MHS Courier May 2022

C

Courier

905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND Volume 30, Issue 6- May 2022

From The Editor...

T

April 2022

he May issue of the Courier is finally here! This has always been my favorite issue to work on by far. We do everything we can to make our publication about our readers, not ourselves. This issue has always done a great job at highlighting that. Our senior section shines a light on several seniors and various parts of their experience with Mandan High School.

As this school year has begun to conclude we have had to go through the process of selecting the next Editor in Chief. I would be lying if I said this decision was a difficult one, the title is going to my good friend and fellow editor Ariana González. I have total faith that Ariana will be a strong leader and any change she makes will be for the better.

With this, I hope you enjoy the final issue of this school year and my last issue ever. Leading this organization has been a great honor

Scout Hurley, Editor-In-Chief

Staff

Scout Hurley...............................Editor-In-Chief Ariana González .......Assistant Editor-In-Chief

Feature Editor Leah Emineth.............................Opinion Editor

McCartney Fix................................News Editor Jasmine Patera..............Assistant Feature Editor Nathan Stramer......................................Reporter Gabriela Martin....................................Reporter Emmanuel Dolo....................................Reporter Michael Pfliger.....................................Reporter Emma Helbling.....................................Reporter Cambry Fyllesvold...............................Reporter Lily Giggee...........................................Reporter

Opinion 02

The Courier is a news/feature magazine that is published throughout the school year. As an open forum for student expression, all content online and in print is decided and moderated by student editors.

The staff welcomes letters, articles, submissions, of any student, faculty, or community interest.

Submissions may be turned into the Courier, room 221, and by message to mhscourier@gmail.com. All submissions must be signed by the author if they are to be published and subject to editing if space is restricted.

The Courier strives to be objective in its news coverage.

Columns and letters reflect only the opinions of the writers, not those of the Courier staff, administration, teachers, or student body. Editorials that are not signed reflect the consensus of the staff.

The Courier is funded entirely through advertising sales. Contact the Courier at mhscourier@gmail.com if interested in advertising.

May 2022

Photo submitted by Dawson Holle

Mandan High School senior Dawson Holle is running as a Republican against incumbents Karen Rohr and James Schmidt.

Holle 2 House — Jasmine Patera, Asst. Feature Editor

Out of all the students at Mandan High who are interested in politics, it is a novelty to see one actually running for office.

“I’ve been teaching for twenty-three years, and [Holle] is the second that I’ve had that ran for office while I had him in class,” social studies teacher Kurt Miller said.

“It’s hard to find people that want to serve, and then find somebody as young as Dawson that is interested in serving his community at this level,” Mr. Miller said.

Holle petitioned and will be on the ballot for the June 14th Primary. Although he is still campaigning, he feels he has a good chance of winning the election.

“The overall attitude within the district is that the people don’t want the same old same old, because their process hasn’t worked,” Holle said. “They want someone fresh and new with new ideas and new experiences to bring to the legislature.”

Dawson Holle is running for the North Dakota House of Representatives District 31. Part of his decision to run was because he felt that current legislators were passing bills that generation Z was left to deal with.

“I saw that there was a demographic like myself that would feel kind of underrepresented,” Holle said.

Because the younger generation does not have much of a voice in current legislation, Holle said that more people should get into politics, such as voting along with running for office.

“We need to encourage young people like myself to get involved, because most people don’t care,” Holle said.

News 03

May 2022

Title Six: Changing Native American Education

- Lily Giggee, Reporter

Currently there are only around 395 Native American Students enrolled in the school PowerSchool system. Travis Albers, Student/Family Cultural & Wellness Advocate, believes this number is actually closer to 600, which means 200 are unregistered in PowerSchool.

Title six is part of the Indian Education Formula Grant Program that gives support to local schools. The U.S. Department of Education funds the programs that are designed to help Native Ameicans with the cultural differences and the State academic standards.

“The amount of Title 6 funding we receive is based on our total number of registered Native American students we have.” Carly Retterath, Director of Alternative Education said. “So, the more students we can identify and have completed 506 forms then more funding there will be for programs.”

Currently the school receives $76,179 In title six funding. 93.5% of this goes towards the Native Cultural and Family Wellness staff position. The remainder goes to the Four Direction and any community activities.

“One of our goals over the next school year is to reach out to the 119 students that have not completed a 506 and help them to complete one,” Retterath said.

The more Native students who complete their 506 forms the more money title six can give.

“The program is aimed at supporting services that are responsive to the unique cultural, language, and educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students and help these students meet academic standards,” Albers said.

This can also offer enrichment programs that have not been provided before such as after-school programs, early childhood education, tutoring, and dropout prevention.

“Plans and ideas should go Through the committee—I don’t think one person should decide,” Waters-Wheeler said.

Waters-Wheeler is hoping to bring more things to the community, but through a committee made up of parents, and teachers.

The group already had one get together where they discussed setting up and finding people willing to participate in the committee. The meeting was on March 23, 2022.

Another meeting was held on Apr 27, 2022. Which discussed questions that were brought up at the first meeting and what the plan was for future meetings and activities was.

“This will allow us to have a full-time student success coach at the high school that will work specifically with our Native students,” Retterath said. “They can help students access tutoring, counseling, summer school classes, applying for college, etc. This will be a great support for students.”

Another topic discussed was the partnership with United Tribes Technical College. The school has also partnered with UTTC with a program called the Monarch Project, someone from the college will come and help with tutoring and applying to college “My hope is to use the funds towards improving family engagement through family and community events,” Albers said.

The program is designed to help Native students understand their culture alongside non-native students.

It can also help students to reach their highest academic potential by bringing up core grades in math, reading, and science.

“The committee we are forming will help decide how to spend the money.” Tamara Waters-Wheeler, School Psychologist said.“I would like to have a lot of family activities, set up a tutoring system, provide money for enrichment for students i.e pay for camps, trips, etc.”

News 04

Photo by: Lily Giggee

Stuffed Eagles that were donated by Scared Pipeline for the children.

May 2022

Phone Addiction Rises In Teens

— Gabriela Martin, Reporter

Using phones to connect and communicate with friends and family also contributes to why many rely on their phone.

“It’s how I connect to my friends, it’s the best way I can communicate with them,” junior Angela Erhardt said.

Communication through cell phones can also help individuals feel closer to those that they are missing.

“I feel like when I’m away from them, I’m able to talk to my friends easily,” freshman Jerika Jones said.

Relying on phone use for communication can cause an attachment to be made to it. Students like Wetsch and Jones agree that their phone has become a security net for teens.

Photo by Gabriela Martin

Some individuals view their phone as necessary as blood.

Smartphones are becoming more advanced and apps are becoming more complicated. With how many advances technology is making, phone addiction is increasing.

Phone addiction is something that 50% of teens claim to struggle with, according to CNN.com.

Social media and newer apps make it easier to spend more time on cell phones.

“I would say I spend a good four hours in total on my phone every day,” junior Ryan Wetsch said.

Wetsch also said that he reaches for his phone whenever he can. He claims to have a phone addiction.

“It’s almost what drug addiction is like,” Wetsch said. “You feel like you have to rely on it.”

Relying on phones for connection and entertainment has caused students to become more addicted to them as a result of COVID-19. A survey done by Twigby stated that 39% of the participants said they use their phone more because of the pandemic.

“The only way to contact your friends was through digital devices,” Wetsch said.

“It’s kind of like a lifeline almost,” Wetsch said.

Technology has also become an escape from responsibility or everyday stress for some.

“Other kids might have a stressful time or need it to escape reality,” Erhardt said.

Using technology in general as entertainment or relaxation is an easy distraction. This distraction is very accessible, which lowers productivity.

“It’s easier to procrastinate, while distracting yourself with something like your phone,” Jones said.

The environment around students or circumstances they have to deal with are a cause for concern. Phone use can be useful in certain settings, as well as harmful.

“At school I listen to music in one ear and listen to my teacher in the other,” Jones said. “It helps me focus more in class.

Using technology as an educational resource has helped teachers engage and connect with students more effectively.

Erhardt said that using technology for education is helpful, but she also said she feels like it is easy to put it away when needed.

“When class starts, I can put it away and focus,” Erhardt said.

Phone addiction can be preventable and is something that many teens struggle with.

Feature 05

May 2022

Senior Song Spot — Nathan Stramer, Reporter

If You Were To Get What You Deserve, You Would Know What The Bottom Of A Tire Tastes Like $uicideboy$ Starts with serenity, quickly fades to dark and intense, as $uicideboy$ does most of the time. This song has its slower calm part, but mostly it stays with the same beat and $uicideboy$ different styles and voices change the song every verse. I like this song because it gets me in a whiley mood when I need to be a little bit energetic. I especially like riding in cars and blowing out the speakers to this one because the bass makes the song in its entirety. Make sure to play this song at some point while driving this summer Photo sourced from YouTube Music

Gypsy - Fleetwood Mac With two mild acoustic notes to begin, this beat starts off immediately forcing a good feeling into your body. Fleetwood Mac starts with soft vocals that help the background music, and quickly, the lead singer comes off with the most beautiful high note chorus I’ve heard in a while. The song changes up a decent bit but remains the same beat and the feeling only gets better until the end. I have listened to many Fleetwood Mac songs and have disliked many, but this is an exception that I am willing to make because it genuinely brightened up my mood as I wrote this paragraph. Thank you to those who suggested this as it will go on my personal playlist.

Feature 06

Photo sourced from YouTube Music

May 2022

Cudi Zone - Kid Cudi Kid Cudi really just is his own in his music. I personally don’t like Kid Cudi as much as he gets credit for, but it’s nothing against him, I just wouldn’t really listen to his music except for 3 exceptions. However, I was listening to “Cudi Zone” and I noticed that it is an absolute banger.

He mixes hip hop, with classical strings, and electric keyboard instruments. I like this song because of how long it goes on, and then I get sad when it’s done. Cudi put this song together immaculately, mixing all of the instruments to create a perfect potion of auditory bliss.

Photo sourced from YouTube Music

Brandy- Looking Glass If you’re looking for a vacation playlist song, here it is.

“Brandy” is straight out of Guardians of the Galaxy, but boy did they get it right. Simple bass guitar and trumpets do most of the entire song with an almost silent vibraphone, the vocals were evidently perfected over the course of years, because it matches up with the song insanely. I like this song because it just maintains a good mood. If I had a headache and I was going home from school, I think this might cure the headache. When you want to remain happy and in a good mood, this could be my top suggestion Photo sourced from YouTube Music

Day One - Mac Miller If you’re looking for a better day, flip the corner and here’s Mac Miller, starts with a voiceover on a nice upbeat, high pitched vibraphone, he mentions that him and his friend “Big Germ” are trying to go home, so the song will be short, he continues to spit for about 2 minutes and even adds in a couple of good jokes here and there. I found this song while combing through everything that Mac has ever made and was immediately enamored. I couldn’t exactly say why I like it so much but I would say the thing that initially drew me to this song was the simplicity and rawness portrayed in the studio recording.

Photo by John Gieser

Photo sourced from YouTube Music

Feature 07

May 2022

North Dakota Nice looks like...

— Michael Pfliger, Reporter

People in North Dakota are portrayed as being really nice and apologizing for no reason or to things that are not people. We asked MHS students what some of their strangest stories are, and here are some of their responses.

“Having a conversation with a deaf man and only realizing he couldn’t hear me at all and then I told him sorry.. Which now looking back on, he didn’t hear that either.”

-Anonymous freshman.

“I apologized for cleaning up my dishes at my friends house.”

-Anonymous senior.

“I always apologize for coughing or sneezing in class, even though I can’t help it.”

-Junior Taylor Adamski.

“I have repeatedly apologized to inanimate objects when bumping in to them. I have apologized to a door, a chair, a desk, and a car.

For me it’s an automatic response so I say that even if I don’t realize what it is I had ran into.”

-Sophomore Korbin Flynn.

Feature 08

“I once apologized to to the person who hit me with their car after they ran a stop sign.”

-Anonymous freshman.

‘“I start pretty much every conversation with ‘sorry for bothering you.’”

-Freshman Christian Skjod.

“I tripped over my own feet in front of a bunch of seniors my freshman year, and right when I got up I said ‘“oh my goodness I’m so sorry.’”

-Anonymous senior

“I used to play soccer and whenever I got the ball, I would say sorry to everyone that tried to take it from me.”

-Anonymous junior.

May 2022

D&D club is on the rise at Mandan — Emmanuel Dolo, Reporter Of all the unique clubs at Mandan, Dungeons & Dragons(D&D) club takes the cake. D&D is a club based on the famous board game with miniature figurines which originated in 1974. It was created by Gary Gygax .

Mrs. Brothers believes it is necessary to teach teens and adults alike how to have a fun time without being stuck behind a screen. Naturally theThe world is full of things that tend to put the collective behind a screen; but D&D puts said collective in a fantasy.

This club is run by the Parenting, FACs, and Cultures and Cuisine teacher, Mrs. Brothers. She started the club in an effort to bring back the joy of playing this thrill filled board game that is trending in today’s world.

The game allows the player to create their own reality, where every choice made will decide the next circumstance. This has made it easier for D&D players to socialize and work together, even if they’re complete strangers.

“D&D is gaining popularity in recent years, it is becoming more mainstream,” Brothers said.

“I hope this club can foster new friendships and let students hang out with people they never would have thought to talk to before, without staring at a screen for hours on end,” Brothers said.

After hearing students were interested in the board game, she decided to step up, and be the head leader of the club. She is actively looking for members to join in on the fun, meetings are every other Friday after school in the cafeteria.

“After my first personal game, I fell in love. I have made a good number of friends through D&D, it is great for de-stressing,” Brothers said.

D&D is a fantasy game, where characters go through adventures.

This club prides itself on their ability to try new things, to help themselves and others around them feel free to embrace their imagination.

“The first time I played D&D it was really confusing but it ended up being one of my favorite things, it helped me open up more to people around me socially,” sophomore Robin Albitre said.

It is narrated by the storyteller, which consists of a plethora of situations that lets the player decide what to do; parties typically consist of four to six players that work together to solve the chaos.

“D&D allows students to escape from real life for a couple hours, you can take on the identity of someone else. It also helps kids think things through,” Brothers said.

Photo by Emmanuel Dolo

The average set of D&D die consists of multiple different die with a different number of sides on each dice.

Feature 09

May 2022

The Final Fix From Fix

I Knew it Would End Eventually, I Just Did Not Anticipate How Terribly Broken up Over it I Would Be

Image sourced from Pic Art

A pic art collage containing the title of every film I had the pleasure of reviewing.

Feature 10

The topic of this article led me to reminisce a bit about my time writing for this paper.

Thank you, all of you, those of you who have read every single column of mine, even those who have done little more than cursory stop by on a thumb through of the whole paper.

You allowed a scatterbrained critic with the film making aptitude characteristic of someone who literally cannot use a camera, an audience with which to share his musings. And make no mistakes, ramblings these were, in movies I know a majority of you have never had even the faintest desire to sit through. I did it for those few moments in which I had convinced myself that my recommendation led you to something you previously may not have seen.

Over my times walking through these halls, I have had more than a few but less than a dozen interactions in which people have told me they discovered a new favorite of theirs through my column.

Well over ten reviews, and as many heated discussions with Mrs. Cahoon as to whether or not X movie (Cough, cough, SHAME) was appropriate for a high school aged audience later, and I can say, unreservedly, that I warred for you.

On the grounds of your intelligence, and deservedness to be exposed to dense and challenging art, and won out more often than not, so don’t say I never did anything for you.

Truthfully though, that was just my attempt at repaying you for all you have done for me.

Growing up the cinema obsessed son of a movie theater manager, I spent the first 16 years of my life convinced I would never have an outlet to discuss any of it.

I couldn’t fathom anyone caring enough about my insights to give me the light of a day, let alone a column two years running, but you all did.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Without the audience you have provided me, I would not have been able to explore my passion so richly. I would say see you next issue, but this is it, enjoy my very last ever Fix From Fix and excuse me as I dry my eyes, the pollen in this room is killer.

May 2022

Saving Private Ryan Dir. Steven Spielberg

Photo sourced from Tumblr

The beach storming sequence remains one of most harrowing ever put to screen.

I think I might have been more than a little too young for Saving Private Ryan in hindsight.

Spielberg’s uncharacteristically brutal WW2 epic has often found itself mislabeled as such, an epic. The implied grandiosity of such a term belies the coldness of the film’s reality.

There’s so little light in this picture, stripped of brevity, and the dignity of sacrifice. When a soldier resolves to put before his own the lives of others, he is unceremoniously done away with.

The greatest honor bestowed upon a corpse in this theater of inhumanity is acting as cover, in hopes of allowing the boy taking it to avoid the fate which befell you.

There’s a distance to the camera, which acts more as a witness than an observer, as though it could be called to deliver testimonial on the indiscriminate atrocities it captures. The men of the regiment are boys tasked with being heroes, not heroes in and of themselves, there’s a difference.

Boys, youthful, skittish, corralled like pigs to the slaughter on the beaches of Omaha.

In retrospect we always assume purity in the eagerness of those men who have made the ultimate sacrifice, or have “seen the end of war” as George Santayana would say. Spielberg conveys the dread of these men who are soberingly aware of what they’ve thrust themselves into. They vomit, pray, grasp at the straws of their previous lives, swigging from flasks or sitting expressionless, blank, vacant.

As you leave the film, the impact of the art remains, burrowing within your soul, and sprouting into something deeper.

It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown Dir. Bill Melendez

Photo sourced from IMDB

I cannot even count the number of memories I have with this movie.

Charles Schultz is a national treasure. The Minneapolis natives’ most treasured contribution to popular culture comes in the form of the Peanuts.

Charlie Brown and cos wacky hi jinks have long been responsible for my perception of what a great animated film should seek to provide when targeted towards younger audiences. Tender in its cynicism and refreshing in its honesty, the life lessons espoused and universal experiences explored in the slate of animated features released over the last 60 years are so profound in their simplicity.

It also doesn’t hurt that I was raised in a Peanuts household.

Snoopy may be the most important animal in my dad’s life and we own an actual dog.

The first of the holiday specials I ever watched, as well as my personal favorite, is the Great Pumpkin, following Linus’s search for the titular, vaguely Santa Claus-esque holiday symbol who comes around every October 31st to bless with bountiful sweets the truest believer in his legend.

Every year, like clockwork, our family’s horror binge concludes in perhaps the least terrifying, yet most seasonally appropriate way possible. I never took into account the value of circumstance in regards to how it impacted my verdict on a film.

The Great Pumpkin is marvelous, one of the great pieces of feel good cinema produced by an era notable for it, but without the memories I forever associate with it, I do not know if it would occupy such a place in my heart.

Feature 11

Tanner Walsh Congratulations Tanner! So proud of you and everything you have accomplished.

You will do great things!

Love, Mom, Dad, Amy, Lucas, Ron, Grams, Al, Grandpa & Grandma.

Maria Velarde Maria, what can we say? We will miss you and love you and you’ve always got a place at the Hauge Household.

Congratulations! Don’t be crabby <3 - C, S, A, A

Nathan Gerding We are so proud of you! Congratulations!

Here’s to a bright future! Love you, Mom, Dad, Nick, and Nolan

Kelsey Barnhard

Bridger Ell

Congratulations Bridger....and remember when they hand you your diploma, keep moving. Just in case they try to take it back. Love the Fam <3

Dominic Clancy Words cannot describe how proud of you I am.

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. Congratulations on your big day love Mom

Congratulations Kelsey! I’m so proud of you in more ways than you know! Sky’s the limit and I know you can soar when you put your mind to it! Love you so much, Mom

Faith Eberle

We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and so excited to see where your journey takes you! Remember everything you do, “Do For Him” and all things will be possible!! Love, Mom, Dad, & Luke

Zachary Patrick LundeenSwenson Zach ~ We are

Patrick, Seems like yesterdayso when proud of the you came into my life. You are still amazing young as sweet and kind as you have always been! You are loved so much!!man you have

Dawson Holle

Your future is waiting for you, go and achieve your dreams. We are so proud of you and the amazing person you are! No matter how small the difference, continue to be the difference. Love, DIDDJA. Vote #Holle2House

become. We are so excited to see what the future holds for you!

Congratulations!!

Love ~ Dad, Mom, Talia, and Bri

Natalie Haroldson Congratulations Natalie! We are proud of the young woman you have become and we know you will be a shining star in all you choose! Always keep that bright smile! We love you Mom and Mike

Hallie Opp

Hallie, Congratulations on graduation!

We are so proud of you and so excited to see what your future holds! We love you so much!

Love, Dad, Mom & Kade

Wyatt Stroh We are so proud of you!! You are such an amazing young man!!

Love you to the moon and back!!

Sophia McLeish Sophia, This is the beginning of yet another journey of your life. You have made us beautifully proud! Happy Graduation.

Make Good Choices!

Love Your Family

McKenna Geiger McKenna, We are so proud of the amazing young lady you have become and all things that you have already accomplished, we can't wait to see where life takes you and all of the things you will achieve! Love Your Family

Bella Ficklin Bella - I am so proud of you. <3 Mom

Ashton Boehm

It seems like just yesterday we were teaching you to walk with M&M’s and now you walk towards your diploma.

Words cannot express how proud we are of you and your accomplishments. You’ve become a grounded, caring, beautiful young lady inside and out. Here’s to you and starting your new beginnings as we transition from Black and White to Red... Go Huskers! Love you Mom & Dad

Tahler Rudolph Tahler, We are so proud of you!

Congratulations!

Love, The Family

Zachary Patrick LundeenSwenson Zach ~ We are

Patrick, Seems like yesterdayso when proud of the you came into my life. You are still amazing young as sweet and kind as you have always been! You are loved so much!!man you have

become. We are so excited to see what the future holds for you!

Congratulations!!

Love ~ Dad, Mom, Talia, and Bri

Isabelle Milas Isabelle ~ We are so PROUD of the accomplishments you have achieved thus far. We can’t wait to see what your future holds.

Love you to the moon and back!

Forever and Ever!

Dad & Mom

Jenna Gierke

Keep up the hard work and go get your goals. We are proud of you Jenna!

We love you! Mom, Dad, Dylan & Camryn

Kendal Blair Kendal, Congratulations on your graduation! You have worked so hard and we are incredibly proud of all your accomplishments! Best of luck on your next adventure! Love, Dad, Mom, Logan, and Landon

Lucas Burgum & Sarah Burgum

Maggie Hostetter

Congratulations Lucas Burgum and Sarah Burgum!

Love, Mom & Dad

“Now, this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning,” -W. Churchill So proud of you, Maggie!

Keep working hard and being true to yourself. Love from your fam.

Patrick Lundeen Tyler Wagner Tyler, We are so Patrick, Seems like yesterday when proud of incredibly you came into my life. You are still working, the hard as sweet and kind as you have always responsible, witty been! You are loved so much!! and kind hearted young man you have become. The future is yours to succeed in all that you choose to do!

Love, Mom and Dad

Donovan Taylor I am so proud of you, Donovan!

Choose your path wisely and without regret.

Remember, it only takes one to make a profound difference. I love you! Mom

Aysia Mettler

What a wonderful young woman you have become. Remember, only you stand between your dreams becoming a reality or not. Always chase your stars! We love you to the moon and back! Love Mom, Dad, and Brit

Patrick Lundeen Regan Schlosser We are so proud of the young man Patrick, Seems like yesterday when you have become! you came into my life. You are still We cannot believe as sweet and kind as you have always been! You are loved so much!! how the years have flown by but are so excited to see what lies ahead for you.

You will do great things Regan and just know your dad and I will always be here for you! We love you buddy!

Alyssa Schafer

Alyssa Rose, we couldn't be prouder of you on all your accomplishments and hard work that you put into everything you do. Your journey may end here but another door awaits you to your future. Luv u, Mom and Dad

Margaux Kautzmann Jasmine Patera Congratulations Margaux! We are very proud of you and all of your accomplishments!

Love, Mom, Dad, Dominic and Liam

Congratulations Jasmine!

Your hard work and dedication has paid off!

We are all excited to watch continue to grow.

Good luck on your future endeavors! Love, The Fam

Lucia AgueroMontero

Lucia! We are so happy we were able to be a part of your American Experience and proud of the year you have had. You will accomplish great things. Heidi & Mike

LaReena Mosbrucker LaReena, Congratulations! All your hard work has paid off in a big way. May God bless you as you continue your academic/musical/ athletic career. Stay true to yourself and know we are so very proud of you!

Love; Dad, Mom, Emma, and JJ.

Alexis Imholte Our sweet daughter, we've watched you grow into an amazing young lady, we're excited to see where your future will take you, with your talent, the skies the limit! We are so proud of you.

Congratulations Lexi! Love, Mom and Dad

Trinity Lemieux Congratulations, we are so proud of you and so excited to see you start your next chapter!

Follow your dreams and stay true to yourself!

Love Mom, Dad, Tucker, and Emma

Avery Bogner Congratulations Avery! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments. We look forward in seeing where your future takes you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Emma and Aiden

Henry Bierman Congratulations, Henry!

We are thankful for 4 great years at Mandan High School. May God continue to bless you as you begin the next chapter of your life.

Love, Mom & Dad Ellie, Andy and Carrie

May 2022

The Senior Flipside

— Gabriela Martin, Reporter

Senior Philip Reese

“The bowling alley. I went there a lot with my friends.”

“In parenting, the baby belly one.”

Where was your favorite high school hangout?

What was your favorite high school project?

What are you most excited for in adulthood?

“Moving out.”

Photo by Gabriela Martin

Senior

Xavier Scott

“Composing my own song in guitar class.”

“My friends house.”

“Introduction to other cultures and seeing what life really is.”

Photo by Gabriela Martin

Senior Courtney Getzlaff

“Making up my own myth in Latin.”

“The bowling alley.”

“Not having to come here every day.”

Photo by Gabriela Martin

Senior Faith Alvarez

“I would say probably the auditorium.”

“The musical.”

“Just getting out there and adventuring.”

Photo submitted by Faith Alvarez

Abby Lembcke

Wyatt Hermanson So proud and excited for you as you start this next chapter in your story. Don’t settle - it’s about progression - never perfection - and always remember whose you are. Love Mom & Dad.

So proud of you, and looking forward to watching you chase your dreams!

We will miss your crazy sense of humor, making us laugh, and your ongoing renditions of the Star Spangled Banner!

Love, Mom, Dad and Alexa

Parker Anderson We are so proud of you and know that you will be successful in whatever you set out to do in life! We love you and can't wait to see what your future holds for you. Love Mom and Dad

Senior Section 18

May 2022

SENIORS: Side by Side

— Jasmine Patera, Asst. Feature Editor to

As we approach the end of our high school days, it becomes a time for students to look back and see what has changed. Plans for higher education, careers, and even personal style has become different for people within our class.

“I think I’ve honestly seen some pretty heavy character growth in everyone,” senior Kahleesia Chapman said.

One thing that has changed for many students is their plans for the future. For senior Cameron Schlauch, his goals have become more realistic since freshman year.

“Little kid me was like, ‘I’m gonna go sing in choirs,’ or ’I’m gonna be a big-time actor’ or something,” Schlauch said. “And present me is just like, well, I don’t need to.”

Along with careers, senior year has cemented college choices for many.

“I’ve seen everyone change what they wanted to be or what path they wanted to take so much, especially this year,” Chapman said.

For the seniors- we wish you luck in these future years of change!

These pictures show Cameron Schlauch from freshman year to now.

Photos submitted by Cameron Schlauch

Senior Section 19

May 2022

“Throwing four during the football game during homecoming.”

“Throwing up in the caffeteria my sophmore year.”

Aysia Mettler

Alexis Imholte

“When Braylon Keigley spray painted himself gold in the parking lot.’’

Margaux Kautzman

“Beating Fargo Davies in Football.”

Samuel Burr

“Not failing my junior year.”

Chez Baker

“When my car got hit by an ambulance.”

Kelsey Barnhard

Memories of MHS

MEMORIES OF MHS — Emma Helbling, Reporter

“For my first ever play audition I had no idea what a “beat” is in the play world. Turns out it is just a small pause but I some how came to the conclusion that it must mean to beat yourself up. So I did that in front of the director and she stopped me thinking I was having a mental break down.”

Cameron Schlauch

Senior Section 20

May 2022

Senior Wills — Leah Emineth, Opinion Editor

I pass down the hockey instagram page to

I will the title of percussion mom to Brett

Mallory Brahos- Margaux Kautzmann

Hoffman- Jenna Gierke

hael Pfliger- Nathan Stramer

I will my appealing attractiveness to Mic

I will soccer mom to Kylie Thompson - Sarah Burgum To all juniors, I will you the responsibility of dealing with freshman- Kelsey Barnhard I will being Mr. Christens favorite student to Sophia Felderman- Bella Ficklin I will pass down the role of clarinet mom to Nora Baumann- Callie Miller I will band locker 211 to Karter Hatzenbuhler and I will the Mandan softball Instagram account to Shayla Bechtel- Andi Borchers I would like to pass down the tradition of one person saying “preesent” at role call in concert choir to Chris Nuelle- Cameron Schlauch I will Entertainer to Brady Boehm- Ashton Boehm I will pass down student section leader to Westin Tischmak- Regan Schlosser I will hand down the Mandan wrestling to Makeala Castillo- Savannah Gunsch Dear football player someone must continue the cowboy collar tradition- Samuel Burr

I will leave the unofficial title of “theater mom” to Jacky- Medora Mallum I will EdOp Editor to Emma Helbling- Leah Emineth

Senior Section 21

SENIOR May 2022

SUPERLATIVES — Scout Hurley, Editor-in-Chief

All photos submitted by the winner of each superlative

Calby Geiger Most likely to be besties with your parents

Nathan Stramer Most likely to Survive the Hunger Games

Luiza ConceciaoLarson Most likely to be a supermodel

Most likely to end up on Broadway

Scout Hurley & Jasmine Patera Kahleesia Chapman Most likely to write Cutest Couple a New York Times that never was

Ashton Boehm Life of the party

Senior Section 22

Xavier Scott

bestseller

Scout Hurley Biggest trendsetter

Kendal Blair Most likely to win a Nobel Peace Prize

Mac Fix Most likely to direct an Oscar winning film

Wyatt Hermannson Best hair

May 2022

THE BEST OF THE CLASS OF 2022 VOTED BY THE CLASS OF 2022

Parker Anderson and Wyatt Hermanson Best bromance

LaReena Mosbrucker Most likely to cure cancer

Sydni Hoesel The one everybody had a crush on

Leah Emineth Most likely to travel the world

Dawson Holle Most likely to run for president

Connor Leingang Most likely to get ID’d at 30

Aaron Grubb Most contagious laugh

Carson Masseth Most likely to become a big-shot CEO

Peyton Voigt Class clown

Gage Whitney Marching band MVP

Most likely to go to Harvard

Callie Miller

Brodie Charvat Biggest flirt

Senior Section 23

May 2022

SHOUT OUT

— Gabriela Martin, Reporter — Emma Helbling, Reporter

Daden Doljak,

Super Shoutouts: “Thanks to Aaron Grubb: You are #GingerMagic!”

“Thank you for being a short senior even though I felt taller and I wasn’t making fun of you. I hope you enjoy your journey into the big world. I’m glad we met, thank you.”

-Desmond Wells-Emter

“Thanks to Callie Miller: Everyone loves you”

Morgan Sheldon, “Thank you for letting me tag along to the ground breaking of the new school. You’re kind for taking time out of your day to explain things to me- a new student council member.”

DeAngelo Horst, “I trust you because you’ve shown me your perspective on things and it helps me decide what I want in my life. Thanks for being my friend since my freshman year.”

-Robert Stretches

-Kallie Trottier

Mac Fix, “I want to thank you because even though I’ve only known you for a few months, I feel like I have known you for much longer. You are like a big brother to me and have always encouraged me.

I wish that both sides of your pillow are always cold, you always get the last slice of pizza, and you always make the green light. Good luck in all you do.”

-Gabbi Martin

Senior Section 24

Adam Gress, “You are a great guy, an excellent role model, and a good leader.”

-Isaac Muth

May 2022

TO SENIORS Geri Berg,

Wyatt Hermanson, “Thank you for basically being the big brother I never had. Thanks for teaching and supporting me through certain dives and just guiding me in life.”

-Jacob Thomas

“Thank you Geri for befriending me when I was a little seventh grader. I’m so thankful that we became friends.

You made my swimming years so much fun and I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”

-Aliya Hilfer

Sibling Section: Alayna Koening, “Thanks for driving me before I had my license and playing with me in elementary school when I had no friends.”

-Love, Sophia.

Kenna Mutschelknaus, “Kenna, thank you for being you. You took me under your wing freshman year and you continue to look out for me to this day. You were my theater mom and one of my closest friends there. I hope you enjoy your future and that you are faced with opportunities that are as great as you are.”

-Emma Helbling

Sam Burr, “Thank you. You’ve been through everything with me and you are my best friend. We’ve been together through thick and thin, and I can’t thank you enough for the advice you’ve given me.”

-Love, Leah Lyseaunna Ressler, “You’re my best friend. You’ve taught me a lot and I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait to support you and see where your life takes you!”

LaReena Mosbrucker,

-Love, Alyssa

“Thank you so much for the ways that you’ve helped and supported me in band. You’ve helped me grow and develop as a person and as a trombone player. I’m going to miss having you as section leader, good luck in college!”

-Fabian Rayo

Senior Section 25

May 2022

Alexis Imholte

Senior Edition

Mckayla Lindbo

Caleb Schmidt

Seth Arenz

Aly Ashton Boehm

Isabella Castillo Margaux Kautzmann

Callie Miller Bella Ficklin

NDSCS Natalie Haroldson

Hallie Opp

Alyssa Schafer

Aysia Mettler

Savannah Gunsch

Senior Section 26

May 2022

Out of State U of Jamestown NDSU BSC UND

yssa Olson

Kaia Weise

MSU Shelby Zachmeier

VCSU Kaycie Hobein Medora Mallum

Alexis Heinle

— Nathan Stramer, Reporter Henry Bierman

— Leah Emineth, Opinion Editor

Jenna Gierke Ashlynn Bachmeier

Kelsey Barnhard

Luiza Conceico Larson

VCSU Samuel Burr

Rayven Cruz Correa

Jesus Aguirre Kendal Blair

DWU Andi Borchers

Carolyn Goebel

Regan Schlosser

Gage Whitney

Kenna Mutschelknaus

Senior Section 27

May 2022

— Cambry Fyllesvold, Reporter

Senior Quotes “Shut up.

Dance it out,” Cristina Yang.

“Live each second without hesitation,” Elton John.

-Aysia Mettler

-Alexis Imholte

“It’s not always cookies and cream.”

“We never lose, we win or learn to get better.”

“Wanna Sprite Cranberry?”

-Regan Schlosser

-Rayven Cruz Correa

-Hallie Opp

“Well, well, well how the turntables.”

-Seth Arenz

“You can’t move forward without saying goodbye to the past.”

“Don’t think too hard.”

“Just work hard and try your best, and the rest will fall into place.”

-Jenna Gierke

-Kiara Hailey

-Athena Sidor

“Be comfortable with who you are and rock it!”

-Andi Borchers

Senior Section 28

“You have to be here so why not just do good.”

-Savannah Gunsch

“Use y=mx+b to calculate how downhill my life is going.”

-Kaycie Hohbein

“You have no idea the physical toll three vasectomies have on a person,” Michael Scott.

-McCartney Fix

Guilty As Judged May 2022

— Nathan Stramer, Reporter

On May 22nd, 2018, The defendant, Nathan D. Stramer allegedly passed middle school education with no knowledge of what he was getting into. The prosecution is charging him of not being able to learn properly in regulated school settings. The defense is claiming incapability to an extent to shorten his sentence.

“In the trial of Nathan Stramer, the defendant has been ruled as guilty, on account of not performing well in school settings, and is hereby sentenced to 4 years of high school education, full of worrying, no motivation for anything, a 2.0 GPA and a cycle of feeling too overwhelmed to do work.”

Affidavit of Nathan D. Stramer

- 5-22-18 “Ask my mom, I never listened. She knows it wasn’t my fault because something isn’t normal about me when it comes to following order. It wasn’t that I was being arrogant, there are just some things that are hard for me to sit down and do. I could never do any type of homework or sit down and do a coloring sheet, but I would do my chores no problem. It came to a point where I would fail things because they actually had a grade attached to it.

I entered high school without real knowledge of what I was doing. I could never tell what triggered it but every time I saw something that I had to sit down and mess with, I would get overwhelming feelings that I didn’t like, and so I decided to banish it from my mind and never think about it again. At the beginning of the year, I would do as much as I could without getting overwhelmed. Once my grade would drop, I would get people asking why and everyone bothering me about it, so I wouldn’t do any work for that grade. Not many teachers through middle school ever helped me, except for about two. This sentence is completely ridiculous. Honestly, I shouldn’t even be here talking about this. I was placed in a public schooling system that disregarded me as lazy every time I didn’t do something because no one wanted to take one singular second look at me in a different perspective. The jury of my teachers may not agree, but I find irony in the fact that the classes where teachers take time to help me out, I seem to do better in. There isn’t much to say. I still haven’t found a solid solution, and the subject angers me because no one knows what to do and I can’t figure it out. Hopefully this won’t continue past my sentence. I know I’m gonna get in at least one fight, almost get lawfully charged for stupid things, and barely get out because of this problem. No more of this pointless rambling. Take me off the record.”

Crime Being born with a raving personality trait of not listening to people.

Sentence

d e ifi

Four years of High School.

Case Status Closed

Consequential status Served

Defendant status Release set for 5-26-22

Nathan D. Stramer

t a r

Authorization

Opinion 29

May 2022

HOT GIRL BUMMER — Emma Helbling, Reporter

Hot Girl Summer is a trend that became popular in May of 2019 when Megan Thee Stallion released a song entitled ‘Hot Girl Summer’ and created a now viral trend of showing off your best hot girl self.

As someone who is an introvert and constantly compares themselves to their friends, Hot Girl Summer quickly became Hot Girl Bummer. But, feeling out of place isn’t the true spirit of HGS. In fact: as I got older, I quickly realized that HGS shouldn’t be something that I was using to compare myself to other people. Especially people that I considered to be my friends.

So to combat a return of the depressing Hot Girl Bummer, I have created ‘Emma’s Official Guide To Hot Girl Summer’.

From dealing with being the one that has to make the plans, to feeling secure in your body whilst posing for endless swimsuit photoshoots.

Step One-How To Feel Confident In Photoshoots With Friends Photoshoots can often make people uncomfortable, luckily there are ways to make you feel at ease. “Just start talking about random stuff. You should try to find common interests.” Parker Charvet, a sophmore said.

Step Two-How To Make Plans That Actually Hold Together In The End Making plans can be really hard sometimes, especially when you feel like you’re the only one wanting to hangout. “You should text first. Just say let’s hangout soon and wait for them to reply.” Harper Wilkens, a sophmore said.

Step Three-How To Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone! w Face it, your comfort zone is killing you. Sometimes it can feel like you need to stick by yourself to survive a situation but, there are plenty of ways to get out of your comfort zone while still feeling like you have a safe space.

Try group activities if you’re scared of being alone in awkward situations. There are lots of fun summer programs in the Bismarck-Mandan area that are great for meeting new people but are small enough to let you feel like you have a safe space.

Opinion 30

Step Four-Soundtrack (Because Every Movie Has One) +Gabi’s Pick: I Am Woman by Emmy Meli -Why: It is a song that is empowering and it’s basically saying that you don’t have to live up to other people’s standards. You do you, girl +Leah’s Pick: Truth Hurts by Lizzo -Why: “It’s a bop for the baddies.” +Michael’s Pick: Good Day by Greg Street & Nappy Roots -Why: “Have you heard it? It’s a freaking bangger.” +Lily’s Pick: Sex Sells by Lovejoy -Why: “It’s fun. And it’s fun to listen to and the instrumental makes me go fun.’’ +Nathan’s Pick: Super Bass by Nikki Minaj -Why: “It gives that confidence when I’m dropping it low.” +Cam’s Pick: 7 Rings by Ariana Grande -Why: “It makes me feel like I’m driving in my Mercedes with my floppy hat and sunglasses.” +Ari’s Pick: Maneater by Nelly Furtado -Why: “It’s a girl boss song and it encourages female empowerment.” +Harper’s Pick: Applause by Lady Gaga -Why: “It’s a boating song.” +Parker’s Pick: All NIght by The Vamps -Why: “This is a song that plays when you’re hanging with your friends.” +Mac’s Pick: The Pink Phantom -Why: “It reminds me of driving in the summer.”

We all need to remember that Hot Girl Summer isn’t about comparing yourself to others. It’s about living your best life and having fun, because that’s what summer is all about. “At the end of the day people are going to talk.” Wilkens said. “So you might as well do what makes you happy.”

May 2022

To Do Or Not To Do, That Is The Question

— Ariana González, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Values and beliefs have a way of running through a cycle, being passed down from generation to generation. These beliefs and expectations can range from how you should live, and can turn into indescribable pressure on how your future should look.

Growing up and being told you should be a doctor or an engineer, or follow any path of life your parents want you to can cause an indescribable amount of pressure.

There is a point in which you begin to question whether it has become your own idea or the seed implanted in your brain at a young age.

The idea of freeing yourself from the pressure and straying away from the path that has been laid out for you can feel both liberating and indescribably terrifying.

On one hand, you’ll be free to do what you wish and create a future for yourself that you can look forward to. But on the other hand, you’d be letting down your loved ones, who spent your entire life setting you up for what they deemed to be success.

The truth is, there’s no right choice between the two.

While having several It can be difficult circumstances and to decipher whether opinions of others these goals are influencing you may something you want lead you to choose to achieve or if it’s one or the other, your subconscious ultimately there is telling you that’s Photo by Ariana González only one person who what you have to it will truly affect: do in order to not A student’s hardwork displaying itself through their grades, you. Whether it is disappoint your your future, your but at what cost? family. mental health, or your relationships, the The extra add ons to either older or younger siblings is even decisions you make affect your life. worse for some. The pressure to be more like your siblings, to be as smart as your siblings, to be as perfect as your parents see After considering both sides of this argument, the time comes them. to make a decision. This article isn’t meant to influence you to choose one or the other, but more so to make sure whatever you Many factors can play a part in further perpetuating this cloud choose ends up influencing your life in a positive way. that continuously weighs down your very dreams and aspirations and condenses them into a small box to be stowed away in order As cliché as it sounds, you really do only get one chance at life. to fulfill the dreams and expectations of your family. To be able While your wish may be to want to appease everyone, it may to one day look in the mirror and see a reflection of everything result in living a life of regret, never knowing what would’ve your family wanted and more. But what if that’s not what you happened if you had taken the chance to follow your own dreams. want?

Opinion 31

“AS WE ALL LIVE ON” A few months ago my former AP Language teacher Mr. Peterson came into the Journalism lab and gave me a speech he thought I should consider when writing this final opinion piece. It was a commencement address written for an MIT graduate, the speech was never given. The address offered a laundry list of advice that he had to offer. After I read this impressive speech I began to think about Mr. Peterson and his investments in the Courier staff.

Since my first semester writing on the staff as a sophomore Mr. Peterson has frequented the journalism lab, bringing my classmates and myself countless numbers of articles and pieces of writing. I never thought much of it until I read that speech. I began to grasp how much those small gestures contributed to our publication.

Mr. Perterson’s excitement about each issue made each of us feel valued.

Every member on staff knew that if they were ever stumped on coming up with an idea or how to go about an article, they could ask Mr. Peterson. A student could never be a bother to him in any way.

Be somebody’s Mr. Peterson.

Be a good friend, be as reliable as possible and never make somebody feel like an inconvenience, they’ll usually take it to heart.

High school is only fun if you decide to make it fun.

You reflect the people you surround yourself with, so choose your close friends wisely.

Do not let the public education system convince you that college is the only way to succeed, they are scamming you.

If you ever get the chance to have Mr. Fitterer as a teacher, take it, but do not take calculus unless you really need to.

Get in harmless trouble, ask for forgiveness instead of permission.

Push yourself, it doesn’t have to be academically, but be sure to stay in check with your mental health.

Opinion 32

AND A THANK YOU

— Scout Hurley, Editor-in-Chief

Don’t waste your time on friends that do not treat you how you deserve to be treated, but if you do, learn something from it.

Trust people, most people usually have good intentions.

If your trust is betrayed don’t let it vanish for everyone.

Wear things that make you feel good, don’t take other’s perception into account.

Be nicer.

Make an effort to spend time with your family before you graduate, before you know it will be two months before you move out and you’ll regret all the hours spent alone in your room.

But trust me about learning something from Mr. Perterson.

Mr. Peterson’s journal entry from the day he graduated high school

May 2022

All articles sourced from the New York Times

Dear Mr. Peterson...

Our staff appreciates everything you do, more than you know. Your kindness and generosity never go unseen.

Opinion 33

SPORTS May 2022

— Michael Pfliger, Reporter

SOFTBALL “I’m satisfied with how we come together and play as a team, but we just need to clean up easy errors that could be prevented from happening.”

-Senior Faith Eberle

GIRLS’ TENNIS “I think that we will have a fun season even if we lost some of our seniors last year.”

-Sophomore Noel DeRosier

Photo by Lily Giggee

Seniors Issac Huttel and Avery Bogner discuss the game plan on the mound.

BASEBALL “Yes, last year we got out in WDA and did not qualify for state, so we have big expectations for this year.”

-Junior Owen Gress

Sports 34

GIRLS’ SOCCER

“We started off a lot slower than we wanted, but after our last game against Minot, we’ve proven how strong our team is.”

-Junior Tahrynn Nybakken

ROUNDUP May 2022

BOYS’ TRACK

“I think that we are going to do really well this year especally in the relays because we have so many more people compared to last year.”

-Senior Raine Skjod

Photo by Michael Pfliger

Sophomore Madison Hertz and junior Madison Frohlich try to steal the ball from the opposing team.

GIRLS’ TRACK “Our team has definetly gotten closer with each other and more comfortable, and everyone is is more confident in their abilites.”

-Senior Alyssa Schafer

Photo by Cambry Fyllesvold

Senior Faith Eberle tagging a player out at second base.

BOYS’ GOLF “So far the season has been good we have taken fourth at both of our tournament’s with one state qualifer.”

-Sophomore Bennett Leingang

Sports 35

SPORTS CARDS

May 2022

Avery Bogner

COLLEGE: Diclinson University POSITION:third and second base MAJOR: Exercise — Lily Giggee, Reporter — Cambry Fyllesvold, Reporter Science

Stetson Kuntz

SPORT: Baseball POSITION: Pitcher/2nd base MAJOR: Generals

SHOUTOUT: Iwould love to give a shout-out to the famous TikToker herself Emmie B. PREGAME RITUAL: Have one Bang, stretch, hit in the cages, and then talk with friends.

PREGAME: J banding and throwing plyos FAVORITE MEMORY: Walkong off against Minot QUOTE: “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game”~Babe Ruth

Issac Huttel SPORT: Baseball POSTION: Catcher, outfield, infiel COLLEGE: North Iowa Area

SHOUTOUT: Toughguy22 PREGAME RITUAL: Drink a reign, do some hip mobility, and listen to Still dre by Dr. Dre. FAVORITE MEMORY: MoRest Inn

Senior Section 36

FAVORITE MEMORY: Literally anytime I’m with my friends is my favorite memories.

Andrea Borchers SPORT: Softball COLLEGE: Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell,SD POSITION: Pitcher/ First Base MAJOR: Exercise Science

SHOUTOUT: To the entire team. Thank you for standing by me through the tough times that I had and being there with me the entire time! I will forever be grateful for each and everyone one of you.

PREGAME RITUAL: the prayer circle with the team before we start the game.

FAVORITE MEMORY: when we went to Devil’s Lake

and I had to take some random family’s clothes out of the community dryer to be able to throw in a teammates pants so they could wear them for the game that day.

LaReena Mosbrucker

May 2022

COLLEGE: Concordia College.

POSITION: middle hitter SPORT: Volleyball MAJOR: Music Performance and Mathematics

SHOUTOUT: My family, especially my mom and grandma, make it their goal to come to all of my games. They show such a huge amount of support. They help keep my love of the sport strong and constant.

PREGAME RITUAL: with my teammates, jamming out to music in the locker room right before our games.

FAVORITE MEMORY: Late night bus rides when we come back from far away games. We grow closer as a team, have so much fun, and share many laughs.

Turner Locken

SPORT: baseball POSITION: First and third base.

COLLEGE: Central Lakes Community College MAJOR: Physical Therapy

SHOUTOUT: Shout out to the city’s papi, and to all my other coaches and teammates.

PREGAME RITUAL: Listen to Perfect by Ed Sheeran and drinking an energy drink.

FAVORITE MEMORY: Hitting a home run and putting a chian and a cowboy hat on and getting yelled at to take it off.

Margaux Kautzmann

COLLEGE: University of Jamestown POSITION: Left Wing MAJOR: Biochemistry, on a pre med track SHOUTOUT:

All of my sophomores who got me through high school hockey, and everyone who believed I could go to the next level.

PREGAME RITUAL:

I have to stretch for the same amount of seconds in each stretch, and always in the same order. I have to have my gear arranged in a certain order before I start getting dressed. I also have to eat at specific times, which made me the butt of some jokes throughout high school.

FAVORITE MEMORY:

Waking up to Coco taking selfies with me sleeping on the bus, beating Grand Forks this year to place at state, everyone was on cloud nine and it felt like time stopped for a few hours.

Piper Harris

COLLEGE: Bismark State VOLLEYBALL POSITION: Defensive specialist BASKETBALL POSITION: Guard MAJOR: Criminal Justice

PREGAME RITUAL: The first song I play on blast on my way to the gym on every game day is Hall of Fame FAVORITE MEMORY:

My favorite high school memory would probably be the dance parties with the lights off and led lights on before every home volleyball game.

SHOUTOUT: Shoutout to my family especially my parents and my older sister for pushing me to always be better in sports and in life.

Senior Section 37

Here Is To Hermanson W

even the parents, we’re all one big family and it feels like we’re apart of something that truly matters,” Hermanson said

— Emmanuel Dolo, Reporter

yatt Hermanson is a senior at Mandan High School who began diving when he was a freshman. His love for diving is derived from his three years of experience on the trampoline.

“I figured if I could flip on a trampoline I could flip into some water.”

Hermanson said.

The first year Hermanson began diving, he placed top five at state and WDA in his freshman year. He went on to win WDA and placed second at state his sophomore year.

Hermanson believes that perseverance is most important, it played a huge role in his journey and got him where he is today. Hermanson encourages anyone with the will to try new things, especially things like joining the dive team.

“If you’re thinking about doing it, do it, definitely try it, nothing bad can come out of trying,” Hermanson said.

Perseverance is very important to Hermanson, his dedication to dive has made him who he is today.

“Out of all the years Junior year is what it really kicked in for me,” Hermanson said Hermanson surpassed expectations during his junior year, dominating at WDA and winning state. Placing in the first all state team.

“I was the first junior in state history to get 500 points at the state meet, that is when I knew I could go somewhere with it,” From breaking the Mandan Pool record, to becoming top 100 in the nation for high school diving, Hermanson has made a name for himself in the High School diving community.

Even though there were setbacks, Hermanson’s optimism helped keep him going. His perseverance has earned him visits to many universities, and meetings with athletic advisors.

He is considering colleges in Colorado.

His connection to his teammates drives him to be the best he can, having been the team’s “Shammy”(Most dedicated diver) for 3 years, Hermanson has shown his dedication to his team.

“The whole team is a family,

Sports 38

All photos by Scout Hurley

May 2022

Sports 39

May 2022

March

Athlete of The Month

— Cambry Fyllesvold, Reporter

Greatest acheivement this season: “How I competed at state diving this year.”

Biggest role model:

Jacob Thomas Boys’ Swim and Dive

“Wyatt Hermanson because he is like the older brother I never asked for and he coached me on some of my dives to perfect them.”

Pregame ritual: “Before we compete in diving we all huddle and wish each other luck.”

Biggest cheerleader: “My family because I can hear them all the way in the stands.”

Photo submitted by Jacob Thomas

Jacob executing a dive, competing for a good score.

Greatest acheivement this season: “Placing at the State Track Meet in three events and getting personal records in those events.”

Acey Elkins Girls’ Track and Field

Biggest role model:

“Sydney McLaughlin because she is always determined and is a very hard worker.”

Pregame ritual:

“I always eat a lot of spaghetti, drink a lot of water, and get rest before a meet.”

Biggest cheerleader: “My Uncle” Photo by Cambry Fyllesvold

Acey securing first place during the 800 meter run.

Sports 40