November 2015
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
Bethany Materi
Riley McLean
Maria Fleck
Kamryn Hellman
Anthony Vecchia
Madelyn Schweitzer
Madisyn Rusch
Victoria Schweitzer
Kellie Burns
Emily Splonskowski
Jenny Nagel
Dawson Rouse
Eden Volk
Jordan Aberle
Faculty Fantasy
Written by Lauren Nordberg
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It’s that time again. Commotion and rowdiness fill the hallways. There are grins of triumph and frowns of defeat. Words of teams and player picks fill the air. Have you guessed what time of year it is? Fantasy football season. Many students participate in fantasy football during the fall season, but have you ever wondered who your fellow teachers would choose for their teams? Here are some of their top picks… 1. Mr. Ruggles – Quarterback - Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) or Tom Brady (New England Patriots). Dynamite every week. As Rick Mathern would say: “Hot butter.” 2. Mrs. Grad – Running Back – Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) All day. 3. Mr. Schumacher – Tight End – Rob Grankowski (New England Patriots) He’s the best in the league by far. 4. Mr. Schon – Wide Receiver – Amari Cooper (Oakland Raiders) He plays for my favorite team. Go raiders! 5. Mr. Ferrie – Defense – Baltimore Raiders They have an excellent defense. 6. Mr. Harris – Fantasy football = waste of time. 7. Fr. Johnson – Fantasy football… What is that?
How to Improve Your Game: Visualization Written by David Schwartz
Have you ever visualized yourself scoring the winning touchdown or being the first to cross the finish line? Did it give you more confidence or a competitive edge over your opponents? It probably would have, but visualization is not used by high school athletes as much as it could be. How do you visualize? It is actually very simple and self-explanatory! First find a comfortable spot to sit or lie. Next relax all your muscles. Finally, close your eyes and try to imagine what you want to happen or feel to achieve your success. This can include any and all of your senses. Senses like hearing the roar of the crowd or seeing the spotlights on the field as you race towards the finish. Practice can only go so far to prepare you for a big game. It helps prepare you physically, but not mentally. That is why we have visualization, and why wouldn’t you want to visualize? It is very soothing and relaxing. If you think visualization does not work, well think again because even dieters use it, and they have seen great success!
Feature
Question of the Month! - By Jenny Nagel “What do you do in an awkward situation?”
Say, “Sorry, I forgot to vacuum my room” and leave. Molly Emerson Grade 12
I don’t get into awkward situations so… Kurt Dickhut Grade 11
I fake laugh and slowly walk away. Sinclaire Candreva Grade 10
I just stare at them and don’t respond. Alex Schon Grade 9
TV Show Review: Doctor Who Written by Alexandra Reichert
Anyone who knows what the word “Whovian” means, had been counting down the days until Doctor Who’s 9th season pilot aired . This pilot is the beginning of what is rumored to be the last season of Doctor Who and left many with high expectations. Getting to watch Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman on screen once more had fans all over waiting in high suspense. Anyone who is not a Doctor Who fan yet, I would highly recommend starting on this series. It is family appropriate, often hilarious, and is a great sci fi TV show to watch.
Senior Spotlight Written by Riley McLean
Feature JACOB SCHREINER ( JIMMY)- Football
-Has played football since 2nd grade Q: How has this activity specifically helped you to grow? A: It has helped me grow by making me a better person during and outside of the sport. Q: What is the part you will miss most about this activity? A: I’ll miss playing with the boys under the lights. Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in this activity? A: I would say work hard and love playing the sport because it doesn’t last forever. Q: What is one particular event that you will remember the most? A: I will remember winning the state championship last year. Q: On a scale of one to ten, how salty do you think you are? Why? A: I give myself a 1. I’m not salty.
JAMES SCHMIDT- Band
-Has been in band since freshman year Q: Do you plan on continuing this activity in college? A: Yes, I plan on continuing to play either the bassoon or saxophone in college. Q: How has this activity specifically helped you to grow? A: This activity has had a great influence on my life through music and through meeting new people. It has helped me with organization skills and time management, and it may also help me with scholarships. Q: Who was your favorite coach/mentor? A: My favorite teacher/mentor is Mr. John Heinrich. He knows how to keep band interesting and is responsible enough to lead the whole band program. Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in this activity? A: My advice to someone who is just starting band is: Don’t quit! It’s not that bad unless you make it bad. It’s a good thing to be involved in during high school, so don’t just give it up. Keep playing music, because it is the language of the soul. Q: On a scale of one to ten, how salty do you think you are? Why? A: Right now, I’m at about a three on the saltiness scale because the Vikings lost.
ALYSSA BECK - Volleyball
-Has played volleyball since 3rd grade Q: How has this activity specifically helped you to grow? A: Volleyball has helped me become a stronger person and develop teamwork skills. Q: What is the part you will miss most about this activity? A: I will miss being with my team every day, we have all grown as a team so much and it won’t be the same without them. Q: What is one particular event that you will remember the most? A: When I was rooming with Regan sophomore year at state and I made this weird noise and she got really scared and thought I was possessed. Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in this activity? A: Remember to always stay positive, because volleyball is a very mental game. Q: On a scale of one to ten, how salty do you think you are? Why? A: I’d say about a 4 until someone hits my set into the net then I’m at about a 9.
Music is a Language of Its Own
Feature
Written by Emily Splonskowski and Madisyn Rusch
If you are in band, choir, or any other musical group outside of St. Mary’s, then you know that music is a place for everyone! Whether it’s in the band room, marching down the streets, or in the bleachers of one of our very own St. Mary’s football games, the SMCHS band is always having a blast. They’ve also been busy fundraising for this upcoming summer’s trip to Honolulu, Hawaii. Fundraising has included selling tumblers, coupon cards, working Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, and a breakfast and bake sale. The Symphonic Band and Wind Orchestra have a fall band and jazz band concert on November 10th at 7:30 PM here at St. Mary’s High School. The SMCHS Concert Choir participated in Bismarck Sings on October 8th. The Bismarck Sings concert involved 13 other choirs and was held at the Bismarck Events Center. The choir was featured on KFYR for the new piece they sang that was written for them by Andy Miller, a professor of music at BSC. The Jazz Choir has been making great progress so far this year and performed at the fall choral concert on October 28th along with the Concert Choir.
Welcome to St. Mary’s - Meet More of Our New Teachers Written by Spencer Kraft
Mr. Harris Q: What led you to your new career here at St. Mary’s? A: Staying connected to the school through coaching and the Church Q: What do you like to do when you’re not teaching? A: I enjoy spending time at my family’s lake cabin and staying active. Q: What is one thing you want your students to know about you? A: That I love what I get to do on a daily basis and enjoy getting to know each of them!
Mrs. Huff Q: What led you to your new career here at St. Mary’s? A: I moved here this summer with my family. I wanted to teach in a Catholic school, so I made my way back to SMCHS. I was here as a student for one year in the 70s! Q: So far what is your favorite thing about SM? A: So far my favorite thing about being back has been hearing the fight song again. Go Saints! Homecoming was a lot of fun, too. Q: What do you like to do when you’re not teaching? A: When I’m not teaching or grading papers, I like to read, go to movies, take my dog Luna for walks, cook/bake, and travel with my family.
Religion Saint of the Month: St. Cecilia Written by Bethany Materi
• Feast Day: November 22nd • Patron of: Musicians • Birth and Death: (2nd Century to 3rd Century) • Life: St. Cecilia, the daughter of a wealthy Roman family, was Christian by birth. She was promised to marry a pagan man named Valerian, but she had vowed her virginity to God. She is said to have heard music in her heart when she was forced to marry him. On her wedding night she told her husband of her promise of virginity. She told him that an angel guarded her purity. Valerian wanted to see the angel. She sent him to Pope Urban who baptized him and when he returned he saw the angel. The angel gave Valerian and Cecilia heavenly crowns. The crowns converted Valerian’s brother. The two brothers began to bury Christian martyrs. They were later sentenced to death by the sword for refusing to sacrifice to the gods. Cecilia continued to preach and converted over 400 others. She was eventually arrested. She was locked in a bath house with hot fires and when the guards came to check on her she was still alive. They then tried beheading her, striking at her three times without severing her head, but wounding her. She bled to death after three days. • Prayer: Pray for us that we make music in our hearts to God and manifest our love for Him in our daily deeds. In the Holy Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Trivia of the Month
Bethlehem means “House of _____”? Light c. Faith Bread d. People
2. a. b.
Which of the following is NOT a deadly sin? Pride c. Despair Anger d. Envy
3. a. b.
The shortest verse in the bible is: “Jesus ____”? Walked c. Wept Prayed d. Waited
4. a. b.
Saint Apollonia is the patron saint of what? Nurses c. Soldiers Dentists d. Lawyers
5. a. b.
In the Old Testament, who was thrown into the lion’s den? Daniel c. Joel David d. Joshua
Bonus: Almonds and ______ are the only nuts mentioned in the bible. a. Peanuts c. Pistachios b. Walnuts d. Cashews
1) B 2) C 3) C 4) B 5) A Bonus) C
1. a. b.
Religion Francis in America
Written by Anthony Vecchia In a papacy, one pope journeys far and wide for the sole purpose of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. While all Catholics are called to this, the pope is probably the greatest example we have. Pope Francis has done his best to spread the joy, and his travels have taken him to our very own United States of America. The morning after his arrival in D.C., the Holy Father was welcomed by President Obama at the White House, where they discussed common ground on today’s social issues. Later that night he canonized Blessed Junipero Serra, who became the first saint to be canonized on U.S. soil. This wasn’t the only first for the Pope in America. Upon the next morning Francis became the first pope to address Congress. In his speech he mentioned efforts to thwart pollution and his ties to a family of immigrants like many in our country. This concluded his Washington visit as he departed for New York City. While brief, New York housed some great moments in his visit. These include a speech at the United Nations, service at the 9/11 memorial (the Pope’s only request for his visit), a stop at a Catholic elementary school, and Mass in front of 19,000 at Madison Square Garden. From there, Francis departed for Philadelphia, where many, for days prior, gathered for the World Meeting of Families, a festival started by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1994. After a day with Mass, the Pope held a greeting in front of Independence Hall adding to its array of historical events. At this greeting within the festival of families, Francis gave an impromptu homily about the difficulties, importance, and most significant of all, the love of families. Although we all felt the grace of having raw holiness present on the same continent as us, the Pope must return to Rome sometime. Francis did a wonderful job of proclaiming the importance of morality in a country of crumbling faith, but now, in his absence, we, as Catholics, must take the initiative to spread the Word of Christ. For more information on the Papal visit to America visit www.popefrancisvisit.com.
Ask Father A Question Written by Eden Volk
1. What is your favorite church and why? I would have to say St. Peter’s in Rome because it’s built on the tomb of Saint Peter. The grandeur in this beautiful basilica makes you feel small which is a good thing from time to time. Finally it’s a place where you feel connected to God. On a local level the Cathedral has become my home and I love it every time I step inside. 2. If you would become Pope what name would you pick and why? Um, never thought about it, and don’t think I need to… next question? 3. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food and why? Stuffing because my moms stuffing is irreplaceable and life changing!
entertainment Tips and Tricks for Black Friday Shopping Written by Jordan Aberle and Megan Krantz
1. Most people who go Black Friday shopping tend to start in Target to get the best deals. We, however, recommend that you start at Scheels. Sure, you may miss the amazing sales at Target and they’ll be sold out of everything from toilet paper to TVs, but you’ll be less likely to have your arm ripped off by a soccer mom trying to buy that last Elsa doll for her 7-year-old daughter. LET IT GO, SUSAN!! 2. Let’s be honest. We Catholics tend to have a LOT of siblings (shout out to the Richters). Spend some quality time with your little cousins and siblings and take them Black Friday shopping with you! They can stand in your place in line for you as you go to look for the items you absolutely need to have, and, if push comes to shove (literally) you can use them as human shields in your eternal battle for level one happiness- material goods. 3. Portion. Control. And we’re not talking about Thanksgiving Dinner. Spend all of Thanksgiving Day camped out at the mall, ready to attack. Who needs delicious turkey when you can get pretzels from Auntie Anne’s? Remember to ration, though! You don’t want to waste all your money on food when you could spend it on 90% off Xbox games and otherwise moderately priced items. 4. If all of this is too overwhelming, stay home, binge on turkey and potatoes with your loved ones, then ignore them until Christmas Card Season.
What Thanksgiving is Really About Written by Kamryn Hellman
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so obviously you’re going to spend all your time daydreaming about the upcoming feast. Lunch doesn’t exist on Thanksgiving, nor does breakfast. There is only one meal: Thanksgiving dinner. Anything else that enters one’s mouth on that day is either pre-dinner or leftovers. When it’s time for the much anticipated (and only) meal, prepare yourself. Load up your plate with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, biscuits, corn, and of course, turkey. Once everyone is seated, you’ll inevitably have to announce what you’re thankful for. Your declaration will most definitely include food, among other things, of course, such as friends (you see them every day), family (they’re sitting right there), and God (he’s always with you). Finally, mouth watering, you’ll offer up your thanks and begin stuffing your mouth. The actual feast will be blurred in your mind, but afterwards you’ll wonder why none of your clothes fit anymore. It’s a good thing that it’s sweater weather! Besides, as you fall into a deep sleep--stuffed, satisfied and slightly nostalgic--you’ll remember that it’s not really about eating food. It’s about being thankful for the food you have. Why else would it be called Thanksgiving?
entertainment
Mayflower Centerpiece Craft Written by Madelyn Schweitzer
A creative and elegant centerpiece is almost as important as the meal itself. This Thanksgiving craft will impress everyone at your table. Materials: Hot Glue gun Cardboard Contact Paper Floral foam Scissors Pencil Chopsticks Sheets of paper (or music sheets) Flowers Depending on how big you’d like your ship to be, sketch an outline of the structure. You’ll need two sides. Then you’ll need to create a base that is two inches wide. Wrap each piece in wood-grain contact paper, making sure to cover it completely. If you don’t have contact paper available, you can use duct tape or paint. Using the hot glue gun, attach the base and sides to a piece of floral foam. Then allow it to dry. To create the sails, take a piece of paper and poke a hole on the top and bottom of the piece. Again, the size will depend on how big you’d like your sails to be. Once your structure is dried, stick your chopsticks in the floral foam. This will hold them in place. Arrange your flowers inside the ship, again using the floral foam to hold them in place. Once you’re happy with your arrangement, place the Pilgrim ship on your table for everyone to enjoy!
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