The S.H.A.C.K.
“Sacred Heart Academy Club Kernals” Shanley High School
Why not minot
Seniors took lead into final question of raucous
State Know Your
Faith competition in Minot with whole school cheering
By Emily GiEtzEn
Starting before the sun had even had a chance to break the morning horizon, the whole entirety of Shanley High School made their way to Minot for the annual State Know Your Faith dressed in 60’s and 70’s gear to follow the decades theme from the iconic movie, Back to the Future
The reason the whole school went was because the Bishop of Bismarck, Bishop Kagan, was retiring, so the Bismarck Diocese made sure that his last one was the best one yet.
After winning the local Know Your Faith, seniors Max Sornsin, Erika Wanner, and Gabe Walker spent four hours on the bus that morning preparing to avenge the state title.
Arriving at around 10 AM, the school made their way into the Minot Civic Center and was greeted with a huge set up of pyrotechnics, a Tesla with doors opening up like
the DeLorean from Back to the Future, and much more. Mark Wahlberg even made an appearance on a 20 second video wishing all of the contestants good luck.
“It was exciting, and the energy in the room was very electric,” said Wanner. “Everyone had a lot of energy which was awesome to see.”
The senior team was making strides as the first round of the competition finished. They were in the lead, followed by St. Mary’s from Bismarck.
As points were being tallied, mini competitions in between the rounds started. There was a roller-skating race, hamsterball wrestling, and a swing dance competition. There was much to do for everyone there, keeping everyone entertained.
As the final jeopardy round took place the team made their wagers. The Deacons were in 1st place, so the seniors decided to bet smart in case they got the question wrong.
Page 2: March for LIfe
Page 3: QuesTIon of The MonTh
Past history played into their strategy, as Bishop Kagan likes to make his final question the toughest so that no one gets it right.
“Bishop Kagan never makes his final questions easy,” said Sornsin. “So we knew we had to be smart with our wager.”
Despite three straight years of never getting the question right, this final jeopardy question was one that every sophomore in the Catholic School system could get right. However, in the end, Shanley came up just a little short as St. Mary’s took home the trophy.
Regardless of the outcome, the State Know Your Faith will be one to remember, as the extravagance of it all will be cemented in everyone who was able to attend.
It was also announced that Shanley will be the host for next year’s competition, leaving Fr. Slattery and next year’s chaplain’s assistants with much planning ahead of them.
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Page 5: feed My sTarvIng chILdren
them on
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Senior team members Max Sornsin, Gabe Walker, and Erika Wanner flew through the competition in the first three rounds of the State Know Your Faith in Minot’s Municipal Auditorium.
Junior Derek Boehm cheers on the Deacon Know Your Faith team on the shoulders of senior Andrew Crist.
Sixteen-Hour Delay Can’t Stop March for Life Pilgrimage
Marchers overcome bus troubles to make annual pro-life event in Washington D.C.
By Emily GiEtzEn
On January 22nd, a group of Shanley High School students and chaperones got on two buses and made their way to Washington, D.C. for the annual March for Life.
Unfortunately, on the way there one of the buses broke down leaving a group stranded at a gas station outside of Chicago, Illinois. However, the staff was kind towards the students and provided food and a place to sleep for the 16 hours they were there. At 4 PM the next day, they were finally on the road again.
When the students got to D.C., they had to head straight
to the March. They walked all the way to the starting point while the speakers were wrapping up. The students did get to hear Vice President J.D. Vance speak about pro-life topics.
“It was really cool to know that the Vice President was just a couple yards away from us,” said senior Mara Nielsen.
Eventually the march started and people from all over the country were there, praying in different languages and holding signs to stop the act of abortion.
“I realized that the March was something I could do as a teenager to make a difference
in my country,” said Nielsen. “It was definitely a life changing experience.”
After the march ended, the students were able to go to different museums in the city and even get a chance to go to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where they attended Mass before they left. They finally arrived home at around 6 PM on Sunday night.
“It was a very memorable and powerful experience,” said senior Lucia Ferguson. “I encourage those who want to go next year to go because it’s a trip that you will remember forever.”
Shanley’s March for Life pilgrims on the steps of the US Capitol Building.
Seniors Vince Noble, Gabe Walker, Drew Kadrmas, Ethan Bradley, Brayden Johnson, and Isaac Beauchamp enjoy their visit to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.
Seniors try and pass the time during their sixteen-hour delay at a Kwik Stop in Illinios waiting for their bus to be fixed.
Question of the Month:
What is your favorite Shanley tradition?
Joanna Nielsen Sophomore
Art Day
Lilly Deutsch Freshman Homecoming Dance
Addie
Bogenreif Junior Country Roads at End of Dances
Ethan Erickson Sophomore Student vs Staff Basketball
Annabelle Maher Senior School Song After a Win
Max Sornsin Senior Senior Prank
Jacob Tufton Freshman Homecoming Week
Derek Boehm Junior Homecoming Week Bonfire
Snowball Dance Wraps Up Eventful Catholic Schools Week Festivities
By Peace Hakim
Another year, another successful Catholic Schools Week!
Starting off the week was the local Know Your Faith with the theme of western put on by the Chaplin’s Assistants.
The Shanley gymnasium was filled with energy as the freshmen and sophomores looked to upset the upperclassmen in the Catholic faith competition. Their efforts fell short though with the seniors taking home first place, followed with the juniors in second.
On Tuesday, the theme was jerseyversity where students put on their favorite sports team’s jersey or represented a univer-
sity or college of their choice.
The highlight of the week was Wednesday’s State Know Your Faith competition in Minot. It was an early and extremely bright morning with the 60s/70s theme.
The Shanley Seniors were able to pull ahead throughout the whole competition, but unfortunately, they could not pull through at the end to take home the state title.
The annual All Schools Mass in the Shanley gymnasium with all the St. John Paul II elementary schools and St. Joe’s from Moorhead took place on Thursday with Bishop Folda presiding.
Wrapping up the day was the first ever edition of Teacher
Swap where each teacher was assigned a different class to take for the last three periods of the day.
This resulted in Profe Novoa teaching entire science classes in Spanish while Mrs. Hanowski and Miss Rademacher took over the administration of the school. That meant Father Metzger and Mr. Dunn were assigned to the English department teaching the juniors and freshmen.
Miss Rademacher took her job as Dean of Students very serious as she made a student shave during class. Mrs. Hanowski released the students a
few minutes early to show her graciousness as acting principal.
On Friday, the event was RoSham-Bo, and we had a guest speaker, Chris Uhler. The dress up theme was monochromatic, the color of your choosing.
The speaker, Chris Muller was a St. Mary’s graduate that came to speak to the student body about St. Thomas Aquinas during the morning.
Throughout the day, many students would partake in Ro-Sham-Bo where each student was given a beaded necklace in the morning and set out to challenge
others to a game of rock-paper-scissors. The winner of each matchup would take the other persons beaded necklaces eliminating them from the competition. At the end of the day, there was a final showdown for all the beads with senior Quinn Miller taking the title against sophomore Joseph Kotrba. Catholic Schools Week ended off successful with the Snowball. There was a good attendance with the students, and everyone had an enjoyable time. At the end of the dance, junior Henry Liebl won the cash prize drawing of $250..
Seniors Take the Victory in a Wild West Stand-off at Local Know Your Faith
Freshman Carter Stumpf takes on sophomore Joseph Kotrba as the eventual champion senior Quinn Miller in the background.
Juniors and seniors pose for a photo during the Snowball Dance in Shanley’s gymnasium.
Freshman Cole Foerster works with his teammates to answer a question during the local Know Your Faith competition.
Freshman Eli Danduran beats his senior brother Gabe in a fierce feat of agility galloping over hurdles during one of the intermissions of the event.
Deacon Way Exemplified at Feed My Starving Children
By Q uinn C arroll
“Feeding the hungry” is one of the corporal works of mercy described by Jesus in Matthew Chapter 25. On January 9th, 2025, the Students of Shanley High School did just that.
It has been a growing tradition for Shanley High School to volunteer for the non-profit organization, Feed My Starving Children.
FMSC is a Christian organization that provides nutritious meals to impoverished and starving children around the globe. The mission started in 1987 by Richard Proudift, a businessman from Minnesota. After serving starving children in Honduras, it became apparent that he was called to dedicate his life to helping the hungry.
Volunteers for Feed My Starving Children pack meals specifically designed to treat malnutrition. Each packed consists of rice,
soy, vegetables, and vitamins.
These ingredients are packed into bags that serve 6 separate meals.
Normally, the event takes place in the Scheels Arena or at the Fargodome. However, in 2025, the service work was done at Atonement Lutheran Church on University Drive outside the Rose Creek Golf Course. The unusual location was an interesting change of pace for the students, as the packing took place inside the gymnasium at the Church.
Despite the location change, the service was nonetheless the same. After a productive couple hours of packing, the job was finished. When each group prepared 36 bags of food, it was packed into a box with each bag being 6 individual meals. In total, Shanley was able to pack 276 boxes worth of food. Inside each box was 216 meals. When all the meals were added up in the end, the school was able to produce a
grand total of 59,616 meals. The impacts of the packing will prove to be enormous, as the yield will be able to feed an estimated 163 kids daily for one year with each child receiving a daily meal.
Not only did the students at Shanley High School make a profound impact on combating hunger, they also exemplified the Deacon Way in the process.
Throughout the duration of the event, Father Metzger was gifted with immense positive feedback. Several FMSC organizers gave positive remarks about the Shanley students, such as “They are always so polite and attentive” and “You’ve got the hardest workers of any school that comes through.” Because the the high-quality work performed by the students, and more importantly the positive representation of Shanley as a whole, the high school was rewarded with a Deacon Spirit Wear Day.
Giving Hearts Day raises over $238,000 for JPII Schools
By y asmin Z reik
Giving Hearts Day is not just the day before Valentine’s Day and a special occasion, it’s also a day of giving to organizations and people in need.
This year the goal was to “Paint the Nation Deacon Red” in support of the mission of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools. More than 545 alumni and friends from across the country responded to the call.
Hot chocolate was handed out early in the morning by some very helpful student ambassadors to start the day off in a celebratory spirit.
JPII Schools are just one of the many organizations the Dakota Medical Foundation partners with during the event, and the total donations this year surpassed $30,000,000, a record breaking 2025 Giving Hearts Day benefiting 625 non-profits throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.
“Giving Hearts Day is such an amazing day for all the non-profits in our region as they work to fulfill their important missions,”
said Mrs. Shewey, Director of Constituent Relations for the JPII Schools. “Every non-profit has a unique mission and goal and this day helps them tremendously and people’s donations help make a difference.”
The donations during Giving Hearts Day supports a wide range of operations for the schools of the JPII community.
“The generosity and sacrifice of alumni, parents, grandparents, and other stakeholders over the years has truly made us the community, inspiring excellence through faith, learning and service that we are today,” said Mrs. Shewey. “Giving Hearts Day brings communities and people together through values we all share, and every donation has an impact.”
“We have raised over $238,000 and are still updating totals as donations arrive!” said Mr. Hagstrom, President of the JPII Catholic Schools. “We are grateful to all the giving hearts of our generous donors and volunteers.”
Seniors Kendall Jones, Nora Roney, and Addison Ressler take a quick break from packing meals for the hungry during the Field My Starving Children event at Atonement Lutheran Church.
Juniors Peace Hakim and Joey Lepine call indiviudal donors thanking them for their gift to JPII Schools on Giving Hearts Day.
Sophomore Izzy Tillisch helps her crew mix the essential ingrediants of rice, soy, veggies, and vitamins to create a MannaPack.
SaSha RoehRich
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Stay true to yourself and never lose sight of what makes you happy!
Favorite Shanley
Memory
The Rome Pilgrimage
I could not live without... Weekends
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Mrs. Backlund
ellagence Rajdl
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Be open to change.
Favorite Shanley
Memory
Junior Retreat
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Always work hard.
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Mrs. Sornsin
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
You can have fun at school with a side of learning.
I will always remember...
The rave we threw in
Mrs. Sornsin's room
I will always remember...
The layover in Dallas coming back from Rome
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Mr. Hegland
oduRa iSaac
I could not live without Bubblrs
Favorite Shanley
Memory
Junior Retreat
Sela RoShau
Favorite Shanley
Memory
Rome Pilgrimage & State Volleyball
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Mrs. Hanowski
High School in 3
Words
Exciting, fast, memorable
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Successful in my career, married, and starting a family
High School in 3
Words
Fun, Chaotic & Everlasting
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Graduated with a PhD
High School in 3
Words
What a time
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Married, family, job
I could not live without...
Family
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A sonographer
JacKson asKEw
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Go to events. Become a community/family.
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Profe
Favorite Shanley
Memory
Junior Retreat
I will always remember...
Senior Homecoming
Ethan BradlEy
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Always do your best no matter what happens.
Favorite Shanley
Memory
Rome Pilgrimage
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
It’s only fun if you make it fun; so, show up to all the activities/events and have fun.
Favorite Shanley
Memory
Rome Pilgrimage
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Take advantage of every opportunity you’re given, you just might learn something.
Favorite Shanley
Memory
The Rome Pilgrimage
I will always remember...
The Junior Retreat
High School in 3 Words
Memorable, Challenging, Fun
Emily GiEtzEn
I will always remember...
Junior year 6th period online
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Mrs. Sornsin
KEndall JonEs
I will always remember...
The 27 Amendments
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Mrs. Sornsin
I could not live without...
My friends
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Traveling while working a stable job
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Mr. Hegland
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Doing something in the healthcare field
Favorite School
Lunch
Chicken Patty
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully married and starting a family, and also working at my dream job
I could not live without...
Coffee
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Graduated from college, working as a lawyer for the governemnt
Odes from AP English
An Ode tO the sky-tOuchers
By mAx sOrnsIn
Gazing down upon us
Free from the stain of sin
that humans have spread to your kin
High above the plans for the future that we discus
Built by builders’s Creator
Only thou deserved to touch the sky
Not from you the need for translator
But unlike you the rest of us die
Solitude and peace for generations
Snow to cover the darkness
Happiness melts away
Take me away from my Earthly relations
We go to you to reach our goal of life
Close to those we lost in past
A land without pain. Without strife.
But now we ask ourselves how long it’ll last
An Ode tO BOOks
By nOrA rOney
You silent passage to infinite worlds bound in ink and leather. Your painted pages grant entrance to lives left unfurled and places never known, yet well acquainted.
Each line is a threshold and each word a key, unlocking the doors to futures untold. A journey begins for those willing to go, where the ink, like golden thread, guides endlessly, revealing secrets, watching fates unfold, and carrying souls to realms below.
A forest of pages to wander, wonders to behold. Each word a seed and each page a sprout unstinted, with roots twisted around tales of old, and buds blooming with what is yet to be printed.
A reflection of the everyday life; a solace when the universe feels too wide; for throughout fiction’s folds, peace is already around in this place free from real-life strife and full of emotion from dreams that glide. No wonder those lost do not want to be found.
I open my books, smell the paper, the ink. The crinkle of each page turned rings through the air and I start to think: What wouldn’t I give to have my own pair of wings?
An Ode tO Ice creAm
By rOsemAry tIngueLy
Oh, sweet cream of endless flavors, you chase the grey!
Like sugared dreams that dance without a care, Your fleeting smoothness bursts color in the air, Can you melt my sorrows away?
From sorrow’s shadow spills a flood of sweet delight
A bite of joy, chasing all mistakes
As if the sun and moon for me did wake, And gifted me the taste of the purest light.
So many choices, each more bold than last, From Carmel Chocolate Cheesecake to Chunky Monkey’s bite, You tease the tongue with an awe so vast.
A carousel of colors, pure delight. Through all the seasons, you will always have a place
Like Ben & Jerry’s, you’ll never see me bend, a sweetened soothing, a soft embrace; a comfort I hope will never end.
An Ode tO peAce
By JOshuA LeFOr
If we gave answer to the question “Why?” Whether the reason was one large or small Surely our hearts would know it was a lie. For why God am I in this hellish hall?
Our two Valleys parted by man alone, Though Men these days no longer grow so tall. If they did not yet have a shattered bone, Onwards to their own valley they would crawl.
I stay in the valley and not above For danger cannot reach me down below. I lay waiting for you my savior dove
Only through your wings may I be let go.
Your tranquility is like the whitest Light that which makes all men of equal sight. A blight which puts all of our souls to rest, I am lucky now to have seen you glow bright.
I’ve abandoned here every man’s duty Now that I have left this field so cruel, In it still I can yet see no beauty
To die a hero, is to die a fool
An Ode tO FruIt sALAd
By erIcA wAnner
Sweet Strawberries, Sweet Strawberries, how good you are to see,
Lying near the soil beneath your many leaves hiding, Picking your bright red fruit, you are beautiful to me, Juicy and fresh your floral fragrance conducing,
O Apples, O Apples, I absolutely adore thee, The Garden of Eden was your beginning, You’re sweet and tart and tasty, Crisp as autumn air; red, yellow, green skinning.
Sweet Pomegranates, Sweet Pomegranates, your deep hue entraps me, Your thick-skinned appearance is opulent, striking My unknown desire of taste for thee, Your fleshy seeds anoint the feast, as joy and laughter start their singing,
O Watermelon, O Watermelon, my favorite fruit tis thee, To complete a sultry summers day, you come; refreshing, Your cold, crisp sensation like a river flowing over me, Each time that I encounter you, I count it as a blessing.
An Ode tO the LAkes
By JAcksOn Askew
Oh, lakes that glisten beneath the moonlit sky, Your blue ripples dance in endless grace, Where whispered winds and soft breezes fly, You hold the heart in your serene embrace.
A reflective mirror, stars and clouds behold, Where love and time in secret stillness meet, And in your depths, a thousand tales untold, Entrancing children with your qualities so sweet.
You are the muse of poets’ dreamy sighs, You, meek as an otter remain always kind, You cradle hope beneath your mirrored skies, And echo of the wild, unspoken mind.
Through every wave, a fleeting light is born, Where Narcissus gazed, entranced by his face, and transformed into a flower studded by thorn, Your waters hit the shore like a soft kiss.
An Ode tO my Bed
By Bergen nOAh
Oh sweet haven where soft nights unfold, A quiet world of silence untold. Through a woven sheet and silk pillowcase, I find a peace, a rest, a soft embrace.
Each curve of my blankets, vast and wide, Welcomes me in, where all my cares can hide. And as the world outside may bend and break, I sleep still and leave it all in sweet mistake.
The restless mind, the body, bruised and torn, Finds rest in you from dusk till morn. You cradle me in calm surrender’s grace, Like a gentle theif who steals my hurried pace.
I close my eyes, and in your arms I flee, To worlds untouched by misery. My bed, my escape, my secret door, Opens to lives I cannot ignore.
Here, I am not lost, thrown, or small, I am embraced, I am whole—I am all.
In your embrace, I fade from life’s cruel reign, And wake to live, love, and sleep again.
A LOver’s rAIn
By LucIA FergusOn
O lady fair, who falls from skies so blue, thy touch revives the earth once parched and dry. A fleeting love, thou kiss’st, then bid’st adieu and leaves me longing beneath the weeping sky.
Thy laughter taps upon my windowpane, while lovers twirl beneath thy soft embrace. Yet others hide and scorn thy chill disdain, Afraid to feel thee brush against their face.
Thou races across the hills in tempests wild, like love that burns then fades without a trace. Thy hands reach out—so reckless, free, and riled, then slip away, too swift for me to chase.
Now dost thou weep upon my weary cheek with whispered vows from the dove that all shall wash away.
Yet still thy breath remains—so soft, so slight, so weak, A fading touch that bids my heart to stay.
An Ode On the LAke By IsAAc BeAuchAmp
An escape from all reality, I fly to thee
Your arms, always ready for embrace I would love to take a walk or climb a tree
To your protection I want to race.
The city is noisy and gives no rest
There are always cars going up and down
The street, and even though there’s no clouds in the sky
The sound of thunder came well dressed.
I long to return to the lake, far out of town
Whether run, walk, or scurry I have to try
Like the Garden of Eden your beauty shines
Clean air and freedom await me there
Where no pesky pollution reclines
And the water is crisp, cool, and bare
My heart is with the lake, forever will it stay
Yet I will have to wait to go back until another day.
Odes from AP English
An ODe tO BuBBl’r
By ADDisOn ressler
Oh thy drink tis divine,
Thoust colors and flavors
Sustain thy life’s shrine
That all humans savor
With names so creative
That encompasses thine taste
Oh sweetness! never changing
With names so persuasive
It makes all haste
To move from sitting to buying
Energy flows through thy cup of life
Plentifying all who dare sip
Like the River of Life
Replenishing thy soul with just a drip
For those lucky enough to drink
Feel the rushing rivers of energy
Life restarts, as quick as a blink
And thine eyes open to treasury
As a river’s current
Must stay steady and strong
So to does thy holy glass
From which thy adherent
Lover must prepare lifelong
For the turning hourglass
And when they lover haste finished
All thee surrounding may predict
By watching the lovers’ emotions conflict
That thou hast become an addict
An ODe tO the MOOn
By MArlee PeGOrs
Oh moon, you are unlike Venus or Mars, In the night sky you hang like a spider Suspended in a web full of stars, Could you shine your light, great provider?
A man upon your surface watches me As I drift to sleep; I never knew I needed light with night, you see, Until I remembered the darkness’ hue.
You guide the wayward with your light, You lead the lost and lonely home, It is with joy and delight, That about your twilit terrain I roam.
When upon my death bed I lie, I shall sigh and say my prayer, I’ll dream of your beauty, how high, For you are always there.
An ODe tO new yOrk tiMes GAMes
By kenDAll JOnes
O sacred games, thou keeper of the wise, Within thy grids, where thought’s sharp witness grow,
A labyrinth of words that subtly show
The truth concealed beneath a veiled disguise. Like Pallas’ own pursuits, thy puzzles rise—
A battleground where wit and reason flow, Yet kindred joy, a soft and steady glow, Does bless the seeker’s ever-searching eyes. Thy crosswords sphinx-like ask of us a clue, Each word a key, each box a vaulted door. The Spelling Bee, a hive of golden lore, Buzzes with zeal, where honeyed words ensue. Thy games, like tapestries, entwine the new With ancient art; a world both rich and pure, Where minds, like Odysseus, endure, And find their Ithaca in every view.
Kevin Johnson takes top place for AMC Math Competition
Boys Hockey Fights Through Challenging Season
By Mr. Dunn
The Shanley/South boys hockey team wrapped up their season with a 7-12 record, showing resilience and determination against tough competition. Despite facing challenges throughout the year, the team had several standout performances and key victories that highlighted their efforts on the ice.
The season started on a high note with two wins out west, as the team took down Bismarck and Mandan to begin the campaign with momentum. Early success continued with victories over Grafton and West Fargo Sheyenne, giving the Bruins a 4-1 record as conference play
was just getting underway.
Over the holiday break, the team traveled to Rochester, Minnesota, where they competed against strong opponents in Rochester Mayo and Rochester Century. While they faced tough battles in those matchups, the experience helped prepare them for the challenges of the second half of the season.
Junior Aaron Meyer emerged as a key offensive leader, finishing the season with a team-high 24 points, including 13 goals.
Senior Landon Halen also had an impressive season, matching Aaron’s goal total with 13 while adding eight assists to his tally. Their offensive contributions
were crucial in several of the team’s victories.
Later in the season, Shanley/ South secured another win over Grafton and added a victory against Devils Lake. However, their season came to an end in the Eastern Dakota Conference play-in game, where they fell short of advancing further in postseason play.
While the season didn’t end as hoped, the team displayed grit and growth throughout the year. With key players returning next season, Shanley/South will look to build on their experiences and come back stronger in their pursuit of success on the ice.
Senior Kevin Johnson holding the school plaque with juniors Sunisha Tangpong finishing second and Elle Bernhardt taking third place.
Senior Landon Hale drives with the puck to attack the net against Fargo North.
Youth Providing the Spark for Girls Basketball
By laurEn Elliott
The Shanley girls basketball team is a true underdog story. After a start to the season with a few bumps in the road with quite a few younger players seeing their first opportunities for sustained minutes at the varsity level, the Deacons have been slowing picking up momentum as the season has progressed.
One refreshing thing to see in this season is a strong presence of underclassmen to balance out the stellar upperclassmen. Senior
Nora Roney has been an anchor on the floor for the Deacons leading the team in assists and steals. Megan Dietz and Peace Hakim have also provided Shanley a spark representing the junior class.
However, there has also been a turnout of amazing underclassmen this year, in particular freshmen Riley Seavert and 7th grader Jaya Taylor.
Taylor has been dominating the court this entire season and has really earned her spot on the
team averaging around 10 points a game.
Seavert has really stepped up even though she’s only a freshmen to where she’s averaging a double-double to lead the team in points with 18.5 points per game and rebounds with 10.6 rebounds per game.
The Deacons earned the fifth seed in the Eastern Dakota Conference heading into postseason play and are looking to earn a trip to the state tournament in Fargo.
Boys Swimming Continues Success in the Water
By Quinn Carroll
The 2024-2025 swim season has steadily built upon the successes of last year. The team, consisting of Fargo South, Shanley, Oak Grove, and Park Christian, has 20 total swimmers on the team. 19 of these swimmers have swum EDC qualifying times, and a staggering 15 swimmers have already swum qualifying times for the state championship in their respective events.
Not only has the team seen
success on the individual level, but they have been making noise as a whole team. Most of the season consists of duel meets.
In total, the Fargo South swim team has a record of 4-1 in EDC duel meets. Perhaps the most satisfying accomplishment would be winning “The Brick.” Each year, the South swim team faces off against Davies. Like the 25th street showdown for football, the rivalry between the schools’ swim teams has a trophy called
Boys Basketball Battles for Wins
By Emily GiEtzEn
It’s been a season of adversity for the Shanley boys basketball team with some heartbreaking defeats and unfortunate losses of players at key positions inside.
Following their road swing out west to Bismarck to start the year, the Deacons continued to battle on the road losing a close contest by four points against Grand Forks Central to start Eastern Dakota Conference play.
During the early part of the season, seniors Luke Warner and Justin Ajeo, along with junior Jake Kraft sustained injuries taking them out for a period of time. Warner’s injury was unfortunately a season-ending one. The hits kept coming as senior TJ Shorma was out with illness for an extended length of time.
“The Brick.” Each year, the winner of the meet gets to keep the brick similar to the Stanley Cup.
After a massive drought against Davies, South finally won back the Brick in the 2023-2024 season. This year, the swim team is proud to have won the brick again for a consecutive time, beating Davies in the meet with a score of 112-68. In addition to this success at the duel level, the team has performed well in larger multi-school competitions with the team recently winning the Jamestown Octagon swim meet.
Shanley sophomore captain, Joshua Hollingsworth, had positive remarks about the season.
“We’ve been having a great season getting to know each other (as we are a co-op) and making strides in the pool,” said Hollingsworth. “It’s a really cool thing to become teammates and friends with people you didn’t know before from other schools.”
Going forward, the Bruin swim team is gearing up for the EDC swimming championships on Saturday, March 1st. Following this, the state championships will be on March 7th and 8th. Both meets will be at the Hulbert Aquatic Center in West Fargo.
With the loss of their two post players inside, the Deacons had to shift game plans and look for a different approach to an undersized presence in the paint.
Their next EDC matchup put them up against the Fargo North Spartans, who were coming off a state championship game appearance last year. The Deacons gave the Spartans all they could handle up until the end when Far-
go North eventually pulled away earning the eight-point victory.
The Deacons hit a tough stretch of the schedule but were able to get their first victory of the season knocking off the West Fargo Packers in an upset. The next game was another tough one against Fargo South, as the Deacons were up late in the game but couldn’t finish it out.
That loss didn’t deter the Deacons however according to Ajeo, who described the team as hopeful and one that comes ready to work at practice following any of their losses. That determined effort paid off with another upset with over the West Fargo Sheyenne Mustangs.
Throughout the season, their team dynamic only improved and their team spirit never wavered.
Shanley wrapped up the regular season against Grand Forks Central on senior night, recognizing seven seniors: Justin Ajeo, Isaac Beauchamp, Alex Busch, Carson Busek, Gabe Danduran, David Hollcraft, TJ Shorma, and Luke Warner.
The Deacons will look to steal an upset or two during the EDC Tournament held in Fargo.
Freshman Riley Seavert drops down a pass to senior Nora Roney in a game against Bismarck St. Mary’s.
Senior Isaac Beauchamp starts the offense against St. Mary’s.
Sophomore Tommy Baumgartner skies for the dunk.
7th Grader Shwalin Tangpong prepares to start his 100 fly race at the West Fargo Hulbert Aquatic Center.
Senior Athlete Feature: Cadee Schanzenbach
By Peace Hakim
Q. What has been your favorite sports memory?
A. My favorite sport memory is from my sophomore soccer season at state soccer in Bismarck. After going to the mall and buying tortillas, Paige McAllister, Ashland Roach and I played the tortilla slapping game in our hotel room. I have never laughed so hard in my life.
Q. What has been the best advice you have ever gotten from a coach?
A. The best advice I have received from a coach is to not think so hard about all the small details and just play the game you’ve been playing.
Q. What values have you learned from being part of a team?
A. Some values I’ve learned are hard work, discipline, and determination. All these values are important if you want to be a team player and do what is most beneficial to your team as a whole.
Q. How has playing sports helped you grow as a person?
A. Playing sports has helped me develop teamwork and communication skills. Since both soccer and basketball are team sports, they have taught me how to work with many different types of people and different personalities. Sports have also helped me learn how to put other’s needs before mine and do what is best for those around me to succeed.
Q. What is your favorite thing about practices?
A. My favorite parts of sport practices are all the fun competitions in drills and messing around with friends, while working hard of course.
Q. Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
A. My hobbies include being outside, I especially love the mountains, and rollerblading with friends.
Q. Which sport is your favorite to play and why?
A. My favorite sport to play is soccer. I have been playing soccer for what feels like my whole life, but what has made it my favorite
is my coach. He has always believed in me, even when I don’t believe in myself, and has made playing such a positive experience for me. I also love the team aspect and community of it.
Q. What are your plans after high school?
A. I will be attending the University of Mary to major in Biology in order to continue on the track of optometry.
Q. What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A. Start off every day with the mindset of working hard because if you don’t have a good mindset, it will be reflected in how you play. However, remember to always have fun and take full advantage of every moment before they are gone.
Q. And now the most difficult question, if you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
A. I would be a dog because they always look so happy and energetic. They also don’t usually live outside, so I could still live in the comfort of a home.
Senior Athlete Feature: David Hollcraft
By Peace Hakim
Q. What has been your favorite sports memory?
A. A tie for my top two. Playing football alongside my older brother at WF freshman year and playing alongside my younger brother at Fargo South this past year.
Q. What has been the best advice you have ever gotten from a coach?
A. The best advice ever given to me was to remember to learn from my mistakes but then quickly move on from them.
Q. What values have you learned from being part of a team?
A. I have learned to not only rely on myself when things are challenging, but also to lean on my teammates around me.
Q. How has playing sports helped you grow as a person?
A. Playing sports has helped me to grow in humility and realize that the best way to reach a common goal is to learn to trust your teammates around you.
Q. What is your favorite thing about practices?
A. My favorite thing about practices is being able to compete against my teammates in different drills.
Q. Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
A. I like drawing, tubing at the lake in the summer, and playing games with my family.
Q. Which sport is you favorite to play and why?
A. My favorite sport to play is football because it is a mix of physical strength and smarts. As are most sports, but football especially.
Q. What are your plans after high school?
A. I plan either to attend the university of Mary in Bismarck or become a NET missionary based out of St. Paul.
Q. What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A. I would advise younger athletes to remember that excuses make today easy, but tomorrow hard. And discipline makes today hard, but tomorrow easier.
Q. And now the most difficult question, if you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
A. If I was to be an animal, I would have to say I’d be an octopus, so that I could camouflage into my surroundings.
Girls Hockey Looks to Build After Making State
By yasmin Zreik
This 2024-2025 season marks the third year of the Shanley/Davies co-op, and the ladies were able to find a way to qualify for the North Dakota High School State Tournament in Grand Forks.
The team earned the eighth seed in the tournament pitting them up against the number one seed Fargo North/South Spruins, a team they just narrowed lost to earlier in the season by the score of 3-2.
“Our team is very young this year, and we have improved a ton.” said sophomore Holly Ovsak.
Last year, girls hockey
went to state and came back with not much success, this year hopes are high and the potential is strong.
The Shanley/Davies coop was able to take wins from West Fargo, East Grand Forks, Dickinson, Devils Lake, Jamestown, Williston, and Bismarck.
Even with the young players it leaves much room for future success, and time to improve.
Their biggest win this year was against Devils Lake with a victory of 6 to 1.
The girls fell just short of advancing in the state tournament falling to Fargo North/South.
The Shanley/Davies co-op girls hockey team qualified for state played at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks.
AAron olsonAwski
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Don’t compare yourself to others
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Mr. Ellingson
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Study hard
Favorite Shanley Memory
Junior Retreat
Favorite Shanley
Memory
State Golf
Favorite School
Lunch
Hot Ham and Cheese
I could not live without...
Golf
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Living in a small town owning my own business
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Take fun classes rather than easy A’s
Favorite School Lunch
Spicy Chicken Nuggets
AmArA omAne
I will always remember...
The state championship games
Favorite
Shanley Teacher
Mrs. Backlund
CArson Friese
Favorite Shanley
Memory
Junior Retreat
I will always remember...
AP European History conversations
BrAyden Johnson
Words of Wisdom to Underclassman
Live. Laugh. Love.
Favorite Teacher
Mr. Gagnon
I will always remember...
Mr. Krieger
Favorite Shanley
Memory
Mr. Hegland’s Chemistry
Favorite School Lunch Cheese quesadilla
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Married with kids
Favorite Shanley Teacher
Mr. Gagnon
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Being a 28 year old millionaire.
Favorite School Lunch
Chili Dogs
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In the mirror.