The
Sheepherder
Serving Sweet Grass County High School
The Sheepherder Website Debuts By: Erin Dringman, Staff Writer
Three months of planning, revising, writing, posting and editing later, we are LIVE, ladies and gentlemen. Due to the brilliant efforts of our creator and designer, Mr. Ben Fjare, we have a website of which we are very proud. The website is intended to provide more rapid, relevant news in keeping with our fast-paced modern society. Like most newspaper websites, we have drop down menus for a variety of categories, making it easy for you, our faithful readers, to access your preferred articles and updates. Additionally, the website is a fantastic medium to provide news through means not possible in print editions. Keep your eyes open for video interviews with faculty, athletes, performers, students and community members! Photo galleries from most major recent SGHS events and several months of articles are accessible on the website. Given the high costs of printing and our limited resources as a class, we are looking into different avenues of garnering funds. On our website, there is a menu bar that says “Contact” and one of the drop down tabs says “Advertising”. If you are interested in advertising in The Sheepherder or on the website, please fill out one of the forms available under the advertising tab or feel free to contact us with any questions. We are also planning on trying to obtain sponsorships for the newspaper; please contact us if interested. Thank you for your support. Lastly, and most importantly, we are able to update the website at the click of the button, so be sure to keep up to date with all Herder news, as it happens. Please feel free to check out our website at: www.thesheepherder.org. Despite all the great things about our website, you’ll never kill the print-lover in me. Thanks for reading this edition of The Sheepherder; long live print!
Volume 32, Issue 2
March 10, 2015
Herder Boys Sweep the 5B District By Weston LaVoy, Staff Writer
Class B schools in Montana are broken into 7 districts, depending on location. The Herders belong to District 5B, which also includes the Jefferson Panthers, Whitehall Trojans, Townsend Bulldogs, Three Forks Wolves, and the Manhattan Tigers. The District 5B tournament was held in Belgrade on February 19-21, 2015. On one side of the men’s bracket, Whitehall played Manhattan in the first round; the winner of this game would advance to the second round to face the number one seeded Herders. On the other side of the men’s bracket, Townsend would play Three Forks in first round and the winner of this game would then face the number two seeded Jefferson in the second round of games at the tournament. After the first round was all said and done, the two teams that would advance to the second round were Whitehall and Townsend. This meant the first game for the Big Timber Herders was versus Whitehall, and the winner would advance to the championship. The Herders played well and at the end of the game the scoreboard read 53-46 in the Herders’ favor. The other tournament game leading to the championship round resulted in Jefferson winning. This meant the Sweet Grass County Herders would battle the Jefferson Panthers the next evening. As for the rest of the teams, Whitehall would play Three Forks and Townsend would play Manhattan. The winners would play the same day for the third place spot. The consolation game was
Photo Courtesy of Riley Horigan Coaches and players display the Class 5B bracket and trophy after their win against the Whitehall Trojans February 21 at the Belgrade Events Center. finally between Whitehall and Townsend. District 5B can take three teams to the Divisional tournament; this meant that this consolation game would determine the last spot. After a surprising blowout, the Whitehall Trojans grabbed the third place trophy and their trip to the Divisional tournament. With only one game left to be played, the three teams that would continue their season would be the Whitehall Trojans, Jefferson Panthers, and the Big Timber Herders, regardless of who won the championship. The District 5B championship game took place at 7:30 P.M. on Saturday, February 21. From the start, the Herder squad came ready. At halftime,
the score was 18-7 with the Herders in front. The game consisted of many different lead margins for the Herders, but never consisted of a lead change. From the start of the game, the Herders dominated the scoreboard. The game resulted in a victory by the Herders, making them the 2015 District 5B champions. Congratulations to this year’s squad! Their victorious season means they will advance to the Divisional tournament. This is scheduled to be held in Billings, starting on March 5, 2015. The Divisional tournament teams will consist of three teams from District 3B and 5B, and two teams from 4B. The teams from District 3B are Lodge Grass as the number one seed,
Colstrip as the number two seed, and St. Labre as the third seed. The two teams from District 4B are Huntley Project as the first seed, and Columbus as the second seed. The Herders will face St. Labre in the first round of the tournament, Thursday March 5th at 6:30 p.m. in the Billings Metra. The Herders have continued to train hard during their break between tournaments. They have high expectations as they travel to Divisionals. Their goal is to do well at Divisionals and advance to State. This is a feat that has not happened in six years. However, this year’s squad has worked hard and feels they have the stamina and motivation to bring home some more hardware.
Herders Bring Home the Hardware
Photo Courtesy of Speech and Drama Erin Dringman, Honey Cranston, Megan Gerrard, Ms. Blaylock, Ethan Peterson, Avery Conner, Lauryn Yuzeitis, Greta Sanders, Ms. Perkins, Ashton O’Connor, and Kacin Bollinger display the second place trophy for Class B Drama. Last Friday and Saturday, 8 Speech and Drama team members competed at the State meet in Ennis. It was a successful couple of days, resulting in the Drama team coming home with a second place trophy for Class B. Leading the pack in Classical Duo were Ethan Peterson and Avery Conner. They fin-
By Greta Sanders, Staff Writer
ished their already impressive season by beating out 21 other duos for the top spot. Honey Cranston also placed on the Drama side, taking home a fifth place finish in Serious Solo. Honey beat out over twenty other soloists with her skit. Greta Sanders, also in Serious Solo, was a semi-finalist.
Kacin Bollinger and Ashton O’Connor in Serious Duo finished their season off as semi-finalists. The two-man speech team was led by Erin Dringman, who finished second in Impromptu Speaking. Megan Gerrard placed eighth while participating in Original Oratory. The SGHS Speech and Dra-
ma team gave a final performance at their Open House on February 11th. Don’t worry if you missed it, you can catch members of the S and D team on April 10th, 11th, and 12th at the Civic Center in the SGHS Thespian production of Don’t Touch That Dial!
Page 2, March 10, 2015
Ole Moi ~
Norway Photo Courtesy of Caitlyn Corso Janna Jordt poses next to the Herder logo at SGCHS. Janna is spending three months at Sweet Grass while staying with the McCullough family.
Janna Jordt ~ Germany By: Erin Dringman, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Alex Hatlem Ole Moi pictured with a hula dancer of Hawaii on his week long vacation there in February.
By: Reed Moore, Staff Writer
Ole Moi has traveled to Big Timber, Montana from Sandnes, Norway which is right next to the oil capital of Norway, Stavanger. Since his arrival to the US as a foreign exchange student on August 17th, he has made his home with Ole and Helen Oistad. Ole loves playing soccer, playing his guitar, and hanging out with his friends. Ole is in the 12th grade and plans to go to the University of Stavanger after he finishes his 13th grade in Norway. A big difference from Montana schools and Norway schools is that they don’t have graded homework, just three tests at the end of each semester. Another difference between here and there is that there are barely any pickup tucks driving around Norway. Ole got the chance to go to Hawaii for a whole week in February. He got to surf, snorkel, and relax on the beaches of Oahu (one of the islands in Hawaii) and he said, “It was amazing. The weather was great, and we got to experience a lot of fun activities. I got to spend my time there with other exchange students that were also from Norway and other places around the world which were staying in the U.S. as exchange students also and that made it
awesome.” Now that Ole has been in America for a while he says his favorite thing about our country is our people. Ole enjoys being at our school because of the friendliness of all our students. He said, “Strangers talk to you and are very nice and it’s easy to make new friends.” I asked Ole what the difference is between our school and his Norway school and he replied with, “A big difference is the school spirit. In Norway, we don’t have school sports or spirit weeks. So that is a big difference from home.” I asked Ole what he misses at home and Ole said, “I miss my family and friends, and I also miss being in a big city with a lot more things to do.” One of his favorite classes this year is his PIL in sixth period. During this period, he practices learning how to code programs with the help of Mrs. Obert and YouTube tutorials. He said, “Computer programming is difficult but fun and I’m getting better and better.” Ole has enjoyed his stay thus far, and he will be heading back home to Norway June 6th. Ole will miss all his new friends that he made while in Big Timber, but also he really wants to get back to his friends in Norway.
The Sheepherder
2014-2015 The Sheepherder is published by the Journalism class at Sweet Grass County High School. Our goal is to provide a public forum to express the zany and unique imaginations, ideals, and ingenuities of the student body. We strive to unbiasedly represent the diverse interests and opinions of our students and our community.
The Sheepherder Staff
Erin Dringman: Editor-in Chief Riley Horigan: Layout and DesignEditor Staff Writers: Brent Finn, Jade Fredricks, Makalee Klein, Weston LaVoy, Caitlyn Corso, Reed Moore, and Greta Sanders
Janna arrived in Billings on December 21, 2014 and will be staying with the McCulloughs through March 17, 2015, when she will return to her town twenty minutes from Denmark. “I like to go to school here because it’s really different,” Janna told me as we chatted about how she likes SGHS. In Germany, the education system is indeed quite different. There are three types of traditional schooling tracks in Germany. The first, and most basic, is the option to attend school from 1st-9th grade. The children that choose this route generally pursue careers in labor. The second track is to attend school from 1st-10th grade, at which time the child and their parents can decide if the student would like to attend three further years of school. The third track, the one that Janna has been on since she was seven, encom-
passes schooling from 1st-13th grade. At the end of Grade 13, a student graduates at twenty years old. After graduation, students can apply to college or university, which Janna plans to do. She does not yet know what she is interested in studying at the collegiate level; which makes sense--she has five years left before she needs to make any decisions! Like most teenagers, school isn’t Janna’s favorite thing. Instead, she prefers riding her mare, Summer Sunshine, dancing in the studio, and playing the cello and piano. Music is one of Janna’s great passions, and she has played the cello for 6 years. She enjoys classical music and also informed me that most of the big name music stars in Germany are essentially identical to those here; a few of her favorites include Katy Perry,
Sam Smith, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift. When asked what her impression of America is thus far, she laughed and tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder, “lots of fast food, football, and basketball! We don’t even have football! Oh, and the cheerleaders; I like it!” Janna lives in a rural area where she and her siblings, two younger brothers and one younger sister, have grown up milking the dairy cows on the family farm and riding their bikes to school in the warm months. Though Janna has enjoyed Big Timber and has loved living with the McCulloughs and making friends here, she misses her family and friends at home. She Skypes with her mom and her friends most weekends, and is looking forward to seeing them in a few short weeks! For Janna, see page
Mark Gunslav ~ S p a i n By: Greta Sanders, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Greta Sanders Mark Gunslav gives the camera big ol’ grin. Mark is a sophomore at SGHCS and is currently playing soccer as a part of the Big Timber soccer club. As a sixteen year old, what pated on the boys’ basketball team In his spare time, Mark enjoys were you doing? Hanging out and tried (and enjoyed!) Ameri- playing soccer, basketball and with friends? Playing sports? can cuisine, particularly the moz- beating his host brother, Cody, Worrying over homework? zarella sticks at Applebee’s. How- at video games on the PlayStaWell, Mark Gunslav is explor- ever, he still really misses the food tion. His favorite class is Skills ing the world. The desire to see in Spain, as well as his family, for Life with Mrs. McCullough. new places is what drove Mark’s which includes his seventeen year When he returns home, Mark will decision to become a foreign ex- old brother and his mom and dad. have two more years of schooling change student in Big Timber. He also misses playing tennis and until he graduates. Mark says Mark hails from Barcelona, and his PlayStation in Spain, as well that he’ll miss American football, is staying with Phil and Mary as hanging out with friends and and when asked what his favorite Hathaway during his exchange enjoying Spain’s gorgeous beach- thing about America was, Mark program as a Sophomore at Sweet es. Mark’s mom is a stay-at-home responded with an emphatic Grass County High School. mom, and his dad works in mar- “Freedom!” While here, Mark has partici- keting.
March 10, 2015 Page 3
Ashton O’Conner ~ America to Japan By Caitlyn Corso, Staff Writer
Foreign exchange students and programs seem to be all the hype nowadays in schools everywhere. Just at SGHS there are currently three foreign exchange students, Ole Moi from Norway, Janna Jordt from Germany, and Mark Gunslav from Spain. Anne Hansen also went to France as a foreign exchange student for part of this year. As cool and exciting as being a foreign exchange student seems, it may also seem a tad intimidating. One brave soul from SGHS is going to be a foreign exchange student in Japan during the next school year. Ashton O’Connor has used the exchange program AFS, formerly the American Field Service, to plan his exchange trip and will be leaving before the SGHS school year starts; he will be there for at least a semester, although possibly longer. Ashton is currently using Rosetta Stone to prepare for his trip and he studies the language as much as possible in his free time. Japan will be a big change from Big Timber, MT, and that is what the most exciting part may very well be. When asked what being a foreign exchange student entails, Ashton said “I’m pretty sure it differs between programs and travelers points of view, but I see it as a chance to reach out to others and learn more about our world and the people within it”. This will be a great opportunity to experience a different culture and a different way to live.
When asked what it takes to become a foreign exchange student, Ashton’s answer was simple “In my opinion, anyone can be a foreign exchange student, but there are certain things a person should strive for if they’re going to attempt it. To be open minded and willing to change and learn, and to have an interest in learning the culture.” If a student thinks that they would like to learn even more about a culture that they love, or just want to experience a different way of life, they should visit the AFS website, www.afsusa.org. They have information on nearly all traveling experiences and would be a great place to begin learning more. Another great way to start learning more about possible opportunities would be to talk to Mrs. Ryan or Mrs. Campbell.
Photo Courtesy of Caitlyn Corso Ashton O’Connor plans to go to Japan as a foreign exchage student next school year. Some people may be wondering where the best places to travel to are, but that is all just a personal preference. Ashton has chosen to go to Japan because ever since he was young he has been fascinated by the Japanese culture and strives to learn as much about the culture as possible, and what better way is there to learn about a culture than
to actually live within it? Japan does have a very different culture and Ashton has taken the necessary steps to be sure he is prepared for what is to come. He has immensely studied Japan and the culture that he will be submersed into. “It is a very polite society in general, so I’ve studied mostly so I can follow social
International Traveling
If all of these articles about exchange students have peaked your curiosity in traveling abroad, think about spending just a week or two and getting a little taste of what being on an exchange could really be like. Most summers the International Club travels on trips picked by students to help them experience other cultures and open their minds to the world of possibilities. Every student you talk with will tell you they had a great time. What are the biggest reasons to consider traveling? First, the opportunity to see the world! The chance to experience new cultures, customs, terrain, natural wonders, museums and landmarks in a way that one cannot in books and movies. The second biggest reason you should consider traveling is the education you will receive that can’t be taught in the classroom. Experience is an education in itself and travel provides so many experiences. The third reason you should travel is the opportunity to meet new people and develop personally. You can meet people from other places here in the United States as well as many who actually live in the countries you are visiting. These can sometimes create new life-long friendships. One of my best friends is from Oklahoma; I have never been to Oklahoma. However, we have study in foreign lands and traveled the world together and created memories that will last more than our lifetime. There is also something about stretching outside your comfort zone that really helps you to develop personally. When navigating in unknown territories or trying new experiences that you would have never considered be-
By International Club Adviser fore you grow. So if you think travel is for you. Consider joining the International Club on their 2016 summer trip! They are headed to Spain, France, and Italy. This trip is fabulous! They will fly to one of my favorite European cities, Madrid! The capital of Spain is beautiful and so full of life at all hours of the day and night. They have an expert local guide who will take them to see the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayo, the Plaza de Oriente, the Royal Palace, the Prado museum and an evening of Flamenco. During some of the free time for touring and experiencing the city I highly recommend the Reina Sofia! This is one of my favorite places in Madrid. From Madrid the students will take the AVE train to Barcelona. While in Barcelona, they will meet up with a local guide who will take them to La Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc Hill, Barrio Gótico, Barcelona Cathedral, Parque Güell, Las Ramblas as well as providing a walking tour of the city. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, truly a work of art. Then the students will head to France, where they will go to Provence and tour Carcasssone. The next day the students head to Avignon where they visit the Palais des Papes and the Pont du Gard before traveling to the French Riviera. There they will take a walking tour of Nice, again such a beautiful city with beaches that are sheer perfection. They will also visit Vieille Ville and the Promenade des Anglais before leaving France. The students will head to Italy, where they will first go to Pisa. While there they will see the leaning tower of Pisa, and visit the Pisa Baptistery and Cathedral.
They will head to Florence, where a local guide will take them to Piazza della Signori, Ponte Vecchio, Chiesa di Santa Croce, Gates of Paradise and to visit the Duomo. After these wonderful cities they head to Assisi where they will visit the Basilica of St. Francis before continuing on to Rome. In Rome they will take a guided tour of Vatican City, visit the Sistine Chapel, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, take a guided tour of Rome, visit the Colosseum, visit the Roman Forum, take a self-guided walking tour of Rome that includes Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps. Seems like a dream come true, perhaps, except we are not done yet. The students will then head to legendary Pompeii and view the Roman Ruins. They will then visit Sorrento and from there take a ferry to Capri where they will enjoy a boat cruise. After all of these historic and momentous experiences the students will head back to Rome and finally for home. Their lives forever changed and with memories they will never forget. Talk to Mrs. Gardner or Mrs. Lannen, they would love to help you take the trip of a lifetime. You don’t have to be a student to experience this marvelous trip. Adults are welcome to join us and experience this chance of a lifetime. While adults can travel on their own and go on grown up trips; there is nothing like traveling with young adults. To see kids on their first airplane, experience the ocean for the first time, walk where so many of our grandfathers bravely gave their lives to secure our freedoms, these experiences with them and through their eyes is priceless.
etiquette, as well as a countless amount of fun facts and useful information” said Ashton about what he has already studied prior to embarking on this journey. With all of the studying one can do at home, it will surely not compare to the great experience a student can have by actually living within that society.
Check out the Herders online! www.thesheepherder.org
AFS-USA Foreign Exchange Program By Caitlyn Corso, Staff Writer If you want to experience a different culture or learn more about what the world has to offer for you, you may be interested in becoming a foreign exchange student. This may sound like an implausible task, however it really is not all too difficult. The website afsusa. org is a great place to learn everything you need to know about becoming a foreign exchange student. There are excellent resourc-
es to find out where you can travel to be a foreign exchange student, and for how long. There are fundraising and tuition options, along with health and safety information. From this website you are able to request an AFS-USA catalog, start your application, and get an application checklist. If being a foreign exchange student is something that interests you, check out www.afsusa.org.
Page 4. March 6, 2015
Lady Herder Season Comes To A Close By: Brent Finn, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Cindy Glavin Brent Finn walks the hallways of the Big Timber Grade School with the rest of the traveling team March 5, highfiving the grade school students before they left for thier first game.
By Brent Finn, Staff Writer
History of Hoops Photo Courtesy of Riley Horigan The Lady Herder Basketball team listens to advice from Coach, Kip Ryan, during a time-out. From left: Maddie Emter, Elle Terland, Sidney Arant, Kate Indreland, TediJo Todd, Kelsey Sargent, Mesa King. In back ground: Brigit Flanagan, Kelli Mack, Holly Emter. The Lady Herders’ first game of For the twelve girls that are part son but the Herders rose to meet of this year’s Lady Herder basket- that challenge. They learned to the district tournaments in Belball squad, success has not come stay in the game and push them- grade was against the Three Forks selves. Wolves. What ensued was a very easy. The 2014-15 Lady Herder exciting game all the way down to Due to a limited amount of personnel, the team was forced to squads included one Senior: Sid- the final buzzer; the Lady Herdney Arant, four Juniors: Holly ers took a hard two point loss of play without many substitutes. For the JV squad, games were Emter, Tedi Jo Todd, Brigit Fla- 57-55. This resulted in the girls at times challenging with only nagan, and Kelli Mack. It also in- not having a game on Friday but seven members suiting up. This cluded four Sophomores: Emily instead having their next game also meant that all seven of the JV Hughes, Mesa King, Kate Indre- Saturday morning in Bozeman members suited up for the varsity land, and Tanna Campbell. The against the Boulder Panthers. The girls fought hard again, team was rounded off by three games. However, because of playing Freshman members: Kelsey Sar- and even came back from a fairtime regulations that restrict the gent, Madilyn Emter, and Elle ly significant deficit to eventually number of quarters an athlete can Terland. The five ladies on the lose the game 48-41. Sadly this play, the team had five girls who starting lineup for the Varsity second loss ended the Lady Herdsquad were Sidney Arant, Holly ers’ basketball season. played straight varsity. The Lady Herders had a hardMHSA rules allow players who Emter, TediJo Todd, Mesa King play different squads to play five and Emily Hughes. All members fought season worthy of their quarters each game day, not in- of the squad went on to tourna- pride. Despite a lack of players, the Herder squad gave our crowd cluding overtime. This meant that ments. The Lady Herders went into something to cheer about every all of the JV members were only allowed one quarter of varsity the 5B District Tournament with game. The Sheepherder Staff and before they were unable to par- a 7-11 record, going 4-6 in their fans eagerly await to see the Lady ticipate. Having only five players conference. Their in-season re- Herder squad in action next year. available for all four quarters defi- cord gave them the number five nitely had its difficulties this sea- seed going into Districts.
Basketball plays a big role in the small town of Big Timber, Montana. The community always backs up anything that the high school does, but when it comes to basketball there is a whole different kind of buzz around the town. With the Divisional Tournaments coming for the boys’ basketball team, this buzz is noticeably amplified. For example, this weekend I went to get a movie rental. At the counter I was greeted by somebody, I can’t say I really knew their name, who started up a conversation about the Herders going to Divisionals and wishing me and the team luck. I know I’m not the only one on the team that finds themselves in these seemingly random conversations. These conversations, in my opinion, are one of the best things to hear as a basketball player. I can’t explain in words how much it means to me to hear how excited the town is and to know they are backing us as the games get bigger in tournament time. Even though we may not know their name at the time, their support and kindness is greatly appreciated. Everybody on the team has had their fair share of talks with citizens
of Big Timber about this year’s basketball season, our potential, and chances at tournaments. With all of this attention comes responsibility; since basketball is such a big part of this community, many little kids grow up idolizing the older kids on the basketball teams (I know this feeling from personal experience). The kids, as well as parents and grandparents are always watching and supporting. They are eager to know what goes on in our days. I know for me, I feel some kids in this town look up to me, and I really want to go play the game the right way and give them something to be proud of. Basketball is something I have been raised on and I realize how beneficial it can be in a kids life. So I really encourage kids to play basketball if it is something they desire. Basketball is something this community loves to watch. They love to come and cheer on the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and see these kids develop. In the years after my graduation from SGHS, I hope to return to see the same love, commitment, and community support for Herder basketball; a cherished memory I will hold from my childhood.
Pressure on High School Athletes By: Jade Fredricks, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Google Images High School athletes need to learn the importance of relaxing more and stressing less; stressing comes hand in hand with sports and performing and often leads to poor health or drug problems. On a daily basis, teens typically spend three to four hours every day watching TV. This doesn’t include the texting, video games, or social media aspects either. To the average eye, high school athletics may seem to be the solution to this problem, but underneath the surface of the idea is an underlying problem that might be an
even greater threat. Learning the importance of teamwork and dedication is a life lesson that all high school athletes learn. While these important lessons are a vital part of a young person’s life, the whole point of high school athletics is not just to learn life lessons. It’s also about aggression and competition… or
getting the win. Every day after school high school athletes are required to attend practices and give 110% no matter what. This isn’t a bad thing at all until you think about the fact that they have just spent a good 7 hours of the day at school. And what about the fact that nearly 4 out of 5 students have an after school or after practice job? High school athletes work hard to maintain grades and keep steady jobs all while being extremely active in a sport. For those who are just stepping into the world of high school athletics they’ll find that even as a freshman, the pressure of competition is much greater than that of middle school. For adults, everyday pressure is no big deal, but to young adults it’s all new and a big step. A step that’s more of a leap into the unknown and sometimes teens just don’t know how to handle it. For teenagers it’s all about who’s the best and the strongest so if something happens, like an injury, they’re more likely to ignore it and push on so they don’t come
off as being weak. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that teen athletes are injured at the same rate as professional athletes, but teens aren’t going to treat it as it should be treated. Stress is the biggest problem for high school athletes and it’s one of the biggest causes for athlete breakdowns. Age is just a factor that has to be considered and the weight of pressure should be determined by the mindset and age of a teenager. Along with the stress of pressure comes an entirely different and potentially dangerous topic: Enhancement drugs. You’re most likely not going to find a teenage girl using performance enhancing drugs because they just aren’t as competitive with one another as young males are. For boys, it’s all about who’s got the biggest muscles, who can throw the farthest, who can run the fastest, and performance enhancement drugs are just the answer they’re looking for if they need that extra boost. Most of the time they aren’t go-
ing to go as far as using anabolic steroids because they’d most likely be having to buy it from dealers. Instead, they’re more likely to turn to Creatine and Steroid Precursors. You can buy these enhancements over-the-counter or at some health food stores, but they’re far from being considered “healthy.” According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, high levels of Creatine have been associated with kidney damage, and studies suggest that teen athletes regularly take higher doses of the drugs than recommended. Although the effect of high dosages isn’t entirely clear, there are possibilities of the body becoming dependent on the drug or the drug even causing the system to shut down. So while we may be concerned with how much time teenagers spend on technology I do believe that our attention should shift just a small amount and consider what is really happening with high school athletics.
March 10, 2015 Page 5 News
Don’t Touch That Dial By Greta Sanders, Staff Writer What combines love, death, the Beatles, a game show, and a TV remote? You guessed it, the 2015 play being put on by the SGHS Thespians! On April 10th, 11th, and 12th, come on over to the Civic Center to enjoy a fun-filled night for all ages. Sally and Charlie Brown, your typical siblings, get sucked into their TV after a nasty fight over the remote. See twists on your favorite TV shows, new and old: The X-Files, The Bachelor, Judge Judy, and many more! This year’s comedy boasts an eighteen man cast, directed for the second year by Gabryelle Perkins.
SGHS
All eighteen actors spend hours rehearsing each week. Practices have to begin at six to accommodate other activities, so dinner for the actors usually consists of whatever was cheapest at the IGA. The script is doctored, lines deleted and added, until the play is stage ready. Usually, the lines that get the most laughs are the lines that the actors added in! Sets are created (with the help of Mr. Lunceford and his classes!) and painted (also with help from SGHS students) and costumes and props assembled by the director and the actors/actresses.
The production of the play is truly a community effort! The cast is a mix of novice and experienced actors, creating a group of individuals with a creative spirit you couldn’t find anywhere else. All of the combined efforts of the director, cast, and community come into action to bring you a production worthy of the bright lights of New York City. Bring your family, friends, acquaintances, even strangers you meet on the street to Photo Courtesy, Greta Sanders the Civic Center in April for Chad Lager, Ian Garcia, Kirsten Gano, and Kacin Bollinger during a night you’ll never forget! the first read through of the upcoming play.
Students S.M.A.R.T.
Schools in the United States spend over $6 billion annually on energy. Luckily, Sweet Grass County High School and other schools in Montana are working diligently to bring that figure down. Over $4,500 have been saved alone on recycling in the last year while in energy cuts Sweet Grass County High School is saving $15,000 a year on average. The S.M.A.R.T. Schools Challenge takes place across Montana. The challenge is an initiative to Save Money and Resources Today. Thus far, Sweet Grass County High School ranks 1st per student in all of the Class B schools engaged in the challenge. The S.M.A.R.T. Challenge at SGHS is advised by Mr. Sam Spector, the head custodian for the school, who has a keen interest in recycling and conserving energy expenditures for the school. Mr. Spector and school board member Justin Arlian are in the process of finding a solution to the ravenous consumption of electricity within the school. One of the options that they are looking into is retrofitting the lights
By Erin Dringman, Staff Writer throughout the building to cut down electricity costs. Spector also sat on a board with the Lieutenant Governor, Angela McLean, the mastermind behind the S.M.A.R.T. Schools Challenge. At the board conference several weeks ago, Spector, Lt Gov. McLean and the other leaders of the challenge discussed the future of the challenge. According to the S.M.A.R.T. Schools website, the challenges are aimed at saving money as they promote health by encouraging energy efficiency, recycling, and conservation. “Saving money and resources aren’t just the right things to do for Montana’s schools and environment; they’re the SMART things to do,” says the website. On February 18, Bill Pedersen, a representative of the Smart Schools Challenge, came to SGHS to further the student and faculty knowledge about energy, resources, and money. Students played an interactive game where they were able to vote on different questions regarding the amount of energy it costs to accomplish certain tasks. We learned that money and resources are saved primarily by printing conserva-
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tively and turning off lights when we leave a room. At the assembly on the 18th, SGHS students spoke. Holly Emter introduced the group. Maddie Foulk made signs to be hung above each printer so that students know which printers are located where and which are best to print to. Erin Dringman explained how to check the status of your print job so as not to print duplicates. Luke Rech spoke about the new recycling bins that he and Brent Finn exhibited to the public at a basketball game. The schools that achieve the most energy conservation and quantities of recycling per student will qualify for prize money and will be eligible for grants for recycling programs. On May 6th, there is a S.M.A.R.T. Schools summit at the Museum of the Rockies. SGHS will be taking a team to participate in the summit and learn more about the statewide effort to save money and resources today. The money and resources of SGHS are in good hands, with the S.M.A.R.T. team and Sam Spector heading up the energy-efficiency cause at every corner!
By Makalee Klein, Staff Writer cause it is helpful and fun. There aren’t really and limitations to what college you are allowed to attend as long as you are accepted and they allow online class. Along with the colleges you are able to attend, classes are just as open as long as they are not provided here. Some students are using PIL to help them graduate early. Rachel Glavin is helping at BTGS, she aides the 2nd graders and enjoys it. She finds it to be a good experience for her future teaching career. Rachel explained she feels it is a good way to find out if this is a career one might truly be interested in. “Just do it. Don’t spend money on college and not like what you are doing,” was some helpful advice Rachel gave to students thinking about signing up for a PIL. If you think a PIL is something you might be interested in there are a couple of things you need to do first. On the server you will
National FFA Week By Jade Fredricks, Staff Writer
February 21-28, 2015 FFA Chapters from all across the country are celebrating National FFA Week. In 1947 the National FFA Board of Directors designated the week of George Washington’s birthday as National FFA Week to recognize his legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. Today, FFA chapters across America are still dedicating this week to those who are just like George Washington and share his love of agriculture. Over 90% of the 2.2 million want to go to the practice folder farms that dot America’s rural and find the PIL application and countrysides are family owned checklist in the PIL folder. Fill and operated. Farmers and ranchthe application out, make sure you complete all the things on the ers from all across the world checklist, and have it all turned in spend their time and hard-earned by the due date. If you have ques- money on a career that not only tions talk to Mr. Lunceford, Mrs. throws them random curveballs, Ryan or Mrs. Campbell they will but for every dollar spent the help point you in the right direc- farmer/rancher’s share is only twenty-three cents. All for what, tion. Companies requesting PIL you ask? Some say for the love of the land, others say to provide for students their country, but no matter what 2 Rivers Gallery the reasoning, it all comes down Liz Day to their hard work and dedicaHansers tion they have for their lifestyle. Museum Sweet Grass County High Tire Shop School is one of many schools Coffee Stop celebrating National FFA Week. Library Big Timber, originally named PMC Dornix, began as a small settleAll Creatures Vet Clinic ment that depended upon the saw Elementary School mill business, but later moved to Pioneer Meats higher grounds and was renamed Stephens Machine IGA Big Timber for the large Cottonwood trees lining the river beds. Gusts Years later, in 1880, over 3,000 For PIL, see page 8
Partners in Learning What is a PIL? This is a question many ask while deciding on their class schedules. The simple answer is partners in learning, but that still doesn’t really help them understand what it is or what the point is for doing one. A PIL is an alternative class you are able to take at any period of the day. So what does alternative mean? In this case it means that you have the opportunity to help create your own class choice. For many students it allows them to get hands on work experience in a career they may want to pursue. Sounds great right? It is. There are a wide variety of opportunities for PIL classes. They range from working with community businesses to online college classes, which mean there are so many possibilities I couldn’t possibly list them all. However I will provide a few examples. Alex Bowles is taking a class from Montana Tech, she says enjoys the class be-
Photo Courtesy, Casey Lunceford Carter Brownlee, Brent Beley, Cole Lunceford, and Chad Lager show off their FFA spirit for Lumberjack Day.
head of sheep moved into the little town and started a very long and exciting adventure into the lifestyle that is being celebrated during National FFA Week. Our community is small and rural, so FFA is a huge and successful part of our school. This year National FFA Week was celebrated with five days of dressing up that celebrated ag, these days included Lumberjack Day, Rodeo Clown Day, Dress Like an Ag Career Day, Hat Day, and Farmer/Rancher/ Cowboy Day. All of the fun and spirit culminated with a bang on Friday night at the Footloose themed dance where Ian Garcia and Madilyn Empter jitterbugged their way to victory and left the rest stomping in the dust during a jitterbug competition. While it may all seem like a bunch of fun and games, there is an underlying message that is meant to be expressed by the week’s celebration. Agriculture is a part of everyone’s life whether they know it or not and it’s something for which everyone should develop honest appreciation. Without those who dedicate their lives to agriculture our country would not have achieved the success and greatness it has today. So stop a moment and appreciate all the goods that our farmers and ranchers create for us as you carry on with the celebration of a week that is well deserved.
Page 6 News March10, 2015
Saint Patrick’s Day Shamrocks and Leprechauns and Gold, Oh My! By Jade Fredricks, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy, The Terland Family Thor and Jaclyn Terland welcome their new baby boy, Theodore Elliot Terland.
It’s A Boy! By Makalee Klein, Staff Writer
Parents Jaclyn Terland and Thor Terland were happy to welcome home Theodore Elliot Terland a baby boy to their family Tuesday February 24, 2015 at 8:41 pm. He weighed 7lb 12oz and was 20 in. long. Theodore wasn’t named after anyone they just wanted to keep the T in the first name. The newly parents were happy to be home with their first baby and are excited for the many new experiences to come. “Al-
though the baby seems to be the one getting the most sleep in the house”, said Mrs. Terland. Mrs. Terland was one of the few that were lucky enough to have a baby on the set due date. There is only a 4-5 percent of babies that are born on their expected due date. Theodore also happened to be born on a Tuesday which is one of the most popular days for babies to be born.
Tuesday, March 17 2015…. is the day to remember and celebrate Ireland’s patron saint; or more commonly known as the day you must wear green otherwise you’re going to get pinched. St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. He was born in Britain to a very wealthy family near the end of the fourth century. At the age of 16, St. Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who had been attacking his parent’s estate. After six long years of captivity, St. Patrick managed to escape and returned to Britain where he incorporated the Irish language and culture into his traditional lessons of Christianity. Whether this story is entirely true, we’ll
never know since St. Patrick’s life was virtually a mystery. Several stories of his life have been told and have now become a great series of exaggerations that people over the centuries have shared. Even now, in the 20th century, we believe and follow Saint Patrick’s Day traditions even if aren’t entirely factual or even very Irish. First of all, corned beef is something that Canada and the United States have deemed a “Saint Patrick Day’s” delicacy because Irish North Americans began eating it, but in Ireland a type of bacon that is similar to ham is eaten. Second of all, green was not the original color of the day. The color green comes from the 18th century when supporters of Irish Independence used the
color to represent their cause. Originally though, knights in the Order of Saint Patrick wore a blue called St. Patrick’s Blue. Despite our American twists and traditions for the holiday, it’s all meant to be a grand celebration of a fabulous day, right? Today, we dye whole rivers green, drink odd green colored drinks, and devour foods that we think are traditionally Irish. In fact, the Irish have adopted some of our American style celebrations in Dublin, it helps with their tourism. But, no matter what your opinion on the holiday is, one thing is for sure… It’s a holiday that brings on one massive day of partying for something we truly don’t even know the truth about.
Skiing With Mr. Hansen
From Big Timber To New York By Caitlyn Corso, Staff Writer
Many people may not know about some of the interesting things that students from SGHS are doing outside of the school. One example is orchestra. Brielle Stosich, a sophomore here at SGHS, has been part of the Billings Youth Orchestra for four semesters now and hopes to continue with her violin in for as long as possible. The Billings Youth Orchestra practices every Monday and individual members practice for hours in addition their mandatory practices. When asked what being in an orchestra entailed, Brielle answered “We all are involved in different things, choose to do different things, but are united by our love for our instrument. It takes a lot of work but it is totally worth it!” There are not many musical opportunities offered to students at SGHS, so Brielle found her own opportunity and sacrifices much of her free time to pursue her passion. These sacrifices and hard work are now paying off for Brielle with a fantastic trip to New York. On February 18th Brielle has the privilege to go with the Billings Youth Orchestra to New York to be mentored by New York Philharmonic players and a famous conductor. After they were mentored they had the opportunity to perform at the 92 Street Y. Along with performing Brielle got the chance to tour Carnegie Hall, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Ground Zero. She was also lucky enough to attend the musical Wicked
and a Yo Yo Ma concert. While on this life changing trip, Brielle met people from at least ten different countries and heard up to five different languages on any given day. She also learned new bowing techniques and learned about new instruments that were featured in the concert that her orchestra group attended. With all of these fun and exciting experiences happening it is no wonder why she cannot wait to go on yet another trip to experience even more. If you think that New York sounds like the place for your next trip, Brielle agrees “It was fabulous and I would advise going!” Although these are incredible experiences, the real reason that this was such an amazing trip was, of course, the orchestra. Brielle is in the top orchestra of the Billings Youth Orchestra organization. She received this honor by trying out and having a great skill level that will hopefully soon be seen in the Billings Symphony. The Billings Youth Orchestra practices every Monday and individual members practice for hours in addition their mandatory practices. When asked what being in an orchestra entailed, Brielle answered “We all are involved in different things, choose to do different things, but are united by our love for our instrument. It takes a lot of work but it is totally worth it!”
Photo Courtesy, Aaron Hansen Nadine, Amy, and Aaron Hansen stand on top of Lone Peak tram in Big Sky, Montana. The first intact pair of skis was unearthed near a lake in Sweden. They have been archaeologically dated as over 4,500 years old. In the 2009-2010 ski season, over 59.7 million skiers and snowboarders visited resorts in the U.S. alone. The industry revenue in 2009 was $2.5 billion. 71,410 employees on ski resorts were recorded that year, racking up $728 million in wages. Those startling statistics tell only a portion of the tale of what studies consider the second most popular sport in the U.S.: skiing. Historically, skis have played an important role in the lives of mankind; not only do they provide a leisure activity today, but they provided a means of survival in the past. In Scandinavian countries where the snow was thick and impassable by foot, heavy, wide skis cut from trees were used as a primary type of transportation to and from fields, homes, and battles. Sondre Norheim is credited with “inventing” skiing as a sport in Norway in 1868. Norheim crafted the first traditional Telemark ski and experimented with different skiing and jump-
By Erin Dringman, Staff Writer ing styles; he patented the idea of jumping off of his own roof, a tradition that the Norwegian still carry out as they go flying over the Norheim cottage every winter. Skiing is a popular wintertime sport and activity in the Northern Hemisphere. Some of the most popular skiing resorts include Jackson Hole, in Wyoming, and Vail, in Colorado. These resorts are frequented by celebrities and home town folks alike, all anxious to shred some powder on their Rossignols. Solitude and Snowbird, in Utah, and Bridger and Big Sky in Montana, are two other mountains that many people, including our very own Mr. Hansen, consider their favorite. In an exclusive interview with Mr. Aaron Shredder Hansen, biology teacher and ski bum, he confided that he has been skiing since the age of three. His first time down the hill was at Red Lodge mountain as a wee little tyke. Since then, skiing has become his passion, “tied with fishing” for his favorite hobby. Mr. Hansen skis every weekend with his wife, Amy, and four-year-old daughter, Nadine.
Mr. Hansen had some advice to offer fellow humans of the universe: “I think everyone can and should enjoy skiing.” He said that, regardless of skill or ability, skiing is fun for all ages and members of the family. When asked what parting advice he can offer beginning skiers, Mr. Hansen flashed a grin and said, “Get ready to have fun!” For anyone who is anxious to strap on a pair of skis and poles and flail down a mountainside at alarming speeds, but is worried that it’s too late, never fear! Ski expert Mr. Hansen is confident that there is at least one and a half months left in this year’s ski season. He encourages everyone to “Go skiing with your friends” in March and April. Now that you know all about the lifestyle that is skiing, why don’t you make it a part of yours? At Bridger Bowl, Mr. Hansen’s preferred skiing haunt, the daily rental price for an adult is only $25-30. Spend a fun weekend hitting the slopes with the family as the mountains warm up for the spring ski season!
March 10, 2015 Page 7
Rachel’s Challenge Comes to SGHS On January 20th, 2015, Dave, a representative for the Rachel’s Challenge organization, greeted the assembled seventh and eighth graders from BTGS and the students and faculty of SGHS. “How many of you have lost a loved one?” Heavy hands, paired with heavy hearts, went up all around us. “Let’s take a moment of silence for them.” Long pause. “How many of you have ever said something that you wished you could take back?” Hands, more tentatively this time, rose into the tense, darkened air of the gymnasium. “I am sorry for your losses. As you may know, and as I will talk about, Rachel Joy Scott was the first person killed at the Columbine shootings on April 20, 1999. But that is not why I am here today. I am here to encourage you, to challenge you, to live like Rachel.” Dave narrated and clicked through slideshows of pictures and video clips for the duration of an hour. We watched harrowing videos of two teenage boys with guns barging into the library of their school and shooting down their classmates. We saw par-
By: Erin Dringman, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy, Greta Sanders David, a representative of the Rachel’s Challenge Organization, and Mr. Buerkle, Sweet Grass County High School Superintendent, hold up a banner with over a hundred student pledges to accept Rachel’s Challenge. ents, standing outside of the high died. desire to impact the world. school in Littleton, Colorado, Most importantly, though, After Rachel was killed that fategripping one another in fear as we saw interviews, diary entries, ful day, her family went through they waited to see if their child and videos that showed Rachel’s an intense grieving period. They would run from the building. personality, hopes, and dreams. did not want her death to be the We followed the timeline of Friends and family of Rachel told end of her influence, however. Rachel Scott’s life. We saw the or- anecdotes about her generous Rachel’s father, Darrell Scott, ganization’s depiction of the way spirit, her willingness to reach out and stepmom, Sandy Scott, estabRachel lived, and the way that she a hand to a person in need, her lished “Rachel’s Challenge” as a
means of perpetuating her legacy. They wanted to share her writings and drawings, especially her essay “My Code of Ethics”. In a little over a decade, Rachel’s Challenge has reached over twenty-one million people, with that number increasing by two million every year. At the end of the presentation Dave addressed an audience of teenagers with tear-stained faces. “I cannot tell you what to do. We are not anti-guns, anti-bullying. We are not anti-anything. Rachel’s parents, brother, sisters, friends, and I myself am only here to challenge you to live like Rachel. It’s not going to be easy; that’s why it’s called a challenge. If you accept Rachel’s challenge, we have a poster for you to sign set up on a table over there.” A mass of students rose as one from the bleachers and marched, humbled, towards the table. Two posters, one at Big Timber Grade School and one at Sweet Grass County High Schools, bearing the signatures of nearly two-hundred teenagers have now been hung for all to see.
A Few Words on Kindess Sheepherder Staff Writers Weigh In
The Key to Going Far: Kindness By: Erin Dringman, Staff Writer
In “My Code of Ethics”, the essay from which Rachel’s Challenge pulls most of its guidelines, Rachel Scott wrote that “...people will never know how far a little kindness can go”. As children, we are taught to be kind to one another. We learn to share, to say nice things, and to treat others as we wish to be treated. More than that, though, children have no concept of besting others, of putting one another down to uplift themselves, of gossipping or judging one another. In high school, there seems to exist a whirlwind of drama, a void into which we--its occupants and founders--are swept. We find ourselves drowning, pulled under by the current of rumors and pettiness, unable to see the light of kindness and compassion. During the Rachel’s Challenge presentation, Dave told us a story of a boy in Rachel’s school named Adam. Adam had some disabilities, and was constantly bullied because of them. His family had loved him and taught him, when he was young, to love himself. As a child, he had learned that his differences did not define him and that he was a worthy human being. However, as Adam grew older, the kids around him
turned into teenagers who were uncomfortable with themselves, insecure in their own adolescent turmoil. Adam went to school in an environment where his peers, unhappy with themselves, took their insecurities out on him. One day, as Rachel was walking down the hall, she saw a group of boys push Adam into a locker and begin harassing him. For Adam, this was a part of his daily routine. To Rachel, it was an outrage. Rachel ran up to the group clustered around the locker and elbowed her way to the center. She pushed back against the boy in front of Adam. “If you want to get to him, you’ll have to go through me,” shouted the small girl, raising her fists. Dave encouraged us not to look at the violence that Rachel displayed, but the aftermath of her intervention. The boys bullying Adam backed off that day, and did not return thereafter. Adam and Rachel became friends. She was always the one offering him a friendly smile in the halls; a seemingly small gesture that meant a lot. “Rachel saved my life that day,” Adam said in an interview after Rachel’s death. He went on to explain that he had planned
to take his life that night, but that Rachel’s actions had convinced him there was good left in the world. The butterfly effect is a phenomenon whereby a minute change in one location has large effects elsewhere. Rachel’s simple defense of Adam in the hall that day saved his life. According to statistics gathered by the Rachel’s Challenge organization, over 500 suicides have been prevented in the last decade due to their teachings. Author Lao Tzu once said: “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” Environments of kindness must be created so that confidence, profoundness, and love may be perpetuated. The Friends of Rachel (FOR) Club is determined to work to make SGHS an environment filled with these ideals. The FOR Club has created slips of paper on which students write down acts of kindness that they see in the school. At the end of the month, these slips will be folded together to form chains. Rachel’s Challenge reminds us to be kind and to start our own chain reaction.
Photo Courtesy, Greta Sanders Big Timber Grade School and Sweet Grass County High School students sign the banner to accept Rachel’s Challenge.
Why Kindness Shouldn’t Be Such A Big Deal By: Greta Sanders, Staff Writer
“Treat others how you would like to be treated.” Almost everyone has grown up hearing that same phrase repeated over and again. It’s a good rule of thumb. If you wouldn’t want someone to call you fat, don’t call them fat. If you wouldn’t want someone to punch you in the face, don’t punch them in the face. I think I can safely assume that we would all want to be treated with kindness; therefore, following the Golden Rule, we should treat everyone with kindness. Shouldn’t that be a general expectation in life? To treat others with kindness, because it is the right thing to do? However, when we as a school offer incentives to be kind, we take away from the expectation that kindness should be the norm. Character is often defined as doing the right thing when no one is looking.
But when we, as students, are rewarded for our acts of kindness, character becomes less important. What becomes more important is making sure that everyone sees us doing the right thing in hopes of praise or a reward. The idea of kindness and general decency as an expectation is chipped away, and acts empty of genuine feeling are committed in front of others so they see how “good” and “kind” we are. One may argue that whether or not the motives are correct, at least kindness is being demonstrated. I have to disagree. What happens when we students leave the high school and there is no one there to offer us a “good job!” when we demonstrate “acts of kindness”? “Kindness: the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” Kindness is a quality, and a quality is something that cannot be faked. One act of kindness
does not make you a kind person. It is the repetitive act, done whether or not someone is watching. True kindness is demonstrated without the expectation that an award is waiting. I am not perfect, and I struggle to be kind on a daily basis. But I do not deserve an award for treating people kindly. I do not deserve for someone to tell me “good job!” whenever I help someone pick up their dropped books. An expectation of general decency and kindness is essential to having a healthy and functioning society. People should treat people right for the right reasons, and rewards take away from that idea. At the end of the day, I can either feel good about how I treat people, or I can’t. I either genuinely treated people with kindness or I did not. No award can change that.
Page 8 March 10, 2015
BIG TIMBER Community. Scenery. Business. Family. Culture. Social. Friends. Coming Together. Support. Generosity. Local. Home. Work. Gathering. Sports. Arts. Agriculture. Hope. Scenery. Business. Family. Culture. Social. Friends. Coming Together. Support. Generosity. Local. Home. Sports. Lil Bub. Ball is Life. Cats. Scenery. Social. Art for All Beginning April 17th, Two Rivers Gallery will be showcasing the artwork of Sweet Grass County High School students to potentially be shown in the Two Rivers Gallery. The pieces will be judged by a jury and can potentially make it into the show. By submitting art pieces, students get an inside look at how art pieces are chosen for a gallery show. If a student’s piece is chosen, the piece can be sold with the student’s approval.
Photo Courtesy, Riley Horigan Artwork featured by Reed Moore, left, Madelyn Foulk, top, Emily Myrstol, top right, and Jordan Chulyak, bottom right.
Serving the Community One Acre at a Time The Big Timber FFA Chapter received a $2,500 grant to address hunger in Sweet Grass County. Ag teacher Casey Lunceford to Food For All in November 2014 to receive money to raise chickens and start a vegetable garden. The Sweet Grass Health and Wellness group is allowing the FFA to lease their three acre lot across from the high school for their school farm. The Ag classes are going to build and install
chicken coops as well as building a bigger garden on the leased land. Prior to this the school board has allowed the Ag Department and FFA build a greenhouse outside of the shop building, where they hope to begin planting their crops. The FFA Chapter plans to donate the produce and poultry to the Big Timber Food Bank. The local food bank provides for many households in the community of Sweet Grass County so there will
By Riley Horigan, Staff Writer always be a place to take their products. Last year the local Food Bank serviced 507 households, which was a total of 1,142 people or 31% of the county population. Lunceford stated if production from their farm is more than needed at our local food bank that they will donate to other food banks in surrounding areas or sell it at local farmers markets. The school farm will be open to anyone who would like to partic-
ipate in it. The FFA Chapter plans to put together a series of different workshops inviting students from the grade school and high school to be a part of the school farm even if they are not in FFA. These workshops will be done at various times of the year. The goal is to educate the community on where their food comes from and explain the supply and demand for food in our area. The FFA Chapter has high
hopes to donate 300 dozen eggs and 1,500 pounds of vegetables once they get the school farm up and running. Lunceford and the FFA plan to promote agriculture and food production throughout the community. They’re excited to begin this latest venture for the Big Timber FFA Chapter.