March 2016
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The Messenger Staff 2015 Senior Editors
Emelie Swonger Editor-in-Chief
Courtney Emmil Layout Editor
Lauren Nordberg Religion Editor
Ally Reichert Feature Editor
Emilie Voeller Entertainment Editor
David Schwartz Sports Editor
Writers and Photographers
Megan Krantz
Nathan Marcotte
Jenny Nagel
Bethany Materi Eden Volk
Riley McLean
Dawson Brianna Rouse Scherr
Anna Frohlich Jordan Aberle
Jordan Aberle Maria Fleck
Kamryn Hellman
Anthony Vecchia
Madelyn Amelea Schweitzer Caldwell
Madelyn Schweitzer Madisyn Rusch
Victoria Schweitzer Maria Fleck
Kellie Burns Kathryn Goettle
Emily Splonskowski
Eden Volk
That’s A Sport?!? Cricket Edition Written by Anthony Vecchia You have probably heard of the sport cricket before, but I’m guessing you probably know nothing about it other than it’s that British game that everyone in the states makes fun of. The fact is that people here make fun of it because they know nothing about it. To make it simple, think of cricket a little like baseball. The field is a large oval shape with an area called the “pitch” in the middle. The “pitch” is about 66 feet long and is where the batting takes place. The game is played by two teams, each with eleven players. The team batting will field two players on opposite ends of the pitch while the other team fields all eleven players. One person from the fielding team pitches the ball. The batter’s goal is to hit the ball as far away from the “pitch” as possible. Once he has done that, the two batting players will run to opposite ends of the “pitch”, each time scoring a run. Batters continue to hit until the fielding team either knocks down the wicket (wooden poles at the ends of the “pitch”) or catches a ball. The teams switch positions once all eleven batters are out. The team with the most runs after all innings (and yes, cricket has innings just like baseball) wins. While not played in America, cricket is one of the most popular sports in Great Britain, southern Africa, India, and Australia. The sport dates back to the early 18th century. Just like soccer and most other sports, cricket has a world cup every four years. In 2015, Australia beat out the host nation of New Zealand to claim their fifth world championship. So now that you’ve learned about the game, you might not laugh at cricket, but instead choose to watch a game or two.
How to Improve Your Game: Off-Season Training Written by David Schwartz
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Robotics Club Written by Alexandra Reichert
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From the moment I first saw the St. Mary’s Robotics Club robot, I knew in my very unrobotic mind that this was something cool… mainly because the robot had lights that could be red, blue, or purple. Though it was hard to turn my eyes away from the bright colors, I was able to pay attention long enough to learn a lot about this techy club, and just how much work had been put into that robot with the “pretty lights.” According to Mason Pugh, the club put in about four to five hours every week and it wasn’t until almost 11 PM one night that they finally got it running. Even after all this hard work, full effort was still required at the state tournament when a vital part of their robot (a stainless steel wire meant for catching sharks and piranhas) snapped. They quickly had to send someone to pick up a heavier duty cable to fix it…apparently there’s something stronger than a line used for catching deadly sea creatures out there. Patrick Jacob said that after solving that problem and battling their way to a first place victory, the only thing to say was, “Thank you, Holy Spirit.” Now the Robotics Club is looking forward to their next stop: Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On March 17th-19th, the St. Mary’s Robotics Club will be competing with other teams from around the country, some of which have invested over $3,000 into their robot; nearly double the amount that St. Mary’s has put in. They admit that it will be a challenge, but clearly money isn’t everything. “We just need to focus on teamwork and make sure we play smart,” said Jacob. For the moment, however, the St. Mary’s Robotics Club is just going to work hard at making improvements, looking for donations, eating pizza, and of course…being awesome.
The benefits of lifting in the off-season are often underrated. Runners will say too much bulk will slow you down. “It’s a misconception,” says Coach Tanner Harris. “Most people need more strength.” Lifting actually builds a base for athletes to go off of and it teaches them how to control their bodies. It also trains athletes mentally and spiritually, since we pray before every lift here at SM. Cardio is not as important in the off-season, but what is important is conditioning. Coach Harris explains it best: “I hate the word cardio, because cardio is just jumping on a bike and doing whatever. Conditioning is following a planned program that will have you at your peak by the start of your in-season.” An example of a good conditioning program would be the Acceleration program at St. Alexius. Be wary though, because overtraining is a thing! Nobody is in danger of that here, but it is still important to know. “The idea is to come close to overtraining, but then taking a step back. That is how you get better,” said Coach Harris. University of Mary strength coach Mike Silbernagel came up with a good rule of thumb for this: If you’re going from sport to sport, take no break. If you’re going from in-season to off-season, take 1-2 weeks off to recover. The thing to remember is that if you are not training in the off-season, you are behind. Coach Harris wants to remind everyone that teams and athletes who are successful put in the time at the weight room.
“Prom or Nah?” Written by Megan Krantz
Feature
The promposal is a recent development among high school students in the United States. The often loud, colorful displays are used to do one simple task: ask someone to prom. No longer is it acceptable to just say, “Will you go to prom with me?” If you don’t ask in a way that can be put on Instagram, you’re doing it wrong. That being said, here is a list of simple ways to have one of the best promposals around: 1. Be simply pun-derful. The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and apparently, the quickest way to getting a prom date is by mastering the pun. Finding a general theme- typically something the person you’re asking really enjoys, like nachos or Harry Potter or horses- to center the promposal around and making endless jokes about it is a surefire way to ensure a date. 2. Give your potential date a gift. Giving a gift to your prom date shows that you’re willing to spend money on the evening (as the average amount spent on prom is around $13,000). And you get bonus points if you can tie your gift into the pun. 3. Make a huge sign. The easiest way to do this is to write your puns on a poster board, but it can be done many different ways. Post sticky notes in the shape of the question “Prom?”. You can also do this with anything that can be easily grouped into different shapes, like candles or red Solo cups. Paint a carnival-esque “you must be this tall” sign, or even do a laser light show (though I have never seen the latter done). Just about anything that can be put on the Internet to be visually enjoyed by hundreds of people for about ten seconds each is perfection. 4. Location is key. Having your promposal at the school you attend is the most popular way to go. You can ensure you’ll have a large audience to applaud you in your valiant efforts, especially if you do it in the cafeteria. If showmanship isn’t your thing, a small promposal is also acceptable, as long as there is at least one other person there to take pictures of you and your date after he or she says yes. 5. Instagram. Be prepared to take pictures because they will go on Instagram. And hopefully, your caption will be as clever as your puns.
After Prom Party
SMCHS Prom is Saturday, April 2nd and there is great entertainment lined up for the After Prom Party, which will be held at Midway Lanes from 11:30 pm -2:30 am. Sean Bott, a comedy mentalist that has wowed national audiences will put on a hilarious show. Sean has appeared on the SciFi Channel, WB, and Radio Disney. You can expect to see time travel on watches and cell phones, objects moved with no physical contact, and much more. For a preview of Sean’s show, go to www.seanbott. com. In addition to the great entertainment, there will be bowling, pool, a photo booth and lots of great food and prizes. Students will also have a chance to win Keith Urban concert tickets, TVs, and other fun stuff.
$5 off of your prom flowers when you order with us before March 31st Must purchase a corsage and boutonniere. Please present coupon at time of purchase.
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Senior Spotlight Written by Lauren Nordberg Matthew Schaffner: Wrestling
Feature
Has been wrestling for 6 years. Messenger: What weight class do you wrestle? Is it hard to maintain this weight? Matthew: 138 pounds; and eh, it’s not too bad. Messenger: What is your strategy for a W? M: Just wrestle as hard as I can and see how it turns out. Messenger: What makes this sport so enjoyable? M: Seeing your hard work pay off when you win a close match. Messenger: What is your greatest achievement of your wrestling career so far? M: Beating Kurt Dickhut in practice once. Messenger: What are your plans for the future? M: Attending NDSU and probably hanging out with Lauren.
Nathan Marcotte: Robotics Messenger: How long have you been interested in robotics? Nathan: Ever since I was young, I’ve been fond of finding out how machines work. After attending the robotics club meeting last year, my passion grew even more. Messenger: What makes robotics so enjoyable? N: There is something for everyone. I personally enjoy programming the robot, while others physically build it. Programming has always been enjoyable to me, and I love working with others and sharing ideas. Messenger: Your biggest achievement? N: 1st place at ND State tournament! Our team competed against 14 other teams, and the hard work definitely paid off. We have also been invited to the super regionals competition in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Messenger: Do your future plans also include robotics? N: Yes, next year I plan to pursue a degree in computer engineering with a minor in business at NDSU. A computer engineer may end up designing robot parts and software to run them.
Feature
Musical March Written by Kathryn Goettle
March is a mad month for music. On March 7th, the Middle School Band traveled to Mandan so they could wow audiences in the Big Muddy Band Festival. On the 9th, the Jazz Band and the Hammer-Head Steel Drum Band had an outstanding concert at the high school. All the brass instruments will be participating in various ensembles at the State ‘A’ Brass Festival at the University of Mary on the 16th. All-State Choir and Band is March 20-22. Those who made the All-State Mixed Choir include Joseph Bopp, Lexie Rusch, Rachel Keller, and Charles Reichert. Kaylee Goetz made the Women’s Choir. Band members who made All-State include: for Wind OrchestraNora Fritz and Lucas Jundt; for Jazz Band- Braden Benz; and for Concert Band- James Schmidt and Isaiah Porter. Another upcoming musical event is the West Region Vocal Music contest on March 31st at McCabe United Methodist Church. The members of the choir will be doing various solos and ensembles in the hopes of earning a trip to the State Vocal Music Contest in April. The SM Messenger would like to wish all of our musicians the best of luck in their musical pursuits this month!
Teachers and Treats Written by Lauren Nordberg
Panera Bakery is new to Bismarck, and has been visited by many. It offers an assortment of delicious sandwiches and baked treats. I’m sure many people have trouble choosing just one thing to enjoy out of the numerous appealing options. The bagels at the store are especially legendary, and some of our beloved teachers voiced their opinions about their personal favorites: Mrs. Stacy Larson – I go for the French Toast bagel with honey hazelnut cream cheese. Mrs. Eileen Larson – Cinnamon Toast Crunch bagel with hazelnut cream cheese… it’s the best, trust me. Mrs. Brittany Halvorson – The blueberry bagel with wild berry cream cheese. I like berries. Fr. Johnson – The raisin bagel with regular cream cheese. It reminds me of my childhood. Mr. Jordan Vetter – A pizza bagel.
Question of the Month? “What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever found in your car?”
“There’s an old McChicken in the backseat.” Ethan Candreva Grade 12
“I found a 6-month-old bottle of orange juice that was moldy and smelt awful.” Sydney Graner Grade 11
“I have a bag of Fruities from the Fourth of July Parade somewhere.” Jonah Krebs Grade 10
“Cameron.” Gabby Easton Grade 9
State Know Your Faith Competition Written by Riley McLean
Religion
St. Mary’s certainly showed school pride this year at the State Know Your Faith Competition. This year the Saints were represented by Tom Kubisiak, Steven Hutzenbiler, and Casey Saville of the junior class. These boys fought valiantly against Trinity High School of Dickinson, Shanley High School of Fargo, and Bishop Ryan High School of Minot. Here’s a brief recap from Tom Kubisiak, one of the contenders from SMCHS, for those who weren’t able to attend: “Waiting made us anxious since we had never experienced a State Know Your Faith Competition before, so we talked a little bit with the Trinity kids beforehand. Once they called us out and we got on stage we relaxed and just tried to do the best we could. We knew we had to keep up with Shanley since they had won it the year before. We kept pretty even the entire time and then the final question came up. The question was to list the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We thought we had it, but as it turned out we didn’t. So our wager, which Steven figured out, is really what helped us to win it.” In fact, not one of the four teams answered the final question 100% correctly, but the St. Mary’s team only got one of the fruits incorrect, while the teams from the other three schools got two of the fruits incorrect. This event was definitely a proud moment for the students of St. Mary’s Central High School and all of the school’s supporters. According to Steven Hutzenbiler, another contender from SMCHS, the best part about this entire experience was “the whole atmosphere and excitement of all the schools. It was just a great experience overall.” Casey Saville, the third contender for SMCHS, said that the most memorable moment of the whole thing was “the excitement of winning the championship for the school that started the competition.” The State Know Your Faith Competition is an intense,ad but1/22/15 fun way for PM the Page four Catholic high schools in North Dakota to compete with each DG-5100 B-Graduation-ad-75x55.qxp_Bismarck Graduation 12:23 1 other and have a memorable time, but it is also a great way for the Catholic youth of the state to show the immense love they have for their faith.
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Religion Saint of the Month: St. Patrick (387-461) Written by Eden Volk
Ask Father Written by Bethany Materi
Feast Day: March 17 Patron of: Ireland
Q: Why did the Pope call for a Holy Year of Mercy? A: I believe the Holy Father called for a Year of Mercy for one reason: we live in a world that desperately needs to experience and receive the mercy of God. Sometimes we speak of mercy in an overly vague way, but the mercy of God is not vague. Pope Francis explains that “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy.” To discover mercy is to see the face of Christ. We need to extend the mercy of God to our friends, to our family, and also to ourselves.
St. Patrick’s Day is a time of celebration and wearing green in hopes of not getting pinched. St. Patrick, the man who inspired this day of festivity, is a very loved and popular saint. The reason for this Saint’s popularity is because of what he did in his life and how he converted many people. St. Patrick converted many citizens of Ireland by using shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity. St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain and when he was around fourteen he was captured by Irish pirates during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend to sheep. At that time Ireland was full of pagans. After a few years he escaped and went back to Britain, returning to friends and family. Later he became a priest, and soon after a bishop assigned him to carry the gospel to Ireland. In Ireland there are several legends about the many attempts to assassinate him by a pagan tribe chief. St. Patrick eventually converted the chief and was able to preach the gospel throughout Ireland. That is when he converted many people and started building many churches throughout the country. He preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years, having many miracles and writing of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling, and enduring much suffering he died at Saul where he had built the first Irish church.
Q: What are the necessary requirements in order to receive the indulgence made available by going through the Holy Doors of Mercy at the Cathedral? A: Those who enter through the middle doors at the entrance of the Cathedral are able to receive a plenary indulgence (which removes all temporal punishment due to sin). The requirements to receive the indulgence are: • Be a baptized Catholic in a state of grace (free from mortal sin). • Go to Confession within eight days before or after your visit. • Receive the Eucharist at Mass within eight days before or after your visit. • Offer one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the intentions of Pope Francis. The indulgence can be obtained for oneself or for a deceased person. It can be obtained each day. Q: Have you ever seen a leprechaun? A: Yes, I even caught one in elementary school.
Trivia of the Month Written by Lauren Nordberg 4. How many sons did Jacob have? a. 7 c. 13 b. 12 d. 10 5. What gave Samson his unusual strength? a. his biceps c. his eyes b. his teeth d. his hair Bonus: Where was St. Patrick born? a. Russia c. Ireland b. Britain d. Greenland
Answers: 1) D 2) A 3) C 4) B 5) D 6) B
1. Which gospel is not a synoptic gospel? a. Matthew c. Luke b. Mark d. John 2. Who was the first murderer in the bible? a. Cain c. David b. Abel d. Herod Antipas
entertainment April Showers Bring May Flowers, March Storms Bring April Fools Written by Megan Krantz April Fool’s Day has been around for thousands of years. In fact, it was frequently practiced in Roman cultures. Here are some of the best April Fool’s Day pranks of all time (as decided by me): 1. In 1844, Edgar Allan Poe decided to pull a prank the United States of America. He wrote in the New York Sun that the European balloonist Monck Mason traveled across the Atlantic Ocean in only 75 hours. The first human-carrying balloon did not cross the Atlantic until 1978, however, and in spite of the advancements of the 20th century, the trip still took 6 days! 2. In 1957, the BBC convinced millions of people that spaghetti grew on trees. They sent out videos of people harvesting the spaghetti plants in Switzerland. 3. Burger King is not exempt from the tradition of April Fool’s Day. In 1998, the international fast food chain released a new product: the Left-Handed Whopper. The burger was said to fit better in the hands of those who use their left hands by using all the same ingredients, but rotating them all 180°. 4. In that same year, 1998, the state of Alabama decided to prank its citizens by “legally” changing the numerical value of pi. It was changed from 3.141592… to the “Biblical” value of 3.0. 5. A more recent prank was pulled by the King’s College Choir. While not usually known for their sense of humor, the group decided to put on a performance in which one of the singers used helium to sing outrageously high notes. (YouTube it. It’s pretty funny). 6. On April 1st, Nancy Fracassi was “born”. Wait, that wasn’t a prank. The school may actually know her better as Mrs. Nancy Dietz.
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entertainment St. Mary’s Siblings: An Interview with Mr. Loomis and Mrs. Huff Written by Amelea Caldwell Messenger: Okay, who’s the oldest? Loomis: *raises hand* I am. Huff: By just a year and ten days! His birthday is May 17th and mine is May 27th. Messenger: Did you guys get along as kids? L: Not terribly well, no. I think we always liked each other, I just picked on her a lot. H: He’s a huge tease! He would tease me a lot, plus we have a brother who’s right after me, Michael, and so it was always John and Mike, always together doing stuff and giving me grief. Messenger: What’s your sibling’s best trait? L: She’s got a good heart and she’s a good person. I admire that about her very, very much. H: He knows a lot about the world and the way the natural world works. I appreciate that because I don’t really understand that very much, but he does. Messenger: Now name an annoying trait. H: This, when we were kids, drove me crazy. I would go to bed early, and he stayed up all night long (I’m not kidding!) and he would watch the Tonight Show and it would just be endless TV. Plus he never had to study, he just got A’s without studying, so he would watch TV all the time. I would be in my room, but I could hear the TV. It would drive me crazy. L: *laughing* I’m sorry. H: Remember how I used to run the dryer? I would turn on the dryer because that would muffle the sound of the TV and mom would get mad. L: Was I supposed to think of something bad? Dang, I can’t! Um… H: It’s pretty amazing that you can’t think of a bad one. L: Oh, she wasn’t very athletic. H: I’m not. I try, but I’m not. I enjoy it. Messenger: In school, did you enjoy the subject that you now teach? H: Yes, absolutely. Favorite class, always. L: Yes, always. Messenger: What did you like about it? L: The natural world and how it works. H: I just loved reading. Poetry, novels, all of the reading. I liked to write too, but the reading was the best part of it. Messenger: What’s it like to teach at the same school as your sibling? L: This is year one, so it’s interesting. We don’t really see each other that much, but it’s nice knowing she’s in the building! H: It’s weird because we haven’t lived in the same city since 1975. He left our house in 1975 and we haven’t lived in the same city since then. L: Yeah, not even close. H: He’s been all over, and I’ve been all over, so just to be in the same city is fun. Most of our siblings live in St. Louis, but we were always at different places. So now, at least, we have a sibling in the same city which is nice.
YAAS, Honestly: Prom Edition Written by Brianna Scherr and Anna Frohlich 1.) If you get your spray tan from someone who is orange, it’s pretty likely you will look like that too, so watch out. 2.) Make sure you trust the person who does your hair and makeup, because nobody wants to look like a clown with a weave. 3.) Practice walking in your shoes before the big night. You don’t want a rolled ankle coming into the dance. Advice of the month: Don’t stress the little things, just have fun!