school career is qualifying for state gymnastics all-around every year sense 7th grade, and placing 10th on floor for state gymnastics this year.”
“My biggest achievement through athletic career is kind of a tie between being named All American junior year, and being the first in state history to have a full 2 1/2 list.”
If you could think of one person who has helped you along your journey, who would it be and why?
“Coach Jake, he was not only one of the greatest coaches I’d ever come across, but without a doubt the best mentor I’ve come across. ”
What has been your best team memory? “I enjoy all the moments with my team, if I had to choose one it would be playing heads up on our bus rides, and our team meal at Olive Garden!”
If you could think of one person who has helped you along your journey, who would it be and why?
“So many people have helped me through my gymnastics career so far. My coaches and my mom push me to do my best, and help me through stressful times but, Kendal Blair made the journey more exciting and enjoyable.”
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April 2022
SPORTS
GIRLS’ TRACK
SOFTBALL
“Our team dynamic is so crazy and encouraging; everyone just wants each other to reach their goals.” -Senior Morgan Sheldon
“We finished 6th last year, so there is always room to improve and be better. We can also put up a great fight against most of the teams, so I am excited to see how this season plays out.” -Senior Andi Borchers
Photo by: Micheal Pfliger
Junior, Dominick Giggee turning the corner on his 4x400 relay
GIRLS’ SOCCER
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Photo by: Micheal Pfliger
Junior, Anthony Armendarez vaulting over the pole at the meet
“The outlook for this season is very bright; we have a solid lineup for both Varsity and JV. We are going to be really competitive again this season, and I believe that we could win a state title this year.” -Senior Sarah Burgum
April 2022
ROUNDUP
— Lily Giggee, Reporter
BASEBALL “For the first time in many years we will have an experienced squad and the team dynamic is high ready to go for the year.” -Senior Lucas Burgum
BOYS’ TRACK
“We’re a young team but if our underclassmen can stay focused we can work our way to being a competitive team.” - Senior Samuel Burr
Photo By: Ariana González
Junior, Owen Gress stepping up to the plate, getting ready to hit the ball.
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April 2022
Photo by Cambry Fyllesvold
Mandan’s Softball team is still new, the girls are working to build a stronger foundation.
Girls Softball Looks to Go Further Than Ever Before This Season
— Cambry Fyllesvold, Reporter
Spring sports are underway and Mandan’s softball team is one of many that is starting their season. Led by Mike Gustavsson, the girls are competing well with teams around the state.
the newly vacant Varsity coaching position. The team has a strong connection because the players and coaches have been together the past few seasons.
“Everyone adds their own piece to the game,” senior pitcher Andi Borchers said, “we are all one to make a team.”
“We have a bunch of older girls that really know the game well,” senior Jayli Wandler said, “I think having more upperclassmen will help us be more mature and achieve our goals.”
Mandan softball finished 6th last season and the girls are hoping to improve their ranking this upcoming season. “We are working a lot more on our hitting,” sophomore Savannah Gustavsson said, “We worked a lot on our fielding and defense last year and I’m hoping we work on that again.” Last season, the girls upset Bismarck High with a 3-2 win giving the girls confidence for the rest of the season.
The softball team did lose a few starters including Sydney Gustavsson, Avianna Moen, and Olivia Leingang but the team has people that will fill those spots. “We are still sitting pretty good even with losing some starters,” Gustavvson said.
“We don’t just play for a win,” Borchers said, “we play as a team, for each other.”
The team is excited for the start of the new season. They are looking forward to all the new opportunities the season ahead holds. The girls’ season opener is April 1st against Bismarck High at the Fort Lincoln Elementary Softball Diamonds.
The softball team has had a recent coaching change as of last season. Gustavsson has changed the team’s culture and meaning to play for the better.
“Having a good team really helps us,” Wandler said, “We communicate well on the field to finish our plays so I think that really puts us at an advantage against other teams.”
“With the new coaching comes a different strategy and team dynamic,” Borchers said.
The girls’ regular season runs through the end of May, but the North Dakota State Softball Tournament is at the beginning of June. If you are interested in joining softball contact Amber Allers in room 134.
Gustavsson coached Junior Varsity but recently moved up to fill
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