November-December 2020

November/December 2020

Changes this Year Just how much has the global pandemic changed our lives at school? | page 3

A Saint Mary’s Christmas The Messenger recommends some holiday songs | page 8

SMCHS Activities! | page 12

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

November/December 2020

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello, SMCHS Student Body!

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can’t believe the first semester of this year is already over! I’ve had so many happy and fun memories and I can’t wait to enjoy these last few months with you. Although we have had our ups and downs this year, I know that we are all grateful for the opportunities we have been given.

Thank you for continuing to support the SMMessenger by contributing article ideas and interviews.

I am really excited for this edition and I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Once again, thank you. I hope you have a great Christmas break and do well on your final exams.

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

Eva Rykowsky Lilyanne Haag Margaret Kathol Eva Krebsbach Julianna Lengowski Ruby Tolstad Maja Dojs Fiona Kelly

CONTACT US LAYOUT EDITORS

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

ON THE COVER Coach Smekar jumps into the football team after their win at State Photo taken by Tom Mix / NDHSAA Media Specialist.

TEAGAN BAUER Activities Editor

OUR WRITERS

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.

Maja Dojs Bella Sletteland

Instagram: SMMessenger Email: smmessenger@locstudents.org

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

Table of Contents 3

Changes this Year

A overview on how COVID-19 has changed SMCHS this year

Anti-Abortion Vs. Pro-life | pg. 5

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Megha’s Declassified Holiday Survival Guide | pg. 5 Gratefulness: Two Varying Views From Students | pg. 6

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Holiday Recipes

Learn how to make some treats for the season!

A Saint Mary’s Christmas

The Messenger suggests some Christmas tunes to get you into the spirit!

Movie Reviews | pg. 9

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SAINT OF THE MONTH: St. Ignatius of Loyola

New Teachers! | pg. 11 SMCHS Activities! | pg. 12 Interview with Mckenna Matt | pg. 13 A Glance at the Season | pg. 13 Senior Spotlights | pg. 14

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FEATURE

Changes this Year | Bella Sletteland and Margaret Kathol

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020, the curveball we didn’t see coming. This year has sprung many surprises on the world, both good and bad. More often than not, bad tends to choke out the good. Even if you hone in on negative things that happen, remember,

“If God sends you many sufferings, it is a sign that has great plans for you and certainly wants to make you a saint.” -Saint Ignatius of Loyola At Saint Mary’s this year, we’ve been extraordinarily lucky. So far we’ve been able to stay in school every day for nearly 3 months, have multiple large school activities, games, concerts, etc. There are many students from other schools who haven’t been attending classes in person since March because of school shutdowns. Even if this year ends up being one of the most unique school years, I hope we can all say it was memorable in a positive way.

The Start to a New School Year Starting from the first day. We hadn’t seen our classmates, teachers, or friends in person for probably months. It was clear from the beginning that things were going to be different, with masks, social distancing, and even split lunch periods. With these changes adding up, it was a good thing we had gotten lots of practice to get used to a more online approach to learning in the classroom.

Online school hasn’t gone away completely just yet. In order to slow the spread, and to protect our friends and family, we have Distance Learning mode. We are very lucky to have such technological advancements that enable us to do this. There are some downsides to learning from home for extended periods that we are all familiar with. When you’re distance learning, you are sitting in the same chair all day. You don’t get to get up and walk to your next class which is in a different room with a different atmosphere, but it just makes us even more grateful for normal school.

During the Spring of 2020, everything for school was online (Tests, notes, and worksheets). Daily activities in the classroom don’t feel as alien compared to distance learning. Even if we are spread out and Google Classroom is prioritized, I, for one, am happy to take a test on paper. It’s the strange little things that can make the year just as great as grand events.

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At the start of the year, students were able to eat lunch on the patio where they could social distance

A Look at this Year One of the first big things to happen during the 2020-2021 school year was Homecoming week. The theme for the week, Saints on the Road, was a sort of ironic name, seeing as no one was really going anywhere. Nevertheless, not even masks could dampen the spirit of this year’s homecoming. Between games and ‘teacher jeopardy’ in the gym assembly and the big game and Friday night lights, Homecoming week felt just as energized as any other year. If we want to compare this year’s Homecoming week to last year’s, not much changed. Costume days? A fun assembly in the gym? T-shirts and an amazing all school gathering after the football game? Check, check, and check.

“Costume days? A fun assembly in the gym?

T-shirts and an amazing all school gathering after the football game? Check, check, and check.” -Bella Sletteland and Rory Milbrandt Last spring all sports were cancelled, both local and professional.

Now we are slowly getting them back and I’m sure that more than one of you reading is thankful as well. Football, soccer, tennis, volleyball, golf, swimming, basketball and others are all coming back. Attending games might be a little different with the voucher system, but it’s much better than watching friends and family play through a screen.

Despite everything that has happened, Homecoming was still able to take place this year Sometimes, the band will separate into two sections to social distance and will take up both rehearsal spaces We’ve had a band concert and a choir concert in our lovely new auditorium. Both also used the voucher system, and I think that they ran smoothly considering the circumstances. Both the bands and the choirs had beautiful sets of songs that will hopefully lift spirits and inspire people in our community.

We are blessed to be in the situation we are in, and we shouldn’t take one day for granted because we know how fast it can all change. We know that one day we can be in school or on a bus ride to an event, and the next we can be in lockdown for the distant, unknown future. We know that God can take any situation and make saints from it. I can compare and contrast pre and post COVID-19 life until the sun sets on 2020. In the end, we can all be grateful and make the best out of any negative situation because we are saints!

Photos submitted by students and staff 4

OPINION Pro-Life vs Anti Abortion | Fiona Kelly

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he terms ‘pro-life’ and ‘anti-abortion’ are often used interchangeably. While it is true that anti-abortion is a part of the pro-life movement, it is not the whole. To be pro-life, according to the Council Fathers of Vatican II, is a rather tall order: “Whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia, or wilful self-destruction, whatever violates the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, torments inflicted on body or mind, attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children; as well as disgraceful working conditions, where people are treated as mere instruments of gain rather than as free and responsible persons; all these things and others like them are infamies indeed. They poison human society, and they do more harm to those who practise them than to those who suffer from the injury. Moreover, they are a supreme dishonour to the Creator” (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et Spes, 27).

Essentially, any attempt to devalue human all

Declassified Holiday Survival Guide | Megha Bhardwaj

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hen you think of all the amazing aspects of this holiday season, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Just imagine all the presents, the shopping, the family dinners, the family fights, etc and anyone would start to get freaked out. So if you are like me, please read this helpful guide on how to survive the stressful holiday season.

1. Who Needs Holiday Spirit?

The most important thing about the holiday season is to not get wrapped up (pun intended) in it and to forget your worldly responsibilities. Seniors, you have college applications. Juniors, you have the ACT. Make a plan to keep up your academic progress and stick to it, even when you’d rather be out sledding.

2. Smile and Wave 5

Everytime you want to talk back to your politically….let’s just be kind and say ”motivated” cousin, take a deep breath and remind yourself that the holiday season is a time for unity, not division. It’s the time to celebrate familial ties, even if you’d rather they be nonexistent.

freedom and dignity is a violation of the right to life that is intrinsic to all human beings.

Some distinctions between ‘pro-life’ and ‘anti-abortion’ are lost upon the public. Futhermore, it is common for pro-life organizations to be inaccurately described as anti-abortion by mainstream media. Anti-abortionists who freely endorse birth control and other contraceptives often do so because they desire to prevent the ‘need’ for abortion in the first place. In fact, the contraceptive commonly known as ‘Plan B’ is another form of abortion, but it is still used by people who profess to be anti-abortion. These groups are more pro-birth than anything else.

The pro-life movement can focus solely on abortion, to the detriment of other issues. Abortion is perhaps one of the gravest evils of our culture, but focusing on that issue alone can belittle the other aspects of being pro-life. A place where pro-life advocates sometimes fall short is in provision for the family after abortion prevention. It is important not only to bring the child into the world, but also to provide for him or her in the world. To be pro-life is not just a coat you put on at opportune times. It is a way of thinking—a way of living—that should touch all aspects of your life.

3. Get Some Rest

Treat yo’ self and go take a nap. The holiday season is the perfect time of year to randomly take naps in the middle of the day. Take a nap during your off period, take a nap after breakfast, and always make sure to take a nap when you are tired out by the holiday festivities.

4. Shop Early (and Online!)

Oh, holiday shopping, the bane of my existence! Finding good deals and getting your relatives presents can be stressful, but in the era of COVID, we are all #blessed to have access to online shopping. Always remember that it is the thought that counts, not the price tag!

5. It’ll All Be Over Soon

When you have had it with the holidays, just remember that it will all be over soon. Yes, as of writing this article, the holiday season will be completely over with in just 2 months. If we can all deal with 5 months of constant quarantine, I’m sure we can deal with 2 months of Christmas music.

I hope this helps you deal with the holiday season and all its intensity. Stay safe and stay warm!

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e all know by now that 2020 has not been going as expected. From having to wear masks to staying six feet apart, it has truly been a hard time in the lives of many. But, despite everything that has been going on, we have much to be thankful for. As the season of gratefulness is approaching, we should all take the time to look at what we have been able to accomplish despite Covid-19 being in our lives. Before we get into that, however, let’s recap all that has changed this new school year.

Yes, we’re all aware of the fact that we have to wear masks throughout the entire day, but we must remember it’s for the safety of our students, teachers, and faculty! Another change that has been made is the fact that our lunch periods have been split into two. That is where a big factor comes in: sitting six feet apart from one another. Even though the school is split into a Lunch A group and Lunch B group, we must still remember to sit six feet apart from one another. Although it includes students shouting across the table to have a conversation, we’ll all look back and be thankful that we had to do this. All these new rules are for the good of each other, and to keep the new St. Mary’s Central High School up and running so that we can continue to make new memories that we can look back to years from now and enjoy. On that note, let’s take a look at all that we’ve been able to achieve this school year.

Rory Milbrant N

ot only have we been able to do many things we usually do throughout a normal school year, we get to do other things to replace the ones we can’t. Saint Mary’s High School students and staff can be grateful for the opportunity to have Mass once a month, to have sports, and be able to compete with other teams. For many people in sports, the highlight of their year is to play, and to be able to watch them is also very important for others. For the beginning of the school year, students, parents, and staff even got to go to the games and have the pep band there, which was not the case for most other schools in the area. Though now people can’t be at the games, they are still able to watch them.

Gratefulness

Eva Rykowsky

Two Varying Views from Students

The bands and choirs have had concerts and are going to have concerts to show others the work they have put in. Also the fact that they have been able to rehearse in general is a blessing, despite the extra precautions. Clubs at SMCHS are another thing we can be grateful for, even though for some of them they are not able to do the usual activities.

The thing we can be the most thankful for is to have school in person. Distance learning is challenging for both teachers and students and because we still have some students doing distance learning, we can appreciate the blessing of being taught and teaching in person.

This year may be more challenging and different than years before but instead of thinking about all of the hardships that come along with Covid-19, we can reflect on and thank God for the goodness that has come from it and pray for a better future.

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ENTERTAINMENT Something Sweet For Thanksgiving Cranberry Bread | Eva Rykowsky

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elow, I have included a family recipe of mine to share with you all to make your Thanksgiving a little more sweet! :)

Ingredients 2 cups of flour 1 cup of sugar 1 ½ cups teaspoons of baking powder 1 teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon of baking soda ¾ cup of orange juice 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil 1 egg, well beaten 1 ½ cups of cranberries, coarsely chopped 1 ½ chopped nuts (optional) Makes 1 loaf Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, oil, and egg. Mix in until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in a loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely and enjoy!

RECIPES

Cranberry Sauce | Fiona Kelly Ingredients 2 cups water up to 2 cups sugar, 24 oz frozen cranberries (2-12 oz packages) Directions

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Measure the sugar into the pot. Adjust sugar to taste (less sugar if more tartness is desired). Add the water.

Bring to a vigorous boil, stirring gently to dissolve sugar. Add the cranberries, and return to a boil, still stirring. Continue to boil until most of the cranberries have popped. If need be, use a stirring spoon to pop them. If you want runnier sauce, gently boil for 5 mins.

If you want more gelled sauce, gently boil for 15 mins.

When mostly cool, transfer sauce to a serving dish.

Can be served hot or cold.

A Saint Mary’s Christmas Some songs to spice up your Christmas playlist | Jacek Dojs

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Little Saint Nick

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Must be Santa

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Please come Home for Christmas

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Thank You Friends

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Delicious - The Laughing Song

The Beach Boys Bob Dylan Eagles Big Star Jim Backus

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Come Play

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hen it was released into theatres on October 30, Come Play was the perfect horror movie to end the spooky season. Though Halloween has come and passed, this movie remains in theatres and is sure to give you a few jump scares. Come Play is about a non-verbal autistic boy and his parent’s struggles to save him from a monster named Larry who tries to enter our world through electricity and screens.

The plot of the movie is better than most horror movies and the boy’s social struggles are presented in ways that drive the plot. I thought the development of the monster, Larry, was interesting to follow. Given that I cut off circulation to my friend’s arm because I was scared, I would recommend this film. It is rated PG-13.

MOVIE REVIEWS | Julianna Lengowski

Love and Monsters

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hough the title of the movie maybe wasn’t the best choice to reel in viewers, the plot of the movie was surprisingly interesting. The movie is set after an apocalypse that caused amphibians and reptiles to mutate and become huge monsters. The main character, Joel (Dylan O’Brien), learns that his girlfriend that he was separated from seven years ago, is 80 miles away from his bunker. Therefore, he embarks on an action-packed journey to reunite with her, with many obstacles along the way. Walking into the movie, I wasn’t expecting to be intrigued by the film, but the main character is relatable throughout, and there are some exciting fight scenes. It is rated PG-13, so given that the theatre is one of the only things to do around town, grab $5 and give the movie a shot.

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RELIGION

SAINT OF THE MONTH St. Ignatius of Loyola Patron Saint of Discernment | Joseph Schweitzer

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t. Ignatius Loyola, offered a paradigm for making choices, in a spiritual context, between several possibilities all of which are potentially good. It prompted the question “‘What do I desire?’ At the age of sixteen, St. Ignatius began working for a man named Juan Velazquez, the treasurer of Castile. When he had turned eighteen, he became a soldier and fought for Antonio Manrique de Lara, Duke of Nájera, and Viceroy of Navarre.

In the year 1521, he was attacked by the French. Ignatius was struck by a cannonball in the legs. After suffering much time St. Ignatius became susceptible Picture from catholicculture.com to the pain and learned to live with it. He began reading books that focused on the lives of saints and God. This caused him to deepen and strengthen his relationship with God. After meaningful prayer St. Ignatius began to discern God’s will and understood it. He was called to serve amongst the people and convert non-believers. Later in his life St. Ignatius founded the group Society of Jesus which is still familiar today. Their main goal and purpose are to help young people with discernment and teach them of God’s Glory.

St Ignatius Loyola’s feast day is July 31st.

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NEW TEACHERS MS. STOLZ | ENGLISH

MESSENGER: What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?

MS. STOLZ: Books… this is a tough question for an english teacher. I would want to bring Jane Eyre because I read it when I was in 8th grade, because I remember it was the first book that really had an impact on me. It told the story of a woman who stuck to her morals, and I don’t think we see that often enough.

She had convictions and she stayed true to them, and I just really loved that story. For movies, I really like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, it’s so good. It’s about this man that learns that he has to actually go out and live life, so he goes and works at Times Magazine and has a wild adventure. I’ll stop at two because I could go on forever.

M: What would your last meal be?

S: When I was in Rome, we had this Italian chef who cooked all the student’s lunch meals who were studying abroad, and he had this pesto dish that was to die for! It was so good, and I came home after that semester and I tried to make it. I poured my heart and soul into this pesto dish, but it wasn’t the same. I have never tasted anything that close to it.

M: What current trend baffles you? Why? S: The current trend that is most baffling because it makes the least amount of sense is the Tik Tok videos that are very risky or dangerous. I don’t know why we are encouraging them. It’s baffling and also very concerning.

M: If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?

S: I would want to take students to Rome, which the school does so you have the opportunity to go. It’s not only the center of Western civilization but it’s also the home of the church. I think that is a powerful experience for Catholics and Christians. But I would also like to take students on a service experience anywhere in Central or South America.

Interviews by Margaret Kathol and Megha Bharadwaj

FR. AUNE | RELIGION MESSENGER: What story in the New Testament resonates with you the most?

FR. AUNE: One of my favorite stories is the lady who tries to reach through the crowd to get a tassel of Jesus’ garment because she knows if she can touch the tassel, then she will be healed. To me that shows her extreme faith. She didn’t need to have him lay his hands on her or to speak to her, but she knew just physically being in the presence of Jesus she would be healed, And that is one of my favorite parables because of her tremendous faith.

M: If you could teach any class at SMCHS other than a religion class, what class would it be?

A: I would probably want to teach anatomy and physiology because I have a physical therapy background. When you look at anatomy and physiology, you know that there is a God because of how everything works together. It’s very complicated and it’s just amazing how everything works together in complement with each other.

M: What advice do you have for SMCHS student about connecting with their faith?

A: The most important thing in life is faith, because everyone goes through difficult moments and if you don’t have a faith life and you don’t have a relationship with the Lord, we see people turn to drugs or promiscuity, negative things which bring down the person. It is very important to have a faith life so that in difficulty you have someone to turn to.

M: What was your favorite class in the seminary?

A: ‘The Eucharist”. Learning in great detail the history and the different church father’s teachings on it gave me a greater appreciation for the mass M: What is your favorite part of teaching at SMCHS? A: I love the students. Their insight, their desire to learn and their perspective. The kids here have great depth and perception to bring to the classroom even though they are young.

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ACTIVITIES What Goes on in Book Club? | Naomi Schuh

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’m sure you have heard the book club announcements. If you are wondering what goes on in this new book club in our high school, here it is.

It is led by Ms. Stoltz and overall there are about 20 students in this group. A majority of them are sophomores, 2 freshman, 1 junior and 1 senior, but there may be more joining. Currently, they are reading The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

It is a gothic novella written by Robert Louis Stevenson. When I say gothic, you must remember this was written in the late 1800’s, so it is not like modern day goth. It’s almost downright horror. Some of the books they will read next is, Pride and Prejudice, a book about a family of girls hoping to marry off to suitable gentlemen, Sherlock Holmes, the stories of the famous detective, Jane Eyre, a story of a girl with strong morales, and The Screwtape Letters, a collection of letters by a devil to his nephew. All in all, they are already having a lot of fun in this club. For kids not in Book Club, Ms. Stoltz has some recommendations for you. #1 is To Kill A Mockingbird, #2 The Book Thief, #3 The Hobbit, #4 Ender’s Game, and #5 Little Women. Happy Reading!

Spanish Club | Hannah Koch

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rom painting sugar skulls to snacking on chips and guac, Spanish Club has something for everyone to enjoy. In this time of uncertainty and anxiety, many students are finding creative outlets and joy by involving themselves in clubs and after school activities. And as a member of Spanish Club, I can assure you that this club is one of the best groups to spend your free time with!

Whether you’re in Spanish class with Profe Kelly or not, you will most definitely be welcomed by the members and have a great time at their meetings. At the last Day of the Dead meeting, Spanish Club met to paint sugar skulls, eat chips with salsa, queso, guacamole, watch movies, and eat candy, of course.

Showing The Nightmare Before Christmas in Spanish, with English subtitles, provided Halloween entertainment for those still in a Halloween mood and Christmas entertainment for those looking forward to the holiday season.

The night was filled with laughter, activities, entertainment, and a whole lot of fun. If you, like everyone else, feel the pressures of everyday life in a pandemic and need a night to look forward to, Spanish Club is most definitely for you.

SMCHS ACTIVITIES

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An Interview with Mckenna Matt

The Messenger sits down with senior Mckenna Matt on swimming for Century High School | Soraida Pichardo

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aint Mary’s High School senior and Century High school swimmer Mckenna Matt had her last high school swim WDA and State this month.

Mckenna started swimming high school in seventh grade. When asked about her favorite swim memory she said, “Travelling to Minnesota for a meet.” At both WDA and State she swam in the Medley relay, 200 IM and 100 Backstroke. However, WDA and state did not look the same as in her past years because of Covid 19. Along with many other sports and extra-curriculars, swimming underwent some changes and created challenges for swimmers. “We weren’t able to get our normal two a day practices, and couldn’t compete against east teams,” Mckenna said.

Century had to swim in shifts each day due to the size of their team and the little space for all three teams.

No matter these difficulties Mckenna did well and enjoyed her last year. She does not plan to swim after high school. Mckenna said that the thing she would miss the most was all of the friends that she made.

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Mckenna Matt swimming the backstroke

A GLANCE

The volleyball team cheers on Maddy Miller

AT THE

Coach Smekar jumps into the football team after their win at State

SEASON

AK Koebele swimming the 200 Freestyle

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

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GRACE VETTER | BASKETBALL

MESSENGER: How long have you been playing basketball?

GRACE VETTER: I have been playing basketball since 2nd grade Y ball.

M: What is your favorite basketball memory?

G: My favorite memory would definitely be the whole state experience last year!

M: Do you have any game day rituals?

G: I love listening to music with everyone in the locker room before a game. It gets us all excited and energized for the game!”

M: What is your favorite part about being at a game?

G: I love the atmosphere of basketball games as a whole; I always have since I was a little girl. I also simply love being with teammates making wonderful memories together.

M: What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?

G: I am most looking forward to getting to play with my friends again.

During open gym this summer, it was so great to be back in the gym with the girls again. The energy was great, and I’m excited to have that experience everyday in the upcoming season!

M: What are your thoughts heading into this season with COVID? How do you think the situation will affect the atmosphere at games?

G: Obviously this season is going to look a little different than most years as everything does in the world today. It will most likely take some getting used to. However, I think that it just makes us all that much more thankful for the times we do get to play together.

Interview by Teagan Bauer

RACHEL RUSCH | CONCERT CHOIR MESSENGER: How long have you been with Light of Christ?

RACHEL RUSCH: Since kindergarten. I attended Saint Anne’s, the Academy, and SMCHS. M: What extracurricular activities have you participated in?

R: I have been involved in Student Council, Vera Forma, Leo Lions, Yearbook, Saints for Life, Assistant Chaplains, Spanish Club, the Drama program (the fall play and one act), speech, dance, cheer, soccer, band, choir, jazz band, marching band, pep band, jazz choir, steel drum, the SM Messenger, and FBLA! M: What is your favorite part about being in choir?

R: Definitely the people, because honestly, I really see our choir as a family. Everyone is so fun to be around, and we are always finding something to laugh at and bond over. The choir members are for sure something that I will miss the most when I graduate.

M: How has your experience with the choir been?

R: Choir has been so much fun to be a part of. It’s something that has helped me to grow immensely as a vocalist and as a person, and it has taught me what it means to be a member of a team. I’ve spent so much of my time in high school with choir and choir-related activities, and I don’t regret a second of it.

M: Are you in any other choirs other than the one at the high school?

R: Yes! I’ve been a member of Central Dakota Children’s Choir (CDCC) for the past 9 years, and every moment of it has been a total blast!

Interview by Hannah Koch 14