THE
905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND - Volume 28, Issue 4- February 2020
Check out John Gieser, along with many other teachers, deemed the funniest in Mandan High. Pages 14-15 A look into both the dangers and benefits of modern technology. Pages 16-19
From The Editors... Hello everyone. For those of you who have read our publication before, welcome back, and for those of you who are new, we are glad to have you here. We have a lot of awesome things in store for you guys this issue. We have an awesome veteran staff that consists of seniors Madi Just and Mayson Sheldon and Juniors Kelsie Hildebrand, Aspen Jewkes and Ryan Ulrich. And even better we have a whole new group of sophomores here with us. Daden Dolajak, Brandon Hagerott, Scout Hurley, Nathan Stramer, McCartney Fix and Leah Emineth and rocking the waters of awesomeness with their impressive writing and design skills. We hope you enjoy our fun product which includes a new cover design, an insite on high school relationships and the threats of technology. As always, we could not do this without you guys (our readers), so thank you!
Courtney Entzi and Liberty Hurley, Co Editors-in-Chief,
Contents
Page 2
Letter From the Editors
Page 3
The Bell
Page 4
Law of Attraction
Page 5
Page 8
Be Yourself Healthy High School Relationships Body Positivity
Page 9
Calendar
Page 6-7
Page 12
A Growing City Aftermath of Qussem Soleimani’s Death Flipside
Page 13
Club Spotlight
Page 10 Page 11
Page 14-15
The Funnies: Teacher Edition
Page 16-19
Technology Package The Highs and Lows for Today’s Cosmotologists Teen Moms
Page 20 Page 21 Page 22-23
Page 27 Page 28
Inclusive Sports
Page 29
Sports Spotlight
Page 30-31
Sports Roundup
Page 25
John Gieser, along with other teachers from the high school, was voted funniest teacher in his department. Check out their responses on Pages 14-15.
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Opinion Editor Courtney Entzi...........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief Sports Editor Madi Just..............................................................News Editor Feature Editor Anne Kesler..................................................General Reporter Aspen Jewkes...............................................General Reporter Kelsie Hildebrand.........................................General Reporter Ryan Ulrich...................................................General Reporter Mayson Sheldon...........................................General Reporter Daden Dokajak.............................................General Reporter Brandon Hagerott.........................................General Reporter Scout Hurley.................................................General Reporter Nathan Stramer.............................................General Reporter McCartney Fix..............................................General Reporter Leah Emineth................................................General Reporter
College Guide Drugs and Technology Furry Friends Rocks to The Rescue Athlete of the Month
Page 24
Courier Staff and Editorial Policy Liberty Hurley...........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief
Photo by Anne Kesler
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.
February 2020
Opinion
Bell The
What to do when you are stretched too thin to function — Liberty Hurley, Co Editor-in-Chief Sometimes things get hard, and sometimes they are too hard to even want to get out of your bed and do anything. But what can you do, right? Since my freshman year, I have been part of as much as I could along with multiple jobs along the way. It has been worth it when it comes to how I look on paper, but off the
Opinion
paper I am tired and stretched too thin. Over the past four years I have been part of National Honors Society, Science Club, Leo’s Club, The Courier, Concert Band I, Marching band, Art club and I am part of both the AID Inc. and Lion’s club boards. All of that on top of multiple AP and dual credit
classes, an English 120 class at Bismarck State College and a part-time job. I have worked upwards of one thousand hours doing volunteer work, working on the school paper or just helping out with the various clubs. One thousand hours is a whole lot of too much. The first part of my senior year I went five days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. doing schoolwork, volunteering or regular work. I started getting so stressed that warts started popping up, I had a headache for three days straight and I would cry at the drop of a pin. It made me miserable, and I realized what my issue was; I was committed in the head without being committed in the heart. I joined so many things because I thought I needed to be involved in everything, but for the most part, I was not passionate about it. I joined blindly and now I am going
blind from the stress. If I could go back and join only one or two things, I would. Everyone deserves a chance to breathe and be lazy, get a hobby or just chill out. Because I joined so many things, I am now a legal adult and I have no hobbies. People need hobbies. If I could leave you with one thing today, it would be to not stretch yourself too thin. Join the things you love and do not feel bad about leaving the things you don’t. Any advisor, teacher or friend should and would understand your decision if it is the right thing for your mental health. In the end, you need to have your back and keep your sanity in check. So if quitting the sport you’ve been in since the fourth grade or ending your role in your biggest club is what you need to do to feel at peace, then that is what you need to do.
Photo by Liberty Hurley
February 2020
03
Live Your Dream Life
How to manifest your hopes and dreams using the law of attraction — Leah Emineth, General Reporter Everyone has heard of a genie in a bottle, What if I told you that you could be your own genie and grant your own wishes. Making your own dreams come true by simply using your mind and having a positive outlook on life may sound crazy, but it is very possible. Just like in the name, the law of attraction makes it possible to attract things into our lives positive or negative. The law of attraction is a law of the universe, like the law of vibration or the law of action. It is constantly at work without many people even knowing it If a person is negative, they will attract negative things into their lives, and if they are positive, they will attract positive things into their lives. Becoming aware that this law is at work in your everyday life gives you the power to take control of it and benefit from it. Using the law of attraction can help anyone when it comes to achieving goals. Having a positive mind and being
self aware creates the perfect path to happiness and fulfillment. According to bestlawofattraction.com The law of attraction has three steps. The first step is to be open minded and consciously or subconsciously recognize what you want and don’t want. Second, the vibrations you emit are matched while asking for positive or negative change. It is important to understand that positive mind and positive thoughts will attract positive manifestation into real life. Finally, you must allow the things that you want to come to you. Being patient is so important when it comes to the law of attraction. It is very easy to let negativity enter your life, but being in a negative state allows negative things to enter your life. Many famous people swear by the law of attraction including Oprah Winfrey, Jim Carrey, Lady Gaga and Conor
McGregor. In an interview with CNN, Oprah speaks about how she uses the law of attraction and how it has changed her life. Oprah talked about how the law of attraction has helped her gain success. She explained the way you think creates reality for yourself. This says so much with out really saying anything at all. She says that keeping an open mind and being content will show in real life and not just in your head. Being patient and letting the law of attraction go to work will have an amazing outcome in the long run. The law of attraction is very powerful and when you become aware of its presence in your life you can start using it to your advantage.
Check out these podcasts on Spotify :
• Law of Attraction 101 by Jeff Hammer • The Secret of The Law of Attraction by The School of Greatness • The Law of Attraction by Fearless Soul Graphics by Leah Emineth
Opinion
February 2020
04
Developing Your Personality The importance of finding yourself in high school — Daden Dolajak, General Reporter High school is the time to find yourself and realize who you are and who you want to be. It’s a chance to find out who you like to be around and who you don’t. The people you hangout with and spend time with can influence you greatly. High school students can have a hard time finding where they belong socially. The first mistake they make is they think that there is a popularity ladder that they need to climb to be socially accepted at school. Focusing on popularity can be exhausting and can keep your mind off of the things that actually matter. The trick is to find the people you can goof around with, have a serious conversation with and the people you don’t feel embarrassed being around. Sharing the same interests can be a great thing that can start a very healthy friendship. If you don’t share the same interests as your friends, that is okay as long as you can have a good time with them and feel comfortable with them, then you are good to go because that is what friends are all about. When it comes to making new friends, accepting people can be hard and trying to be nice can be even harder, but to make the school a more friendly place always look at the good in everyone. To keep yourself with a clear mind and focus on yourself try to keep drama and gossip out of your life. Drama never leads to anything good.
Opinion
Trying out different school clubs is also a great way to find your interests. They always say the busiest people are always the happiest. There are all sorts of clubs that students can join to E sports to club wrestling. Another thing to do to really find your interests is to explore all genres of music. I used to only like rap but now I can listen to anything from Slipknot to Barry Manilow, just with a little lesson in opening my mind. Dating is also another way to start finding yourself. I know that sounds weird, but if you can practice having a healthy relationship with someone in high school, it can go a long way and you can develop skills to help you with future, more serious relationships. A relationship will also help you decide whether or not you are ready to date or if you even want to. Cutting back on social media is another great way to find time to find yourself. Social media consumes a lot of the average teenagers day, and if they were to spend time doing other things like going to club activities at the school, doing physical activities or maybe even hanging out with the family once in a while, it can go a long way. High school is a time for teens to grow up and take on a lot of responsibilities. We tend to forget that the most important part about being a teenager is trying to find our place in the world around us, but getting a head start on that means getting a head start on your entire future.
February 2020
05
Mental Health in High School Relationships
Young love can have a negative psychological impact on teenagers in high school relationships — Mayson Sheldon, General Reporter Being that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, the thought of love and relationships is circling around the minds of many teenagers in school. Whether it be thinking of what to get your partner, or absolutely dreading the day, everyone needs to be aware of the red flags to look for in teenage relationships and the potential traumas and tendencies that could last with teens for long periods of time after the relationship. To many, high school relationships are almost an essential. Most are fun, innocent, lovey-dovey romances that last around four months and then fizzle out. Others, however, can get much more serious. The brains of teenagers are developing quicker than they were during infancy, which has a tremendous effect on the teen love life. According to Jessica Kansky and Joseph P. Allen from the Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia, “When a person falls in love, twelve areas of the brain work in unicin to release euphoria inducing chemicals such as dopamine, adrenaline and serotonin.” Dopamine, also known as the feel-good chemical, gives the sense of irregular heartbeats, chills, goosebumps or shortness of breath. Many of these feelings are identical to the ones of being “in love.” But being in a loving, deeply connected relationship at a young age is terrifying. Putting your entire self into another person can be potentially toxic, leave scars that could last forever and even bring past issues into new relationships. “Teens expectations of relationships are becoming established during this period, and negative experiences at this stage appear likely to carry forward into future relationship,” said Kansky and Allen. As impulsive as teenage relationships can be, keeping things in perspective is the key to protecting one’s feelings and staying true to one’s self and developing personality. According to Susan Moore, a professor of Psychology at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia, because of the influx in technology, teens are able to test different versions of themselves and test their effect on their partner over social media as well as in person.
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1 in every 5 females in high school relationships report abuse, but this abuse is often unreported or not spoken about because the victims think they deserve it or that it will stop soon.
1 in every 10 males in high school relationships report abuse. The abuse is also not always physical. Psychological abuse is just as serious as physical. According to Susan Moore, teens interpret certain feelings like jealousy as a form of love, when in reality, it can be an unhealthy expression of over possession.
February 2020
Opinion
Being in a relationship at a young age, as teenagers are still trying to establish their own personality, is tricky, especially when there are other social aspects of their lives that are also occurring. “Young people can become too exclusive on the pair up, cutting themselves from friendships and support networks in ways that does not advance optimal development,” Moore said. The result of losing friends because of a relationship is extremely dangerous. If a couple breaks up after cutting everyone except each other out of their lives, they have no friends to turn to and no outlets to speak to if there are problems within the relationship. “The most common characteristics studied within teenage relationships is conflict. Adolescents report more conflict with their romantic partners than with their friends or parents,” Kansky and Allen said. Although arguments and disagreements are normal, especially during adolescence, too much arguing in any sort of relationship is unhealthy and is often linked back to a larger issue that should be addressed. “High conflict in relationships may predict the development of unhealthy coping skills and relationships schemas, which are detrimental to mental health over time,” Kalsky and Allen said. Teens need to know how to address conflict during arguments without dominating the conversation, or breaking down and submitting to their partner. “Adolescents who concede more to their partner during a conflict appear more likely to have poor communication in relationships and higher levels of depression,” Moore said.
“Self-silencing behavior in romantic conflicts, like concealing anger or feelings from a partner during conflict to avoid more conflict, also appear among rejection-sensitive adolescents who, in turn, report greater depression.” In contrast, teens who deal with conflict with their partner in a cooperative and supportive way, often have longer lasting and heathier relationships. “Teens with highly supportive partners may learn positive communication and coping strategies, develop healthy relationship schemas, and engage in adaptive conflict management styles that decrease mental distress,” Kalsky and Allen said. “Females tend to experience stronger benefits from close relationships compared to males who experience greater distress following stressful events within romantic relationships,” Kansky and Allen said. With these statistics, it is easy to see how one-sided and offbalanced relationships can be at certain points if they are not handled maturely and correctly. “Adolescent romantic relationships with all of their ups and downs have the capability to be growth promoting, confidence boosting, and healthy experiences that teach young people about the give-and-take of intimacy,” Moore said. Teenage relationships have a lot of potential. Being able to learn from experiences, try out new things and learn what you like and dislike about a partner is a good skill to take out of high school and into a much vaster field. As long as high school relationships are handled maturely, the long term effects can be positive and rewarding.
How to spot signs of relationship abuse in the people around you You may notice:
• Problems with school attendance • Lack of interest in former extracurricular activities • Isolation from former friends • Unexplained bruising or injuries • Making excuses or apologizing for partner’s behavior • Noticeable change in weight, demeanor or physical appearance All graphics by Mayson Sheldon
Opinion
February 2020
07
Confident Strong Courageous Strong Positive Bold Fearless Courageous Strong Courageous Beautiful Positive Bold Fearless Positive Bold Courageous Fearless Positive Bold Fearless ConfidentHow I became confident and Strong Courageous Strong Positive comfortable in my own skin Just, Feature and News Editor Bold Fearless Courageous Strong A lot—ofMadi people have struggled to like the way they look. Some people don’t think they’re tall enough, some don’t Courageous Beautiful Positive Bold think they’re buff enough and some don’t think they’re thick enough. words and phrases go on and on through a loop in Fearless Positive Bold Courageous ourThese minds. They can make us crazy and absolutely miserable. For five years, the words looping through my mind were: Fearless Positive Bold Fearless you are fat. I have always struggled with my weight, and in turn, have Confident Strong Courageous Strong always struggled with the way I look. I vividly remember looking around my seventh grade classes Positive Bold Fearless Courageous and seeing how skinny every other girl was. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I couldn’t stop asking myself why I didn’t like that? Why I couldn’t be skinny? Why do I look the Strong Courageous Beautiful look way I look? sophomore year when I finally had an epiphany: Positive Bold Fearless Positive Bold noItonewaselsemycared. I was the only one actually concerned with what I looked like. No one was discounting me, or pitying Courageous Fearless Positive Bold me,or even paying any attention to me. I could finally focus on myself. I could finally focus on being Fearless Confident Strong Courageous confident. One of the first things I did was completely clear out my closet. I know it sounds cheesy, but let’s be honest when we Strong Positive Bold Fearless look good, we feel good. I found my own style and I figured out what I was comfortable Courageous Strong Courageous showing and what I’d rather cover up. I learned that I am very in a crop top, but I’d prefer to wear something Beautiful Positive Bold Fearless comfortable high waisted enough to cover my belly button. I like to show off my legs, but I prefer not to show any cleavage. It’s all up Positive Bold Courageous Fearless to you and your personal style. After that, I found workouts that I actually enjoyed doing. Finding exercise routine is so important because Positive Bold Fearless Confident everyonetheneedsrightto exercise, but you won’t want to if you hate what you’re doing. Strong Courageous Strong Positive Along with that I stopped working out for the sole purpose of weight and focused more on how I felt after exercising. Bold Fearless Courageous Strong loosing You shouldn’t feel like exercise is an obligation. It should be something that you like to do. Courageous Beautiful Positive Bold The bottom line of feeling confident is feeling good. Whether that be because you were finally able to beat your mile time, or you bought a new pair of jeans,you need to do things Fearless Positive Bold Courageous because that make you feel good. Now, for me, that may be wearing my favorite clothes or Fearless Positive Bold Fearless taking the time to do a little yoga before bed, but everyone’s needs are different. Just take the time to figure out what Confident Strong Courageous Strong you need, and let everyone else’s opinions fade into the background. Photo by Liberty Hurley Positive Bold Fearless Courageous February 2020 08 Opinion Strong Courageous Beautiful
Learning to love yourself
Courier Calendar February 2020-March 2020 — Kelsie Hildebrand, General Reporter
Sports: Boys’ Basketball: Feb. 21, Century @ Home 7:30 pm March 5-7, West Region @ Bismarck TBD March 12-14, State @ Fargo TBD
Wrestling: Feb. 20-22, State @ Fargo TBD Boys’ Swim/Diving: Feb. 15, @ Home 11:00 am Feb. 29, West Region @ Jamestown TBD March 6-7, State @ West Fargo TBD
Girls’ Basketball: Feb. 20, Century @ Home 7:30 pm March 5-7, West Region @ Bismarck TBD March 12-14, State @ Fargo TBD Photo by Liberty Hurley
Gymnastics: Senior Elijah Klein Feb. 21, West Region @ Jamestown plays offense against 5:00 pm Bismarck during Feb. 28, State @ Dickinson (Team) basketball game at 4:00 pm Mandan. Feb. 29, State @ Dickinson (Individual) 1:00 pm
Boys’ Hockey: Feb. 20-22, West Region @ Bismarck TBD Feb. 27-29, State @ Fargo TBD Girls’ Hockey: Feb. 18, Minot @ Home 7:00 pm Feb, 27-29, State @ Fargo TBD
Girls’ Tennis: March 30, Practice begins March 10, Parent meeting @ MHS Cafeteria 6:00 pm Baseball: March 16, Practice begins @ MHS weight room 6:30 am and @ All Seasons Arena 3:45 pm March 8, Parent/player meeting 7:00 pm Preseason workouts for all high school baseball and Softball players: March 3, 6:45-7:45 am March 4, 6:45-7:45 am March 5, 3:45-5:00 pm March 9, 6:45-7:45 am March 10, 6:45-745 am March 11, 6:45-745 am March 12, 3:45-5:00 pm
Clubs:
Other: Feb. 14, AP Literature Mock Exam Feb. 18, AP Language Mock Exam Feb. 21, ACT Registration (all juniors) March 3, ACT Test (all juniors) Mathletes: March 5, National Honor Society March 17, Tri-College Math Meet @ NDSU Applications are available to qualifiers Photo by Liberty Hurley March 19, National Honor Choir: Society Applications due March 21-23, All-State Convention @ Events Junior Annabelle Matthews is March 24, Make-up ACT Test Center featured representing the French March 30-April 3, College Week Horn section in pep band FCA: while opening for a Mandan Every Friday @ Room 121 7:30am basketball game. FCCLA: Feb. 19, Competition in STAR events at District level
Student Council: Feb. 19, Ander Jungling’s Raffle March 11, Pennies For Patients Fundraiser
Feature
All graphics by Kelsie Hildebrand
February 2020
09
A Growing City
What Mandan’s Population growth has brought to our community — Madi Just, Feature and News Editor Mandan has been growing in the last few years with the last census in 2018, saying we had around 22,519 people living in the city, and that number just continues to grow. With the census coming up in mid 2020, many wonder how those numbers will change. According to The City of Mandan, the Bismarck-Mandan metropolitan area is one of the fastest growing in the entire country. “Mandan has seen a lot of nice, steady growth,” Mandan City Administrator Jim Neubauer said. “We have seen around one to three percent growth every year.” Some long-time residents began to notice the growth by the subtle change in traffic and by how quickly the bleachers filled up at sporting events. “There are definitely more people out and about, especially at different school events,” Beyond the Blooms owner Melanie Lennie said. Many residents, like Lennie who opened her flower shop Beyond the Blooms in 2018, have taken advantage of the growing city to start new businesses, introducing new places for residents to discover. According to the 2019 Business and Community Development report, around 15 new businesses have come to the area. “We have noticed an increase of people coming in [to Beyond the Blooms].” Lennie said. “The more people in town, the more good competition there is and the more people that are willing to shop local.”
24,000 22,000 20,000
Along with the number of new businesses that have come into town in 2019, there are also plans for a new preschool, a new Latidot Scoop and Gift Shop and a new Paddle Trap restaurant in Mandan in 2020. Mandan has still seen a large number of jobs open in the community, despite the population rate. According to the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC, in December 2019, there was only a 2.4 percent unemployment rate. Mandan has several new things planned in the upcoming year. The city received a three million dollar donation from Energy Transfer that they plan on using to update downtown Mandan. “We are using the [new donation] to add an addition onto the library and some revitalization and renovations for Dykshroom Park and Heritage Plaza,” Neubauer said. But with any good, there is always a little bad. The school district had been feeling a lot of growing pains with the amount of new students coming through. Many high school students complain of over cramped hallways and an over crowded parking lot. “Walking through the hallways to get to class is almost impossible,” junior Symantha Cunningham said. “The hallways are just so crowded.” Despite any challenges, most residents agree that Mandan’s growth is a good thing, and that the growing pains are worth the effort. “It’s going to work out in the long run,” Lennie said
Mandan’s Population Growth 2010-2018 Data from the Mandan Business and Community Development 2019 Annual Report
18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Graph by Madi Just
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Mandan’s subtle growth has given the city time to prepare for the amount of new people moving in. February 2020
News
The Aftermath of Qassem Soleimani’s Death Tensions between America and Iran have heightened following his assassination — McCartney Fix, General Reporter
On January 3, 2020, Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was assassinated by a United States airstrike authorized by President Donald J. Trump. Shortly after the attack on Soleimani, 3,000 more US troops were deployed to the Middle East. Tensions with the US and Iran have been shaky for several years. According to the BBC, “problems [between the US and Iran] can be traced to 1979, when Iran’s USbacked government was overthrown and the country became an Islamic republic.” That same year Americans were taken hostage inside the US embassy in the Iranian capital. “Relations have been frosty ever since,” One BBC reporter wrote on the subject on January 7th, 2020. A few other events have kept tensions up in the years after, such as the fallout of the Iran Nuclear deal and the attack on six oil tankers in the gulf of Oman, which the US blamed on Iran. The Iranian government
News
has denied these allegations. The final straw, according to the BBC, was a rocket attack that killed an American contractor in northern Iraq, which the US blamed on an Iranian-backed militia group in late December 2019. The immediate consequences of the airstrike were minimal, as Iran entered into a 72 hour mourning period in response to the passing of their top military commander. Photos of Soleimani’s funeral procession have since gone viral, showing crowds of thousands lined up to mourn the man considered second in Iranian importance only to the country’s supreme leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei. On January 8th, tensions escalated again when Iran launched an airstrike on an Iraqi base housing US troops. According to a report from the pentagon, 50 stationed soldiers were diagnosed with concussions, and there was some scant property damage. Despite the military retributions Iran
has since taken, America seems equally unwilling to cower, going as far as to say that Solemanies eventual successor would swiftly meet a similar fate were another American to lose their life at the hands of Iran’s government. “If Americans anywhere are threatened, we have all of those targets already fully identified, and I am ready and prepared to take whatever action is necessary.” President Trump said in a speech addressing the airstrike. The internet was flooded soon after the event with memes and talks about WWIII and a draft with many comparing the airstrikes to the events leading up to WWI, but according to ABC news, it is unlikely that these events alone will reach that scale. Over the last few weeks, international tensions between the two countries have come to a stalemate with neither taking anymore additional military action.
Photos Sourced from Creative Commons
February 2020
11
THE FLIPSIDE Couples Edition
“Okay, yeah Brady does.”
“When we were ice skating and I fell on my butt.”
Sydney Heinert
“Me!”
“When we were playing basketball and I checked her.”
Brady Helbling
Who wins the arguments?
What is your favorite memory together?
— Scout Hurley, general reporter
Photo by Scout Hurley
“Getting matching Christmas pajamas.”
Natalie Haroldson
“Our first date at the movies.”
Colby Tibke
“Natalie.” “We don’t have arguments.”
Favorite thing about him/her? “She has a great personality and she’s unique.” “He cares a lot and he’s really funny.”
“Her personality.” “He’s super sweet.”
Photo by Scout Hurley
Garret Schaefbauer
Photo by Scout Hurley
‘The long road trip to my cousin’s wedding.”
“When we went to his cousin’s Olivia wedding.” Leingang
Parker Matthiesen
“Going to Guatemala.”
Alonna “Traveling to Guatemala twice.” Allickson
“Definitely her.” “Me for sure.”
“Alonna for sure.” “I do.”
“Her stubbornness.” “He’s a movie connoisseur.”
“She helps me clean my room.” “He pays for my food.”
Photo by Scout Hurley
“Sitting out a thunder storm in the Grand Canyon.”
Hannah Cahoon
“Either hiking the Grand Canyon or Hawaii.”
Daniel Cahoon
Photo submitted by Hannah Cahoon
What was your first impression of the high school? “The teachers were way less mean than I thought they’d be.”
“I don’t accept defeat.” “I would say that he usually wins.”
Noobs of the Month
What do you like about the high school? “I like that there are not teams anymore and we have classes with everyone.”
Karsten Hegney
“Her willingness to find answers.” “His never ending curiosity.”
How big do you think your fresh-pack is comparatively? “Definitely too big.” What was your first impression of the high school? “It was way over hyped and too much walking” What do you want the high-school to know about you? “I can fold a fitted sheet.”
What do you want the high school to know about you? “I love shoes.”
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Trinn Nybakken
Photo submitted by Trinn Nybakken
February 2020
Feature
Club Spotlight
Mandan High School Newsmagazine, The Courier, shares what goes on behind the scenes — Liberty Hurley, Co Editor-in-Chief much entirely paid for by advertising or sponsorship dollars for other fundraising things that the students put together each issue costs anywhere between like 1,500 dollars and so our ad contracts pay for those things.” Being self regulated and funded allows for The Courier to explore stories more than a school regulated newsmagazine would. “I have a lot more freedom with my writing than I thought I was going to,” General Reporter and senior Mayson Sheldon said. “You're open to be as creative as you want with the things you can write about, the pictures you take and how you design things.” The Courier assigns editor positions in the spring to help train students for the following year. Senior and Co Editorin-Cheif Courtney Entzi has been on the Courier staff for three years, and has held an editor position for two of those years. “Being an editor has helped me to develop leadership skills,” Entzi said. “And when you're on the Courier, it's like you're part of a team. You develop really Photo by Liberty Hurley close bonds with (Left to Right) Anne Kesler, Nathan Stramer, Kelsie Hildebrand, other people on staff.” Courtney Entzi, Daden Dolajak, Madi Just and Mayson Sheldon Because of the work work on multiple programs such as Adobe, Microsoft and Google that The Courier staff puts in to the paper, to finish their February edition of The Courier they are provided an
Mandan offers a plethora of classes that prepare students for life post high school, but one group classes that sticks out to some are Journalism I and II. Journalism II is a student led class that organizes the Mandan High newsmagazine, The MHS Courier. “It’s [The Courier’s] job is to inform the student body about stuff that's happening in the school and the community and to share the stories of the students, teachers and faculty in the community,” Journalism advisor Hannah Cahoon said. The Courier also allows its students to take on leadership roles different than other classes may offer.
Feature
“I don't make content decisions,” Cahoon said. “I don't tell [the students] what they can print and what they can't print. It really truly is student led and they are the ones that make the final decision.” Although the school supports The Courier in a number of ways, The Courier’s print production is funded solely through outside ads and sponsorships. “Because we have an hour for journalism we get some funding for that through the school and they pay for the computers, the software, my salary as an adviser,” Cahoon said. “But, our printing costs and our travel costs are pretty
February 2020
opportunity every two years to test their skills in a national competition. “We are going to a National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee this spring,” Entzi said. “We're hoping that we can bring back a lot of cool and unique ways to improve the paper.” Before a student can join The Courier staff, they must complete the prerequisite of Journalism I. Journalism I teaches students the basics of newspaper writing, photography and design. “If you think journalism I isn't as fun as you thought it would be, journalism II is a completely different thing,” Sheldon said. The seniors of Journalism are leaving this year, and The Courier is always looking for people to replace their always changing cycle of writers. “If you're curious, ask us questions, come into the lab and see what we're doing when we work,” Cahoon said. “If you like to write, shoot photography, design or do business, consider taking Journalism I.” Journalism is a class that allows its students to explore both their futures and creativity, but the students who participate would say it offers more than that. “I recommend The Courier to anyone who's interested in joining,” Entzi said. “It's a lot of fun, it's a fairly easy class and you get really close with the other people on staff. It's really fun to create something for your classmates to enjoy.”
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The Funnies ON
ITI D D A ER
TEACH
Students from every grade voted for the funniest teachers of each department. These are a few of the first place winners and their responses.
Social Studies Mr. Sheldon
What is your favorite joke to tell? “Any old dad joke will do.” How do you feel about being nominated funniest teacher? “Looks aren’t everything.” Who do you think is the funniest teacher in your department? “In other departments? In the Social studies department- Mrs. Bouche she makes Bobby Bouche look all dried out. In the rest of the school- Mrs. Olson- never a dull moment” Do you have a favorite comedian? “I actually think any politician that takes themselves too seriously is comical.” Would you say humor is your best trait? “I have great hair how can that be overlooked?” Do you think you are funny? “Nope. Cheesy yes, funny nope.” Is there anything else you would like to add? “Do something, anything...get involved, say hello, interact in the real world and enjoy what the rest of the people bring to the table.”
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English
Math
Mrs. Olson
Mr. Peterson
What is your favorite joke to tell? “How do you keep a Mandan High School student in suspense?” How do you feel about being nominated funniest teacher? “It’s the pinnacle of achievement. I’ve already added it to my academic vitae.” Who do you think is the funniest teacher in your department? “Ms. Novak. You should hear her comma, quips, and puns.” Do you have a favorite comedian? “Steven Wright.”
What is your favorite joke to tell? “I don’t have a favorite joke to tell. I just like talking about funny things that happen to me or my family!” How do you feel about being nominated funniest teacher? “I feel honored because my favorite thing to do is laugh so knowing I can make others laugh is awesome!” Who do you think is the funniest teacher in your department? “I think our entire department has some of the funniest people! I think Todd Sheldon is pretty funny, the science department is also pretty funny!”
Favorite Comedians? “Dane Cook, Tom Segura, Jim Gaffigan and Would you say being funny is your Jim Jeffries.” best trait? “It’s my second best. I’m really good at telling stories. In fact, have I told you Do you think being funny is your best trait? about the time that …. (Courier reporter “Yes, I think being funny is my best trait falls asleep.)” and I honestly don’t try to be funny, but I am a hot mess most days so it just happens!” Do you think you are funny? “I find that I laugh to myself a lot. Does Is there anything else you would like to that count?” add? “I truly think it is pretty awesome being nominated the funniest math teacher.” February 2020
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Phy-Ed
Mr. O’Brien
Art and Music Mr. Gieser
Science
Mrs. Levadney
What is your favorite joke to tell? “Three legged dog walks into a bar tells the bartender he is looking for the man that shot his ‘pa’”
What is your favorite joke to tell? “Honestly, I don’t think I have a “favorite” joke. I’m a bit sarcastic all day and find humor in anything.”
What is your favorite joke to tell? “I’m terrible at telling jokes. So, I tell stories; apparently they bring a chuckle.”
How do you feel about being nominated funniest teacher? “I would like to thank the academy and thanks to all the other Phy.Ed. teachers in our great country for this award.”
How do you feel about being nominated funniest teacher? “At first, I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or bad. However, after thinking about it, it’s an honor. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons people enjoy the class and my style of teaching?”
How do you feel about being nominated funniest teacher? “I think students just like to laugh at my oddities. But, I am honored.”
Who do you think is the funniest teacher in your department? “There are two teachers at MHS that have great wit and wisdom. Mr. Mack and Mr. Peterson. They both have the ability to make you laugh and think at the same time.” Do you have a favorite comedian? “Jim Gaffigan and Robin Williams.” Would you say being funny is your best trait? “My best trait would be my gastronomic. I am not sure what qualifies as funny but I hope that I can make people smile.” Is there anything else you would like to add? “Is there a plaque or trophy that comes with this great honor? I would prefer cash if that is an option.”
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Would you say humor is your best trait? “Yes, I would say humor is one of my best traits. It breaks the tension and takes the edge off of things that are perhaps overwhelming or too serious. “ Do you think you are funny? “Somedays yes, somedays no. I think it’s definitely situational. Some days I’m wittier than others. It all depends on how much sleep I get.” Is there anything else you would like to add? “My best advice and last thoughts are this. Try to find humor in everything you do. It’ll take the edge off of things and perhaps help to refocus or shed light on a topic that you may have previously missed. Enjoy life and, while being serious is a must, lighten up a bit and find the bright side or silver lining in every situation.”
— Anne Kesler, General Reporter February 2020
Who do you think is the funniest teacher in your department? “All the science teachers crack me up, especially Mr. Coyle, Mr. Mack and Ms. Berg. We have a fun department. Mrs. Olson is a hoot.” Do you have a favorite comedian? “My mother.” Would you say being funny is your best trait? “No. My best trait is my hitchhiker’s thumb.” Do you think you are funny? “On occasion, I can come up with something witty.” Is there anything else you would like to add? “If you can make someone smile, you’ve done good for the day.”
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What is With Modern Technology?
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January 2018
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Protect Yourself Against Modern Technology Taking the precautions to be safe from bad tech
— Nathan Stramer, General Reporter
Over the years, technology has become more and more advanced but it brings about just as many bad things as it does good things. Robots for military and police use are great but they can also be hacked and potentially used against people. People should be aware of what is happening
around them in the world of technology so that they can secure themselves from it. “Technology pretty much only solves the problems that it creates,” President of TSA Andrew Castillo said. Technology can be used to do detrimental things like stealing money or other materials. “We create technology able to steal money from people, but we need other, more advanced tech to do things like get the money back, and track down who stole it,” Core Technology Specialist Amy Zachmeier said. There are many good ways to use technology and many ways that it helps society. “There is some technology that is able to help out with surgery, but they should have a remote killswitch in case they go bad or become hacked,” Castillo said. Technology is really not too scary if people have some knowledge about how it works. “The thing that most people need to know is just that they need to be aware of what's happening with technology,” Core Technology Specialist Joshua Dolajak said. There are multiple ways to steal info, money or any sort of personal information through email, cellphone, or even by computer. “Separate your work email from your personal email,
even using different launchers and browsers if needed so no mistake happens,” Technology Director Jeff Rerick said. Last year at Mandan High School somebody accidentally was in the schools database and leaked every single student's personal information like passwords and lunch codes. “The teachers now change their passwords every 180 days to further our security,” Zachmeier said. Theft by technology does not only occur in places with a lot of technology, it can also happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. “One of my family friends was asking me about an email they got saying that they still needed to pay for something they bought online, and I told them that they could not open that email,” Zachmeier said. The school takes precautions to be safe from technology so that students’ and employees’ information are safe in a database. Even while just surfing on the web there are a lot of things that people should be aware of. “Watching what you do can really help out with being secure. Clicking on links that say “not secure” or if they don't have https is an insecure site that could potentially be dangerous,” Rerick said. “All it takes is one bored person with a computer and millions of dollars could go missing,” Castillo said. Technology has its pros and cons, but if people take the time and prepare, they should be safe from it. If someone needs help from someone who knows about tech, you can run on down to the library and ask one of the Technologists. There are many ways to protect a person from tech and we have people here at school to help us out.
All graphics designed by Nathan S
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January 2018
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Cybersecurity On a Personal and National Scale A look into personal and national security through social media and cyber attacks — Courtney Entzi, Co Editor-in-Chief In a world that is becoming increasingly more technological, personal security has never been more important to consumers. “Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information,” according to the Official website of Homeland Security. The risks to consumers are high, but many do not understand what these risks are. “There are many risks, some more serious than others. Among these dangers are malware erasing your entire system, an attacker breaking into your system and altering files, an attacker using your computer to attack others, or an attacker stealing your credit card information and making unauthorized purchases,” according to the Official website of Homeland Security. There is no real way to completely secure your information but there are precautions that can be taken. The Department of homeland security says to keep software up to date, run up-todate anti-virus software, use strong passwords, change default usernames and passwords, implement multi-factor authentication, install a firewall and be suspicious of unexpected emails. Protecting personal devices with these tips may still not be enough as social media may also be keeping users at risk. “[The] release of some 250 pages of emails from 2012 to 2015 – a period of dramatic growth for the newly publicly traded company – provides a rare glimpse into Facebook's internal conversations, suggesting the social media giant gave preferential access to some third-party app developers such as Airbnb, Lyft and Netflix, while restricting access for others,” according to USA Today. Consumers may have unknowingly had their private information shared and brings the question what other risks should social media users be concerned about. Besides social media, the nation's cybersecurity has become an ever-growing concern. “The cyber threat has expanded dramatically in recent years, with a series of damaging, high-profile attacks that have made headlines around the world. Nuclear facilities and critical command and control systems are not immune to cyber attack—such an attack could facilitate the theft of weapons-usable nuclear materials or a catastrophic act of sabotage,” according to nti.org.
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As our government and safety systems are moving to a larger online presence, it can be expected that the security of these systems could become potentially compromised. “Governments are working to understand and minimize these vulnerabilities, but cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated every day and those responsible—from policymakers to military officials to facility operators to regulators— are working to keep pace.” according to nti.org. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is a recent development that has been put in place to protect our nation's security. “On November 16, 2018, President Trump signed into law the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2018. This landmark legislation elevates the mission of the former National Protection and Programs Directorate within DHS and establishes the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency,” according to the official website of the Department of Homeland Security. The CISA was developed after a prevalent need for services they provide and due to growing safety concerns. “CISA builds the national capacity to defend against cyber attacks and works with the federal government to provide cybersecurity tools, incident response services and assessment capabilities to safeguard the ‘.gov’ networks that support the essential operations of partner departments and agencies.” The CISA’s main duty is to insure the nation's security which, according to dhs.gov, includes combating cyber crime and cyber incident response, securing federal networks, protecting critical infrastructure, promoting information sharing training and exercises, and cyber safety information. When it comes to technology and cybersecurity, a force that is immeasurable, security has never been more uncertain. Taking small steps to protect personal technology and understanding the risks nationally may be the difference in future protection. From claims of Russia tampering with presidential elections and Facebook sharing personal information, cybersecurity has never been more important.
January 2018
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The Newest Tech of 2020
Unveiling new advancements in 2020
Tesla Y Model
— Leah Emineth, General Reporter
On March 15, 2019 Tesla unveiled their new Model Y car and is expected to hit production in late 2020. Model Y is designed to be the safest vehicle in its class. The new tesla can carry 7 passengers and The car is fit for all types of weather including rain, snow, mud and off-roading. Along with being great for all types of climate, it is also fully electric and can be charged at any one of their 14,000 superchargers in the United states. The car even has full self driving capability and can find the owner of the car in any parking lot by driving to them. There is a 15 inch touch screen where the driver can find all of the sound and heat controls. One update of the new Tesla model is that it has an all glass roof that gives a view of the sky above.
Photo sourced from creative commons
iPhone 11 Pro
Photo sourced from creative commons
The iPhone 11 pro is the newest and most advanced phone Apple has come out with. There is a triple camera system that is said to take the clearest pictures out of all other iPhones. Apple has also added a new night mode used to deliver low light shots and there is also tougher glass on the front and back side of the phone. The iPhone 11 pro is water resistant and can be used near water without having to worry about getting it wet. The new iPhone also has audio sharing where a person can connect two sets of AirPods to the same phone at one time. The battery charges 50% in only 30 minutes and is capable of being charged on i- certified wireless chargers. Some popular colors are yellow, green, purple, red, silver, black, gold and midnight green.
Amazon Store
Amazon Go is a physical store made by amazon with no checkouts and no lines. Shoppers use the Amazon Go app when entering the store, then they can grab their desired items and go. This is all made possible by computer vision, sensor fusion and deep learning to detect what is being picked up and put back by customers. This ensures that the person will only pay for what they have. After the customer leaves the store, a receipt is later sent by email or from the app. The store has ready to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, grocery essentials and other snacks made by the store’s bakers. Shoppers must have an Amazon account to get the Amazon Go app and shop in stores. There are currently four stores in Seattle, four in Chicago, three in San Francisco, and two in Manhattan.
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January 2018
Photo sourced from Wikipedia
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The Highs and Lows Today’s Cosmetologists Face
A professional and student share their experiences while in the field — Kelsie Hildebrand, General Reporter Mandan graduate and founder of Uniquely You Hair & Nail Salon, Stacy Garsl, went out on an impulsive decision to sign up for cosmetology school and ended up opening her own business eight years later. Cosmetology is a huge branch within the beauty industry and is filled with opportunities. Barbers, hair stylists, and estheticians (skin care specialist) are a few fields often practiced by many beauty professionals. “I went from nine to five everyday for eleven straights months at cosmetology school,” Garsl said. “Then I had to do a business plan and write up all my expenses.” Fellow Mandan graduate and current cosmetology student, Sabrina Matthews, has been attending school at the Hair Academy since September 2019. “There are some people in cosmetology school who are just there because their parents want them to do something and they didn’t want to go to college,” Matthews said. “Then there are other people that go into it with passion who are the most hard working, they put themselves out there and are the most successful.” The main goal of a cosmetologists is to enhance physical attractiveness and improve the confidence of their clients on a day to day basis. “I have met a lot of interesting people so far and I enjoy being able to express my creativity in a way that I’m not usually able to express it,” Matthews said. “I enjoy being able to make people feel good about themselves.” Along with the skills learned, cosmetologists need to have good people skills, creativeness, listening skills, physical stamina and tidiness.
“I was very shy back then,” Garsl said. “I get to visit with people all day long and it helped me come out of my shell.” Hairdressing has been considered a profession since the 17th century. Although the work that comes along with the job itself, cosmetologists battle oppression in today’s society almost daily. The stereotypes and stigmas are that hairdressers are all dumb or it is a job for a women are a few that have evolved over time. “I have gotten people that say I am here because college was too hard for me,” Matthews said. “There is a guy enrolled in the hair academy right now and a lot of people think he must be gay, but he is just a regular guy that wants to do cosmetology.” Most people pursue a career that pays well, but it does not fulfill their happiness. Cosmetologists can be very successful if one is passionate, takes their education seriously and builds their clientele early on, but a misconception is that their wages are extremely low. “My parents told me I wasn’t going to make it and that I am not going to make very much money,” Garsl said. “Now they see where I am at now from where I started.” The opportunities are endless with a degree in cosmetology. If someone’s calling is to work at a salon in the mall, work for a big superstar or own a business, they have it laid out in front of them. “Businesses or companies will want to hire you knowing that you are from a northern state because of the work ethic,” Garsl said. “With my education, I felt I was ready to come out into the work field.”
Morphe is a popular make up brand that beauty professionals and everyday consumers use. Along with hair, skin and nail specialties, make up is a big part of cosmetology.
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All photos and graphics by Kelsie Hildebrand
February 2020
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Teen M ms Triumph Teen moms describe their journey through motherhood — Aspen Jewkes, General Reporter Motherhood, in any case, has its ups and downs, but teen moms have a whole set of struggles that most cannot relate to. Junior, Shyann Nelson recently had a baby girl named Zella in late October. During Shyann’s pregnancy she had many difficulties with her health. “I had hyperemesis, preeclampsia, cholestasis and I had to get fluids twice a week at the hospital,” Nelson said. Hyperemesis is when the pregnant woman has severe nausea and vomiting. Preeclampsia is when high blood pressure causes problems with other organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Cholestasis is when bile is slowed or stopped. According to Healthline Parenthood, girls from the ages 15 to 19 who are pregnant and have complications during pregnancy or at birth have become the leading cause of death globally for teenagers between those ages. Although being a teen mom may be difficult, the struggles can get easier as an adult. “I was sick all the time when I was pregnant, and the only food that I was able to keep down was fruit,” former teen mom Erica Newgard said. Responsibilities of a teenager grow tremendously once they have a child of their own compared to other teenagers who just have themselves to make decisions for. Trying to grow up and finding out who you are may become very difficult when having a child. “Life was complicated already just being a teen trying to find my way,” Newgard said. “My mom wanted me to live with her in England, and when I went to visit her, she tried to keep me there because I was pregnant.” According to the Encyclopedia of Human Resources, young adults spend roughly ten to twenty hours a week with friends, and if they have a kid, that time with friends drops tremendously. “I am not able to hang out with friends that much, and a lot of my friends do not understand because they do not have children of their own,” Nelson said. Along with the new difficulties in their lives that come with being a mother, they also had to find time to manage school. “I did finish high school, but I did have to wait about four years to go to college,” Newgard said. According to National Character and Leadership symposium, only forty percent of teen mothers finish high school, and fewer than two percent finish college by age thirty. As time goes by, the percentage of teen moms is dropping, but there are still around three in every ten American Girls that end up getting pregnant in high school. “I stayed in school the whole time I was pregnant, but once I had my daughter I stopped going for awhile,” Guerra said. “I went back a few months after, and I started doing online schooling which I am still doing today.” Although pregnancy may be very hard, stressful and different for women, going through things with people to help makes it easier to get by. “I was lucky to have my baby’s dad stick with me throughout everything, and help out with everything,” Newgard said. “We worked as a team, and have been together for almost twenty years.” All graphics by Apsen Jewkes
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Feburary 2020
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How to Get to College Gather Information • • •
•
•
Talk to counselors about college. Research colleges that are interesting and see if they have majors that fit with your plans. Compare factors like price, distance from home, size of campus, and campus culture.
Tour and Apply
Take a tour of the colleges you are interested in and get a feel for the campus. Begin the application process for schools that interest you.
The Applications •
Gather information for your applications, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation and other things needed for your application.
Complete Apply For the FAFSA Scholarships •
Apply for • financial aid as soon as possible.
Start applying for scholarships as soon as possible to insure you do not miss deadlines.
Get Accepted and Make a Decision
•
Once you are accepted to colleges you can make your decison on where you want to go and commit to a college.
Apply For Housing and Prepare For College • •
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Apply for housing and sign up for a meal plan. Decide on housing options, find a roommate, and begin making a list of things you may need.
The Importance of the ACT
Sylvan Tutor and Former student discuss the ACT — Courtney Entzi, Co Editor-in-Chief High school Juniors everywhere have begun preparing for the ACT. Students have been told throughout their high school career that the ACT will be the most important part of their college acceptance and future success. But many ask, ‘Does it really matter?’ “[The ACT is] more important than I wish it was, it is incredibly important,” Latin teacher and Sylvan tutor Daniel Cahoon. “The vast majority of schools in the area look at your ACT first.” Because so many colleges look at the ACT, score it is important to keep in mind the higher your ACT score the better a person will look on paper. “There are studies that have been done that demonstrate a correlation between high scores and high level of college success, and low levels of the ACT scores with low levels of college success.” Cahoon said. While GPA, extracurricular activities, and other submission are looked at during the college application process, the ACT is generally the most important. “They will look at your class rank and grades but usually the ACT is the first thing that they get,” Cahoon said. Many students wonder how they can prepare for the ACT, but unfortunately that can be a difficult task. “The purpose of the ACT is that you can not study for it,” Cahoon said. Preparing for the ACT varies from test to test as they are all different, so having good test taking strategies is important. “Each of the five sections of the ACT are very different. For the math portion of the test, the best way is to February 2020
study up on your math concepts and that you have a good calculator and know how to use your calculator,” Cahoon said. “English is about knowing your grammar. [To prepare for] reading practice trying to read fast and science is like a glorified reading with graphs.” Cahoon recommends taking a Sylvan class to prepare or taking practice test online to work on your test taking skills. “At Sylvan we help you understand how to take the test better,” Cahoon said. “It is about how to take the test as effectively and quickly as you can.” Taking the ACT for the first time can be very nerve racking and stressful which may impact scores. “Try your best and don't worry if it goes badly the first time. It happens,” Cahoon said. “The more times you take it the better idea you get of what you are doing, you have a better idea of what the questions are going to be and what you are looking at.” Former Mandan High School student Owen piehl, advises students not to stress too much about the ACT, as there are many things the ACT does not measure. “A person's potential cannot be tested by how well they recall knowledge,” Piehl said. “What makes a person successful is work ethic, creativity, confidence and all kinds of other things you won't see on a test.” Piehl scored a 35 after his second attempt on the ACT and stresses the importance of relaxing a calming your nerves before the ACT. “Relax. Get a good night's sleep, in the morning wear some comfy clothes and get yourself a coffee. Clear your headspace and control your breathing,” Piehl said. “If you don't know a question don't worry too much, make your best guess and move on. You'll be worn out by the end, go take yourself out for some good food with your friends. You did it!”
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Two-Year Budget • • • •
Four-Year Budget
Housing $1200-$1980 per semester Meal plans $600-$2520 per semester Estimated semester tuition $1659 (other fees not included) Books $650 per year
• • • •
Housing $4,100per semester Meal plans $4,778 per semester Books $800 per year Estimated semester tuition $8,668$16,115 (other fees not included)
The Budgeting and Finance for Incoming College Freshman Two educated professionals share an inside look on the money side of college — Kelsie Hildebrand, General Reporter At the end of every student’s high school career, the budgeting process can project stress and anxiety onto someone’s mental stability. There are many ways a student can manage their finances and create a budget. “The counseling office has a website that includes national scholarships, state scholarships and local scholarships,” MHS Counselor Alyssa Caya said. “There are a ton of opportunities. Students just have to seek them out and do research.” There are two ND state scholarships with appropriate requirements, personal or business scholarships that can be hard to find and university scholarships for students looking at a specific school. “Every college should have their own scholarship landing page,” BSC Director of Financial Aid Scott Lingen said. “The BSC landing page lists Bismarck State scholarships, North Dakota scholarships that can be based on one’s academic performance or intention of a career to study while attending college, heritage scholarships and merit scholarships.” Students looking for other ways to receive money other than scholarships can apply for the FAFSA. Money granted from the FAFSA is based off of the stability of one’s family finance. “Even if you do not qualify for a grant, every student qualifies for a loan,” Lingen said. “A loan is money borrowed to students for covering expenses in college, and students begin to pay money back after graduation.” It is definitely not uncommon for students to take out federal loans or bank loans. Although interest rates and student loan debt reflect baggage, it may be some student’s only option. “About half of our students at BSC get some type of a loan to help pay for schooling after completing the FAFSA,” Lingen said. “It is important to know what Websites: you are getting into.” • https://studentaid.gov/ After graduation, most federal loans will grant • https://bnd.nd.gov/collegeresources/ students a six month grace period. Graduates are able • https://bismarckstate.edu/admissions/payingforcollege/ to find a stable job and a place to live, so they can get tuitionfees/EstimateYourTuition/ on their feet before making payments. • https://bismarckstate.edu/admissions/PayingForCollege/ “It is like a credit,” Caya said. “You do not see the Scholarships/ monthly bill, so it gets pushed aside.” Scott Lingen: To avoid taking out as big of a loan, preparation • scott.lingen@bismarckstate.edu and knowledge are key factors in saving for college. • 701.224.5441 Working a part time or even a full time job as a high • 701.224.5550 fax school student can make a big difference. Alyssa Caya: • alyssa.caya@msd1.org
Contacts
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February 2020
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Because of the rising popularity in vape technology, kids can exchange vapes a lot more discreetly. Photo by Nathan Stramer
The Evolution of Drug Use A look at how technology is effecting drug use — Daden Dolajak, General Reporter When teens use their vape, they never think of being addicted or even think of the possible long term effects it can have on their health and what other drugs it could lead to. Teens are using nicotine and marijuana products a lot more, due to the rising popularity in vape technology. The convenience of a vape makes kids use them because of the low risk of getting ca ught. Trying to smoke during school or on school grounds was a lot more difficult to do with traditional cigarettes and marijuana. “Dab pens and vape pens are vary up and coming,” school resource officer Michael Breid said. In a 2019 study done by the center of disease control or CDC or dab pen use skyrocketed in the past month from 7 percent to 12.6 percent of 10th grade
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students used a dab pen in the past month of the survey, and 7.5 percent to 14 percent of 12th graders have used a dab in the past month of the survey. That is almost double the usage rate in just one month. This increase being the 2nd largest increase in teen drug use. Dab pens and vape products are not as safe as they seem to be. “The illnesses from vape pens three fourths of them are coming from THC pens,”Breid said. 2,668 cases of vape related illnesses have been reported by all 50 states to the CDC. The illnesses have lead to 60 deaths in 27 different states. Social media also plays a big role in the use of these substances, on the communication aspect of things.
February 2020
Communication between drug dealers and teens is a lot quicker and easier than ever. Social media is affecting the use of these products making it easier for them to follow through with drug deals. “With the text messages and Snapchat, it’s a lot easier to get their hands on different product,” Breid said. “Physical phone calls are a lot tougher to get through during the school day,” Breid said“ with social media trends it is easier for people to market there vapes. “We have grade school kids using JUULs because a high schooler on the bus gave it to him, we just recently dealt with a case like that,” Breid said. The increase in vape and dab products have caused illnesses in every state in the nation. if kids don’t find a way to control the growing popularity in vaping it can impact our community.
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Athletes of the Month Senior
Jaden Rohrich
— Scout Hurley, General Reporter — Brandon Hagerott, General Reporter
Where do you expect this achievement to take you? “Scholarships in college hopefully”
If you could think of one person who has helped you along your journey, who would it be and why? “My dad he supports and goes to everygame”
What has been your best team memory?
“Owen piel’s speech before the legacy game last year”
Lakyn Darras
Where do you expect this achievement to take you?
Senior
“It will give me more confidence in myself and make me want to keep pushing.”
What has been your biggest achievement throughout your high school athletic career? “Playing in state championship games in basketball and volleyball.”
If you could think of one person who has helped you along your journey, who would it be and why? “Dad, he has always taught me and pushed me to be my best since I was young.”
Sophomore
Piper Harris
Where do you expect this achievement to take you?
“I expect this achievement to help me in getting to play at the next level.”
Where do you see your athletic career going after high school?
“After high school I see my athletic career as playing college basketball.”
What has been your biggest achievement throughout your high school athletic career?
“My biggest achievement throughout my high school career is making all WDA second team for volleyball.”
Jayce Lowman
Junior
If you could think of one person who has helped you along your journey, who would it be and why?
“Coach Kincrd: Helped me build my confidence especially with his famous qoute “life sucks, it really does.”
What animal describes you best? “Unicorns, because they’re rare.”
Where do you see your athletic career going after high school? “I see myself playing basketball in college.”
Senior
Will Kleinknecht Who is the team mom?
“Konnor Nelson, but like a strict mom.”
If you could think of one person who has helped you along your journey, who would it be and why? “My parents, couldn’t do it without them.”
Where do you see your athletic career going after high school? “I’m going to join an old mans hockey.”
Sports
February 2020
27
Inclusive Sports Introduced in Mandan Mandan’s newest team focuses on including all students
— Ryan Ulrich, General Reporter “We really want this to truly branch out and really have Throughout the decades, sports people involved,” Voorhees have been a huge part of society. said. “In Bismarck, they Sports provides those with both [Inclusive Sports] are part of the opportunity to learn important the Pep Rallies, and we hope to life lessons and form friendships have that eventually as well.” that can potentially last a lifetime, Inclusive Sports also however, for those with disabilities collaborates often with and those who do not feel included, Bismarck for their bowling the possibility of joining sports tournaments. This provides may feel like a legit challenge or members of Inclusive Sports a struggle. great opportunity to meet and Inclusive Sports is something make new friends. that is brand new to Mandan High “Meeting new kids with and School and provides those kids without disabilities really feels who may not feel included in some great,” senior Brennan Davis sports, as well as kids who have said. “Seeing all of us being disabilities a real opportunity to feel happy together really feels both comfortable and included. The great.” need for this inclusion is something When it comes to looking to that has become quite noticeable. expand any club or activity, the “We want our kids to become more number of members has to look of a part of our school,” Rebecca to meet that demand as well. Voorhees said. “Bismarck Schools Photo by Mac Fix However, those in Inclusive actually started Inclusive Sports, The Inclusive Sports team allows all students, like Sports realize this and hope and so we just decided to follow Middle Schooler Joey Will, to learn a life sport like that this demand will be met them with that.” as the club looks to continue to bowling Although Inclusive Sports may develop. be in its first year, the impact it “We really want Inclusive has brought to its members brings Sports in Mandan to catch on and really have students who do not promise into what the club is trying to grow into. have a disability to be apart of this because it’s huge,” Voorhees “We want to provide those kids with a disability and those kids said. “It’s huge in Bismarck, and so we really want to be just as without a disability to really come together and feel included huge here in Mandan.” together,” Voorhees said. “We really want these kids to find that common ground.” Currently, Inclusive Sports is directly focused on bowling, as they currently practice every Monday. Although Inclusive Sports will only have two tournaments and will go until the end of February, the club is looking to expand into doing other activities. “In the Fall, we are looking to do flag football,” Voorhees said. “Hopefully next year we are also looking to do bowling tournaments every Saturday in the winter.” Besides looking to expand their activities, those involved with Inclusive Sports are also hoping the group can expand into bigger aspects of our school as well. This promising development would look to help find that common ground the group looks for.
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February 2020
Sports
Sports Spotlight Mandan Girls Gymnastics: Dedication to the craft — McCartney Fix, General Reporter Carlsen also said that younger kids will be surrounded by positive Dedication is a core tenet to life long success, and Mandan High School Gymnastics coach Amanda Lantz understands this, and role models if they opt to join gymnastics. “Kendal, our captain, is really amazing.” instills it within each of her pupils. The members of the team all joined for different reasons, like This genuine attitude of wanting to improve her gymnasts as people and not just athletes is reason why Lantz is respected their parent’s or siblings time on the team, or because they were looking for a new activity to among those she coaches. join. “I love my coach,” eighth “I joined because I wanted grader and gymnast Isabelle to be like my older sister,” Carlsen said. “She is so Anderson said. “I’m really supportive to me and my glad I did because it’s teammates.” become such an important This admiration for aspect of my life.” those running the program Some people have even extends all the way to the joined gymnastics as a fun senior gymnasts in the way to do physical therapy. program. “I was diagnosed with “We spend a lot of time scoliosis because I was a with her,” junior gymnast conjoined twin,” Carlsen Matia Anderson said. “But said. “It was either more we all really enjoy spending traditional therapy or that time with her.” gymnastics, I think my One goal of Mandan parents made the right High School gymnastics choice.” is to teach valuable life The team’s season will skills and make memories come to a close after state on that will make an impact February 29th, but the team far beyond the gymnasts is always looking for new high school years. “Easily talent. my best memories from “If your at all interested, gymnastics are the Photo by McCartney Fix try it.” Beckler said. “It’s overnights,”Anderson Some of the events the athletes compete in are vault, built my character and made said. “Spending time with me who I am more than teammates and creating uneven bars and the balance beam, which Sophomore almost any individual thing bonds with them might Kendal Blair is performing above. in my life.” just be the best aspect of With there being multiple gymnastics.” These bonds became a recurring talking point amongst the competitions left this year and an ever expanding roster of gymnasts, with some even comparing their fellow gymnasts to a gymnasts, anyone with an interest is urged to join. second family. “I feel so supported by them,” Carlsen said. “It’s really amazing.”
Sports
Februaury 2020
29
Sports Roundup — Ryan Ulrich, General Reporter
Photo by Mac Fix
Girls’ Basketball With a solid 9-5 conference record and 3rd in the WDA, the Girls Basketball team has started off the season strong even after losing many of its key members from last season. “We have competed in every game so far this season, and have done a great job of pulling out some tough wins down the stretch of games,” Head Coach Abby Thomas said. “I love this group of girls’ attitudes and work-ethics.” With losing many key players from last season, this has provided many new girls opportunities to step up and help contribute. However with all these new changes, the importance of having a good team chemistry is key, especially to continually improve and have a strong finish to the season. “This team has a fantastic team chemistry and it is so fun to watch everyone learn and grow together,” Thomas said. “We want to keep trying to find ways to be more consistent with our performances each time we step on the floor so we are ultimately playing our best basketball in March.”
Sophomore Kendal Blair starting her beam routine at the Mandan competition.
Esports This season was the inaugural season for Esports here in Mandan. Based off the success for the first season, the expectations will be high for the program for their next season. “Both of our teams for League of Legends and Rocket League qualified for the playoffs,” Head Coach Stephen Kessler said. “Our Rocket League team went into the playoffs and won the ND State Championship against Grand Forks Red River.” After their state championship win, the Rocket League team would lost to Catholic High out of Baton Rouge Louisiana in the regional championship. There is still plenty of positives for the program to build off of for year two. “We have nothing to be down about, and we only can look up,” Kessler said. “I would like to thank each Esports member for a memorable season, and I look forward to fall when we get season number two up and running.
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Photo by Riley Griffen
Junior Olin Halstengard skating towards the puck in order to try to score.
Boys’ Hockey
Currently the Mandan Boy Hockey team is 5th in the WDA. This season has brought plenty of improvement for the team already. “The boys have been working extremely hard,” Head Coach Leif Mattson said. “We’ve outscored our opponents in goals by 63-58 which is a significant increase from the last two years where we’ve been out scored two to one.” The boys have also shown their ability to play with the best teams in the WDA as well even defeating Bismarck High for the third time in school history. This shows the potential in the team for strong finish to the season. “We have to continue to finish our season strong,” Mattson said. “We want to try finish top four in the regular season standings.” February 2020
Girls’ Hockey Currently the Girls Hockey team are ranked eighth in the WDA. Although this may not be where the team hoped to be, this season has still had plenty of positives for the team. “The underclassmen have exceeded so many expectations this year and have brought much to our team,” Junior Breanna Helbling said. “We also have a great team chemistry and a harder drive to succeed.” The team has also won Mandan’s first six point game for girls hockey. The team looks to qualify for a higher seed and also looks to try to win a game at state, and have done plenty to try to achieve that goal. “We have been working on more off ice skills, doing yoga, and have rewatched film a lot more,” Helbling said.
Sports
Boys’ Basketball With a 9-5 conference record and currently 4th in the WDA, the Boy’s Basketball team’s season has sure gone off to a great start. “We are top three in the WDA in defensive points allowed and we lead the conference in assists and two point field goal percentage,” Head Coach Brandon Schafer said. However, even with a great start, the Boys have room to continually improve. This allows great potential for a strong finish based off an already promising start to the season. “Everyone has bought in and works together daily to help each other improve,” Schafer said. “We continue to get more and more comfortable and gain more valuable experience, and that will help us finish the season strong.”
Gymnastics
Boys’ Swim
The Gymnastics team has five of its top scoring all around athletes from last season, so, this year has still had shown the team’s promising potential. “We are still scoring similarly to last year’s averages without them [past gymnastics],” Head Coach Amanda Lantz said. “This really shows that our two remaining all arounders and the new girls have really stepped up their skill levels to fill those shoes.” With not a lot of seniors, this provides the Gymnastics Team with plenty of young talent. This allows plenty of promising development for years to come for the program. “Our underclassmen make up the majority of our team, which is unusual for a varsity sport,” Lantz said. “That puts a lot of pressure on those younger athletes, but I think it makes them stronger leaders and more aware of their impact on the team when they become upperclassmen.”
Currently the Boy Swim team have had a solid season. Even after losing some key seniors from last season, the team has seen plenty of success this year. “So far, we’ve had a lot of our athletes qualify for state and some even for the first time,” Junior Eric Lafluer said. “We’ve also been placing pretty high at most of our meets.” With the start the swim team has had, the team has high hopes for where they look to finish. This allows the team to have plenty to strive for in order for a strong finish. “I am hoping that we place third or fourth overall,” LaFleur said. “We did place fourth at The West Fargo Invite which had all the teams in the state there, so going by that we’re already right where I hoped we’ll be at.”
Photo by Liberty Hurley
Senior Jaxton Weist shooting a three pointer against Bismark High. Photo by Anne Kesler
Junior James Barnhardt getting ready to hit the mat.
Cheerleading The Cheerleading team has had a great season so far. Both the underclassmen and upperclassmen have helped contribute to the team’s success in their own important ways. “The seniors have really stepped up to be great leaders,” Senior Kaya Gayette said. “The underclassmen have also definitely matured a lot and have worked hard everyday. The team has seen lots of promising improvement such as placing top five in their events. However team has also dealt with some struggles as well, but they look to continue the season strong. “We have come along way with how we do at competitions, “ Gayette said. “Our coach deserves the most recognition though, as she battled cancer for a while but that never slowed her down as she never stopped working with us and continued to have strength.”
Sports
Wrestling
Currently the Wrestling team ranks 5th in the WDA. The team has had a good start to season but they have also had to deal with some set backs. “We have had some struggles with injuries this year which have set us back, especially in duals,” Head Coach Tyler Steinwand said. “I am proud of those underclassmen who have stepped up to fill those voids.” Even though the team has dealt with set backs, there are still many positives the team has also seen as well which could lead to a strong finish to the season. These positives for team can be found from both the upperclassmen and the underclassmen. “The seniors have been great leaders and have performed well both on and off the mat, as all four are academic all-state and ranked top four in their weight classes,” Steinwand said said. “My underclassmen have also improved leaps and bounds compared to November.”
February 2020
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