THE
COURIER 905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND - Volume 29, Issue 5- March 2021
In honor of National Poetry Month, which takes place in April, the Courier Staff each wrote a poem. Page 11
Check out two articles all about ways to keep the world green. Page 19
March 2021
From The Editor...
Is everyone trapped by fate? Are we all destined to a life that is out of our control? Do all of our actions and choices lead to the same fortune? One of my close friends, Braden Ressler, has always told me that “all life is, is a game of luck.” I try my best to see the good in things around me, and I believe there is gratification behind every affliction. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me, and I am lucky to have the chance to pursue my dreams. Fortunately, there is only two months of school left until everyone grows a little bit older and wiser. Unfortunately, it has started to set in that many of my peers and teachers will never see me again, nor will I see them. The saddest part is leaving my close friends and family behind, but I am hopeful that my bonds are strong enough to survive the distance and time apart until I cross paths with the people I love again. In the time being, I want to enjoy every last minute here in my hometown with my loved ones by going camping, kayaking, roller blading and dancing. I am excited for this summer and every moment after because I will become the young woman I have always dreamed of. In this issue of the Courier, the Opinion Editor, Aspen Jewkes, wrote an amazing piece on following your dreams and the Sports and Co-News Editor, Ryan Ulrich, covers the buzz about the vote for a new high school. I hope you all enjoy the March issue of the Courier!
Table Of Contents
Page 2.....................Letter From The Editor Page 3.........................................Dream Big Page 4.........................................Be An Ally Page 5........................Biden’s Early Actions Page 6......................New COVID-19 Strain Page 7............................................Calendar Page 8.............Mandan’s New High School Page 9..........................Club Spotlight: FFA Page 10.............................................Flipsde Page 11.........................Courier Staff Poetry Page 12-13..........The Fix From Fix: Oscars Page 14........................Comic Strip Contest Page 15....................Career Advice Column Page 16.........The Purpose Behind Teaching Page 17......................The Impact Of Media Page 18....................TikTok Fashion Trends Page 19........................A More Green Earth Page 20..........Sport Spotlight: Girls’ Tennis Page 21...............................Sports Roundup Page 22................................Advertisements Page 23.....................Athlete Of The Month Poems featured from “Somebody Give This Heart a Pen” by Sophia Thakur and “Mindscapes: Poems For The Real World” edited by Richard Peck. Cover photo by Kelsie Hildebrand
Opinion 02
Kelsie Hildebrand, Editor-In-Chief
Courier Staff and Editorial Policy Kelsie Hildebrand......................................Editor-In-Chief Scout Hurley..............................Assistant Editor-In-Chief Feature Editor Aspen Jewkes.............................................Opinion Editor Ryan Ulrich...................................................Sports Editor Co-News Editor McCartney Fix.........................................Co-News Editor Leah Emineth..........................................General Reporter Ariana González.....................................General Reporter 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.
March 2021
Follow Your Dreams, No Matter What
— Aspen Jewkes, Opinion Editor Figuring out who we are supposed to be, finding our purpose in life, finding the things that make us truly happy in life and planning our dreams are all things that people struggle with. We are told the text book way of life is how we should live, but what is life to you? It is different for each individual because no two lives are the same. We all in cohesion with one another and can find inspiration from others on how we as humans should live our lives, but what makes you the person you are? These are all questions I have struggled with finding the answers to. I may never know the exact answer because life is a roller coaster that takes people on different paths that leads people to different answers. Although the roller coater may pull you in many different directions, I have always found a way to make myself happy under different circumstances. Many times, people do what makes other people happy whether that is letting go of their dreams or even giving up on them all together. We as humans are heavily influenced by the people that are in our life, but it is important to not let their dreams overtake yours whether that dream is going to college and finding your life long career, going straight into the work field after high school, traveling the world or even living in a van and experiencing life on the road. We are all working for one simple thing known as money, but what happens to all of that money when you die? I recently watched Nomadland, which is a movie about a woman living in a van experiencing life on the go. One of the characters from the movie, Merle Redwing said “I did not want my sailboat to be in the driveway when I died,” which has changed my perspective on life as a whole. This inspired me because we work our whole lives waiting to retire so that we can take that sailboat out, but life is too short to wait for those moments. There is a big world out there full of many opportunities waiting for you to jump on them. I encourage you to follow your dreams, no matter who or what stands in your way, keep chasing them. In the end, life is a gift, and we should not sit around and let other people control the life we are given.
Opinion 03
March 2021
Be An Ally — Ariana González, General Reporter
In a survey I sent out to all of the students at Mandan High “You can not necessarily choose your family, but you can choose School, 54.1% of 183 participants said they have experienced your friends, so find people with like minds.” Gieser said. “One homophobia and/or transphobia within our school. of my favorite sayings that goes for a lot of things, including this While there has been a massive improvement in the treatment of particular concept, is by a guy named Timothy Leary.” LGBTQ+ people over the years, Timothy Leary used to be a we still have a long way to go professor in the 60’s and 70’s at as a society. In North Dakota Berkeley University. The quote alone, an anti-Transgender bill is “What is without is within.” that bans students from playing “It has always resonated with school sports based on the me, ever since I heard it,” student’s gender identity was Gieser said. “Things that you passed by the House with a vote are void of in your life, you can of 65-26 this year on February always find if you are happy 11th. An article in the Bismarck within, regardless of outside Tribune said that in 2018, North influences. You should not let Dakota’s GOP used the words that skew the direction that you “voyeurs who wish to prey on are going,” members of the opposite sex,” Gieser used to be the to refer to LGBTQ+ people in an supervisor for an LGBTQ+ old resolution opposing sexual group that would meet in the orientation and gender identity Art room about 4 or 5 years ago. Photo by Ariana González anti-discrimination bills. “They asked me if I would While I expected the responses The rainbow in the Pride flag represents life, healing, supervise or be the faculty to be negative, I did not expect member for that, but it kind of sunlight, nature, harmony and spirit. it to be as bad as it was. Some fizzled out,” Gieser said. “If responses included students making homophobic and transphobic there’s an interest in that particular group or just wanting a safe comments and jokes such as “LGBTQ is a trend and needs to place to be and to be accepted, the Art room is the right place.” end”,” “gays are weird,” and others I will not mention for the sake Another strong ally for the LGBTQ+ community within our of not giving them the attention they want. school is French Teacher Jill Charlebois. Charlebois teaches According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th leading cause of French 1 through 4 and the Intro to High School course at the death in the US for all ages. With that being said, according to middle school. thetrevorproject.org, LGBTQ+ people who experience verbal “A lot of the time, it is not as obvious, and it is more ingrained harassment due to their sexuality or gender identity become 2.5 in our society and our culture,” Charlebois said, regarding times more likely to hurt themselves. homophobic comments. “If it is obvious I call it out, especially Be mindful of what you say to others. A lot of you might think in my classroom.” that what you are doing is a “funny joke” or just harmless fun, Coming out can be a terrifying experience for LGBTQ+ but it is not. You do not know what people are going through, members. For many people, it can go either very well, or terribly and a comment or a “joke” of that nature might be the last push wrong. It is important to know that you are able to trust the person to someone who is already struggling with self-acceptance or any you are confiding in. other issues in their life. “I have had students come out to me,” Charlebois said. “My To anyone who has ever received a homophobic or transphobic response is to thank them for trusting me and feeling comfortable comment, I know it is hard when it seems like it is just you against enough with me to share something that important and personal a cloud of hatred. When the people who are supposed to support with me.” and love you seem to be against you, know that you are not alone Keri Hess is another ally within our school. Hess teaches Guitar and there are people that care about you as you are within the Class, Music History, Music Theory, Concert Choir, Women’s school. One of these people is Art teacher John Gieser. Choir, and two Mixed Choirs. Like many students, Hess has also “This is the one classroom that we are accepting of everybody heard different homophobic and/or transphobic comments. and all people, regardless of what they are or what they believe,” “I will always listen, I can not change things, but I will listen John Gieser said. Gieser teaches Art 1 through 4, and is also the and support them,” Hess said. advisor for Yearbook Club and Art Club. Needless to say, you are not alone. Self-acceptance can be Being in an unsupportive household can be extremely draining; incredibly difficult, and it takes some people years to find their knowing that the people who are supposed to be your support true selves. You should be very proud of yourself for starting to system do not accept you as you are is one of the most painful find your place in the world at such a young age. You are your feelings a person can face, especially as a member of the own unique individual, and your sexuality and/or gender identity LGBTQ+ community. Gieser suggests finding people who will should not be a source of embarrassment or self-hatred, but a understand you. source of pride.
Opinion 04
March 2021
Diving Into President Biden’s Early Actions — Ryan Ulrich, Sports and News Editor During the early stages of rebuild in order to President Joe Biden’s time, he prevent another has already looked to maintain pandemic-level his agenda immediately. The threat and implement President has already passed thirty mask mandates executive orders during his tenure by working with showing that he is looking to governors and make an imeditate push to spread relying on the his goals into our country. American people to Biden has done a variety of step up. measures that have mostly been “Biden’s plan targeted to undo the previous offers hope for administration’s decisions. a systematic and Perhaps the most notable decision scientific approach affecting North Dakota would to mitigating be backing out of the keystone the burden of pipeline. the COVID-19 “President Biden’s decision to pandemic and is a revoke the Keystone XL pipeline welcome change,” permit is an attack on the way of Dr. Sadiya Khan, life for thousands of people who an epidemiologist rely on energy production to feed at the Northwestern their families,” Republican U.S. University Feinberg Photo by Gage Skidmore from Creative Commons Representative Kelly Armstrong School of Medicine, President Joe Biden delivering a speech said in a statement when reacting said. “The plan to the President’s decision. “The focuses on hitting about issues at a theatre. Keystone XL pipeline would critical needs for a transport safe and reliable energy across our Nation providing strong public health response.” thousands of American jobs in the process and increasing our Another issue the Biden administration is strongly looking to national security, so we must do everything we can to see this combat is racial inequality. President Biden is looking to advance terrible decision reversed and fight for energy policies that help a comprehensive equity agenda to deliver criminal justice reform, move North Dakota and our Nation forward.” end disparities in healthcare access and education, strengthen While his change has been growing overtime, President Biden fair housing and restore Federal respect for Tribal sovereignty, continues to present himself as a more moderate president. among other actions, so that everyone across America has the Currently, the President has a 54.7% approval rating according opportunity to fulfill their potential. to FiveThirtyEighty.com, which is an encouraging sign for a new “I made it very clear that the moment had arrived as a nation president tasked with strong responsibilities. where we face deep racial inequities in America,” President When focusing on combating COVID-19, the Biden Biden said. “We have never fully lived up to the founding Administration is looking to expand testing, safely reopen principles of this nation, to state the obvious, that all people are schools and businesses, and take science-driven steps to address created equal and have a right to be treated equally throughout communities’ worries. The Administration also has a seven their lives, and it is time to act now. point plan to combat COVID-19 which looks to make sure all While the Biden Administration is young, President Biden Americans have access to free testing, fix personal protective has already accomplished many notable accomplishments. equipment problems, provide clear evidence-based guidelines Rejoining the WHO and Paris Climate Accord, passing a $1.9 for helping communities navigate through the pandemic, have an trillion stimulus package and cracking down on racial and gender effective distribution of the vaccine, protect at-risk Americans, inequalities are a few of its’ notable accomplishments so far.
News 05
March 2021
— McCartney Fix, Co-News Editor The light at the end of the tunnel seemed fast approaching entering 2021. As Pfizer and Moderna each unveiled to the public and swiftly began distributing vaccines for the novel Coronavirus, the world at large prepared for a return to normalcy. Then, in late January reports emerged of a fresh strain of Covid-19 discovered in the UK, furthermore, initial suspicion was that it was not only more contagious than the first strain but perhaps, even deadlier. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC “Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time,” The CDC said. “Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear, other times, new variants emerge and persist.” A major concern relating to these new, more contagious strains is how they might affect the process of rolling out vaccines, as not only would it require new precautions to be taken; concerns were also raised relating to possible vaccine immunity from the new strain. “So far, studies suggest that antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants,” The CDC said. “This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway.” The three strains most highlighted are the P.1 variant, the B.1.1.7. Variant, and the B.1.351 strain, known as the Brazilian, British, and South African strains respectively. These strains are of great concern due to their increased transferability, harsher symptoms,
News 06
and potential for vaccine immunity, according to Mayo Clinic. Much has been made of that first point, particularly with the UK strain. “Most of the evidence comes from the UK, where they found the rate of transmission is higher in places where the new strain is prevalent,” Dr. Dean Blumberg said. “Exactly how much faster it spreads is still unclear. Most scientists are using the 70% estimate.” Another concern with the UK variant is that lock downs particularly very intense and strictly enforced ones may be necessary to contain it. “If our parameter estimates are correct it seems like [tier 4] alone is not enough, so something else might need to be done on top of that,” Dr. Nick Davies said. “We have looked at school closures because that is sort of the next obvious thing to do on top of those restrictions.” The question now seems to be not if this new strain is more contagious, or more extreme, but if America as a whole is willing to submerge itself in another wave of strict lock downs to contain it.
Doctors believe that all currently authorized vaccines will be effective against the new strains. Photo by McCartney Fix
March 2021
Courier Calendar March- May 2021 — Aspen Jewkes, Opinion Editor
Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Track:
Sports: Boys’ Baseball:
Apr. 6, Dickinson @ Home 4:30 PM Apr. 8, Dickinson @ Home 4:30 PM Apr. 13, St. Mary’s @ Home 4:30 PM Apr. 23, Fargo South @ Home 4:30 PM Apr. 27, Bismarck @ Home 4:30 PM May 1, Century @ Home 12:00 PM May 7, Minot @ Home 4:30PM May 8, Legacy @ Home 12:00 PM May 18, Williston @ Home 4:30 PM
Girls’ Soccer:
Apr. 9, Minot @ Home 7:30 PM Apr. 13, Bismarck @ Home 7:30 PM Apr. 15, Jamestown @ Home 7:30 PM Apr. 30, Legacy @ Home 7:30 PM May 11, Century @ Home 7:30 PM May 13, St. Mary’s @ Home 7:30 PM May 25, Regional Tournament @ TBD
Apr. 16, Invite @ Home 1:00 PM Apr. 29, Invite @ Home 1:00 PM May 11, Boys’ Invite @ Home 10:00 AM May 15, Girls’ Invite @ Home 10:00 AM May 17, Boys’ Invite @ Home 2:00 PM
Girls’ Varsity Tennis:
Apr. 29, Legacy @ Home 4:15 PM May 8, Sheyenne @ Home 9:00 AM May 11, Minot @ Home 4:15 PM May 13, Dickinson @ Home 4:15 PM May 15, Legacy @ Home 12:00 PM May 21, Williston @ Home 4:00 PM
Girls’ Varsity Softball:
Apr. 20, Dickinson @ Home 4:30 PM Apr. 29, Minot @ Home 4:30 PM May 7, Turtle Mountain @ Home 4:30 PM May 11, Watford City @ Home 4:30 PM May 18, Bismarck @ Home 4:30 PM May 20, Century @ Home 4:30 PM
Clubs: DECA:
International Career Development Conference (ICDC) - April 2021
FCA:
Wednesday mornings @ 7:30 AM room 121
One Act Play:
Community Performance @ 7:30 PM, on April 15th at MHS
News 07
March 2021
Looking Into The Buildup On A Potential New School
— Ryan Ulrich, Sports and News Editor A location for a new On April 13th, 2021, the high school has not Mandan Public School been decided, but three District will conduct a possible spots are being special election regarding a considered. These proposed $84 million bond locations include; north for a new elementary and of the current middle high school. This comes school, directly west of as the school district is the current high school, continuing to grow. or NW of the current Out of the total $84 high school, but south of million bond, $69 million the interstate. of that bond would go Although April may towards the new high be an odd time to hold school. The other $15 a special election, the million would go towards a timing of this election is new elementary school. crucial as it could lead In order for this bond to to doing potential sight get approved, at least 60% work in the fall of 2021. of voters would have to This could lead to the vote in favor of the bond. Photo by Ryan Ulrich new high school opening However, the bond would The front entrance of Mandan High School today. up by 2024. also lead to property taxes Some may question being increased by $119 the timing of this for every $100,000 of value. election during the Late last year, surveys were midst of a pandemic, sent out to Mandan residents, however a big factor with a majority supporting that will impact the the decision of building future of Mandan new schools. This comes as High is the 65 year old Mandan High School and four boiler room, as in order elementary schools are over to keep the current capacity. building significant The High School has been Photo acquired courtesy of the Mandan Historical Society investment would around since 1957, and is due need to be put into A conceptual design of Mandan High School before for an upgrade. However, the school. Otherwise bringing the high school up to opening. Over time, the building would be heavily building a new high code would cost $20 million. changed and altered. school would be the Although the $20 million other option. would be needed to bring If a new school the building up to code, this would not add a square foot to building were to be built, the old building would be torn down. the building. This also comes as the Mandan School District is However, the all-seasons area and braves center would not be looking to grow by another four hundred and sixteen students. torn down, only the main high school building. Even though the debate over a new school has been ongoing, April 13th, 2021 will go down as a key date for the future of a rising concern over the current state of Mandan High School Mandan High School. The result of the Special Election vote is the increase of attendance. It would cost $62 million in order will determine the future of the Mandan School District for many to renovate and expand the school to accommodate the growing years to come. number of students. *Information gathered from information provided by the Mandan School District.*
News 08
March 2021
FFA FFA Makes Makes A A Splash Splash Into Into Spring Spring — Ariana González, General Reporter Agriculture plays a huge role in North Dakota’s “While attendance has been lower, our consistent members culture, as well as North Dakota’s economy. As stated by continue to show up, and are doing a great job of encouraging Commissioner Doug Goehring, “North Dakota’s 30,000 new members to join,” Wanner said. “As the state is opening farmers and ranchers are among the very best in the world.” up more, there are more and more opportunities becoming FFA is an intra-curricular organization that focuses available and returning to the calendar.” on growing students into leaders. It provides hands on There are many aspects to their contests and events that experience and a perfect opportunity to gain skills for the have changed, and students have had to learn new techniques future. This is the case for junior Ashton Boehm, who is a to adjust to these changes. member of FFA. Like many other students, growing up in “Agricultural sales contestants usually shake hands with this environment peaked her interest in FFA and agriculture. their judges, and in the past have provided business cards,” “My family had been in FFA, so it was kind of a family Wanner said. thing,” Boehm said. “I also grew up on a farm and ranch, so FFA instructor Leah Kessler, and her students recently I was very into the agriculture type things and leadership.” incubated and cared for baby ducks. At the moment, FFA is working on a couple of projects, “In class during this time, we were covering wildlife including some career development events. and environmental topics such as wetlands conservation, “In FFA, we are currently working on our CDE’s,” Boehm waterfowl identification, and waterfowl care,” Kessler said. said. “We have agronomy, egg sales and livestock judging, “This gave students hands on application of the topics being Agriculture in North as Dakota’s as well which are some career development events.” plays a huge role learned, well asculture, experience in as the responsibilities of North Dakota’s economy. As stated by Commissioner Doug Goehring, FFA teaches students important life skills by applying caring for animals.” “Northwith Dakota’s 30,000and farmers ranchers arewho among thebe very best them to real world settings dealing agriculture its and For students might interested in joining, one is in the world.” After all, North Dakota takes first place in the production elements. encouraged to go to an FFA meeting. The Mandan FFA durumBoehm wheat, said. dry edible springtakes wheat, honey, flaxseed andits members, and the “I want to be a much betterofleader,” “I alsopeas, chapter pride in being run by canola. In 2018 alone, North Dakota earned around $7.7 billion for want to grow and improve my career skills.” advisors are there to serve as aids inits developing the chapter agriculture. Not only that, 39.1 million acres of the land, which iswould 90% like of it to go. FFA advisor Tanasha Wanner is one of the three instructors in the direction members North land area, and consists of farms and ranches. who are in charge of FFA. They takeDakota’s care of managing supervising the members of FFA. FFA “I teach AgriScience Technology I atisthea High School, and Introduction to High School-Exploring Ag. at the Middle School,” Wanner said. FFA focuses on encouraging students to develop and improve their leadership skills. The primary areas of focus include premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. “There are contests related to leadership development, as well as contests devoted to expanding your knowledge in the area of a particular career,” Wanner said. All students who are in an agriculture class have the opportunity to join FFA. “Any student enrolled in agricultural education is considered an FFA member,” Wanner said. “Each student has the opportunity to be involved at any level, without having to pay the dues associated with joining.” Photo by Ariana González Unfortunately, like most organizations, FFA has Sophomore Alexis Ritzmann holding a duck. The ducks been negatively impacted by COVID-19 too.
pictured are one of several animals that FFA has taken care of.
Feature 09
March 2021
The Flipside — Ryan Ulrich, Sports and News Editor
Freshman Logan Miller Sophomore Trinity Baker
Junior Kahlessia Chapman Senior Paige Ressler Teacher Dustin Sailer
“After I win a baseball game.”
“My baseball cross.”
When do you feel your most lucky?
What is your lucky charm?
“Crystals.”
“Never really.”
“If I do not listen to the “My bracelets. I litterally same three songs in the morning I am convinced never take them off.” I will have a bad day.”
“I would not say I have one.”
“Wearing the right flannel for curling.”
Which seniors do you look up to in high school? “I look up to my sister and Drew Gerhardt.”
Tukker Horner
“Whenever I have a good day.”
“Curling nights.”
Noobs of the Month
What were your early impressions of high school? “It is a lot bigger, but a lot more fun.” If you could be a celebrity who would you be and why? “Connor McDavid because he is the best at hockey.”
What is something your superstitious about? “The pregame music.”
“Space I guess.”
“When I go a full school day without leaving early.”
“Nothing really to be honest.”
“Having a good routine. A good routine to set you up is always important.” Photos by Ryan Ulrich and Scout Hurley
How big is your freshpack? “Big enough for me to fall down the stairs.” What were your early impressions of high school? “Nervous at first, but I knew I would have more freedom.” If you could be a celebrity who would you be and why?
“Adam Sandler because he is funny.”
Feature 10
Summer Fike
All photos by Ryan Ulrich
March 2021
McCartney Fix As the years passed by under sheets of white and sunlight skies of yellow, Two friends in the night discussed friendships, partners, and ships of the fellow Knowing there was no definite wrong or right, and that only one thing could provide their heart with slight mellow That just as we have said goodbye to lovers and laughter, I can be assured of sharing but one more hello
Courier Staff Poetry April is national poetry month, an entire month to celebrate the art of poetry! Each Courier staff member wrote a short poem in honor of this occasion.
The belittling looks when I speak of injustice are what make me reflect on my words. My cheeks grow red with embarrassment, I debate if what I said was proficient. The conclusion remains the same; the guilt of not breaking my silence is worse than rosey cheeks.
Leah Emineth Do not be afraid Of what you don’t understand, Do What makes you feel fulfilled Explore the unknown Live your life for you
— Scout Hurley, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Kelsie Hildebrand The sun beats on her pale skin, Covered in sunscreen everywhere but her chin; The Dakota of the south, Is beautiful by word of mouth, Gazing over the rolling hills with a grin.
Ariana González
The room that was once bustling with music and energy, Has now faded into a silent serenity, As he allows the calmness of the night to put him to sleep, He allows himself to reminisce about this memory, Which he wishes to keep.
Scout Hurley
Aspen Jewkes Find the things that bring you happiness, Live for the moments that leave you speechless Do not let others keep you from taking the risk, Because soon enough, life will have gone by so quick So do not ever live dreamless.
Ryan Ulrich Never have I seen such a picturesque sky That makes me reflect and sigh Over the life where I lived and learned While looking at the future I earned Wondering where all the days went But accepting how I decided to spent The years of the good times with some moments of bad But never giving in, always feeling rad Because it's the good moments that always left a smile That has me sitting here for awhile Appreciating the good life has to give Which makes me truly want to live
Feature 11
March 2021
The Oscars Fix From Fix
A reevaluation and review of previous best picture winners. — McCartney Fix, Co-News Editor
“The Deer Hunter” Dir. Michael Cimino
Photo sourced from Alternate Movie Posters
A gorgeous alterante poster depicting the conflict between civilian life and wars lasting impact.
Feature 12
The Deer Hunter is flawless, not in the traditional sense of truly achieving perfection, but in the more intimate sense of its shortcomings aiding in its premises full realization. The film follows average, unremarkable people from a wholly uninteresting mill city, thrust into a situation of unimaginable scale and a conflict of unimaginable destruction, allowing the camera to observe how they cope, or perhaps fail to. The ensemble embodying these split psyches and broken people is what truly sells the film, even to an audience member uninterested in the time period, or unimpressed with the films screenplay. De Niros balancing act of sanity, Walkens descent into madness, and Streeps wheepy, strained portrayal of grief and the complexities of love are of particular note, though no performer on set misses as much as a beat. Chiminos direction matches the mastery of the performances step for step,fully immersing us in the war time sequences and allowing a cold, detached, lens through which the mens post-war demons are captured. Much has been made of how Chimino wrote these characters, and there turmoil, with special note often made of the Russian roulette scene, perhaps the greatest 4 minutes in the history of film. The cinematography provides us with the harrowing perspective as we see these men wear expressions of sheer terror, Walken trembling and stammering, as De Niro attempts to provide a stoic facade soon shattered by the weight on the shifting chamber, a pin drop can be heard over the rowdy crowd, each twitch of the trigger bringing ever closer the bullet to the barrel, in a glorious release of tension, a symphony of violence unfolds, concluding perhaps cinemas greatest four minutes. The film begins with a wedding and ends with a funeral, containing the whole spectrum of emotions in between. The Deer Hunter is more than a quintessential war film, it is a masterful examination of small town American life and those who lead it. Its representation of repressed emotions and subconscious PTSD is harrowing, allowing us a birds eye view to watch how each man keeps it together, or at least keeps up appearances. You can take the soldier out of the war, but never the war out of the soldier.
March 2021
“Annie Hall” Dir. Woody Allen
Photo sourced from Pintrest
“Ordinary People” Dir. Robert Redford
Photo sourced from Pinterest
An alternate poster for the 1978 best picture winner.
The theatrical poster for the familial drama.
Woody Allen loves himself. He believes himself to be the funniest, most enlightened and witty man on the planet, and yet, he masks these clear delusions with a put upon shyness. In Annie Hall, he takes it upon himself to write a script in which he is a punitive loser, but just like everything involving Allen, this conceit is merely a facade. In the hands of a more humble director, it could act as an avenue for critical self examination, but Allen and his albatross of an ego refuse to allow this. Alvy Singer, portrayed by the “multi-talented” Allen, is a dweeb, at least that is what I assume we are supposed to think. Throughout the film, Allen is unable to fully submerge himself in that sort of pathetic character work. The script echoes that unwillingness. Singer still sleeps with beautiful women and casually flexes his intelligence on the viewer. It is a shame, because Annie Hall has its moments, Allens script is at times biting and concise. The direction lends itself to some truly beautiful shots, and the manic creative energy emitting from of the film leads to some innovative sequences. Diane Keaton delivers as iconic a performance as has ever existed, embodying the titular love interest, and imbuing her with a spry, slight spirit. When Allen is not too busy kissing mirrors, he is capable of crafting funny, self deprecating punch lines that aid in allotting impact to the films rarer, more earnest moments. The end montage is one of those scenes in which the prickly veil is momentarily lifted. In retrospect, it acts as a solid allegory for the film as a whole, a slideshow of beautifully human moments ruined by the inclusion of Woody Allen.
The legacy of Ordinary People is uniquely defined by what it is not. It is not flashy, and its direction is not showy nor its premise particularly grandiose. It is a subtle, lean evaluation of the repressed grief and put upon appearances of a seemingly idealistic upper middle class family. It is, however, harrowingly sad, and it never truly casts a protagonist and antagonist, only victims, whose traumas are brought about by the shared experience of losing a loved one. Mary Tyler Moore is marvelous in such uncharted territory, playing the matriarchal Beth Jarret. Her unwillingness to allow the facade of an idealistic suburban family to crack, even under the pressure of her eldest son’s passing, splinters Beths relationship with son Conrad and husband Calvin, played brilliantly by Timothy Hutton and Donald Sutherland. The script is so cutting in its simplicity and its direction so fluid in its actor centrality. These characters do not speak in aggrandizing monologues, nor are they framed in some artful manner, Redford allows the somber silence to sound off louder than any screaming match ever could. The audience gets the feeling that between these people, there once existed a warmly expressed love; yet as we stare at its hollow husk, we wonder if it was ever true or simply untested.
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— Scout Hurley, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
1. Junior Katheryn Frederick 2. Junior Medora Mallum 3. Sophomore Nev Olson
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Students at Mandan High School submitted hand drawn comic strips, for a chance to get their custom made art work in The Courier
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Comic Strip Competition
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March 2021
Professionals Share Their Insight With Students Interested In Pursuing Similar Career Paths — Kelsie Hildebrand, Editor-in-Chief
In this issue of students seeking career advice from professionals, civil engineering is featured by a MHS senior and a college graduate who pursued his passion. Senior Symantha Cunningham and Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering Anthony J. Waldenmaier will share about the path to a career in civil engineering. Senior Symantha Cunningham has a dream to become a forensic civil engineer, which is about six year degree through college education and hard work. “Last year during the college fair, South Dakota mines asked about my interests, and at the time I was interested in forensic science,” Cunningham said. “I did not think that was the right path for me, so they told me to look into forensic engineering.” Cunningham is currently looking into Oklahoma state, Montana Tech and South Dakota Mines for her education after high school graduation. Although she has not decided yet, she will benefit tremendously at each school. “I strategically picked my colleges where they are all good in their field and what they are known for,” Cunningham said. “ I would not be completely on my own because my uncle lives near Oklahoma, I am halfway in between home and my grandma while in Montana and South Dakota is not too far from home.” Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, Anthony J. Waldenmaier, graduated from North Dakota State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering and applied to graduate school to get a master’s degree. “After a year or two, I realized how much I liked the teaching side of engineering (from being a teaching assistant), and I decided to go for a Ph.D. instead of a master’s degree,” Waldenmaier said. “Most professor’s pursue a teaching path as a means to conduct research and become very specialized in a specific field or topic because they enjoy the teaching element that goes along with the topic that they are most passionate about.” Civil Engineers have a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree and some pursue a master’s degree within a more specific field of Civil Engineering (about 2 years), which is Cunningham’s path to forensic civil engineering. “I can tell you that nothing about any engineering degree is easy, regardless of the kind of engineer one might want to be, however, the hardest parts are getting through the classes/topics that you do not like,” Waldenmaier said. “I would say most engineering students go through a similar struggle - trying to get through required courses where they do not like the subject such as Math (Calculus 1-4) and Physics.” One of the most important things in engineering is being proficient in math, so learning faster will serve the greater good in the long run. “If a student can have some calculus background before starting in engineering, it is a huge advantage,” Waldenmaier said. “We have had several students who needed to work their way into Calculus 1 after a semester or two, and they are doing very well.” Another thing to remember about succeeding in civil engineering is building yourself up through experience. Internships are a great way to gain the knowledge one may need after graduation to be successful. “We encourage our students to get internships each summer while pursuing an undergraduate degree, which gives the students the experience that employers like to see,” Waldenmaier said. “It also gives the student an idea of what it will be like to be an engineer in the future.” Although it is very important to study hard and stay motivated, it is important to enjoy yourself here and there because college flies by. “Do not forget to stop and smell the roses because you have to remember that college goes by quickly and it is a time in life when you are still young,” Waldenmaier said. “Always remember to take some time for yourself, for your personal growth and to develop into the person you want to be.”
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March 2021
Teachers Share Their Purpose Behind Teaching — Leah Emineth, General Reporter
For students
, it is their responsibility to show up to school every morning at 8:22 to be prepared for a day of learning. The teachers, however, choose to be here and educate and inspire their students. It is easy to ask the question why do you come to school when asking a student, but asking a teacher the same question will give you a completely different answer with more reason. Brad Solemsaas is a psychology and sociology teacher at Mandan High School, and he has been teaching for over twenty years. “My first plan was to become a radiologic technician but I decided against it because of the math,” Solemsaas said. “After that I went to school for criminal justice, then about two weeks later one of my high school hockey coaches asked me if I wanted to coach hockey with him and asked me to get my teaching degree.” Solemsaas went on to get his degree in teaching with a major in history and a degree in criminal justice. “The hardest thing for me as a teacher was the second semester last year and transitioning to complete distance learning,” Solemsaas said. “Preparation is always the hardest thing because it is actually more work to be gone than it is to be at school.” Teaching comes with a lot of behind the scenes work that the typical student may not always see. “The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me is when you have “aha” moments or when I see a student finally understanding something,” Solemsaas said. The hard work that students put in rarely goes unnoticed. Teachers make a choice to guide and educate their students without judgment. “Over the years, my students have taught me to be more empathetic because people may be dealing with a lot of hardships that most people are not aware of, and that is why I try not to make my classes painful for people,” Solemsaas said. “I would rather them have a pleasant experience especially if this is the only pleasant experience of their day.” Students have the ability to teach their teachers just as much as they teach us. Students add different perspectives and different ideas, which challenges teachers to be more open minded. “One thing I want my students to learn from me is that if they have children, to engage with them, talk to them, read to them and do not be buried in electronics because they need to interact,” Solemsaas said. It is important to remember that teachers do not have to do what they do, but they do it to help their students and give them the chance to have a bright and successful future.
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Photo by Leah Emineth
English teacher, Seth Peterson began his career as a substitute teacher here at Mandan High School Seth Peterson has been teaching English and AP language at Mandan High for 29 years. “I have always known that I wanted to teach,” Peterson said. “I remember in ninth grade taking a career aptitude test and hoping that it would indicate that I should be a teacher, and it did.” Peterson was a student teacher at Mandan High after he finished college and also became a substitute teacher for a year before joining the Mandan High staff. “I have always loved what is entailed in teaching, and I really like my students,” Peterson said “I find them very interesting.” For some kids, school is a highlight of their day, and they find a lot of excitement in coming to school and talking with teachers. “The hardest part of being a teacher is probably keeping up with correcting and keeping grades up to date,” Peterson said. Peterson has over 100 students to tend to so making corrections and keeping grades up to date can be a difficult task. “What is really rewarding is that once in a while I will get an email or phone call from a student I have had in the past who says thank you and tells me that I have had a positive impact on them,” Peterson said. The difference that a student and teacher can make on each other often goes overlooked and unappreciated. “If my students could take anything away from me, it would be that learning is fun,” Peterson said. “My students have taught me that it is important to have a sense of humor and that as a teacher I do not always have to be correct.” As much as teachers help their students and guide them, their students also teach them.
March 2021
MHS Staff and Students Discuss Albums That Have Made an Immesurable Impact — McCartney Fix, Co-News Editor
Suggestion Column: “The Doors” - The Doors “Zen Arcade” - Hüsker Dü “Daydream Nation” - Sonic Youth -Mr. Peterson
“Dummy” - Portishead
-Maxwell Roth
“17” - XXXTENTACION -Wyatt Hermanson
The impact art can have on our lives is immeasurable. A great album can soundtrack an important period in one’s life, whereas a song can act as a trans-formative piece of media that inextricably links itself to a moment in time or a particular emotional state. Great art can see us through turbulent times, such as a life altering global pandemic, and can give us something to hold on too and enjoy. “Dummy” by Portishead has truly impacted me,” Junior Maxwell Roth said. “It sound tracked my quarantine summer.” Even as many experienced incredible sounds for the first time throughout this quarantine, the social elements of great art was not lost on them. “I remember sharing albums with a group of college buddies I had,” Mr. Seth Peterson said. “You had to make sure you never bought the same album.” The experience of sharing those albums they hold dear is universally regarded as an incredible one, especially if they end up sharing the same enthusiasm for it. “I remember I first heard 17, by X and knew I had to tell everyone,” Wyatt Herman said. “and I first put it on the AUX when I was with some friends and they all loved it just as much as I did.” The reasons for holding such deep reverence for a piece of media expands well beyond what simply sounds good; at what point in their life someone finds an album has just as much to do with it. “That first Doors album I heard was in ‘69” Peterson said “My parents owned it.” That touches on another point relating to albums which heavily impact the listener, how they found it or who it was that showed them it. “I remember a friend showed it to me,” Roth said. “With the quarantine, I spent a lot of time listening to its unique sonics.” It is often said that a great piece of art found at the proper time in one’s life has the potential to entirely shift their outlook on a medium and perhaps their outlook in life in general. “I just loved the perspective it provided,” Hermanson said. “It was so honest and emotional.” That, above all summarizes it, when albums most emotionally impact us, they find us in turbulent times, or when we most need something to inspire us. “My dad always had a saying,” Roth said. “Good music is found, and great music finds us in mysterious ways.”
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March 2021
Tik Tok Fashion Trends Are Taking Over — Scout Hurley, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Within the last few years fashions trends have been heavily influenced by the internet especially since TikTok has gained popularity. TikTik has made several fashion styles go “viral” within the last couple years. Here just three of the many are explained.
Photo taken by Scout Hurley
Photo taken by Scout Hurley
Junior Marnie Barrios models a standard “VSCO Girl” style
VSCO Girl VSCO girls arose from the app VSCO, a social media/photo editing app, that quickly grew popular due to its visually pleasing photos and lack of numbers. This style was super popular in 2019, especially in the summertime. It usually consisted of a beachy look with an old oversized t-shirt and jean shorts. Hydro flasks, scrunchies, and small beads braided int hair were things often used to accessorize. The most important thing about this style was definitely the “fresh out of the ocean” look. After a bit of popularity this look became a joke and the “VSCO girl meme” spread across the internet. Which almost completely brought the trend to an end.
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Cottagecore Cottagecore really started to pick up popularity in 2019, however it has been around since about 2017. Cottagecore style definitely got popular on TikTok, it celebrates nature and a very fairy-like look. Embracing nature and reused clothes is a big part of this look. Cottagecore began to fill people’s TikTok and Instagram feed in 2020, the posts really glamorized this lifestyle. Cottagecore is more than just fashion, this aesthetic is also a lifestyle. Including gardening, wearing recycled clothing and frolicking in a field.
Junior Marnie Barrios models a standard “E-Girl” style
E-Girl
E-girl fashion is heavily influenced by the asian culture, more specifically K-pop and anime. It is a subculture aesthetic of early 2000’s scene fashion, but it is a bit more animated. The “e” stands for electronic, this trend grew popular mainly because of Tik Tok. While the style has been around since the early 2000’s, it recently grew popular in 2020. Today’s version of it has less to do with the personality of an e-girl and more to do with the style. This style usually consists of big eyeliner, heavy blush and layering of darker clothing.
March 2021
Resourceful Ways to Create a Green Earth
The National Parks Around The United States That Makes Our Country Beautiful
— Aspen Jewkes, Opinion Editor Reuse, reduce and recycle are all things that have been heavily pushed on people for years. Reusing could be as simple as refilling a bottle of water instead of buying a new one every day. These things are simple, but many people do not do the things they need to do in order to help the earth. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “thirty two percent of Americans recycle today.” Although everybody knows what we should be doing to reduce the greenhouse effect, it has many other benefits that most people do not know about. According to USA Today, “if everyone in America recycled just one plastic bottle, those materials could make more than 54 million t-shirts or about 6.5 million fleece jackets.” “If everyone recycled one aluminum can 295 million new aluminum cans could be made, and it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 6,750 passenger cars off the road and save energy equivalent to 80 thousand barrels of oil.” The benefits of recycling not only affect the environment, but it also reduces costs of things needed in communities such as park benches and clothing, which in return saves peoples money. According to USA Today, “If everyone recycled one plastic bag, those materials could be reused in making 28,906 park benches or 144,530 16-foot composite deck boards.” Not only does recycling save money, but if more people were to recycle, it would increase the amount of available jobs affecting the workforce. While many people like spending their money on brand new items, buying recycled items can be just as good as the brand new ones and it would be saving the environment. Simple items to switch out for recycled ones could be; aluminum cans, comic books, shoes, makeup, toothbrushes and backpacks. We only have one planet to live on, and by taking the steps we need to make it more green, we could preserve the life of earth.
— Leah Emineth, General Reporter
Graphic by Leah Emineth
The world has many features that are often overlooked or ignored, even though many people have the ability to enjoy and see these places. “The Grand Canyon was a breathtaking place to visit,” junior Kendal Beckler said. “We got to go on some hikes and saw the raw beauty of the canyon.” The Grand Canyon is just one example of natural beauty in the world. “I would like to visit Washington state because of their massive forests and waterfalls, and I think that it would be fun to go on a hike to a beautiful waterfall.” Washington has many beautiful attractions such as Franklin Falls, which descends 70 feet or Little Mashel Falls located in Washington’s Pack Forest. This debuts a series of three waterfalls within a 5 mile span and the tallest mountain plunging 90 feet. “I think the beauty of earth gets overlooked because sometimes it can be difficult to truly appreciate what is around you,” Beckler said. The national park system includes over 400 national parks with at least one in each state and even extending into territories such as Puerto Rico and The Virgin Islands. These parks make a great opportunity for people of all ages to get outdoors and explore. “The Rocky Mountains have been my favorite place to travel to because the mountains are very beautiful and it puts into perspective just how small we are,” junior Sophia Mcleish said. The Rocky Mountains stretch through states like Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico reaching a total span of 1,900 miles of mountains. “I think the natural beauty of earth gets overlooked because most of us live in cities and never see earth from a different point of view.” Mcleish said. The world is filled with unique places to visit and see, whether it is 20 miles away or 1,000 miles away, the world around us is filled with beauty.
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March 2021
The Mandan Girls Tennis Season Is Approaching Quickly
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— Scout Hurley, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
The MHS girls tennis season is near and this year is looking promising, as several of the juniors are returning again after several years of dedication. This year the players will most likely be wearing masks during practice and having separate practices to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The girls tennis team does challenge matches to determine rankings within the team, and this is so the girls can be separated into teams (Varsity, Junior Varsity...etc.). Also, when they compete with other teams each person will play someone with a similar skill set on the corresponding team. “The great thing about tennis is that as long as you play well, you can get a top spot on the team.” senior Elizabeth Feldermann says. “We do challenge matches, so if a player keeps beating people they keep moving up. so it is a really fair way to do it and gives everyone a chance to play at the position that is right for their skill level.” Felderman has been playing since she was 5 years old, she originally joined because her mother had been in tennis, but she continued to play because of the friends she has made and the experiences she has shared with them. Felderman has been playing varsity since 7th grade, and her younger sister Sophia Felderman also made Varsity in seventh grade, two years ago. “We have a very strong returning varsity lineup,” Felderman says. “All six seniors: Lizzie Allan, Kate Kessler, Breanna Helbling, Kylie Wieland, Payton Loerch, on that returning lineup will be key players that get will us important wins throughout the season.” The girls are hoping to win a few individual state championships. This goal seems to be obtainable, given the prior experience of the varsity players.
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Seniors:
1. Kate Kessler 2. Kylie Wieland 3. Lizzie Allen 4. Sophia Felderman 5. Breanna Helbling 6.Elizabeth Felderman
All photos submitted by Breanna Helbling
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Sports Roundup March 2021
“The team had an overall record of 4-15, and we are glad we had the opportunity to play our season during the pandemic,” Head Coach Leif Mattson said. “This year we had a lot of new varsity players getting quality ice time, first goals, great team play and positive attitudes, but next year, the team will have a lot of skill and hockey sense with the goal of returning to the state tournament in Fargo.”
Photo by McCartney Fix
Photo submitted by Eric LaFleur
“Overall, I think we have made the best out of the season given all the obstacles we have had and being able to adapt to the challenges brought with it,” senior Eric LaFleur said. “My proudest moment this season has probably been our 400 relay because it is the last event of every meet and the competition is usually really tense.” “The 20-21 season was one of the best seasons we have had as a program with beating Minot to solidify our standing for state and having 6 teammates make the All-WDA Team,” junior Margaux Kautzmann said. “We beat teams that we have not previously, grown skill wise and bettered our win/loss record.”
— Kelsie Hildebrand, Editor-in-Chief
Photo by Ryan Ulrich
“Throughout the season I was able to accomplish my smaller goal such as finishing with a 13-3 record with only 1 loss in the regular season and 4th place in the individual state tournament,” senior Tytus Bachmeier said. “One of my favorite moments from the season was wrestling the number one ranked class B heavyweight and pinning him within a minute.”
Photo by Leah Emineth
Photo by Aspen Jewkes
Photo submitted by Matia Anderson
“We had a very successful season this year qualifying for state as a team for the first time in 14 years and finishing at 7th ranked in the state,” senior Matia Anderson said. “I am proud to have finished gymnastics on a high note, and I hope that the girls continue to work towards improving our rank in the state.”
“Overall, the season was filled with a lot of ups and downs, but at the end of the year it was filled with a lot more ups Photo by Kelsie Hildebrand then downs, as getting to the “We did our best, and I state tournament was a great am just happy that I got to do it with my teammates,” accomplishment,” junior Lucas Burgum said. “We fell short of senior Amaya Ramsey our ultimate goal of winning a said. “I am attending United Tribes Technical state championship, but getting College to continue playing to the state tournament was a basketball and to continue high goal of ours as well.” my education.” Sports 21
Thank you to this issue’s sponsors Burning Desires and Capital City Construction
Follow the MHS Courier on instagram @mhscourier for updates and special announcements!
March 2021
Athletes of the Month January 2021
— Kelsie Hildebrand, Editor-in-Chief
Senior Jayce Lowman Boys Basketball
In an early season game, Lowman drives towards Jamestown offender looking to contest a shot.
What song gets you pumped up for the game? “Sand In My Boots by Morgan Wallen.” What has been your favorite team memory? “When the bus broke down in Williston last year, we played tag around the school for like 3 hours.” Whose mom cheers the loudest? “Aaron Grubb’s.” What is the best part about competing? “Playing with my teammates and having fun with them.” How do your teammates make practice fun? “We bring a lot of energy.” Who do you wish was watching you perform at every game or match? “My favorite basketball player for the Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker.”
Photo by Aspen Jewkes
What song gets you pumped up for the game? “I do not have a favorite song, so I just have an up beat playlist.”
Freshman Jericah Lockner Gymnastics
What has been your favorite team memory? “I really like our team suppers and bus rides.” Whose mom cheers the loudest? “When we compete, I focus on my competition, but they are all pretty loud.”
Lockner performs stunts on the beam looking for a high score during varsity competition.
What is the best part about competing? “Feeling good after.” How do your teammates make practice fun? “We all mess around, and we are all friends, so it is a fun time.” Who do you wish was watching you perform at every game or match? “My mom usually tries to come to all of them.”
Photo submitted by Jericah Lockner
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