The Courier 905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND - Volume 27, Issue 4 - February 2019
HOMELESSNESS An in-depth look at the homeless problem in Bismarck-Mandan. Pages 12-13.
LUNCH LADIES
Meet the ladies who serve Mandan High School with love. Pages 20-21.
From The Editor...
Second semester already! The first half of this year flew by, and I expect the second half to go by just as quickly. A lot can change in a semester, and the Courier is no exception. We unfortunately lost two staff members from last semester, Ben Gartner and Nevaeh Quarry, and we wish them nothing but the best going forward. Despite these losses, we have also added talent to our staff, specifically the addition of General Reporters Dante Daniel and Anne Kesler. This talented pair have brought new ideas and perspectives to the Courier staff, and we are grateful to have them. With the school year almost halfway over, I would like to leave you with this: there are a lot of bad things going on in the world right now, and there always have been. You can only control yourself, however, so make sure you are living your life in such a way that contributes to the good. Add to our collective light. OP out.
Table of Contents
Page 3............................................................................The Bell Page 4-5...................................................The Hypebeast Herald Page 6...................................................................The Real Piehl Page 7.................................................Graduation Rate Problems Page 8......................................................................Senior Panic Page 9...........................................................Parking Complaints Page 10.......................................................MHS Growing Pains Page 11...................................................Government Shutdown The homeless problem Page 13.........................................................Sanford Partnership Page 14.............................................................Courier Calendar in Bismarck-Mandan is Pages 15-17...........................................................Homelessness greater than many think, Page 18...............................................................Hardest Classes however it is not limited Page 19....................................................................The Flipside to adults such as the one Pages 20-21............................................................Lunch Ladies pictured on the cover. Page 22......................................................................Yay or Nay Page 23....................................................Club Spotlight: Speech Pages 15-17. Cover photo submitted by United Way Pages 24-25...................................................................I am ___ Page 27......................................Sports Spotlight: Boys’ Hockey Cover photo edited by Riley Griffin Pages 28-29............................................................In the Huddle Page 30......................................................Athletes of the Month Page 31...............................................................Sports Roundup
Courier Staff and Editorial Policy Owen Piehl......................................................Editor-In-Chief Liberty Hurley..................................Assistant Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor Co-News Editor Madi Just...........................................................Feature Editor Courtney Entzi....................................................Sports Editor Co-News Editor
Maggie Knoll..............................................Business Manager General Reporter Ryan Phelps..................................................General Reporter Riley Griffin..................................................General Reporter Anne Kesler..................................................General Reporter Dante Daniel.................................................General Reporter Hannah Cahoon...........................................................Adviser
The Courier is a news/feature magazine that is published throughout the school year. As an open forum for student expression, all content online and in print is decided and moderated by student editors. The staff welcomes letters, articles and submissions from 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 are subject to editing if space is restricted. The Courier strives to be objective in its news coverage. Columns and letters reflect only the opinions of the writers, not those of the Courier staff, administration, teachers, or student body. Editorials that are not signed reflect the consensus of the staff. The Courier is funded entirely through advertising sales. Contact the Courier at mhscourier@gmail.com if interested in advertising.
02
February 2019
Opinion
The
l l e B
Ocean pollution happening close to home Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that we as a population are slowly turning our world into a poisonous mess. There are very many issues I can sit and go on and on about, but this is one issue that I am especially bothered with: ocean pollution. The ocean pollution that is quickly growing is no ones fault but ours as humans. If we thought about our actions before throwing our cans into the river or leaving our fishing line on the shore, we would live in a world that was not dying. Each year hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other aquatic life are brutally killed by ocean pollution or by becoming entangled in marine debris. This brutal killing does not include the million of seabirds that are killed each year by other forms of ocean pollution. Research has estimated that for every 2.2
pounds of plankton found in the sea there are 13.2 pounds of plastic. Most marine debris include things like cans, styrofoam, fishing line, bottles, plastic bags, lighters and toothbrushes. Although here in North Dakota we are not terribly influenced by the troubles that the ocean gives to our neighbors on the coast, that does not mean that we do not influence ocean life. Most ocean debris travels by river and originates from landfills and other garbage masses. 80 percent of ocean pollution comes from land and, being we live directly juxtaposed to a major river in the United States, watching what you waste may be just what the world needs. Now that you know the mess that we have personally created, here is how to fix it: realize that you are the only one who can fix you, therefore you are the only one who can change the world. Politics and the English language by George Orwell is long summary of a few things: Say what you want to say, be honest in your writing and the only way to make change happen is to change yourself. Since reading it in my fifth period AP Language and Composition class I have tried to apply all of those basic rules in my everyday life, but the one that has been really sticking with me lately is the fact that things will only change when you decide to change them yourself. This act of doing better for yourself and the world can be applied in various ways, but today ladies and gentlemen we are discussing how fixing yourself can in turn reduce ocean pollution.
Stop throwing everything away. There are multiple large recycling bins around the school with loud green lids to get your attention. Those handy dandy recycling bins accept paper, plastic, glass and cans. So, the next time you get a drink from รก la carte think about the fact that last year Americans used 50 billion plastic bottles. Do your part and toss that bottle or can into the recycling bin, or even better, purchase a lovely water bottle from your nearby target. If you are not a sea turtle, then you probably do not know this, but when you are swimming in an ocean that is already struggling from oil spills and dying coral reefs and you are hungry, plastic bags look pretty tasty. A good alternative to using plastic bags every time you get lunch from Walmart is using reusable bags. They are larger than a regular plastic bag which means you can carry fewer loads, and you can get them in any design imaginable. I can go on and on about all the ways to better the oceans, but it would just be repeating all of the things we have been told since we were old enough to realize that littering is wrong. The moral of this story is that the first step to change is changing yourself. The world can not grow until the people on it do. I know that not everyone thinks about that line they left on the beach after an evening of fishing, or the can thrown into the river while they are out with buddies, but as soon as we start looking into our own actions, we can help the world become a little better.
How much do we use? Let us take a look at how many of each product is on average wasted each year in the United States.
1
BILLION
Opinion
100 BILLION
50
BILLION Statistics from Biologicaldiversity.org
February 2019
03
THE THE HYPEBEAST HYPEBEAST HERALD HERALD RILEY GRIFFIN General Reporter
Disclaimer: This article is all my personal opinion and the ideas are not taken from any website, person(s) or other articles. This edition of the HYPEBEAST HERALD will feature three recently hyped up sneakers and three music related sections.
P
T
he Air Jordan 6 “Infared” has been a staple for sneakerheads for years, and you guessed it, they are re-releasing again. This black and “Infared” Jordan 6 is supposed to be releasing during All-Star weekend The sneaker is also releasing with the coveted “Nike Air” on the heel of the shoe. These are probably going to have a hefty resale price because of this, but if you can snag them for retail value, good on you. Overall on the hype scale.
opular artist, Travis Scott, is very friendly with Jordan and Nike. His previous releases of the “Cactus Jack” Air Jordan 4’s were very popular to sneakerheads and hypebeasts all around. Scott has a recent sneaker with Jordan, the Jordan 1 “Cactus Jack”. These are a brown nubuck and Photo from Sneakerbardetroit.com white leather sneaker The Travis Scott “Cactus Jack” Air and feature a backwards facing swoosh on the Jordan 1’s feature a backwards Nike outside of the shoe. As swoosh, which was first introduced by you can assume from Lebron James in his signature shoe the his previous releases, “Lebron X.” these are getting very hyped up and will most likely go for a high resale price. Sneaky Scott also added a hidden pocket “enough to stash small paraphernalia,” said Hypebeast.com Sadly, these shoes are still currently unreleased but will hopefully be coming out soon. Overall on the hype scale.
Photo from Sneakernews.com
The Air Jordan 6 “Infared” has been only rereleased 2 times prior to its initial release date in 1991 prior to this year.
N
ike SB has recently released a surprising amount of hyped up shoes. These include the “Panda Pidgeon,” “Green Lobster” and “Purple Lobster” SB dunk lows. Yes I know, SB’s are not that hyped up anymore, but you would be surprised with the small hype around these sneakers. Travis Scott, Wale and even Lebron James were spotted in at least one of these sneakers. Personally, I hope that this will be the comeback of SB’s because in my opinion, SB’s have the most diverse and interesting colorways. This is probably because they have been around for so long. Overall on the hype scale because as of now SB’s are still pretty dead.
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Photo from sneakernews.com
Sneakernews is taking “on ice” to a whole new level with their release photo of the Nike “Purple Lobster” Dunk Low. February 2019
Opinion
The
Super-bowl occurred earlier this month and the big halftime show featured Travis Scott, Maroon 5 and Big Boi. Travis Scott performed “SICKO MODE”, Maroon 5 performed the surplus amount of songs that consisted of “Girls Like You”, “Moves Like Jagger” and “Sugar” just to name a few. Big Boi performed “The Way You Move.” As per request by which seemed to be Photo from Hypbeast.com almost half the US, Travis never fails to show off “Sweet Victory” was played by SpongeBob his fashion as he performed in a Squarepants and Nike shirt, Louis Vuitton belt and Patrick Star from the a pair of green unreleased Air episode of when they Jordan 6’s. played in the “Bubble Bowl,” a Super-Bowl spin-off. However, the request was to play the full version of the song, not partially and then move into “SICKO MODE,” which is what happend at this years superbowl. Overall on the hype scale.
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Savage, the Atlanta rapper whose name is linked to songs like “A Lot”, “Bank Account” and “No Advance” is not who he seems to be. As you may have heard, he is actually from The United Kingdom. His parents were both United Kingdom citizens and had traveled to the United States for work. Both of his parents overstayed their work visas and 21 was left with no United States citizenship. The Atlanta Police Department gave 21 Savage to The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE claims that he legally entered the US in 2005 but “failed to
Opinion
successfully departure” in 2006. 21 Savage actually applied for a U-Visa in 2017 but it has taken them this long to actually take control of his overstayed visit, which is over 11 years. Currently, the plan is to deport 21 Savage, but there are numerous petitions with copious amounts of signatures to stop this deportation. Overall on the hype scale.
T
ekashi 6ix9ine recently pleaded guilty to nine criminal accounts that included drug trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy and possession of illegal firearms to name some. He is expected to be spending an ironic minimum of 47 years in jail, and since he is 22 now, that means 6ix9ine will be getting out when he’s 69, so it sounds like we will not be hearing from him for awhile. When will people learn that drugs and g a n g s are bad? B o b b y Shmurda w a s Photo from Newshub.com enough to 6ix9ine is most recognized by his colorful show this hair, face tattoos and aggressive, scream is not the path to like voice he uses in his songs. go down and now we are losing 6ix9ine. It looks like musicians are going from overdosing on drugs in the 80’s to spending their time getting arrested in the 2010’s. Overall on the hype scale.
Hype Scale - no hype Photo from thegrio.com
Love is strong between 21 Savage and other rappers, as Jay-Z even purchased a top shelf lawyer for him when he got the news about his possible deportation. February 2019
- some hype
up
-hyped
05
The Real Piehl Pencil problems OWEN PIEHL Editor-In-Chief
We are so close to the end, guys (and girls). Actually, in all likelihood you are not close to the end, and are in fact on the beginning of your journey. In either case, keep on grinding and you will make it to the light at the end of the tunnel before you even discover what it is. If you feel strongly about this issue or others, please feel free to get in touch with either me or The Courier. You can email me at owen.piehl@msd1.org, or drop off a letter to us in Mrs. Cahoon’s room 221. I have heard and seen many astonishing things throughout my time in school. Mr. Peterson keeps a fake leg in his room — that is pretty crazy. The Brave Center is haunted? Now that is just downright spooky. There is, however, one thing in particular which I have been aware of for a long time and which now, as it reaches its culmination, has utterly dumbfounded me. It seems to be both untrue and unrealistic but is, in reality, entirely truthful and possible: Ian Dahners, a senior at Mandan High, has used the same mechanical pencil since sixth grade. I do not know about you, but I have never had a pencil last me longer than about a month or two throughout my entire school career. It just seems like they always disappear, break, run out of lead or some other thing, and I cast them away because, well, I just do not value my pencils very much. So knowing that this particular pencil has made it all this way is, to me, astounding. Now, you may not care very much about some random guy’s pencil, and I do not blame you. However, I would like to ask you one thing: what have you kept with you since sixth grade? Relationships? People come and go, and usually only your best friendships have the staying power to last through high school. As you get older and learn more about
yourself you will find friends who reflect so much about this? your interests, and they will be the ones I think it is because maybe, as I am getting who will influence you as you move toward old and feeling my senioritis start to grow, adulthood. I have kind of started reminiscing about Beliefs? The transition from your major “the good old days.” The days when life influences coming from your parents to was carefree and all I really had to worry most of your influences coming from your about were snap streaks and if I was going friends is to make the a major A team for turning basketball point in (I did not). high school. But, if I As a result, were given many of the chance your beliefs to go back which you and do may have things over held since again, I you were would not. young may Because it is begin to not only the Picture taken by Owen Piehl good things change. Ian Dahners’ pencil, pictured above, has seen This is not w h i c h something shape who everything (and I mean everything) you could you should you are, think of in its six year lifespan. fight, but but the bad something to be embraced. things as well. As your viewpoints and beliefs change The mistakes you make shape who you you come closer to finding who you are as are as a person, and the bad things always a person. make for the best stories. Trying too hard to hold onto who you While I have gone on about loss and have been is a surefire way to wreck who moving on for this entire page, I want you you are going to be. The best books and to know that I think there are some things stories are those which show character worth holding on to. development — the characters change as Whether it is an idea, a belief, a person their experiences and environment change or even just a mechanical pencil, once — and not allowing yourself to develop is you find those things it is your job to take only making your story less interesting. care of them. Keep some extra lead, buy a So, what happens to the things you leave new grip, replace your eraser, care for the behind? Where do they go? things you care about and appreciate them, I do not think experiences, relationships because they can disappear like a pencil in and beliefs which you leave in the past a school full of kids. are really gone. I think that all of these moments collectively define who you are as a person. It is the lessons that you learn from what you leave behind that will have the most lasting impacts on you. So, the real question is, why am I talking Pencil graphic by Owen Piehl Banana graphic by Shantel Jangula
06
February 2019
Opinion
Mandan High School Fails at Graduation The startling statistics and possible solutions MADI JUST
Once at the high school, there is an array of other problems. Mandan is not a very welcoming place. There is this stigma that Walking across a stage at the Starion Mandan is ghetto, that everyone does drugs and that we suck at Complex so that Mr. Andresen can give sports. Mandan is seen as second rate. you the paper to free you from high school That does not motivate students to go to school. is, for many students, a reality that they Because of that stigma, students who are transferring into Mandan can look forward to in the near future. But already have a bad taste in their mouth and are not expecting to for some students, it is merely a dream. like their new school. Our graduation rates at Mandan High Transfer students make up a big part of our cohort rates. The School are incredibly low right now. In transition to a new school is hard enough, but when you add an the 2017-2018 school year according to unwelcoming environment into the mix, the want to graduate a survey done by the lessens. district 78.8 percent “We have to do a better job with kids that : the of four year cohort transfer into our school community,” Curriculum of Native students graduated. number of students who Director Perry Just said. graduate in 4 years with The state average is Free and reduced lunch students have a American 88 percent. a regular high school disadvantage as well. They may have to worry Students In the same year, about things like providing for their families. diploma. 48 percent of This leads to a lot of stress and responsibilities economically disadvantaged students that a majority of students do not have, which can lead to homework of free and graduated. The state average is 74.5 getting pushed back. Once these students get behind, the possibilities of graduation reduced lunch percent. To finish off these depressing statistics, can turn bleak. students only 18.8 percent of Native American Now, the school district has come up with many different solutions students graduated in the 2017-2018 to these startling graduation rates, most of which were focused on school year. In past years, Mandan’s our Native American students, including starting an online Native Native American graduation rates have American Essential Understanding course for teachers. Overall been around 50 “The most shocking rates to me were our percent. The state Native American graduation rates,” Assistant average is 72 percent. Superintendent Jeff Fastnacht said. “It’s These are problems that need to be addressed unconscionable.” and corrected. Mandan students deserve better. The high school is trying to create a With rates this low, it is not just a student program that offers students who have a 2.5 problem, it is a district problem. There are GPA and can not afford to take a college class always going to be those kids who just do free college classes. not want to graduate, but you have to wonder The school district is also working on a why they feel that way. Do they think that it is program called MTSS or Multi Tiered System hopeless? Were they not prepared? of Support. This programs would be enacted at all schools in the Upcoming freshman are not prepared for the high school. At the Mandan area. It is supposed to get students support when they may middle school, they use a number grading system. This means that not be getting it at home or at their previous schools. instead of getting As Bs and Cs, they get ones, twos and threes. These are all good steps, but until we make Mandan High This is a big problem because freshman do not know where they School a place where students are proud to go to and bridge the stand grade wise at the high school. gap between the middle school and the high school, our rates will Along with the number grading system, students at the middle continue to be low. school do not get close to the amount of homework that a freshman The administrators and teachers in both the middle school and the student has. high school have to communicate more. Even if they are different By the end of eighth grade, students should be starting to get used school, they work with the same kids and are trying to help them to the amounts of homework that they will be getting freshman reach the same goal: graduation. year. Students need to be proud of their school and attempt to make I know nobody wants homework, but if a student is not prepared the school environment more welcoming and inviting. This can be for the workload of freshman year then they are not set up to as simple as saying hi to a new student or helping them find their succeed. class. To set students up to succeed freshman year, there needs to be If something does not change, Mandan will never catch up with more cohesion and consistency between the high school and the the rest of the state, forever leaving its students at a disadvantage. middle school.
Feature Editor
Mandan’s graduation rates for the 2017-2018 school year:
18.8%
Cohort Rate
48%
78.8%
“We have to do a better job with kids that transfer into our school community.”
Opinion
February 2019
07
Frightened Near the Finish
A look at the final year of high-school written by the anxious, for the anxious RYAN PHELPS General Reporter
Senior year; like a job or marriage, most people are excited about it, until it becomes one of the worst year of their lives. Between applying to colleges and scholarships, paying more of your own bills, avoiding questions of what we are doing after graduation and deciding what we want to do after graduation, many of us feel like just giving up. However, unlike a first job or marriage, the consequences of quitting are just enough to keep most of us from giving up, like a cat hanging from a burning tree with a single small pillow below us. Let go or hang on, all we want is someone to put out the fire. While these struggles are obvious to anyone going through them, those who are not may think the senior class is overreacting, and everyone is entitled to their opinion, wrong as it may be. That is why I shall try to quantitate the experience of an average student in the last semester of school so everyone can understand. Senior prom is one dance to top all others. Every weekend is another secret to keep. Every underclassmen is someone who may look up to you, and every achievement made in your first three years something to top this year. So the struggle is real, but even the highest mountain has its peak. School and parents are about to let go of the reins of our lives, and soon curfews, scolding phone calls and Photo by Ryan Phelps disappointed Friends may find it difficult to keep close talks are almost a thing after graduation, even bros like seniors of the past. Ethan Loeb and Jordan Kadrmas. While the new freedom and responsibility we will obtain is something we have been eagerly waiting for four years absolute minimum, it can still cause stress even before getting it. This leads me to my most important
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“Don’t you stop running and don’t you ever look behind you. There’s nothing for you behind you. All that exists is what’s ahead.” question; what can we do to keep sane during what may be the biggest transition of our lives so far? While there are many answers to this question, and I personally know far too few, there are some answers I do know that may be good enough to share. Remember your perspective. No matter how difficult the challenges you face may be, keep in mind many people have faced far worse and more importantly, felt just as hopeless. It is important to remember few decisions in someone’s high school career have life-or-death consequences. Find solace in nature. Netflix may be the best way to kill time ever, but it also can leave a person feeling empty. Walks, stargazing and general outdoor loitering is so amazing it made Henry David Thoreau famous and is accessible anywhere at any point in life, unlike Bdubs, anything that costs money, or possibly even you friends. Which leads me to... Chill with the homies. One of the hardest parts about life is that the people who helped you make it through one part of it, might not be there to help you through the rest. Luck, fate, and a similar zip-code brought you together, and without them you may be drawn apart. Until they do, you need to make the most of that zip-code. Talk to your friend like it is the last time because by the end of the year, it might be. We are all tired and impatient, but we have to keep going. Because I too am tired and impatient, I leave you with a quote from a sad animated horse to inspire you to be a confident real human. “Don’t you stop running and don’t you ever look behind you. There’s nothing for you behind you. All that exists is what’s ahead” - Secretariat from Bojack Horseman.
February 2019
Opinion
Hey! You Took My Spot!
Students are at risk, so help put your peers in less danger by avoiding these RILEY GRIFFIN parking problems General Reporter
Picture this, it is 7:45 in the morning, and you roll up to the school parking lot. You are parked right in front of a person who has their lights on. You are trying to look at your phone, but it is difficult because their light is blaring into your eyes. In the midst of this, you can not focus because you hear the classic tune of horns. You decide to move to a new spot across the parking lot that you see open. You try to pull out, and you almost get hit because that student in his big pickup thinks he is the man and decides to speed in the parking lot. This is the just one of the sad parking lot problems that occurs in our school. There are way too many parking lot violations that are both illegal and legal, but still annoying.
Drifting Drifting is the act of going around a corner sideways while stepping on the accelerator (gas pedal) to get increasingly further through the corner in a faster and more sideways speed. This illegal activity is especially bad in the area by the auto room in the rear parking lot. The street takes a 90 degree turn and people especially like to drift here. This is especially dangerous as there is low visibility because of the tree on this corner, so you could easily not see a car and drift to far in and hit another car. There are also cars parked on the east side of the street so if you are drifting from the west you may lose traction, spin out and possibly hit one of these cars or worse, a student.
Other More problems that the students face are the horn honking, parking and leaving your lights on in the morning. While these may be legal, they are not admired by the students. Leaving your lights on blinds the people in front of you, horn honking is annoying and taking up more than one parking spot is just rude. Leaving your lights on in the morning is seriously the worst to people with lower cars. It blinds your eyes and is super annoying. Although it may not be illegal, it is still a problem. Parking in someones spot after lunch is also another rude act that occurs daily. Students are often forced to park “in Narnia� and with this cold lately, it is not safe. At last is horn honking. Honking your horn especially attempt to make a song. This is not a super big deal lately, but every now and then I will hear it and it pushes my buttons.
Opinion
Photo by Riley Griffin
Coming back from lunch and finding your spot taken is a common occurrence for MHS.
Speeding We all know what speeding is, and we all know that it is a problem in the parking lot. Students often go too fast because they feel like they will not make it back in time for lunch, getting to school or leaving school to go home or to work. I can guarantee that you will not save a noticeable amount of time going 25mph instead of 10mph for our little stretch of parking lot. I get it, I have been in the car when that one song comes on and you just lose focus, but we have to remember the dangers of distracted driving and how seriously it could injure someone.
Burnouts
Another illegal act are burnouts. Burnouts are the act stepping on the brake and the accelerator of your vehicle to cause your rear tires to spin while you are in a parked place. This action wears out your tires severely as it shreds your tires quicker than you think. If you have a tire with low tread then your tire can also blow and then you would be rolling around on just your wheel, and that would not be good. The reason these are especially bad is because they flick rocks and debris at whatever is behind the vehicle, whether it be another car or a person. They also leave ugly black marks on the roads.
Why it matters Please for the sake of your peers well beings, do not participate in any of the activities that were previously listed. Imagine if you hit a teacher, or that cute boy in math or even your best friend. How would you feel? No life should be spared at the expense of a little fun or carelessness, so we are asking you to please think before you act. We all care deeply about our peers and would be devistated if we lost one of our dear friends. We would all appreciate it very much if you would keep our school as safe as possible.
February 2019
09
Mandan High School Not Aging Well The high school’s declining health and our chances at MADI JUST getting a new school Feature Editor
growth of Mandan and then decide whether or As students walk down to the not they can fit everyone gym, they may notice the bright into the school they yellow signs on the bathrrom currently have. If the doors warning that they are unsafe answer is no, then they and cracks spidering across the decide whether or not hallways. to expand the current Mandan high school has been building or look into around for over 60 years and the getting a new one. building’s age is starting to take If the board decides its toll with the lack of space and that we need a new outdated facilities. school, they start looking There are around 1100 students at good locations to build at Mandan this year with a huge a new school. new freshman class expected to “You have to have roam the halls in the 2019-2020 some potential locations school year. Right now all of the because when you Photo submitted by Ryan Lagasse grades at the middle school have present to the public, over 300 students. The school is not sure what caused the floor they don’t want to hear Classrooms are already very to rot, but suspect it has something to do with that you are thinking limited, and to add to that there about building a school, have been some problems with the water dripping on the floor constenlty. but you don’t know parking lots and the facilities. where,” School Board For example, the bathrooms Member Bob Klemisch by the gym have rotted floors, said. making them unsafe to use. “It's the same thing with an Along with the bathrooms, estimate for cost, you have to some of the classroom heaters have that as well.” are faulty, making it hard to Next, the new school has keep classroom temperatures to be approved by the Billing regulated during North and Finance Committee, Dakota’s frigid winters. which is part of the school “I usually have to wait around board, and then approved by 36 hours before [the heater] the board itself. really starts to work,” Spanish “We would be approving teacher Angela Harmon said. a bond issue,” Klemish said. “There was a day when I Bond issues have to be couldn’t get it to turn on and it passed with a super majority, reached 60 degrees in here.” 60 percent or higher. As of now, there have been no Photo by Madi Just “It’s very hard to get a plans announced about getting The floor by the gym has started to buckle and bond issue passed because a new school in recent years, you are asking people to and Mandan does not own any crack. raise their taxes,” Klemisch land to build a high school on. said. “You’d have to win by “We bought land in the Lakewood area to build a new elementary school, but not a new a landslide.” If all of that gets approved, then plans would have to be drawn high school,” Superintendent Mike Bitz said. A high school is recommended to be built on about 40 acres of and then the high school would have to be built, which would take between three to five years depending on the size. land. In short, despite the rising costs of restoring the current school, Many students want a new high school, but the road to a new population growth and the outcry by students for a new school, building is long and hard. The first thing the school board does is look at the population it is unlikely that a new school will be built in the coming years.
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February 2019
News
A Government in Shutdown: How North Dakota’s workers are affected DANTE DANIEL General Reporter
the amount of the workers past earnings. “The issue with the shutdown for us is that we are still waiting for federal guidance on what to do with workers who are deemed essential and must work without pay,” Arenz said. “This includes TSA agents, air traffic controllers, some national park rangers or park center staff, and many military and defense jobs.” Timothy Thorsen, the assistant director at the Bismarck Airport, has seen first hand what the shutdown has done to workers. “We had trouble coordinating with the FAA as many of the personal were furloughed,” Thorsen said. “The local air traffic control personnel did work the entire shutdown without pay.” The Bismarck airport did not experience any significant operational delays due to the shutdown, and Thorsen says the credit goes to the staff that worked throughout the shutdown. “There were no significant operational issues, and the reason for that relies heavily on our staff. It shows what kind of people are working here that they were able to come in and do their jobs everyday while not getting paid,” Thorsen said. One big impact that the shutdown had for the Bismarck Airport was the absence of income for their many workers. “The community was impacted greatly as many of the TSA, FAA, and other federal department employees did not have income and were therefore unable to pay some bills or make purchases over the holiday season,” Thorsen said. President Trump will continue to push for funding for the border wall with claims that the shutdown will resume if funding is not achieved. “I wish people would read or listen to my words on the Border Wall. This was in no way a concession,” President Trump said. “We have the understanding that in 21 days, if no deal is done, it’s off to the races!” With paychecks and livelihoods on the line, and both parties dug in for a grueling fight, many Americans will be watching the next few weeks carefully in anticipation of another Government Photo sourced from AOC.gov Shutdown.
800,000 people without work, thousands more working without pay and a government on leave. This may sound like a science fiction novel, but it is the reality for many of the federal workers affected by the government shutdown. However this is about to change. President Trump approved a bill that would open the Government for three weeks, allowing federal workers to get back to work, and forcing congress to come up with a new budget that will fund his border wall or face another shutdown. This three week break comes as a relief to government employees, as the shutdown has waged on since before Christmas. Amy Arenz at the North Dakota Job Service has seen first hand what the lack of pay has done to federal workers in the state. “We have had many federal workers coming in and filing for unemployment since the shutdown started,” Arenz said. Job Service of North Dakota has been printing out informational sheets for federal workers who stop in, and many workers have been told to follow the information on these sheets. “These sheets of information we have been handing out have information regarding how to apply for unemployment, the amount possible they can receive and some statistics about the amount of workers who are on furlough,” Arenz said. There are around 2,000 federal workers in North Dakota who are affected by the shutdown, with around 300 having to file for unemployment during the shutdown period. Temporarily “We have not had Closed very many federal workers apply for unemployment out We’ll Be Right Back! of the total number of workers, but many have applied for government benefits during this time,” Arenz said. The federal assistance available to workers includes a twelve to twentysix week weekly benefit amount. This amount ranges from forty-three dollars per week to six The Capitol Building during a snow hundred dollars a week depending on February.
News
February 2019
clearing operation in early
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Pinkout:
A Mandan DECA and Edith Sanford partnership DANTE DANIEL
“One of my favorite things that I have found since transfering is how close the community is here, and how they all support each other in their battles against cancer.” Mandan High School students are known within the community Ohonme is involved with Mandan and several other schools in for charitable acts and good deeds. From fundraisers for former the area, and gives helpful insight into the effort that goes into students, to charity events for families who have lost homes and planning these events. family members, Mandan students rise above and beyond. The “The first thing we do is bring key players to our committee next big project on their minds is the Pinkout Campaign with Edith meetings,” Ohonme said. “These can either be schools like yours Sanford. who want to host an event, or businesses looking to partner with The student in charge of the Pinkout campaign is Alexas Johnson, us.” who is a sophomore DECA officer. This is only the first step of the process however, and much more “We started the pinkout campaign partnership with Edith Sanford work goes into it. two years ago,” Alexas Johnson said. “Before that, we ran the “We then decide when, pinkout campaign on our where and at what time an own.” event takes place, and then The current iteration of we book the venue and start the Pinkout campaign has to plan our activities for the been around for two years, evening,” Ohonme said. and Johnson is fairly new This planning accounts to it. for most of the prep phase, “I have been working and all that is left to do is on the pinkout campaign run the event itself. since August of this year,” “Once we have volunteers Johnson said. acquired, we bring flyers DECA has been working and promotional materials with Edith Sanford for two to the event to set up,” years, and the partnership Ohonme said. “After the has been nothing but event, we talk with the positive, according to event hosts about what Johnson. went well, what we could “We enjoy the partnership do better and when the next with Sanford because it lets event is.” our members connect with Even with all this work members in the community and planning, Ohonme says and gives our members she enjoys her job. experience in handling “I enjoy the day to day community service events,” work,” Ohonme said. Johnson said. Photo by Dante Daniel “But my favorite part has The Edith Sanford to be hearing the stories foundation has a history History Teacher Todd Sheldon and senior Kordell Myers take a of our patients who have picture at the Pinkout photobooth during a hockey game. of helping cancer patients. overcome their cancer and When Denny Sanford was use their stories to inspire a young child, his mother Edith passed away from breast cancer. others to help.” This event in his life filled Denny with a new resolve to ensure that It is not just the students and Sanford members who enjoy the other children did not have to grow up without their mothers. pinkout events, but the coaches also. Mandan head football coach Adenike Ohonme has seen struggles like what Denny faced Todd Sheldon shares why he enjoys the pinkout events. during her work with Edith Sanford. “I think the cause is worthwhile, and the team enjoys getting to “In 2012, Denny donated a large sum of 100 million dollars to wear the extra gear,” Sheldon said. start the Edith Sanford foundation with hopes to accomplish his With over fifteen distinct pinkout events over the year, $3,000 vision,” Adenike Ohonme said. raised in the last five months, an expanding list of events and Ohonme is a new member within Edith Sanford, but has jumped members who are passionate about their work and a Mandan headfirst into the fundraising side for the foundation. community who is fervently supporting this charity, the pinkout “I joined Edith Sanford about two months ago, and before this I campaign shows no signs of slowing down. was working in the marketing side in Sioux Falls,” Ohonme said.
General Reporter
News
February 2019
13
Courier Calendar February - March ANNE KESLER General Reporter
Sports:
Boys’ basketball:
Feb. 28 - Mar. 2, regionals @Bismarck Civic Center TBD Mar. 7 - Mar. 9, state @Bismarck Civic Center TBD
Girls’ basketball:
Feb. 28 - Mar. 2, regionals @Bismarck Civic Center TBD Mar. 7 - Mar. 9, state @Bismarck Civic Center TBD
Boys’ swimming
Mar. 1, @BSC Aquatic and Wellness Center 3:30 pm (diving starts @ 12:30 pm) state Mar. 2, varsity state @BSC Aquatic and Wellness Center 1:30 pm (diving starts at 10:30 am)
Photo by, Anne Kesler
Pep band shows off their skills at the start of a boys’ basketball game agaisnt Dickinson.
Lunch at First Lutheran:
Clubs:
Mar. 7, TBD Mar. 14, TBD Mar. 21, TBD Mar. 28, TBD
Meetings everyday friday @ 7:30 in room 121
Feb. 28, sandwiches
Student Congress:
Tests:
Mar. 12, ACT test (all juniors) Mar. 26, AP Calculus Mock Exam Mar. 27, AP Biology Mock Exam Mar. 28, AP Chemistry Mock Exam
Mar. 1, Dickinson High Mar. 2, DSU Hawk Mar. 8, New Salem Mar. 9, I-94 in Richardton Mar. 16, BisMan in Mandan Mar. 23, Killdeer Mar. 26, Richardton Last Chance
Debate:
Boys’ track:
Mar. 14, @UM TBD Mar. 22, state indoor @NDSU Bison Sports Arena TBD Mar. 29, wda indoor @UM TBD
Feb. 1-2, state debate @Fargo
Speech:
Feb. 23, tournament @Shiloh
TSA:
Girls’ track:
Mar. 18-19, state
National Honor Society:
Mar. 14, @UM TBD Mar. 22, state indoor @Fargo Dome TBD Mar. 29, wda indoor @UM TBD
Mar. 6, 3:30 meeting in back of MHS library
Deca:
Band:
Feb. 25, CBI @ 7:30pm Feb. 26, CBIII @ 6:00pm CBII @ 7:30pm Mar. 4 - 5, Big Muddy Band Festival Mar. 11, Jazz III and MMS Jazz Concert @ 7:30pm Mar. 13, Brass Solo & Ensemble Festival Mar. 13-18, Marching Band trip to Photo by, Anne Kesler Ireland Junior Lakyn Darras goes in for Mar. 21-23, ND All State Music the shot at a Mandan vs. Dickinson Festival girls’ basketball game.
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FCA:
February 2019
Mar. 10-12, State @Ramkota in Bismarck
Latin:
Mar. 5, Mardi Gras party Mar. 8-9, NDJCL state convention
Other:
Mar. 6, Tri- College Math meet Mar. 14, makeup storm day
Prom March 30, 2019
Sports
Homelessness
Photo submitted by United Way
Homelessness is a prevalent issue for all age groups.
igh school students surviving difficult times
/ˈhōmləs/ adjective
LIBERTY HURLEY
(of a person) without a home, and therefore typically living on the streets
Homelessness comes in all different shapes and sizes. It is a common misconception that being homeless means living on the streets, but homelessness can mean many things. Homelessness is defined as “an individual without permanent housing who may live on the streets; stay in a shelter, mission, single room occupancy facilities, abandoned building or vehicle; or in any other unstable or non-permanent situation,” according to the National Healthcare for the Homeless
Council. Homelessness varies in degrees of severity and not all homelessness looks the same. Homelessness can be long term or short term and varies in different circumstances. Just because someone is not living in the street does not necessarily mean they are not homeless. “An individual may be considered to be homeless if that person is ‘doubled up,’ a term that refers to a situation where individuals are unable to maintain their
Assistant Editor-In-Chief
Feature
February 2019
COURTNEY ENTZI
Sports and Co-News Editor
housing situation and are forced to stay with a series of friends and/or extended family members,” according to the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council. “In addition, previously homeless individuals who are to be released from a prison or a hospital may be considered homeless if they do not have a stable housing situation to which they can return. A recognition of the instability of an individual’s living arrangements is critical to the definition of homelessness.”
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Photo by Liberty Hurley
Youthworks helps give young adults tools and aid during and after high school.
Homelesssness in the School COURTNEY ENTZI
Sports and Co-News Editor Homelessness for high school students is not always what one would picture. “Chaotic and unstable would be a good couple words to describe it,” Homeless Liaison for Mandan Public Schools Kathryn Doll said. A big question many have is how do people become homeless? “At times there is substance use and abuse in the household. So, maybe mom and dad are spending money on drugs and alcohol instead of rent and food and heat. Sometimes parents lose their job and they just can’t afford to keep up,” Doll said. “It really depends on the family and what they are going through. We have had families who have lost their homes in fires, and they are considered homeless because they don’t have a home to go to.” Doll is always ready to help these students whether it is providing food or finding shelter. “They have my cell phone number and Mrs. Just’s cell phone number, so if there is a time when they are not safe and they need to go somewhere, they can call us and we can try to help them and of course if it is not safe for them they can always call the police and get help that way,” Doll said. School can be a problem for these students especially if their minds are focused on other problems. “I think often for them it’s hard to focus in school because you’re thinking where am I going to stay tonight? Is it safe where I am staying? Do I have food tonight? Do I have to find a job? Where’s my mom and dad?” Doll said. “So it’s really hard to focus with all of that other stuff going on.” Some of the ways the school helps ease these problems is by providing transportation for these students who otherwise would be unable to come to school.
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“Let’s say maybe for a week you are staying in Bismarck, I can help find you transportation to and from school so we can keep you at school like a taxi ride or that might mean me picking you up some evenings or taking you home,” Doll said. The district provides free meals like lunch and breakfast and other items that students can take with them. “We have a little food pantry here at the high school, so you can grab your backpack and take what you need,” Doll said. The school’s goal is to keep these students in school and provide a structured environment these students may benefit from. “We also work closely with the counselors at the high school, so if you are having a rough day, we can set up a safe place where you can go and just decompress and get away from all the business of school,” Doll said. While the school’s homeless population in the district is around 70 students, Doll says there are many more cases that go unreported. “Our numbers a lot of the time are not reflective of the actual population because a lot of people don’t report that they are homeless because they don’t want that stigma attached to them,” said Doll. “So if we can get more students to step up and say ‘hey, my friend got kicked out and he or she has been staying with me,’ they can get some help.” Some students are afraid to discuss their problems and this can stop them from receiving help. “They can be open and vocal about it and kind of use it as a learning opportunity…, but more often than not kids put up walls and put on their happy face and their front and put their head down and don’t say anything about it,” Doll said. If a student has a friend in this situation it can be difficult to discuss but the best thing to do is support them. “Let them know, ‘hey I see you’re struggling right now and I am here if you need to talk. I’m here to help you.’” Doll said. Students can reach out and receive help at anytime and can get in touch with Doll by talking to the school counselors. While she understands students may not want help, she stresses that she is always available if they change their mind. “If they don’t want my help, I respect that,” Doll said. “I am here when you need me, and when you are ready give me a call, send me a message, I am here to help you.”
Students that qualify and are in need are welcome to take food home from the districts food pantry. Photo submitted by Laura Just
Februarry 2019
Feature
Homelessness Outside of School LIBERTY HURLEY
Assistant Editor-In-Chief
399 homeless There are about
Imagine being 19 in college, staying in the campus dorms. You stop showing up to class, so you are then kicked out of your dorm which is 700 miles from home, and mom and dad say you are not allowed to come home. You are now homeless. What do you do? Where After high school, homelessness changes its look. Youth can no longer go to the school counselors and receive in school help, so they must receive the necessary help from outside sources. Youthworks is a private non profit agency that serves youth that are run away, homeless, at risk of being runaway or at risk of being homeless. “We are really focused on those teens and young adults,” Youthworks Program in Bismarck-Mandan Manager Mark Heinert said. “Our youth might be struggling with a variety of things, and [we are] just trying to help them, advocate for them and support them.” Youthworks has two main offices, one in Bismarck and the other Fargo. Any applicable youth from the surrounding Bismarck-Mandan area can go to them if they are in need of living assistance. ,a “At any time in the Bismarck-Mandan area we have 20 people that we are homeless shelter and aid housing in apartments that are between 18 and 24 years old,” Heinert said. organization, provided the Youthworks provides homeless young adults between the ages of 18-24 opportunities and assistance that they would have been getting from their high homeless in Bismarck-Mandan school. with a total of “We do provide case management, counseling, we help people with independent living skills and it might range from helping people figure out if they want to go to college, finishing high school,” Heinert said. When a youth under the age of 18 runs away or is in a situation where they are at risk of running away, Youthworks usually works closely with parents and police. “Parents are sometimes saying ‘I’ve kicked my kid out, I’m ready to kick my kid out,’” Heinert said. nights of emergency shelter Whether or not a youth has a valid reason, running away is not just walking out the door with all your things and calling it good. It can lead to some serious legal issues. “It is a status offense,” Heinert said. “We are one of the few states where it is actually still considered an offense to run away.” A step by step process on how youth become homeless cannot be made because homelessness varies case to case, but some factors can give some youth a higher risk than others. “42 percent of our kids were in the system prior to finding themselves homeless as young adults,” Heinert said. “It mostly has to do with the fact that some of those natural family supports that might exist for a lot of people just aren’t in place because they are in that system.” There are other outside factors that may also contribute “In 2017, 57 percent of our homeless youth had some sort of a behavioral health issue,” Heinert said. “So we do have a higher amount of people struggling with mental health or chemical addictions.” Aside from all the facts and statistics, homelessness is real and it is happening in the BismarckMandan community. The first step to ending the cycle is acknowledging that it is happening. “Where I think our country, our society, has made mistakes is sort of assuming that there’s all these other problems that are causing someone to be homeless,” Heinert said. “They are homeless because they don’t have a home.”
students
United Way
14,900 42 %
of Youthwork’s kids were in the system prior to finding themselves homeless
If you would like to contact Doll you can reach her on her office phone, 701-7516530 or her email, kathryn.doll@msd1.org
Feature
February 2019
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An Average Student to an A student Study tips to help pass your hardest class MADI JUST
Feature Editor
It is that kind of year again where students have begun to pick their classes. There is always that one class makes it seem like no matter what you do or how hard you try, you cannot pass, but fear not, for there is hope. In polls taken by 121 students, these four classes were said to be the hardest the students ever taken. Teacher share theit tips and tricks on how to succeed in their class. *Some of these tips could be applied to other classes not included on this short list.
Chemistry - 11th grade vote
A majority of students who said chemistry was one of their hardest classes listed it because the information was so complex and because the material was all new. “[Chemistry] is very abstract,” chemistry teacher Dewitt Mack said. A good way to stay on top of all of this new information would be to review the material periodically and to read sections of the book to better understand the material. “You can’t review [the information] right before a test because there is too much information,” Mack said. “Chemistry is a lot like a math class, in that you have to continually refresh your memory or you’re going to lose it all before the test.” Mr. Mack is available before school and during Braves Tutorial everyday if a student needs help understanding some of the information.
English IV - 12th grade vote English IV is a mixture of reading advanced literature such as Frankenstein and writing. The writing grades are usually taken as a test grade, and that is, according to students who took the poll, the hardest part of the class. “The best way to do well in my class is to turn in your writing assignments,” English IV teacher Benita Saur said. “You can’t be afraid to write.” Saur says that if a student needs help completing a writing assignment, they just have to ask questions and go over what they are having trouble with her. “I would also suggest staying organized so you turn in all of your assignments,” Saur said.
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February 2019
Physical Science 9th grade vote Physical science introduces students to the world of atoms, forces, physics and a little bit of chemistry. These subjects are hard to understand, especially without having a lot of prior knowledge on the subject. “I would recommend color coordinating your notes to keep everything separated,” physical science teacher Ciera Kroh said. “If we are going over a math example, highlight it pink , if it’s a vocab word highlight it blue and if it’s just information or concepts that you should know, highlight it yellow. This can help you grasp more of the new information.” Like chemistry, breaking your studying into sections and reviewing periodically may help students absorb the information better. “I tell my students to break their studying into weeks and even give a quiz every week on the information they learned.”
Biology -10th grade vote For the majority of students, the last time they took any sort of life science class was in seventh grade. Biology takes those simple concepts and expands on them “There are a lot of vocab in biology that are very similar and very difficult,” biology teacher Jurene Levadney said. “It’s not that students don’t know the words, it’s that they are so similar and that they haven’t gone super in depth with them until this year.” To help study vocabulary terms and concepts, Levadney recommends using flashcards, quizlets, or kahoots. “Students like to go onto games like kahoot and verse each other.” Levadney said.
You can find the quizlets Levadney uses by scanning the QR code with your phone or iPad. Her Kahoot name is JLevadney.
Feature
RYAN PHELPS General Reporter
The Flipside What kind of animal would your talking sidekick be?
Freshman Anakin Farley
“A dog because I love dogs!”
What is your spirit Which animal would you animal and why? least like to see in a dark alley? “I guess a fox because they are sly and sneaky.”
“A wolf.” Photos by Ryan Phelps
Sophomore Kylie Osborn
Junior
Jaden Rohrich
“A huge gorilla.”
“A hawk. I’m blind “Iguana. I don’t like it in the polar vortex.” without contacts.”
“A lion.”
“A dog because they are around a “A dog probably, I don’t know why.” lot of people.”
“A Koala because they look cool.”
“Mushu from Mulan, because he’s a smart aleck.”
“A guinea pig because they just eat and sleep all day.”
“A cat because they will tell it to me straight.”
Senior
Taiylor Rall
Teacher
Shawn Boehm
What was you first impression of high school? “I thought it was going to suck and be way harder than middle school.”
Skyler Wolff
Noobs of the Month
“A snapping turtle. One of the vicious ones.”
“A black panther. You wont see him coming until he rips you apart”
What was you first impression of high school? “Slightly terrifying.” How big do you think you backpack is?
Why do you deserve to be Noob of the Year
“I gotta go with Supernoob, because I’m that guy who makes memes in class.”
“Fairly average.”
What are some of your nicknames?
Feature
“I’m weird, but pretty cool.”
Callie Miller
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Febuary 2019
The Mothers of
Doris Schlosser
Spotlight on Mandan High
ANNE KESLER General Reporter
Favorite place to eat? “Longhorn Steakhouse.” What are your hobbies? “Sewing.” Favorite meal to make? “Hotdogs.” Tiffany Matzke-Gieser
Favorite place to eat? “Panera.” What are your hobbies? “Serving at church.” Favorite meal to make? “Breakfast.” Lisa Beckler
She begins her day thinking about the needs of others. She does her job lovingly, knowing that each small task makes a big difference in a student’s day. At the crack of dawn, she makes her way through the dark hallways of the school long before the students arrive. In the kitchen, she chops, dices and mixes, preparing food for each child who holds a special place in her heart. She is known as a lunch lady. Mandan High School’s team of lunch ladies not only serve up student lunches, they provide a comforting start to each student’s day. “[I make my food] with lots of love,” lunch lady Doris Schlosser said. At about 6:30 a.m., the ladies begin making breakfast for students who arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. all the way until about 10:30 a.m. And, before breakfast is even finished being served, the ladies begin working on the biggest meal of the day: lunch. Ah yes, the meal a student looks forward to during a hard day of school work or tests. From the creamy mashed potatoes to the crunchy egg rolls, the ladies prepare it all. In all they prepare about 45,000 lunches and 15,000 meals each month according to the Mandan Public Schools Child Nutrition page. That boils down to about 600 meals in total per day. Meal preparation and planning must follow strict health
45,000 20
lunch meals
Favorite place to eat? “Home.” What are your hobbies? “Walk.” Favorite meal to make? “Pizza.”
made each month February 2019
Feature
the Lunchroom
Dottie Ell
School’s Lunch Ladies
guidelines that require menus to adhere to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans: preparing meals using food products that contain zero grams of trans fat, food on school menus must contain 30 percent calories from fat, less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat, at least 1/3 of the RDA for key nutrients like calories, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and C, and many more according to the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA). But some ladies like to add their own little touches to the food. “[I put} the awesome divits in the mashed potatoes,” lunch lady Tiffany Matzke-Gesier said. As you enter the ala carte, the aroma of fresh baked cookies fill the air. Salads with ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers and fresh lettuce fill the new cooler with easy access for students who might need that little boost of energy before their next class. For the ladies, however, the part they enjoy most about the lunch room is learning more about the students they serve. “I enjoy working with the students,” lunch lady Marianne Wille said. Ironically, sometimes it’s the students who give the ladies heartburn. Occasional lunch room brawls and bad table manners need to be kept from boiling over, but it’s all part of the job. “[The] Kids keep you on your toes,” Matzke-Gieser said.
Favorite place to eat? “Taco Johns.” What are your hobbies? “Scrapbooking.” Favorite meal to make? “Everything.” Marianne Wille
Favorite place to eat? “Texas Roadhouse.” What are your hobbies? “Sewing, decorating cakes.” Favorite meal to make? “Most of them are good.” Karen Schatz
15,000
Breakfast Meals made each month
Feature
Favorite place to eat? [Undecided] what are your hobbies? “Walking my dog.” Favorite meal to make? “Salad bar.” February 2019
All photos by Anne Kesler
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YAY
In-store
OR vs.
NAY Online
Prom Dresses MAGGIE KNOLL General Reporter
Finding a prom dress is seen as a right of passage for many high schoolers, but it can be very stressful. Students may worry about the price of a dress, the color, the style and where they should even get their dream dress in the first place. They could go online for more options and a cheaper price, or shop in-store for a chance to try it on and the comfort of knowing it’s going to be there on time for prom. Two students share what drove their decision to purchase in-store or online.
Kambree Perkins
Hannah Voigt
Junior
Senior
I prefer to buy in-store for many reasons. The biggest reason for me is the fact that I can try dresses on. I don’t really know what my dress size is, because it changes a little everywhere I go. Online, I don’t know for sure how the dress will fit until I get it. Another pro to trying it on is that I know what styles look good on me. A dress might look nice in a picture or on a hanger, but what really matters is how it looks on the person. People may argue that online dresses are cheaper, but I got my prom dress in-store for only $94 and it was still beautiful. Instore dress shopping is just way more convenient for me.
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If you are looking for a wide variety, online shopping is the way to go. Without the hassle of booking and paying for appointments, you can pick out the dress you like without pressure. It is completely on your own time, so you do not have to worry about leaving your house to pick out your dress in an hour. Comparing prices and getting sales notifications is super easy. If you are not looking to take the “risk” of not seeing the dress in person, there is easy access to customer review and sizing, so you will know exactly what you are getting.
February 2019
Feature
Speech Club: Inspiring the next generation of public speakers
Club Spotlight
DANTE DANIEL
Some Speech members, like Mayson Sheldon, are not phased by the amount of practice. “I usually go in and practice about four times a week,” Sheldon said. “These practices include speaking, For many high school students, giving a speech or a presentation preparing your event items and working with your partner, which is a daunting task. However, Mandan High Students in Speech is enjoyable as it gives me time to plan and lay out my ideas.” Club have little fear when it comes to talking to large groups. Mayson Sheldon competed last Speech Coach Annette Bender tells year at WDA with her partner in about the challenges students face the humorous duo category. in speech. “The humorous duo event is a “It can be hard for many of the event where you and a partner get new students who join to get up and some time before you meet the talk in front of the judges, many of judges, and you then have to give which are former speech members a speech using humor to win the themselves,” Bender said. judges over,” Sheldon said. Speech Club has around 32 Bender has high expectations members who participate regularly for her club members, and she at meets and competitions. works to ensure that they get the They compete in events such as practice they need. She does, humourous duos, serious duos, however, have a different idea of formal and informal speeches. success for her club other than a Speech Members use these events state championship. to help practice their skills for “I don’t weigh my members WDA and the State Competition. success on how well they do at “We compete in twelve different state, or at WDA,” Bender said. events throughout the year, “I would love to come home with with regionals and state coming a state championship title, but I afterwards,” Bender said. “We weigh my members success on if have 14 different events within they improve. They could come in speech, and members can qualify and never win their event, but as for state within these events.” long as they get a little better, or Speech members attend these feel like they did something better events to learn the ins and outs than the last time, that's all that of speech, and to gain ideas and matters to me.” arguments for their own speeches. Photo by Annette Bender The members in speech are “Many students attend the speech Speech members are rewarded for their hard work always looking for new members, meets to gain insight or practice and they have some words for at the local meet. against other schools,” Bender those who are on the fence about said. “A typical speech meet has joining speech. between 13 to 30 schools, so this is a great way for members to “To anyone thinking about joining speech, I would say to do it,” have some solid competition before regionals.” Mayson said. “There is an event for anybody, and if you get Practice makes perfect within speech club, and the members are nervous about talking alone, you can find a partner to help out.” expected to practice quite a bit depending on their events. Speech member Ashlyn Bergan echos these statements and has “I require my members to practice twice a week per event, and her own points to add. they have about 15 minutes of practice at each of these, so around “If you are thinking about joining, you should definitely do it,” an hour per week,” Bender said. “That is just with us however. If Bergan said. “The people are fun, the events are fun, and everyone a member really wants to excel, they will practice much more on is willing to help make your presentation the best it can be.” their own time.”
General Reporter
Feature
February 2019
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I Am...
Students doing diverse things share who they think they are and why they do what they do.
Creator Dedicated Self-Driven
Some look at school and groan, but senior Ashlin Schaefbauer looks at school as a challenge that she is excited to face. Schaefbauer started her passion for math and other academics at a young age. “I really like learning about [math] because it just makes a lot of sense to me and it’s just fun,” Schaefbauer said. “When I was in the second grade I was like mom I want to learn long division.” Her love of learning has taken her to the number one spot in her class, valedictorian, but it was not always an easy path. “I have done a lot of summer school and taken a lot of hard classes in order to get here,” Schaefbauer said. For Schaefbauer math is something she even wants to make a career out of. “I’m going to college for math, and I am very excited for it,” Schaefbauer said. “I want to go in to math to be an actuary possibly.” By staying motivated and pushing herself as far as she can go, Schaefbauer has positioned herself as a self-driven leader.
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Artists come in every shape and form, but here at Mandan High school junior Anna Loyd is making her mark as a creator. “I do a lot of writing, and I create my own characters, and I create my own plot lines and I write them down, but I like being able to draw them as well,” Loyd said. Loyd has been doodling since she was young, but since middle school, she has taken her art seriously. “It is just a thing that I have been doing for so long that if I didn’t do it, I would feel unproductive,” Loyd said. Loyd spends most of hours out of her day on her art. For her, it is a good distraction. “I just do it for myself,” Loyd said. “If I’m having a bad day or don’t want to do something, I’ll take a quick break, draw something and then come back to it.” Staying passionate about a talent can be hard, especially when spectators do not see the time and effort being contributed. “What you don’t see from looking at art is how many hours I spend craned over my desk working on it to the point where when I try to stand up, I literally fall on my desk because my legs have been still for so long,” Loyd said Loyd's continuing passion and mental push is the reason why she is making a mark on the art world. February 2019
Senior Nathan Mattoon has been in band since the sixth grade. Since then, Mattoon has improved a lot, but he still works each day to advance his skills. “When I start to doubt myself, I just hang in and keep on practicing,” Mattoon said. “I listen to a lot of professionals because it strives me play better and I want to just get better in general.” Not only does Mattoon work each day to motivate himself, but as a role model in the band community he has the responsibility to motivate his peers as well. “To motivate others I usually just tell them they need to practice,” Mattoon said. “If you want it to get better, you’re going to have to practice. It’s just how it works.” High school is not the end of Mattoon’s music career. He hopes to further his music career past college. “I either want to play professionally, or I want to teach other kids music and how fun it is to get better,” Mattoon said.
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Stagemom
Being a leader can be tough, but senior Ambrosia Boehm uses her position to motivate and influence others. “I stay motivated because, as a freshman, when I joined I looked up to the seniors and I wanted to be just like them,” Boehm said. “Throughout the years as I got older I had the freshmen looking up to me so I knew I had to be there for them as well.” Boehm started her acting career her freshman year and has been in love with it since. “I really love getting connected with so many people and getting to forget about your life and become someone else for a little while,” Boehm said. Her passion for the theater arts has led her to make some important life decisions. “I think I have always wanted to pursue acting,” Boehm said. “I am going to the Academy for the Dramatic Arts in California. I want to go to get my bachelors in Playwright.” Although she is graduating this upcoming spring, Boehm is pushing for students to give theater a shot just like she did. “Even if you are unsure if you want to do acting come audition come sit in on an audition and see how it is,” Boehm said. Because of her passion and love for theater, this future star is shining bright.
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Confident Since middle school, junior Kaya Gayette has been a cheerleader. Improving every year since, she is now a varsity flyer for the team. I’ve always wanted to do it,” Gayette said. “Ever since I was little I liked the idea of [cheerleading], but I found it in middle school” As a competitive sport, cheerleading is not as simple as some think, especially when nerves and trust are added into the equation. “It is a lot of trust in it,” Gayette said. “Especially for stunting. If you are a flyer, you have to trust your bases.” With cheerleading on her mind for the near future, Gayette plans to attend the University of North Dakota for college. “They have a good music program, and they have a good cheerleading program,” Gayette said. Cheerleading is no easy game and Kaya is proving that everyday with her dedication and willingness to help lead the team.
SelfMotivated Motivated
Queens come sparingly in our North Dakota state, but luckily we have one living among us. Senior Claire Graner is the North Dakota High School Rodeo Queen, and she holds her title with pride. “I have always wanted to run for a queen title, and this is the first queen title I got to run for,” Graner said. “Just knowing that I won in such a high rank made me feel so happy.” Being the queen comes with many responsibilities. “I go around to schools… and talk about what rodeo is and kind of promote the sport of rodeo,” Graner said. “Then I’ll go to professional rodeos, I’ll carry the American flag, I’ll go carry banners for other sponsors, I’ve put on little kid rodeos before the rodeos and sometimes adult rodeos.” Not only are there high expectations, the sport is physically tedious as well. “Rodeo is a sport, it just takes other abilities to do it,” Graner said. “A lot of people don’t know how much work or effort it takes to do your job.” Graner hopes to compete for Miss Rodeo North Dakota after college. So, maybe one day the queen will reign again.
February 2019
Senior TJ Reinhardt started his swimming career at a young age and has kept up with his swimming career year round since. “I have been swimming ever since I was little,” Reinhardt said. “It is something that I’ve just been good at.” TJ’s long running swimming career made him a good candidate for a swim captain position. “I was just thrown into this leadership spot, and I think I took it pretty well,” Reinhardt said. Being a captain can be demanding, so for Reinhardt, staying on top of his swimming is important. “A big motivation of mine is to always improve my times. It is something you can always work on,” Reinhardt said. Swim and Dive is one of the sports at Mandan that not many students come and support, so Reinhardt is pushing for more students to participate in cheering on the team. “Some swim meets are boring, but other ones can be kind of exciting like state and WDA,” Reinhardt said. “So I would just say come out and watch sometime.”
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Sports Spotlight Boys’ Hockey: “Shooting” for State
RILEY GRIFFIN General Reporter
‘Practice makes perfect’ is not good enough for the Braves. They season. go by the mindset that perfect games come from perfect practice “Speed, quickness, agility or even a simple jump rope would and they are striving for it. be great,” said Mattson. “I always tell kids before you turn on “We’re at a level of competition that we didn’t have last year. the Fortnite just go stick handle for five minutes and it will do We’re getting game like speed during practice,” said Head Coach wonders.” Leif Mattson. The boys have some tough competition this season as they do During the boys’ games, they make various plays and stratagize every season. They are working extra hard to make sure they ways to get goals. They are focusing on big things in practice and defeat their competitors. it is showing in their “Our current games. biggest competition “The biggest thing is fighting for [the is getting pucks in the number] three spot, net, and we want to get which is where bodies in front of the we’re really fighting net for distraction,” Jamestown and said Mattson. Minot,” said senior Last year the boys Maysion Mattern. ended the season in Conditioning is a 7th place, but this is very important part in not last year’s team. every sport as it helps They have made reduce the risk of big improvements injury and it improves compared to last current injury. year’s team. Conditioning also “We have experience. works the Braves’ The team knows what speed, quickness and to expect, and they agility. have confidence and “We talked to Photo by Riley Griffin our that’s huge,” said coach about Mattson. “That’s a big Senior Maysion Mattern always enjoys coming over to the student conditioning more thing that I think will and trying harder,” section for a smile. continue into the rest said junior Josh Moe. of the season. We’re “Once a week we will rebuilding it, we’re picking up the pieces and we’re working on just skate across the ice constantly for like a half hour.” everything everyday.” No one is perfect and everyone has flaws. The Braves are really Hockey does not just come naturally to everyone, many have cracking down and targeting their flaws this season. to work hard at it. The Braves are working especially hard and “My biggest flaw is not really being focused and sometimes in have incorporated something new that they did not do in previous games messing around with the other team,” said Mattern. “I think seasons. the biggest problem with myself is after a game I’m a little hard “Were in the weight room right now with strength and on myself.” conditioning coach Zack Morast twice a week. It’s something This is the final year for seniors Maysion Mattern, Tanner Berger, we didn’t do last year,” said Mattson. “It’s in the morning before Josh Clark, Brekken Fey and Jackson Zittleman. They plan on school, [I’m] hoping the kids can continue with that and carry on doing their best for the rest of their final year for the Braves. with it throughout the offseason.” “I’m just gonna go out there every game and every practice and The Braves have the mindset of, “What offseason?” They focus try my hardest and leave it all behind,” said Mattern. and work in the offseason almost as much as during their regular
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In the huddle Mandan High teams share their pregame rituals MAGGIE KNOLL General Reporter
Cheer leading Cheer:
Girls’ Basketball
Junior Kaya Gayette
“We don’t have the average pre game huddle. We sit in a circle, stretch and talk about what we are doing during the game and make everyone happy.”
Tradition: Motivation:
Senior Payton Roehrich Cheer:
“This tradition has been around since I started cheering. We always sit together and plan things out.” “It is not a typical huddle, but it is what we do to get ready to try and make it a good game.”
“In our pregame huddle, we pray.”
Tradition: “This tradition started before I was in basketball, but I’m not sure how.”
Motivation: “A huddle before the game gets the team ready and on the same page.”
Trey Boys’ Basketball Senior Weist Cheer:
“In our pregame huddle we discuss our game plan and draw up the play we are going to run right off the tip.”
Tradition: Photo by Courtney Entzi
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Motivation:
February 2019
“This tradition has been around for as long as I can remember and will be around basically forever.” “The huddle affects me personally during the game when it is time to calm down and regroup. When the other team is starting to make a run or we are not playing our best, it is a time to sit and relax and switch some things up.”
Sports
Photo by Maggie Knoll
Kachinas Cheer:
Senior Lexie Yunker
Cheer one: Captains/seniors: who are we? Team: Mandan Repeat X3 Cheer two: 1,2,3 huh! Cheer three: “We move right to left and spell out Mandan and yell 1,2,3 huh!”
Tradition: “I am not sure how this tradition started, but it started a long time ago and every year is a little different. It is something we have always done.”
Motivation:
“Our huddle allows us to get our energy out so we can relax a little before we go and perform. It lets us know that no matter what happens on the floor we are a team and we have each other’s backs.”
Boys’ Swim and Dive
Senior TJ Reinhardt Cheer:
“We usually go over our meet schedule and do our team cheer:” Mr. Manley: Gentlemen, who are we? Team: Mandan Mr. Manley: Who? Team: Braves Captains: 1,2,3 Mandan Braves, Boosh
Tradition:
“I’m pretty sure this tradition has been around for as long as Mr. Manley has been coaching, which is a long time.” Photo by Dante Daniel
Girls’ Hockey Cheer:
“We say positive things we are going to do during the game and end it with a ‘roll tribe’ or ‘Braves’ on the count of three.”
Tradition: Motivation:
Sports
Senior Kat Krush
February 2019
“As long as I’ve been on varsity, we have done this tradition.” “It gets us pumped and mentally prepared to give it our all for the entire game.”
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Athlete of the Month COURTNEY ENTZI
Photo by Courtney Entzi
Sports and Co-News Editor
Kennedy Harris Senior
What is the best thing about your sport?
“Stepping on the court every game with my best friends.”
How do you get ready for games?
Volleyball
“Warm my hands up under the dryer, cause they’re always freezing.” Photo by Anne Kesler
Jacob Boehm Senior
Who inspires you the most? “John Cena,” *Trumpet Noise*
Wrestling
What is the best thing about your sport?
“The only person you can blame when you lose is yourself.”
Photo by Riley Griffin
Maysion Mattern Senior
Who inspires you the most?
“Mostly my family, they always push me to do better.”
Hockey
What is one negative thing about your sport? “When we lose bad we usually skate.”
Kali Berg
Photo by Dante Daniel
Senior
Who are you closest to on the team?
“I am closest to my sister because she is my best friend.”
How does it feel to be athlete of the month?
“It makes me feel proud of myself and definitely happy.”
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February 2019
Hockey Sports
Sports Round-up OWEN PIEHL Editor-In-Chief
Boys’ Basketball
Mandan Boys’ Basketball started this year with high expectations from the North Dakota basketball world, but even higher expectations for themselves. Up to now, the team has done well trying to live up to those expectations. “Get back to the state tournament, that’s a season long goal,” Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Brandon Schafer said. “We have a daily goal of continuing to get better everyday, and always be better than we were yesterday.” The boys have done well sharing the ball and shooting threes this season, and are ranked number one in assists per game (17.3) and three point percentage (38.3%) in the WDA this year. The Braves also boast the WDA assist and rebound leaders (Jaxton Weist, 5.1 APG and Ejijah Klein, 11.8 RPG). Basketball is a tough sport, but this team believes they have what it takes to be successful.
Gymnastics
The Mandan Gymnastics team has suffered injuries this season which have dramatically affected their scoring potential, however multiple girls have stepped up and the team is enjoying a successful season so far. The team has taken pride in developing their skills each and every week, and have pushed themselves to improve throughout the season. “Many of our athletes are discovering their ‘gymnast mindset’ and allowing themselves to try skills outside of their comfort zones,” Head Gymnastics Coach Amanda Lantz said. “The girls are starting to figure out how to overcome their weaknesses.” The state Gymnastics competition will be held February 22-23 at Jamestown High School.
Boys’ Hockey
The Mandan High School Boys’ Hockey team has taken strides this season. They are improving each week, and have a goal of making it to the state tournament. “They have confidence, and that’s huge,” Head Boys’ Hockey Coach Leif Mattson said. “I think that’s going to continue for the rest of this season.” Major contributors for the team this year have been Jackson Zittleman, who leads the team in goals (10) and Athlete of the Month Maysion Mattern, who is tied for third in the WDA with six goalie wins. For an in-depth look at the Boys’ Hockey team, see page 29.
Wrestling
After a long season, the Braves wrestlers went into the WDA tournament in Belcourt with high hopes and came through, with multiple individual placings and two first place finishes. Notable performances at the tournament were Jacob Boehm and Ethan Fleck’s first place finishes in the 220 and 152 pound weight classes, respectively. Other top finishers for Mandan were Will Kleinknecht (second, 145), Levi Haugen (second, 285), Jake Pulkrabek (third, 170) and Kolten Reisenauer (third, 160). The Braves finished fourth in team points at WDA, and will look to continue wrestling well into the state tournament, which will be hosted at the Fargodome on February 14-16.
Kachinas
The Mandan Kachinas dance team capped off an incredible season with a state championship in the Class A Small Varsity Jazz competition. “I feel amazing about the season as a whole,” senior Kachinas captain Isabelle Peterson said. “We killed it.” The Kachinas will have some room to fill as the senior dancers move on, but the future looks bright for this talented team. “I feel really good about the future for the team,” Peterson said. “We’re just getting started.”
Boys’ Swim & Dive
Mandan Boys’ Swim and Dive has had a successful season, with a number of athletes qualifying for state in swimming and the divers have also had a strong showing this season. “We’re doing very well so far,” Head Coach Ralph Manley said. “Coming off last year finishing third, they’re definitely motivated to keep that hard work ethic, fast swimming and great diving going.” A major contributor for the Braves this year has been senior diver Johnny Mindt. “Johnny has been setting records all the way through,” Manley said. “It’s phenomenal to watch, he’s one of the best divers in state history.” State Swim and Dive will be held March 1-2 at the Bismarck Aquatic Center.
Girls’ Basketball The Braves Girls’ Basketball team has been on a tear this season, starting by winning 17 out of their first 18 games, with their only loss coming against undefeated Century. Despite this success, the team manages to stay focused. “We still have room for improvement, I think our girls are doing a really nice job and we try to maintain our focus everyday,” Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Abby Thomas said. “We have a lot of really good teams in the WDA and we come away with good wins.” Mandan Girls’ Basketball has a history of success, and the girls are looking to add to that history this season.
Girls’ Hockey
The Girls’ Hockey team has struggled to gain momentum this season, however has looked strong as the year winds down. The Braves won back to back games against Williston and Jamestown in early February, bringing their conference win total to three on the year. The girls failed to qualify for the state tournament this season, but are looking to come back next year with a fire underneath them.
All statistics and information comes from wdasports.org and the respective coaches and athletes. Sports up to date as of February 12.
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