October 2020

October 2020

CYRANO DE BERGERAC: THE FALL PLAY Watch this witty romantic tale performed by the SMCHS Drama Department | page 3

MOVIE THEATRES: COMMUNAL ENTERTAINMENT TO ISOLATION | page 6

THE CHURCH WALK Read about the Seniors’ retreat this year! | page 8

St. Mary’s Central High School | 5802 Ridgeland Dr. Bismarck, ND 58503

October 2020

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello, SMCHS Student Body!

I

am so excited for this upcoming year. Although many activities and sports are modified, the Messenger staff is all grateful to be able to write this newspaper for our student body to enjoy.

We have a lot of exciting articles this year and we cannot wait for you to read them all! This is my first edition of the SMessenger being the editor-in-chief and I hope you all enjoy this edition. Our staff has worked very hard to get this out and as you read through we ask that you take notice of our talented new team of editors and writers. Once again, thank you. I hope you have a very great spooky season!

Megha Bharadwaj Editor-in-Chief

OUR EDITORS

OUR MISSION

MEGHA BHARADWAJ Editor-in-Chief

JULIA JARAMILLO Layout Editor

JACEK DOJS Feature Editor

MEG HEPPER Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor

ALYSSA FORTNEY Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor

SORAIDA PICHARDO Religion Editor

Here at Messenger, we love to see the groups of people huddled around our paper, the proud smile when students read articles about themselves, and the slight laughs as students make fun of our bad attempts at jokes. Our mission at the Messenger is to produce a quality newsletter that provides insight into SMCHS by featuring our own students and their accomplishments and goals.

ON THE COVER This year’s fall play is the classic story of Cyrano De Bergerac, starring Seniors John Goettle and Megha Bharadwaj and Freshman, Nate Letteer.

Photo taken by Maja Dojs and Bella Sletteland

TEAGAN BAUER Activities Editor

CONTACT US OUR WRITERS Eva Rykowsky Lilyanne Haag Margaret Kathol Eva Krebsbach Julianna Lengowski Ruby Tolstad Maja Dojs

LAYOUT EDITORS Jordan Jacobson Hannah Koch Clare Tamisiea Joseph Schweitzer Naomi Schuh Rory Milbradt Bella Sletteland

Maja Dojs Bella Sletteland

Instagram: SMMessenger Email: smmessenger@locstudents.org

READ IT ONLINE https://issuu.com/smmessenger

Table of Contents 3

CYRANO DE BERGERAC: THE FALL PLAY From the SMCHS Drama Department comes this witty romantic tale

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Pro and Con: Event Vouchers | pg. 4

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SHOULD HALLOWEEN BE CANCELED? COVID-19 has canceled and wrecked many events already. Is Halloween an exception?

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MOVIE THEATRES: COMMUNAL ENTERTAINMENT TO ISOLATION The enjoyment of movies has changed Movie Reviews | pg. 6 Halloween Must Watch List | pg. 6

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New Teachers! | pg. 7 SAINT OF THE MONTH: ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX

The Church Walk | pg. 8 Fall Play: Interview with the Director | pg. 9 Fall Play: Interview with an Actor | pg. 9 Senior Spotlights | pg. 10

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FEATURE

CYRANO DE BERGERAC T H E F A L L P L AY

Come see this witty romantic tale performed by the SMCHS Drama department | Maja Dojs & Bella Sletteland

A picture of the cast during a practice in the auditorium

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he drama department is proud to announce this year’s fall play, “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Cyrano is a witty, romantic, and slightly arrogant poet. One of the only problems this sword fighter has is his extremely large and prominent nose. This prevents him from speaking out about the deep love he has for his cousin, Roxane.

A TRUE STORY This play is based on a true story and takes place in the 17th century during the Franco-Spanish War. This is a war that led to a French victory and an end to the great power of the Spanish. It was a hard fought war with the years ranging from 1635 - 1659. One main battle spoken of during the play was the siege of Arras. This particular siege brought the French troops near to starvation and a saving grace brought them to victory after supplying food.

Come see the play on November 19, 20, and 21 in the new St. Mary’s High School auditorium. Our production of Cyrano de Bergerac stars Megha Bharadwaj as Roxane, Nate Letteer as Christian, Jacek Dojs as De Guiche, and John Goettle as Cyrano himself. Enjoy a night of sword fighting, drama, heart wrenching deaths, and comical romance in our beautiful new auditorium.

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Part of the main cast of the play, Megha Bharadwaj, Jacek Dojs, and John Goettle, with director and SM alumni, Thomas Fleishacker Photo by Bella Sletteland and Maja Dojs

OPINION

Vouchers

Two different views from students

By: Margaret Kathol

D

ue to Covid restrictions this year, at the beginning of the school year students could receive vouchers to attend sporting events. Football games were the only relatively large gatherings (besides mass) we could look forward to attending. Students were required to pick up a voucher in the office, and there was a certain number available. It was very easy for the week to get filled up, and some people were so busy that they didn’t know if they would be able to attend before the day of the game. With the voucher system, some of he people who had vouchers did not actually even attend the game, which resulted in empty seats.

It also prevented students to from dropping by a game for awhile, or choosing to go at the last minute. Some people don’t even sit in the bleachers, they sit in the car and watch the game. From observing when I attended games, it seemed that the bleachers had quite a bit of space that could have safely been filled up.

NOTE: Due to further recent restrictions from our Governor, attendance at events is being limited to one or two guests/participant. However, St. Mary’s is livestreaming games and performances to make it possible for everyone to watch.

By: Hannah Koch

W

e all know that Covid 19 has changed how we do things a lot, including the way we get tickets to games. The voucher system our school uses, though a step down from the previous way to attain tickets, is a lot better than we make it out to be. One positive thing about this system is that we, as students, typically get to acquire these tickets from the ever-kind Mrs. Jeanne Becker. It is guaranteed that she will greet us with a smile and hand us our vouchers. This is an advantage compared to the system being used in public schools where students who wish to go to the games have to ask the players themselves for tickets. Also, through the voucher system we, as a student body, are assured to have tickets because there is a certain amount up for grabs and a large amount of these vouchers are given to the school to be handed to students who want them. And finally, this voucher system reminds us to never take another game, another day of school, or another ROCK event for granted, because who knows what can prevent us from going again.

Should Halloween Be Cancelled?

Is it worth the risk? | Eva Krebsbach

I

t’s spooky season, and many people are looking forward to Halloween. The holiday where we can dress up as their favorite characters or monsters and get candy from strangers while hanging out with friends. Unfortunately, this year there’s one problem: we’re in the middle of a world pandemic that can be spread pretty easily. That makes Halloween a more difficult holiday to celebrate this year due to how social it can be. Some people might think that we all should just stay home this Halloween, but for some people Halloween is a holiday to spend with friends, not cooped up inside. Despite the setbacks this year I still think that there are ways that you can still enjoy a social Halloween while still staying safe. Children and parents should wear masks if they decide to go trick or treating, and they should stay a distance away from other people

that they might run into. The safest way for people to hand out candy would probably be to leave a bowl or bag of candy by their door for kids to grab one, so they can still be socially distancing. For older kids, who might just want to hang out and enjoy the holiday with their friends, they should wear masks and stay 6 feet apart from people. That way they can still enjoy their scary movie and snacks while staying safe! Just because we are in a pandemic doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy Halloween, but it also doesn’t mean that we should completely put aside our safety just to enjoy it. You need to find a balance between staying safe and healthy while still having fun.

That balance could definitely be achieved if you think hard enough. Plus, why cancel a holiday that is literally about wearing masks!

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ENTERTAINMENT Movie Theatres: Communal Entertainment to Isolation

With the pandemic shutting down many theatres, is it better to just watch movies alone? | Jacek Dojs

A

few decades ago, watching movies in the theatres seemed to be the most popular way to consume media.

This was in part by deals that movies would only be showing in theatres for a number of months until a VHS or DVD copy was released or rentable.

Movie theatres have been struggling in the past decade, let alone in the past few months with the current pandemic.

Television used to be the biggest rival, but now with unlimited access to the internet, it has never been easier to watch a movie from your very bed.

This is, of course, not a bad thing. However, it is entirely convenient and that is what theatres cannot compete with, convenience. Movie theatres aren’t at all convenient: they are expensive, you have to drive over to another place, pay your $10+ ticket, pay for overpriced snacks, and if you are really unlucky, you have some loud people watching the movie along with you. Movie theatres bank on exclusivity of titles, nostalgia, and the elderly not being tech savvy enough to operate Netflix.

With the pandemic being in full swing, many movie publishers have decided to make any new title releasing to be on streaming services. They cannot go a few months without any movies releasing, they don’t care for theatres as long as they make their money. This choice was a critical

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blow to theatres all over America as they can no longer hold a monopoly on the newest and hottest movies.

Why would anyone go to a theatre when he or she can simply pay for a movie outright and own it or pay for a subscription service?

As many people realized, after watching a few movies alone, part of the magic of movies is watching it with others. The experience is entirely secluded. Unless you make the effort of inviting family or friends over, this movie might not be as fun as you thought. Many people have been remedying this via screen sharing over a call, facetime each other, and joining a stream where you can interact with other viewers watching it with you.

In conclusion, one of the things that make movies so special is watching them with other people. Even if we may be sticklers about convenience, we ultimately want to enjoy it with another person and people will go out of their way to watch it communally.

“In conclusion, one of the things that make movies so special is watching them with other people”

Bismarck’s AMC Theatre has remained close down due to the pandemic Photo by Julia Jaramillo

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Clock in its Walls

Article by Teagan Bauer

MOVIE REVIEWS The Croods: New Age

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he Croods: New Age is the sequel to the 2013 film Croods. The movie continues to follow the “first family” on a journey to find a new home. They meet a family named the Bettermans who claim to be more evolved and sophisticated. The two families have to put aside their differences to save their daughters, who both went on an adventure. The movie is packed with family-friendly adventures, conflicts, and comedic characters. The Croods: New Age is sure to be a great film, living up to the legacy of the original film, which families and people of all ages can enjoy. Familiar names such as Nicholas Cage, Emma Stone, and Ryan Reynolds voice act in the movie. The movie is rated PG and is set to hit theatres on November 25, 2020.

Articles by Julianna Lengowski

The New Mutants

T

he New Mutants movie has been in the theatre for a few weeks now, allowing many people to see it. As a part of the X-Men franchise, The New Mutants differs from the original X-men movies in the sense that none of the characters from the X-Men movies are in the film.

The genre is horror/fantasy, something that isn’t usually attributed to the franchise. I personally thought there were a few scary parts, but overall, it wasn’t too bone-chilling.

The plot of the movie is that a group of mutant teens are in a facility meant to “protect them.” They want to escape because the true motives of their containment are not pure. They use their unique powers and work together to help them to escape. There are a few familiar names such as Charlie Heaton (from Stranger Things) and Maisie Williams (from Game of Thrones). The movie is rated PG-13, so catch the movie while it is still in theatres!

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NEW TEACHERS

lk to xt month as we ta Tune in with us ne ne about their Ms. Stolz and Fr. Au rs!

CHS as new teache experiences at SM

MRS. DICKHUT | SCIENCE

MESSENGER: How is your experience working at our high school different from your experience at Wachter Middle School?

MRS. DICKHUT: The students here are very dedicated to their studies and they are very capable and willing to learn.

M: What is your favorite part of teaching?

D: I love seeing those ‘aha’ moments in a student when they finally get something that is very challenging.

M: What is your favorite part about teaching students specifically at SMCHS? D: They can still be goofy and have fun even though they are learning difficult subjects.

M: So far, what are your favorite moments at SMCHS? D: My favorite moments were homecoming week, the one all school mass that I was able to attend, and the volleyball and football games.

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aint Mary’s High School has multiple new teachers and staff members working and teaching our students this year from 2020-2021. This includes Mrs. Dickhut.

Before her career at SMCHS Mrs. Dickhut taught sixth grade science at Wachter Middle School for three years. Now she teaches ninth grade physical science as well as chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

FR. JARAD WOLF | RELIGION

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r. Jarad Wolf is a new teacher at Saint Mary’s highschool this year. He was ordained a priest in 2018 on June 11. Two years ago he taught Church History and World Religion at SMCHS. He also taught eight grade religion at St. Mary’s Academy last year. This year Fr. Wolf teaches Morality II to the Juniors and Catholic Disciple to the Seniors. He is also the school chaplain.

MESSENGER: How has your experience at SMCHS been different from your experience at the last school you taught at, St. Mary’s Academy?

FR. WOLF: The high school has a lot more going on. I teach things more in depth. But really, my experiences with them are more the same than different.

M: What is your favorite part of teaching?

W: Answering questions when students bring up questions they are interested in. I also enjoy the back and forth conversations, and conversations about important things.

M: What is your favorite part about teaching students specifically at SMCHS? W: I think we have good students. There is a lot that edifies me about students, everyday there is something that sticks out and crosses me at this school.

M: So far, what are your favorite moments at SMCHS? W: Coming back and being in person. I missed interpersonal back and forth. The assistant chaplains retreat, and the all school masses. I’ve loved being in the classroom and in school. Also football.

INTERVIEWS BY RORY MILBRADT

RELIGION Saint of the Month: St. Therese of Lisieux | Margaret Kathol

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e’ve all witnessed the ups and downs of 2020.

Many things have changed, whether that’s mask mandates, the way we do our school work, or the number of times we run to the store for toilet paper. But one thing that hasn’t changed is God and His love for us.

Not only has God provided us with everything we need- food, shelter, family, friends, and a beautiful new school- but He has also given us people to look to who can guide us in all we do. He has given us people who lived on this earth throughout the entire history of the world. People from places as far away as Lithuania and people from places as close by as New York. And it is during these dark times that we are reminded that we are not in control. But why should we fear? For as Saint Therese of Lisieux says, “How can I fear a God who is nothing but mercy and love?”

Our saint of the month for October is St. Therese of Lisieux, who reminds us that we need not worry about what lies ahead. St. Therese lost her mother to breast cancer when she was only four and a half years old. She experienced great pain again when her older sister Pauline, who had become her second mother, left

to become a Carmelite. And a few months after Pauline left, St. Therese became so sick that people thought she was dying. But Therese never let death, the pain of absence, or sickness stop her from believing and trusting in God.

When she saw her sisters praying to a statue of Mary in her room, St. Therese decided also to pray. She saw Mary smile at her and she was instantly cured. She kept on praying for years and years to come, making conversation with God a frequent aspect of her daily life.

She never stopped believing that He loved her, believing that He had a purpose for her and that he would provide for and be with her for eternity.

If St. Therese can make her eyes look away from sickness and instead to the smile of Mary, then we can all shift our view from the virus to the God who controls it. God is full of mercy and love and He will never stop watching over us, just as He never stopped watching over St. Therese of Lisieux. Let us pray to St. Therese of Lisieux, that she may intercede for us and help us to trust in the God who is in control, the “God who is nothing but mercy and love.”

THE CHURCH WALK |MAJA DOJS

SENIOR THOUGHTS “Very refreshing to go on a walk and socialize with others in an open environment while experiencing our faith.” -Caleb Wanner

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ne beautiful morning, the seniors of St. Mary’s gathered at the Academy led by Father Wolf and Mr. Emmel. They traversed the paths of Bismarck to the Catholic churches in the area.

According to Mr. Emmel, “juniors have participated in the Church walk on Holy Thursday since 1999.” This is a tradition that consists of prayer time with the rosary, meditation, talking with friends and some much needed exercise before the cold winter blows in.

Usually it is a junior event but the coronavirus pandemic prevented it from happening. Students do this every year to continue the focus of Catholic education, “to prepare us to be good citizens of the world and heaven.” In total the walk was almost 9 miles long but it was a great “human experience” for everyone who went.

“Was very enjoyable and powerful. Going through the pain of walking was worth it when we got to each church and got to pray.” -Zach Aberle “It was very meditative walking through the beautiful morning.

The walking brought you deeper in prayer.” -Jacek Dojs “The church walk was a nice experience as I got to bond with my classmates a bit, but it was also a chance for me to visit the churches in town I do not go to and see often.” -Julia Jaramillo

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ACTIVITIES THE

FALL PLAY

THOMAS FLEISCHACKER | NEW DIRECTOR

MESSENGER: How do you feel about directing the fall play this year?

THOMAS FLEISCHACKER: “I love it! It is hard and nerve racking but I know that in the end it will all be worth it!”

M: Do you have any experience with the theater and directing?

T: “This is my first experience directing a full play but I have had many experiences acting.”

M: What was your inspiration for choosing the play “Cyrano de Bergerac”?

T: “When I read through it I thought that it would be a very fun play to perform, especially since the actors will get to use stage words.”

M: Do you think the performance will be affected because of the pandemic?

T: “I have no idea how the pandemic will affect the performance, but we can all hope it will go well.”

M: Do you have any plans on directing the play next year?

T: “I do not know what next year entails but whatever happens, it’s going to be good!”

MEGHA BHARADWAJ | ACTOR

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MESSENGER: When did you start to show interest in theater?

MEGHA BHARADWAJ: I started to show interest in the theatre since a young age around 2nd grade. Although I never actively sought out a theatre role in stage production in the Bismarck-Mandan community, I’ve always been interested in theatre within my school community.

M: How many years have you been doing theater?

M.B: The first theatre production I did was in the 2nd grade, but I didn’t do any plays again till high school when I played an extra in the “Westing Game.”

M: What is one lesson you have learned in theater that will help you in life?

M.B: A life lesson I learned in theater was how important a team is. Theater is the one team where if one member of your team is missing or doesn’t want to put their best effort in it can severely dampen the efforts of the other teammates.

It really showed me how important it is to understand your role in whatever team you decide to join and to commit.

M: What is your favorite part about being on stage?

M.B: My favorite part about being on stage is getting to play a character who is completely different from myself. So far I’ve never really played a character who is like me, most of the characters I play are very intense and energetic, So it’s always been an interesting challenge of trying to keep the energy up throughout the entire production.

M: What can students that want to come to the play expect to see (what is the play about)?

M.B: The play is a drama based on a real-life French playwright named Cyrano de Bergerac. Cyrano is basically incredibly self conscious about his big nose and the story is about how his flaw (as well as flaws such as my character’s shallowness or Jacek’s character’s pettiness) affects his life and the choices he makes and how they impact the happiness of those around him. It involves drama, love, battle, and death. It has been really fun to put together and it definitely has something for everyone!

Articles By Eva Rykowsky and Teagan Bauer respectively

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT An inside look into some of the outside careers of our seniors.

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CULLEN CURL | FOOTBALL

MESSENGER: How long have you been playing football and what position do you play?

CULLEN CURL: I have played football since 3rd grade and I play running back on offense and safety on defense.

M: What’s something you do to hype yourself up before a game?

C: Before games, I usually listen to upbeat music or watch highlight videos to get myself pumped up.

M: What’s your favorite memory from football?

C: My favorite football memory was dressing for my first varsity game freshman year. I didn’t play but it was an awesome experience to be with the older kids and see what varsity was like.

M: Do you plan on playing after high school?

C: I don’t plan on playing football after high school, but I think it would be fun to maybe coach someday. I plan on hopefully running track in college.

M: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from football?

C: The most important lesson I’ve learned from football is the importance of staying accountable and doing your job the right way. There is a lot going on during a football game, but if one person doesn’t do their job, it could mess up a whole play or even a game.

M: What’s your favorite class at SM? C: My favorite class at Saint Mary’s is gym. Shout out to Mr. Voltz.

M: Favorite Food?

C: My favorite food has got to be my dad’s cheeseburgers hot off the grill with corn on the cob and baked beans.

Interview by Julia Jaramillo

EDEN SCHLINGER | VOLLEYBALL MESSENGER: How long have you been playing volleyball?

EDEN SCHLINGER: 13 years M: What position do you play?

E: Outside hitter M: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learn from volleyball?

E: I’ve learned trusting your teammates will take you a long way.

M: What’s some advice you’d like to give to underclassman?

E: You should encourage and build up your teammates.

Volleyball is for the memories and bus rides.

M: Do you view volleyball as a way to socialize and make new friends, as a sport you really enjoy, or both?

E: Both, because I love it, but also many of my friends are in volleyball, and I’ve grown closer to other girls.

Interview by Naomi Schuh

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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS:

Our Corporate Sponsorship program provides tuition assistance for Light of Christ Catholic Schools students.

If you or your company are interested in this unique sponsorship opportunity, please call or text: Toby Schweitzer: 701-220-1507 tschweitzer@lightofchristschools.org Jon Herold: 701-955-0115 jonherold@lightofchristschools.org