MHS Courier May 2023

See who the seniors voted for this year’s 2023 Senior Superlatives on pages 22-23.

Photo by Dylan Campbell

Hello Mandan High School students and staff, here is the final issue of the Courier for this year!

Writing for the Courier has truly been one of the best experieces I’ve had throughtout the last 4 years of my life and it is truly something I’m going to miss. I’ve learned so much and I’ve been given the amazing opportunity to learn alongside some of the best writers I’ve ever come across.

I want to thank Mrs. Cahoon for being an excellent advisor over the last 2 and a half years and allowing me to discover my passion for journalism. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have realized that this something I really love and want to continue to pursue in college. Along those lines, I want to thank this year’s staff for all they’ve done. Watching them all grow as both people and writers as the year went on was truly a great privilege.

I wish Cambry Fyllesvold and Dylan Campbell the absolute best of luck as future co-Editors-In-Chief. They are both extremely talented writers and I know they will do great.

As always, I hope you all enjoy this issue of the Courier!

From The Editor... Staff

Ariana González........................Editor-In-Chief

Co-Feature Editor

Lily Giggee................Assistant Editor-In-Chief News Editor

Cambry Fyllesvold.................Co-Feature Editor

Michael Pfliger...............................Sports Editor

Emmanuel Dolo....................................Reporter

Dylan Campbell....................................Reporter

Andi Nelson..........................................Reporter

Mya Johnson.........................................Reporter

Serenity Clegg-Laporte........................Reporter

Hannah Cahoon......................................Adviser

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

Ariana González, Editor-In-Chief

Peer to Peer Continues to Make an Impact on Students

— Cambry Fyllesvold, Feature Editor

With the end of the 2023 school year coming to a close, Mandan High School’s Peer to Peer club is wrapping up their first full year of activities. The club’s main focus is to build relationships between students and overall make the school more inclusive.

Peer to Peer has been busy doing many activities throughout the school year such as the 2023 Walk for Down Syndrome where students walked with their buddy at the State Capitol back in September.

The students have also arranged activities around the school including The Braves Bean coffee shop, dress up days and Operation Inclusion where students are rewarded by doing kind things to each other around the school. The operation began in February and students can win gift cards from a variety of different businesses including McDonalds, Denny’s, Bennigans, and many more.

“We gave each teacher a QR code to keep on their desk so they can just scan that when they see a student do something kind. The code brings them to a Google Form that they can nominate a student. Winners are sent out through the announcements.” Advisor Amber Allers said.

Peer to Peer has seen an increase in students being inclusive since they started Operation Inclusion only a couple months ago. Students in Peer to Peer also enjoy the other activities the club offers.

“I think the coffee shop is definitely the biggest thing,” Treasurer Abby Landeis said. “The kids really love it. It’s great to see how excited they get when their friends come to the coffee shop and they get to make them a drink.”

Peer to Peer club has seen an increase in members over the past several months.

“I love seeing the kids and the impact other students have on them,” Landeis said. “Their enthusiasm impacts you too and it makes me really understand that one thing I do, like saying “hi” to someone in the hallway, can make their whole week or change the whole course of their day.”

The students are involved with the mentees in the classroom as well. Students volunteer to go into classrooms and help the mentees with their school work.

“It’s really nice. It’s like a break in the day when you get to go in there and help them,” Landeis said. “It’s not so much school on you, it’s just like helping someone else.”

The massive support from the student body has made an impact on the progress of inclusion throughout the school.

“I think it’s a lot cooler because everyone that is there wants to be there. It makes people see them as people and they are capable of doing things just like us and I think that is really great,” freshman cabinet member Gabby Frohlich said.

Photos submitted by Amber Allers

Peer to Peer members pose for a photo at the Braves Bean coffee shop.

Mandan’s softball team makes hair bows with Peer to Peer members.

Legislature Passes Censorship Bill

House Bill 1205 aims to prohibit explicit sexual material within public libraries through a revision of the North Dakota Century Code’s Obscenity Control. On April 26th, 2022, after the bill went through corresponding legislative chambers, Governor Burgum signed the bill.

House Bill 1205 may qualify Mandan High School’s library as public. In turn, the bill will remove select titles from the collection and prevent the addition of future titles that contain explicit sexual material.

On October 11th, 2022, The Dickinson Public Library Board, at their monthly meeting, were met with about ninety community members to debate if the book, “Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human” by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan, was appropriate for the Dickinson Public Library.

Following these events, the book was taken under review, but is now featured in the Dickinson Public Library’s collection under the classification of young adult literature.

“In Dickinson, there were probably at least one hundred and two books that had similar-type messages of sexual freedom for children who were very young,” North Dakota Representative Vicky Steiner said.

House Bill 1205 enacts a new section into chapter 12.1-27.1 of the North Dakota Century Code. This new section would forbid titles that contain explicit sexual material in public libraries’ collections.

“The headlines are always ‘banning books.’ It is not about banning books. It is about having appropriate books in the library about sexual topics for the right age of children,” Steiner said. “When these books cross the line. It comes to the legislature, because citizens can’t get resolution in their local community. They ask their legislator, ‘please draft a bill!’”

Explicit sexual material applies to any material which: taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors.

– Dylan Campbell, Reporter

Photos by Dylan Campbell

Censorship is the primary conversation that surrounds this controversial bill.

“Under this legislation, when a book is taken as a whole, if it has one story in the middle that is not the whole substance of the book, this legislation will not apply to it,” North Dakota Senator Keith Boehm said. “I hear these stories, ‘they’re gonna take the Bible out,’ absolutely not true.”

Additionally, explicit sexual material pertains to any material that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community in North Dakota as a whole, with respect to what is suitable material for minors and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.

“The most damaging thing about the bills is this idea that any single person can walk into a library and say, ‘I think this is perverted,’” Library Patron Beth Schatz Kaylor said. “The librarian just has to remove it. If they do not, because the librarian does not agree based on the basic American Library Association principles of good library collection that we, as a nation, have agreed upon. That’s troubling on a deep level.”

North Dakota’s public libraries will have to develop a policy and process for library collection review that conform to the requirements of the section by January 1st, 2024.

“The only way to really and truly be sure that these books meet the criteria in the bills, would be to read them cover-to-cover,” Mandan Morton Public Library Librarian Michaela Schaff said. “The State Library did research on how fast the average adult reads. By averaging how long a typical fiction and nonfiction book is, they found the collection the state library curates would require one hundred more full-time staff members just to read within the deadline.”

In protest of this bill, a read-in was hosted by Schatz Kaylor, at the Bismarck Public Library on March 2nd, 2023. About two hundred participants protested while reading in silent solidarity for a half-an-hour.

“I just wanted to do something to allow people to come together, and peacefully voice their perspective. When I became the spokesperson for this, I was expecting some blow back. Honestly, I got much more words of support than the few words of question.” Schatz Kaylor said. “You see these things in other states, and it feels like there’s an outside influence coming in and trying to push that here. It’s really strange the legislature is so focused on pushing these through.”

This legislation may its effect on Mandan High School’s library.

“I do think they are gonna push to pertain to schools,” Mandan High School Librarian Scheryl Bjordahl said. “It has the possibility of being a big problem, and it has the possibility of being a little problem for us. I think for public libraries, it’s a big problem.”

BAGA Exhibit Inspires Art Students

— Emmanuel Dolo, Reporter

When looking for a place to present art beyond the classroom, students at Mandan may feel defeated. Yet with the help of art shows put together by the Bismarck Art and Galleries Association(BAGA), the perfect stage is set for aspiring artists to share the pieces they’ve created on their artistic journey.

BAGA is a gallery show in Bismarck that promotes the study of visual arts. The association helps shed a light on the potential that many artists in the local area embody today.

Their 14th Annual High School Juried Art Exhibit is an opportunity for young artists to embrace their hard work and creativity.

By entering their art in specific sectors of the exhibit, the artist gains a helpful sense of exposure and confidence in their work.

Artists can grow immensely through the exhibit, helping them establish confidence and understanding when practicing different artistic techniques.

Senior Zoey Junker has participated in this exhibit for three years and she shares how it has affected the way she goes about creating her pieces.

“I’ve learned to go more in depth with my art through research rather than just jumping into a piece having no idea what I’m gonna do.” Zoey Junker Said.

This new sense of curiosity towards her work is what helps Junker and other local artists learn from their pieces, exhibits like BAGA’s help art students build an understanding around what their pieces have to offer, as well as the history of the techniques used by many artists worldwide.

Natasha Heier shares how she uses this exhibit to educate herself on all the opportunities and history art embodies, she says,

“The exhibit made me open to do more things,” Natasha said, “I have expanded what I know and understand about different kids of art.”

From painting to printmaking with copper etchings, artists dedicate hours to their pieces and enter them to the exhibit to be judged.

Art Teacher Mr.Gieser shares what he wants students to take from the exhibit experience as well as how he encourages students to participate.

“The show gets the artists into seeing their work more professionally, and it gets them thinking more about the possibilities with their work.” Gieser said.

With a myriad of works from artists that use several unique styles and techniques, the BAGA exhibit opens a great door of possibilities for artists, and enables them to go beyond the classroom to learn about art.

-Art Teacher John

“It’s about motivating somebody to do the best possible work that they can do”

Gieser

“Pears” by Natasha Heier

Photo by Emmanuel Dolo

Forbidden

“BAGA encourages you to be better and work harder at what you do, there’s something new every year, so you never know what the outcome will be.” - Senior Lamya Evans

“A Growing Wind” by Lamya Evans

Photo by Emmanuel Dolo

“The

Fruit” by Anna Huettl

Photo by Emmanuel Dolo

“Sick, Nasty Apple Juice” by Zoe Junker

Photo by Emmanuel Dolo

“I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and compose art that was out of the norm for me, I loved that high school students got to display their talents that aren’t usually seen”

- Junior Anna Huettl

Vending Through the Details of Meadowlark Mercantile

— Serenity Clegg-Laporte, Reporter

It was inspired by refurbished cigarette vending machines by a business called “Art-A-Mat” in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Creating her own company with the help of her husband, Nicole Gagner and Scott Grandi-Hill created another Art Vending program called “Meadowlark Mercantile.”

The vending machines used for Meadowlark are a little different, using the regular soda and snack vending machines.

“I do think everybody now still has a connection to snack and soda vending machines; we’ve all used them at some point. And so I kind of use that as a jumping off point,” Gagner said. “Now [we] turn them into basically little galleries where artists can put small miniature art in but then they can pop up anywhere in the community.”

These machines are mobile and can move from place to place; the locations are shown on the website. This is one of the most exciting things for the founder as she gets to meet new people when they apply for the program in some way.

“A lot of the first artists that participated with us, let’s say about half of them, I already knew their work,” Gagner said. “But now usually [the applying artists are] brand new to me, which is really fun for me to discover new artists. Their creativity is really fun for me.”

One of the first contributors to the business is Shasta Alexander, a print maker who has her own business— Shasta Marie Designs. Her friend Judy Larson, who had a network of people across the Dakotas, had connected her to Nicole.

“We just connected from there, and then I submitted some art,” Alexander said. “I admittedly haven’t submitted as much as I would like to—but it was fun. And I think it was such a creative way to make art accessible to everyone.”

Nowadays, there are around 30 local artists who submit art to the program. With those, three of them are

contributors to Art CSA Share boxes (aka Community Supported Art boxes where customers, upon paying, get a box with some of the artists’ work as well as treats sent to their address).

“I think CSA art programs are a great way to support artists and help them expand their audience reach, but I have not submitted to any before or bought from other artists,” Alexander said. “Sadly in the area where I live, these programs are slow to be adopted and implemented, so I tend to not have as many opportunities like this in my hometown.”

Even though the program is available in this town, there are quite a few students and adults who do not know much about it. One of these people is Veronica Vega, a sophmore, who had only seen the vending machine at the Mandan Public Library.

“I haven’t used [the vending machine], no. I haven’t seen anything that I really liked yet, and we don’t go there often,” Vega said. “But there was really cool stuff in there for sure.”

Meadowlark Mercantile also does art-related events. Coming up, for example, is a Market for those 21+ at Dialectic Brewing in Mandan.

“So that is not just artists from the vending machine; [it’s] open to any artists that want to participate that are over 21,” Gagner said. “The markets are really fun, because you see all of these different creative people doing their thing.”

If curious, people can find more information at the Meadowlark Mercantile website, where they can contact the owners through email, Facebook, and Instagram.

“I love meeting people that are interested and referring them back to finding more work from our artists,” Gagner said. “That’s the fun of it.”

Photo by Serenity Clegg-Laporte Nicole Gagner restocking the vending machine at the Mandan Public Library.

Time Capsule

Fifth Grader, Riley Hertz is in Mr. Ulmen’s class at Fort Lincoln Elementary School. Hertz hopes to design fashion.

Fort Lincoln Elementary students raise money from the school store and raffle tickets for fun activities.

“On one of the last days of school, we raise money with raffle tickets and a school store for inflatables,” Hertz said. “We also, do this thing where they have a pool full of soap. Then, you stand on a stool in the middle of it. They have a giant ring and they lift it above you. It’s like you’re inside a bubble.”

First grader, Hattie Keller, is a student in Ms. Keller’s class at Fort Lincoln Elementary School. Keller hopes to be a teacher.

Students get multiple recesses throughout the day to stretch their legs and run around. Hattie takes full advantage of this time by playing her favorite game ‘tag’ with her friends.

A lot of funny things can happen during this play time with children.

“Me and my two friends were playing this game, where you have to balance on the beam and my friend fell off the beam, and we all thought it was funny” Hattie said.

Third grader, Nova Hatzenbuhler, is student from Ms. Williams’ class at Fort Lincoln Elementary School. Hatzenbuhler hopes to be a dance teacher.

Nova celebrated her 9th birthday at school.

“I brought ice cream and we got extra recess. So, we got to eat our ice cream outside at the picnic table,” Hatzenbuhler said. “Then, when all the boys left to play kickball, there were still a bunch of girls at the table and there was a bunch of ice cream. So, we all had seconds and the boys got so mad at us.”

In addition to recess, Fort Lincoln Elementary students leave the classroom to attend music and gym classes.

“I usually like gym class more. Well, it depends if it’s a fun game or a game I really like in gym class,” Hatzenbuhler said. “My favorite game in gym class is Sharks and Seals.”

Riley Hertz

Hattie Keller

Nova Hatzenbuhler

— Dylan Campbell, Reporter — Andi Nelson, Reporter

Photos by Andi Nelson

Ellie Diffely Noemmie Kimball

I am proud of you Noemmie.

Love, Grams

Congratulations Elizabeth! We love you and are proud of you!

Anton Kozojed

“Goodbye High School, and Hello College!” We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished so far and are very excited to see what your future holds for you.

Love, Mom & Dad

Ellie,

Conagratulations, you did it! All your hard work has paid off. We are excited to watch you spread your wings and write the next chapter of your story. You are going to do big things. We are so proud of you and will always be your biggest fans.

Love, Mom and Dad

We are so proud of you Samantha! You have accomplished a lot with your strength and determination and have overcome challenges! You are beautiful, confident and driven! Enjoy the next chapter in your life and know that we are here for you! We love you! Dad and Patty.

To tell you we are proud doesn’t even begin to express the pride and joy that we have for you. You are now a high school graduate and are about to start the biggest adventure in life. You will see me cry, but rest assured these tears are full of joy and memories. They are anticipation of the journey that is ahead for you. Your life has a purpose. You are destined for great things. I’m your biggest fan! Your family is so proud of you. Congratulations!

Elizabeth Patera

Ariana Gonzalez

Samantha Berger

The end of this chapter is bittersweet, but can’t wait to see the great things your future holds. We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Mya, Sean, Dad, & Debbie

Happy Graduation! New Opportunities are waiting, Explore, Learn, and Enjoy Life. God Bless you and Love you!! Mom

Congratulations! We are so proud of you & can’t wait to see what your future holds!

Love, Dad, Mom, Jacob, Andrew & Abby

Well what can we say? You made it, yahoo! You loved your toys when you were little and as you grow in life so do the toys. We are so proud of the young man that you have become and will continue to be, as you start the next part of your life journey. As your future unfolds, always remember to just go for it and give it your all when you do! Love you, Mom & Dad

Congratulations Carlie! We are so proud of you. We can’t wait to see you grow and succeed in the next chapter of your life. Love Mom and Dad

Patrick Lundeen

Brady Boehm

Ty Johnson Paige Freidt

Congratulations Paige! For all that you are and all that you will become, we could not be prouder! All our love - Brandon, Mom, Aspyn, and Deklyn.

MaKaela Castillo

Madison Frohlich

Carlie Joersz

Felicidades Noemmie, lo lograste!

Eres una gran persona te deseo lo mejor y que cumplas todos tus sueños y propósitos, la distancia nos separa pero siempre estarás en mi mentó y corazón. Tu papa te amo.

Noemmie. I am so proud, thankful, and honored to be your mom. It’s true, you are my favorite (middle daughter)! I love you mucho mucho. Mom

Colin Frank

Thanks for making our job easy. We’re proud of your high school accomplishments and excited to see what you achieve at Ft. Lewis College in Colorado.

We are so beyond proud of all of your accomplishments and cannot wait to see all that you will achieve! The sky is the limit for you! I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always… mom & dad

Kyleigh Hoherz

Kyleigh, we are so very proud of all your accomplishments, perseverance, and dedication over these years. You’re beautiful inside and out . Go chase your dreams they won’t chase you back . We Love You !

Noemmie, I hope that life’s difficulties never erase that beautiful smile. You are a great person, I am very proud of you. I love you! Tia Ivón

Noemmie Kimball

Noemmie Kimball

Audran Levi

Noemmie Kimball

We are proud of everything you’ve accomplished! We will miss you next year, but excited to see where life takes you!

Love,

Mom, Dad, Ben, and Brody

Brookelle we are so proud of your drive and determination and cannot wait to see all your future holds. Dream big, do big. You can do anything you strive to do.

Love, Mom, Dad and Brianna.

Jackson Reed, to say I am proud of you is an understatement. Your future is so bright. I have faith in you and know you are going to accomplish great things.

Love, Mom

Be Bold enough to Nick the future in yours, go get it. We are so proud of you.

Love Mom & Dad

I am so proud of you, Gabriela! You are going to do awesome and will succeed in any adventures God has in store for you. You are loved.

Breann, all you need is deep within you, waiting to unfold and reveal itself. We are so proud of you! Watch out world here she comes and you will be impressed! Love Mom, Dad, Alexis, and Tatum.

Gabriela Martin

Nicholas Baumgartner

Breann Radke

Jenna Stein

Brookelle Schafer

Jackson Schmidt

Angela Erhardt

We are all so proud of everything you have accomplished! We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you!

Dad, Grandpa, Aunt Jenny, and the rest of the clan!

Olivia Corbin

Liv, So excited to see what life brings you after high school. We love you. Mom & Dad

Shaydin Ell

We hope your next adventures are as good as this one. You will be missed. Love Your Fam.

Taylor Adamski

I am so proud of you with all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to witness your new adventures!

Love Mom

Lilee, It’s been an incredible honor and privilege to be your parents. Your humor, hard work & kindness will take you to unimaginable places! Wishing you much excitement as your journey continues! Love you ‘til numbers end…

Mom & Darin

Bigs, Pick up your.... Clothes, room, car, self, people. Take care of yourself, your stuff, and those you love. A good life is yours for the taking. Can’t wait to hear about all your big adventures!

Love, Mom and Dad

Love, Your Family

Lilee Eilers

Dominick and Lily Giggee

Evan Morales

Congratulations on your graduation, Evan! I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! I can’t wait to see where the future leads you. In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Love, Mom

We are so proud of the beautiful young woman you have become and are excited to see where life takes you. We know you will excel in anything you put your mind to and will accomplish every goal you set in front of you. We love you! Mom and Dad

Rylie Schick

Rylie, you are made for great things. Hard work, dedication, and a kind attitude brought you this far. Those values will take you anywhere you want to be! We are so proud of you! Love Mom, Dad, Jade and Owen.

Sydney, we are extremely proud of the young woman you have become. Now is the time for you to pursue your dreams! The world is waiting for you! Go out and get it!

Love you, Mom, Dad, Sharrie & Cort

Anika, There is nothing in this world you can’t do! You have proven to be a hardworking, responsible young woman and we couldn’t be more proud. Your strong will and dedication will take you far. We love you,

Love, Mom , Dad, Kaebry and Tanner.

Riley Kroh

Sydney Heinert

Anika Weekes

Riley, I am so incredibly proud of you! Spread your wings and fly, my sweetest girl. Once my baby, always my baby. Love you, Mom

Cassidy Mosset

Sierra we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! Your future is bright and we know you will shine! We Love You RaeRae!

Mom, Dad and Keeley.

Shawn Pack

Shawn, Since the day you were born you’ve been our everything. The years have gone so fast and now you’re graduating! We’re so proud of you! We know you’ll do great things in life!

Love, Mom & Dad

Aryana Kingsley

Congratulations on your graduation! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and you should be proud of your achievements. Mom and Dad

Congratulations sissy! We are so proud of you and the person you are becoming! We love you to the moon & back. Love Isabel, Kenzie, Wyatt & Grayson.

No matter where life leads you, no matter what you do, we’ll always be your biggest fans, and we’ll be here for you. - Love, Schmeltzer

I am so proud to be your mom and of all your accomplishments. I know you will be successful in everything you strive for. I love you so much and couldn’t be prouder of the man you have become. Congratulations!

Sierra Kainoa

Auggie and Zeek Bechtel

Carson Weyrauch

Noemmie Kimball

Patrick, Seems like yesterday when you came into my life. You are still as sweet and kind as you have always been! You are loved so much!!

We could not be more proud of the young man you are today. You have shown grit, integrity and determination as you strive to make your dreams come true. Nothing can stop you! SHOOT FOR THE STARS BRETT! Love Mom, Matheaw and Kylie

Mari

Congratulations! The sky is your limit! Love you always!

Mom, Dad, Brynn, Reed, Cully & Doug

Medora Ellingson

Congratulations, Medora! We are so proud of you and excited for the bright future that awaits you. Remember, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams! Love, Mom and Dad

Congratulations Westin!

We are super proud of you! Love Mom and Dad.

How Lucky I am to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Colton and Sam, we are so proud of you both. Congratulations! The Egli’s

Westin Tischmak

Jackson Lundeen

Colton Elgi & Samantha Berger

PatrickBrettLundeenHoffman

Nathan &

Oothoudt

Anna Bendish

Anna, everything life has thrown at you, you have always made the best of it. Couldn’t be more proud of you. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!

Love Mom & Bryan

Mae Kamp

We are so proud of you!

Congratulations on graduating high school! You will do amazing things!

Love, Mom and Dad

Congratulations, Allie! We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments!

Wishing you the best on your next adventure. We believe in you! XoXo, Mom & Dad, Grandma Mack, and Grandma & Grandpa Roy

Always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you think and more loved than you will ever know.

Love, Mom & Ernest

Congratulations Ashley! We are so proud of everything you have accomplished and may all of your dreams come true. Love, Mom, Dad, Eric, & Kayla

Congratulations Noemmie! I’m so proud of you and what you have accomplished. You are going to make an amazing nurse. Wishing you the best!

Love, Grandpa

Acey, We are so proud of you! You have worked hard and showed commitment, demonstrated integrity and thoughtfulness, and have earned all your academic and athletic accomplishments. We are so excited for you as you experience the next chapter in your life…the best is yet to come!

- Love Mom, Dad, Haley, Paiz and Gibby

Acey Elkins

Ashley Stelter

Allie Ereth

Andrew Helvig

Noemmie Kimball

Senior Wills Senior Wills

Senior Wills Senior Wills

Senior Wills Senior Wills

Gabriela Martin

Gabriela Martin

Gabriela Martin

May 2023

May 2023

— Ariana González, Editor-in-Chief

, Editor-in-Chief

“I will the tradition of handing out treats to the staff every holiday to Alyssa David.”

“I will the tradition of handing out treats to the staff every holiday to Alyssa David.”

“I will the tradition of handing out treats to the staff every holiday to Alyssa David.”

“I will Student Section Leader to Jamison Nelson, Jelani Jones, and Kelbi Pritchett.”

“I will Student Section Leader to Jamison Nelson, Jelani Jones, and Kelbi Pritchett.”

“I will Student Section Leader to Jamison Nelson, Jelani Jones, and Kelbi Pritchett.”

Mari Oothoudt

Westin Tischmak

Westin Tischmak

Westin Tischmak

Mari Oothoudt “I will the title of Ms. Miller’s favorite senior to Sophia Warner.”

Mari Oothoudt “I will the title of Ms. Miller’s favorite senior to Sophia Warner.”

“I will the title of Ms. Miller’s favorite senior to Sophia Warner.”

“I will the mantle of saxophone section dad to Max Dutenhafer.”

“I will the mantle of saxophone section dad to Max Dutenhafer.”

“I will the mantle of saxophone section dad to Max Dutenhafer.”

Ryan Wetsch

Ryan Wetsch

Ryan Wetsch

“I will the world's longest held pencil to Michael Storsved.”

“I will the world's longest held pencil to Michael Storsved.”

“I will the world's longest held pencil to Michael Storsved.”

“I will random hugs to Camdyn Engelhardt.”

“I will random hugs to Camdyn Engelhardt.”

“I will random hugs to Camdyn Engelhardt.”

Lexi VanBeek “I will my pep band folder to Emilee Lennie.”

Lexi VanBeek “I will my pep band folder to Emilee Lennie.”

Lexi VanBeek “I will my pep band folder to Emilee Lennie.”

“I will the responsibility of bringing pickles to the FFA competitions and conventions to Hope Hanson and Brooklyn Miller.”

“I will the responsibility of bringing pickles to the FFA competitions and conventions to Hope Hanson and Brooklyn Miller.”

“I will the responsibility of bringing pickles to the FFA competitions and conventions to Hope Hanson and Brooklyn Miller.”

Ariana González “I will the position of Editor-In-Chief to Cambry Fyllesvold and Dylan Campbell.”

Ariana González “I will the position of Editor-In-Chief to Cambry Fyllesvold and Dylan Campbell.”

Shaydin Ell

Shaydin Ell

Shaydin Ell

Ariana González “I will the position of Editor-In-Chief to Cambry Fyllesvold and Dylan Campbell.”

— Ariana González, Editor-in-Chief

Ty Johnson

Angela Erhardt

— Ariana González

Ty Johnson

Angela Erhardt

Ty Johnson

Angela Erhardt

This year in August I had a root canal, my wisdom teeth out, then an infected root canal, then an abscessed root canal which caused a hole from my tooth into my nose almost causing a brain infection. My lips swelled up very bad and people thought I got a botched lip filler. One of my teachers even said “It looks like you got a Walmart kit of at home lip filler.”

- Whitney Mcgee

My junior year I bought a Bubblr from A La Carte and was on my way to prob and stats. I sat down a couple minutes before the bell rang for class, and started to open my Bubblr and then I hit it with my elbow and it spilled and went all over my pants. I had to get up and run through the crowded hallways and It looked like I peed myself.

- Breckin Kisse

It’s my first day of Highschool. I am a scared little freshman in my brand new first day of school jumpsuit. I was so scared and excited. I was in the lunchroom and my shoes were really slippery. There happened to be ranch on the floor. Those two things combined were not good! I slipped on the ranch and fell straight on my back. I fell in front of the cool senior table. I had ranch all on my jumpsuit and it was really embarrassing at the time. I didn’t have any back up clothes, and I was too embarrassed to call my mom so I smelled like ranch the rest of the day.

Senior Horror Stories

— Andi Nelson, Reporter

My biggest high school horror story was when I got into 4 car accidents in 1 week in the school parking lot, and every one of them was a hit and run. None of them were caused by me either. That was a really bad week for me.

- Anika Weekes

- Gabi Martin

I was sitting in Drews truck before school and my truck was parked next to his. Some random guy pulled up next to my truck and got out swinging the door in a hurry. I saw him hit the side of my door and I went out there and he ran away before I saw who it was.

- Anton Kozojed

One time I was walking up the main stairs while it was packed full of people, and I tripped going up them and my backpack went over my head and I could hear people laughing as they watched it happen.

- Rachel Hertz

“Latin Club”

“I loved all of the homecoming week events, and my usual sports I participate in and manage.”

“Go to BSC and major in Cybersecurity”

“When I knocked down a ceiling tile and had to pay for it.”

“Mr. Cahoon”

“Attending the football games”

“Attend UND, major in Commercial Aviation and be an airline pilot”

“Just about anything that happened my senior year, it’s hard to pick one.”

“Mr. G”

“Golf”

“Going to MSUM to pursue social work.”

“Attend NDSU and major in Finance”

“All the special things our school does during senior year that are just for the seniors”

“I can’t pick just one favorite teacher”

“The over night trips after golf”

“Mr. Kessler”

What is your favorite school activity?

What is your plan for after high school?

What is your favorite high school memory?

Who is your favorite teacher?

Senior Flipside

May 2023

—

Cambry Fyllesvold, Feature Editor

Shawn Pack

Lilee Eilers

Shayla Bechtel

Colton Crane

Photos by Cambry Fyllesvold

May

SENIOR

THE BEST OF THE CLASS OF 2023

Best Smile

Cassidy Mosset

Most Changed Since Freshman Year

Breckin Kisse

Most Likely To Become A Famous Music Artist

Noah Forschen

Most Likely To Be On Broadway

Jenna Stein

Most Likely To Be Found In The Trainer's Room

Dominick Giggee

Most Likely To Sleep Through An Earthquake

Dalton Fleck

Most Likely To Run For President

Carson Weyrauch

Best Car

Ratmir Spac

Best To Bring Home To Parents

Mari Oothoudt

Most Likely To Write A New York Times Bestseller

Ariana González

Most Artistic

Zoey Junker

Best Dad Jokes

Brooklyn Leingang

All photos submitted by the winner of each superlative

— Ariana González, Editor-in-Chief

SUPERLATIVES

VOTED BY THE CLASS OF 2023

Most Contagious Laugh

Rylie Schick

Mom Of The Class

Anna Bendish

The One Everybody Had A Crush On

Jaidynn Doe

Most Likely To Be A Supermodel

Owen Gress

Most Likely To Be Out Of Dress Code

Ashlyn Markel

Marching Band MVP

Ty Johnson

Cutest Couple

Brady Helbling &

Sydney Heinert

Most Likely To Tell You The Test

“Wasn’t That Bad”

Taylor Adamski

Best Bromance

Brett Hoffman & Carson

Weyrauch

Most Photogenic

Whitney McGee

Biggest Flirt

Anika Weekes Senior Section

Growing Up Native in Mandan, North Dakota

— Lily Giggee, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Growing up, I never understood why my grandpa was going on and on about how the school doesn’t give us enough for how much money they receive from the government. That went right over my head.

After learning more about the history of my culture and everything that has happened, I started to understand what my grandpa was talking about. When he was growing up, he got everything from the school.

Now, at the ripe age of 18, I am starting to see just everything I have received and not received. As of right now, I am enrolled in the Monarch Project which is a program to help native kids.

I have received a laptop, and softball equipment from this program which I am grateful for. The program has also given me the opportunity to take a dual credit psychology course through United Tribes.

As I was applying to colleges, the University of Minnesota Morris caught my eye. The school offered me a tuition break for being native, which honestly was quite a relief because it cut my price down by $12,000 each year.

Morris used to be an old boarding school which is why they offer tuition breaks to Native American students. Their past is a little scary along with the campus having some of those old buildings around but it is still a great option for me.

Along with my tuition for college being waived, there are tons of scholarships I can apply for. The Bureau of Indian Affairs offers a scholarship for medical school that will pay for all four years if you

promise to work for them.

There are so many different opportunities for me that I never even realized were there. I am forever grateful for my parents, grandparents, and Jordan, my student success coach, for helping me find the opportunities and where to apply for them.

The only downside to all these opportunities opening up for me is what my ancestors had to go through to get to this place. Not to sound greedy or anything, but for what my people went through ages ago, it still is not enough.

Some of my relatives went to boarding schools and kids today barely know what actually went on. Native American history is interpreted by the winning side, not the losers.

This history should be taught more in school, to show both sides of the coin, not just the side that won. Growing up I never really heard a lot about “the losing side,” but it has gotten a lot better.

Ultimately, I am glad that I can try to make an impact any way I can with the opportunities that I am presented with.

The progress I have made on my gradation cap which is one of the perks I have as a Native American student I have the opportunity to decorate my cap

Photo By: Lily Giggee

None of It Really Matters None of It Really Matters

My very first day of high school, I had decided I was going to wear a skirt accompanied by a pair of short fishnets that reached only to my knee. I was in the lunch line, standing amongst a small group of my friends and we happened to be in front of a group of senior guys.

My friends and I overheard them as they looked at our freshman class and proceeded to make gross comments about the girls, saying we all looked like whores and speculating about our body counts, if we even had any yet.

One of the senior guys amongst the group pointed at me, and proceeded to say “I mean, that one’s wearing fishnets, like a real slut.” The group of guys laughed, and everyone else in the line who heard the comment giggled quietly to themselves.

I never wore the fishnets again.

I went home that day, humiliated, and in tears about how I embarrassed myself earlier that day, not wanting to go to school the next day because everyone was gonna make fun of me.

That didn’t happen, in fact, no one remembered. Not the other people in the lunch line, not my friends, and not even the group of senior guys.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I wish I could go back in time and scream at my younger self for taking this situation so seriously, or any other situation in which I was humiliated over something extremely pathetic, only for it to be forgotten the next day.

The truth is, no one is as focused on your past mistakes, or any embarrassing moments that may have happened to you, as you are. It may feel like everyone’s going to make fun of you forever, but something embarrassing will happen to someone else the next day and the world will suddenly move on.

Over the course of my senior year, I’ve come to realize that there are so many bigger things in life than your current friendships, and crushes, and any embarrassing moments you may have had over the course of your high school career.

— Ariana González, Editor-in-Chief

At this point, everyone’s heard that high school is supposed to be the “best 4 years of your life.” I don’t entirely disagree; as a senior, there are many things that I’m gonna miss when I graduate and I can say that there are many things that I learned and memories I made that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

That being said, the importance of these 4 years out of about 80.2 years of a human life is so minuscule compared to the rest of your life.

Everyone grows up, everyone forgets, and there are so many more things awaiting you after you leave this building.

Everyone grows up, everyone forgets, and there are so many more things awaiting you after you leave this building.

SPORTS CARDS SPORTS CARDS

— Lily Giggee, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

These sports cards represent the senior athletes who are taking the next step and continuing their respected sports at the collegiate level.

Anna Bendish

AGE: 18

SPORT: Track and Field Javelin

MAJOR:

Radiologic Technology

The Marauders UMary

Shout out: Thank you to my coaches, family, and friends who always support me, and to UMARY Track & Field for giving me the opportunity to continue to do something I love.

Favorite memory: Qualifying individually for the state track meet for the first time.

SIGN HERE

Mya Sheldon

SHOUT OUT:

My Dad

AGE: 18

SPORT: Track and Field; Javelin

The Mystics

BSC

Quote: Success isn’t given its earned

Favorite memory: Almost getting struck by lightning in the bus

Rituals: Always putting my shoes on the same way

SIGN HERE:

Senior Section 26

Acey Elkins

MAJOR: Exercise science

AGE: 18

The Bison NDSU

Shout Out: To my teammates, family, friends, and coaches for helping me get where I am today.

Favorite memory: Meeting all of my track friends and running a 4X4 relay race in the dark, under the lights, with music blasting in Bowman.

Rituals: Eating spaghetti and drinking tons of water

SIGN HERE:

All photos submitted by their respective athletes

Dominick Giggee

MAJOR:

Mechanical Engineering

AGE: 18

The Hardrockers

SDSM&T

Shout Out: My parents and coaches for supporting me throughout my athletic career and giving me the motivation to keep going.

Favorite memory: Last year when I placed 4th in state for the 110 hurdles. To stand on the podium and be in the spot was worth every practice I’ve ever been to.

SIGN HERE

Jordan Binder

AGE: 18

SPORT: Baseball; Pitcher

MAJOR: Generals

The Tetons Williston State College

Pregame Rituals: Orange Dreamsicle Reign before every game

Looking Forward To: Continuing to play baseball, competing at a higher level, and adapting to the new environment

SIGN HERE

Karsten Hegney

AGE: 18

SPORT: Track; Mid Distance

MAJOR: Criminal Justice

The Mystics BSC

Pregame Rituals: Run with no socks and to eat oyster stew the night before

SHOUT OUT: Joshua Lamers

Looking Forward To: Performing against new people at the next level

SIGN HERE

Congrats Graduates!

SPORTS ROUND UP

GIRLS’ TRACK

“With the weather warming up we need to warm ourselves up too we haven’t had a lot of chances to qualify but the next few meets we will have lots of qualifiers and lots of PR’s and thats what we are looking for,”

-Senior Mya Sheldon

BASEBALL

“The season has been very average so far. We have bee improving as the season continues, but we definitely can get better. First step for the team is to make state,being focused on that goal will help us achieve it,”

-Junior Gage Miller

BOYS’ GOLF

“Our first 2-3 weeks of practice were indoors and adjusting to the gold course was a bit of a wake up call. Now we have made our adjustments and are doing better,”

-Junior Nick Allan

BOYS’ TRACK

“The snow was a rough start for us but now the snow has melted and I think its going to be a great year,”

-Senior

Carter Johnson

GIRLS’ SOCCER

“We beat Minot’s 38 game win streak with a tie and we have a really good chance of going to state,”

-Freshman Sundriana Shane

SOFTBALL

“We are a young team, even with the new coach we all have learned a lot. We are focusing on growing our program, especially with the younger girls. They have really stepped to compete for spots and are working hard for them. Our main focus is learning from our mistakes and going up from there,”

-Junior Ellie McElvaney

GIRLS’ TENNIS

“The whole team has improved drastically over the course of the season and overall are just working better together. In all. I’m thrilled with how the season has gone so far and can’t wait to see how the coming weeks go,”

-Senior

Taylor Adamski

Photo by Michael Pfliger

At left, freshman Tayten Giggee comes down the home stretch in an 800.

At right, freshman Abby Landeis steals the ball from a Legacy player

Photo by Andi Nelson

At left, freshman Brittyn Mettler awaits the return hit from the opponent.

Photo by Andi Nelson

Standing apart from the Mandan High School students who enjoy throwing a ball, running on a track, or kicking a ball, there is a student who has a passion for the atypical sport of curling. Junior Owen Nelson has won many awards recently and is continuing to expand his career in curling across the nation. Owen has been curling for six years and has been very successful.

Recently, Owen has competed in the under 18 nationals in Denver, and the under 21 nationals in Boston. Owen, along with his teammates Teagan Thurston, Kenna Ponzio, and Zach Brenden, will be competing in Denver, Colorado at the U.S Junior Olympic Qualifiers in September.

“The reason I like the sport is because of the competition and all the people I’ve met from all over [the country],” Nelson said. “I’ve got friends from Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Canada, and all around.”

Owen’s love for curling makes him feel a sense of competitiveness that pushes him to try his best. He thinks curling is unique from the typical sports that he tried as a young kid, but was never connected to.

“I think I am just competitive by nature,” Nelson said. “I really like playing just to play for something, whether it’s to qualify for nationals or worlds it really just pushes me to try harder.”

Curling has also opened many opportunities for Owen to meet role models from all over the country.

“I met one of the world’s players Korey Dropkin when I was in Wisconsin.” Nelson said.

Mandan Student Sweeps His Way to Victory

Curling was named North Dakota’s state sport on March 23rd, 2023 after Doug Burgum passed Senate Bill 2229.

“I was there when Doug Burgum signed the papers and I got to take a picture with him too.” Nelson said.

Curling has led Owen Nelson to meet many people and see many places. The sport has dominated the eastern side of North Dakota, but is located in five cities across North Dakota Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Williston, and Devils Lake all have public curling facilities that people from all age ranges compete and play at.

— Cambry Fyllesvold, Feature Editor

Owen celebrating his win with his teammates. Left to right Zach Brenden, Connor Grabow, Miles Grabow and Owen Nelson.

Owen and his teammates posing with their championship trophy they won at the state tournament.

Photos submitted by Owen Nelson

Boys’ Track Prepares for Strong Finish

— Michael Pfliger, Sports Editor

The boys track team had a rough start to their season, missing several outdoor meets due to snow and bad weather.

“With it [The weather] keeping us inside a couple extra weeks than it usually would, we lost out on a decent chunk of our outdoor season,” Junior Michael Storsved said.

Although the team has lost some of their season they have still been able to improve in their events.

“I’d say the team as a whole has made great strides in improving athletic ability, despite being stuck inside for a lot of our season,” Storsved said.

Many seniors on the track team see their last year as a chance to pass on what they have learned to the underclassmen.

“I look forward to helping out the kids that need help to further better their career in sports,” Senior Anthony Armendarez said.

Some seniors see lots of potential in the underclassmen and try to coach them to the fullest of their abilities.

“James Upton has a lot of potential. He’s a freshman this year.

He’s already gotten like 11 feet or 11 ‘6 “ That’s my PR right now and I’ve been doing this since seventh or eighth grade,” Armendarez said.

For many athletes being inside for longer than usual didn’t let them practice their events until later in the year.

“No practice during the off-season has a huge effect especially for pole vaulting,” Armendarez said.

On the track team the coaches also push athletes to get better every day and constantly improve.

“I really like coach Swan. He really does push everyone to be their best,” Armendarez said. “He wants the best for all the kids and he really pushes everyone to try to do their best even when they are being negative.”

The team tries to build strong bonds among teammates both in and out of practice.

“We are a very close team as a whole. The seniors especially are always getting together outside of sports,” Senior Karsten Hegney said.

Photo by Michael Pfliger Junior Holden Howard prepares to throw his javelin.

Photo by Michael Pfliger Junior Mygel Porter closing in on the finish in an 800.