Footloose
‘No Guts No Glory’
Iniwa awards Issac Rider as the pumpkin carving contest unanimous winner. “I found out I had more glory than guts,” said Rider.
Cast reveals acting motives and excitement about the first theatre production of the year. Page 8
Page 6 1900 2nd Ave. S. Great Falls, MT 59405 iniwa@iniwa.com
Volume 88 ∙ Issue 2 ∙Oct. 31, 2013
2013 NSPA All-American 2013 JEA Best of Show 2012 Montana Pacesetter 2012 CSPA Silver Crown Winner
CommunalCollision
REMEMBER THE BISON Senior Eric Weaver, a defensive lineman, runs down the tunnel formed by his varsity teammates as his name is called before their game. The “tunnel” was started as a tradition to honor football players before their varsity games. Players and cheerleaders all line up on the 40-yard line to wish players good luck. Photo Sam Cory
Seniors continue high hopes as Crosstown approaches by Alison Lee new level of intensity with it that just makes for some it will be that last time playing The word rivalry, according to Mer- us play harder. There’s some players that a game of football at all. Senior Roberto riam-Webster, is “a state or situation play just for the crosstown game, and it helps Smith said, “It sucks knowing it will be our in which people or groups are com- give the team a goal by knowing it is still pos- last game, but at the same time it makes peting with each other.” When it comes sible to win it after having a difficult season.” us all want to work harder, prove ourselves to rivalries, there are few around that As most athletes can agree, all bets are and win. We can do whatever we set are larger than that most familiar to up in the air when a crosstown game comes our minds to as long as we work hard.” residents of Great Falls, Montana: around. “This is the game that everyone shows Humphreys also said, “We just between the C.M. Rustlers and up for, and it creates an environment different need to go out and have fun. It’s the seniors’ our own Great Falls High Bison. from other game,” said senior Nate Bianco. last crosstown,and I think we’re definitely When fall approaches, many “Every game is extremely physical and com- a contender. Hopefully it brings the team people turn their attention to- petitive, and you can’t count anyone out, or you together, and we can get the job done.” wards the sport of the season, won’t go into the game prepared. We just have The boys agreed that their strongest footto do everything attribute as ball. we can to win.” a team was A l - “It’s a big game, it’s for H u m p h r e y s “Crosstown is important their defense, though the bragging rights and said, “Both teams because everybody in which has in rearen’t doing super been precent years sometimes it’s for playoff swell this season, the community becomes forming well the Bison implications. There is a lot even though CMR involved. It’s a big rallying in this 2013 boys have has a slightly bets eas on. come up of respect for both players ter record than we point for the two schools, H u m just short on either side of the river.” do. This year it’s there’s a pride issue phreys said, of a crossgoing to be a little “It can be town vic- -Johnson bit more of a fight associated with it.” -Krahe hard for them tory, their to see who will since they are spirits come out on top.” on the field so refuse to falter. For 12 returning varsity members, it will much, but they stick it out and preform.” Senior Brad Humphreys said, be the final time that they will step into MeKickoff for the Crosstown match“Crosstown brings a whole morial Stadium to play football as a Bison, up will take place at 7:30 Friday night.
Matt Krahe
Jack Johnson Index
Top Story 1 2 News 3 Briefing Opinion 4–5
Lifestyle 6–7 8–9 A&E Sports 10–11 12 Impact
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2
News
Oct. 31, 2013
2005–2010 GFPS average: 200 Students dropped out per year
GFPS dropout rate One year ago: 5.1 percent Present: 2.47 percent
GFHS dropouts Last year at this time: 13 Pursuing or aquired a GED: 8 Thus far this year: 12 Pursuing or acquired a GED: 5
91.3% 2010–2011
89% 88.2% 2012–2013
88.2% Attendance
GOAL
93%
by Levi Mael A few papers can help students change their lives forever. The absence of these papers, however, will devastate them. Despite the importance of a high school diploma in some fields, some students decide not to attend school. The good news is that the dropout rate is falling lower and lower each year. Students in the Great Falls Public School system are dropping out at a much lower rate. According to a GFPS press release, only 112 students in the district dropped out during the 2012-2013 school year. This is not only half the amount of students that dropped out the year before, but also a 10 year low for the district. Associate Principal Tramelli shares the school district’s good cheer. “I am absolutely ecstatic. One dropout is too many dropouts.” Tramelli has been an active member of the recent movement to slash the dropout rate. Even so, she states that the biggest contributing factor has been the staff. “Our faculty, staff, and administration do not give up on kids. We want students to feel welcomed and valued as people first , then the rest follows.” Another major contributing factor is the district’s Gradua-
tion Matters program, a $10,000 The Graduation Matters proinitiative to promote graduation gram has spread throughout sevthe district started three years eral facets of the school system. ago. Tramelli believes that the “I asked our teachers and new program is simply “the dif- principals and counselors if we ference in how we’re going to could cut our dropout rate in half get [to graduation], from night over three years,” says Moore, school, Credit Recovery, sum- “and […] we ended up doing m e r that. We school… changed Whats o m e ever we board polcan do to icies, we get them introduced to that s o m e endpoint C r e d i t as soon Re c o v e r y as posprograms, sib l e.” and we inA t troduced the helm our first of the m i l e Gradustone.” a t i o n GraduMat ter s ation Matmoveters has ment is Tom Moore, as- already impacted a multitude of sistant superintendent students, one of whom is senior to secondary schools. Jesse Lee. Lee recently enrolled “I have been working closely in a Credit Recovery class and with the United Way Organiza- finished with not only a credit for tion to envision what Gradua- math, but also a smile on his face. tion Matters was going to look “During Credit Recovery, I can like in Great Falls[…] working move at my own pace, and I’m not with what we can do to pre- freaked about turning stuff in.” vent students from dropping Lee also cites the empathetic out, and how we can retrieve staff, saying that, “They are nice students who have dropped and will help you when you need it. out, what we can do to preAlthough the student dropvent them from dropping out.” out rates are plummeting, at-
year
2011–2012
School district programs bring dropout rate to record low
dropped out last
2009-2010
Another one bites the dust
local students
Percentage of GFH students who regularly attend school
EMPTY SEATS Moved throughout the Great Falls community, 112 desks symbolically represent the students who dropped out during the 2012-2013 school year. The dropout rate is evidently the lowest it has been in the district for the last 10 years. One of the school district’s main goals for the past few years has been to decrease the number of students dropping out of school. Photo Dustin Senger
tendance rates are as well. While 91.3 percent of students regularly attended school during the 2009-2010 school year, only 88.2 percent attended during the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years. The school district aims to retain a 93 percent regular attendance rate. In addition, there are 31 students who are currently off-course to obtain a diploma. These students are commonly referred to as “froshmores” or “super seniors”, but no matter what they are called, they are at risk to fail to get a diploma. “The good news is that they’re still here,” says assistant principal Heather Hoyer. Graduation Matters achieved its ultimate goal until there are no more dropouts. Tramelli believes the next leap ahead is eliminating “sit and get” classes. “The instructional style in some classes needs to change so that all students are active participants in learning.” Looking to the future of the school district, Moore has his eyes set on a bigger prize. “Now what we’re going to focus on is our graduation rate. Our endgame is that I want every student in our system to graduate, and that all of our kids do. They graduate from high school with a diploma that prepares them well for our next step.”
Briefing News
Oct. 31, 2013
Tidbits
Allegations land NSA in hot water by Brandon Taylor This month the NSA has been caught spying on the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. In 2010 they tapped her phone in efforts to listen to her phone calls. A German Newspaper said that a “high-ranking” NSA official spoke to Bild am Sonntag on the condition of anonymity, saying the president, “not only did not
LET THERE BE LIGHT Students and alum dance to the music of A Beat Ahead. Security guards were hired to ensure the safety of the students from both sides of the river. Photo Dustin Senger
Upperclassmen abandon traditions by Dustin Senger Since the instillment of the ‘no grinding’ rule at school dances, students have been dancing to their own beat at non-school sanctioned dances. One such dance occurred on Friday the 18th, put on by A Beat Ahead. “Somewhere between 500 and 550 kids showed up.” said Bryton Gabriel, cofounder of A Beat Ahead. Meanwhile, attendance is way down at school sanctioned dances, especially at homecoming. “There was
between 125 and 150 kids at the homecoming dance, which was a smaller crowd than usual for a homecoming dance,”said DJ Skip Walters. Neither the newly elected Homecoming King or Queen were able to attend the dance. Queen Mikaela Kynett was unable to attend due to an early morning cross country meet the next day. “It feels like the tradition is dying, because of more regulations on the school’s part,” said homecoming king Bridger Logan.
stop the operation, but he also ordered it to continue.” However, in another report, Obama told Merkel that he did not know it was happening. The official was also reported saying that they had tapped the chancellor’s phone back in 2002, when she was just an opposition leader. If these allegations occurred, the NSA would be breaking German law on German soil.
Funding impacts sports priorities by Hallie Bilbrey Many are involved in a sports and other activities, others are not. For some people the thought of our school funding is a big deal, as for others they could care less. Associate Principal Heather Hoyer, said our school funding if organized through Mr. DeGooyer. The schools have funding in the amount of $64,553,214 through a combination of both local and state allocations, including new funds through Senate Bill 175. This money all goes to Mr. DeGooyer who
is to split the money into many different divisions. Some of these include activities, sports, technology, lighting, heating, maintenance, teacher wages, and much more. While Mr. DeGooyer is doing the best he can, our school only gets a certain amount of money. It’s upsetting that all these sports and activities aren’t getting much funding but there’s nothing the school can do about it. “ We need to think of more creative ways to fund” said Hoyer. For more information visit the Iniwa.com
How To... Financially plan for college 66% 68% 50% 94%
would borrow any amount of money for college believe the school provides sufficient information about college finances parents are helping pay for college plan to work through college
concerns in taking out loans 40 high interest rates 45 fear lack of income after college 69 do not want to leave in debt 25 worry about the inability to receive a loan 14 changed their college choice based on monetary issues 71 have considered living arrangements and/or meal plans to save money
by Brandon Taylor High school graduates are always looking for ways to pay for college. Whether it’s taking out loans, earning scholarships, or joining the military, they’re always looking for money. Ways to acquire money, however, are plentiful. Students can apply for FASFA for Federal Student Aid. The due date for FASFA is Jan. 1. The preferential date depends on the college you plan on going to. To find out, contact the college. When asked what will happen if a student doesn’t get their FASFA done on time, Counselor Kathy Van Tighem said, “There may not be money left. Colleges distribute on a first come first serve basis.” The government gives the school a lump sum of money, and they distribute it. Van Tighem said the worst case scenario would be, “you apply for it, and you are accepted, but they have no money to give you.” If your parents do not file their income tax in time, you also can’t file for financial aid. Deadlines are extremely important. To apply for FASFA, you have to apply online. “It’s a free application.” Van Tighem said, “We will have workshops throughout the year.” For assistance, talk to Bridget Pence, the pathways advisor in the counselor’s office. Also a student can talk to any financial aid officer at any college for assistance, even if that is not the college they’re attending. The best person to get Financial Aid assistance from is the Financial Aid Officer at the college a student is planning to attend. Students can also take out loans. However Van Tighem said, “If they can pay for it without a loan, go for it. Getting out debt free is the best.” For a student to go about taking out a loan, the best thing to do is to ask questions. About when the interest starts accruing, or how much the interest is, or if they are getting the correct loan. A student does not want to mess up the amount that they are trying to get. If a student has questions they should to go talk to a counselor. They know what they’re talking about, and they are here to help students.
based on a survey of 108 GFH seniors
News Bites
Strange Google building emerges on barge. A strange building has been erected off the shore of treasure island San Francisco. Many are speculating the peculiar building is a new Google Glass store. However, with Google not releasing any information on the building nobody knows what it is for sure. The building is currently four stories high and sits on a barge. by Craig Garfield
Rebecca Sedwick, age 12, committed suicide in Florida Sept. 10. Sedwick was the victim of cyberbullying for over a year before she committed suicide. Suspects, ages 12 and 14 were arrested for third degree stalking charges and may be charged with murder. Sheriff Grady Judd,said “Time may not be the best trainer here. We’ve got to change this behavior of these children.” by Sara Moltzan
Oct. 27, Chris Brown was arrested. Punching a man outside of the W hotel in Washington D.C. violated his 2009 probation, which resulted from assaulting singer, Rihanna. The fight broke out after some men tried to “photobomb” a picture Brown was taking with female fans. Brown shouted “I’m not into this. I’m into boxing” and then started punching one of the men. Brown’s sentence will be determined Nov. 4. by Sara Moltzan
Motorola, a google owned firm, is launching project Ara. Project Ara is an innovation where customers can truly design their own phones. Customers purchase a basic phone structure of their choice and then add accessories and functions such as keyboards, sensors and customized batteries. This gives customers the ability to choose the cost of the phone, the functions and how long it lasts. by Sara Moltzan
64%
3
Thirty-one percent of Americans believe that the economy is improving. Sixty-four percent believe that it is getting worse. (Gallup)
30%
Reese peanut butter cups have 30 percent less calories than the average candy bar. (Hershey)
20%
Based on a random survey of 523 GFH students, 20 percent have tattoos. (Moltzan)
26%
Twenty-six percent of teenagers view twitter as their favorite social media site. Twentythree percent selected facebook. (Mashable)
Retina display Apple’s new Retina Display is a brand name used by Apple for crystal displays that, according to them, are high enough in pixel density that the human eye cannot see the individual pixels.
Tactus tablet
bumps When the keyboard is brought up on the Tactus Tablet, bumps raise on the screen where the letters are, to make a physical keyboard. It uses a liquid gel pushes up the screen to make it happen. 11/05/2013 ASVAB Testing will take place on Nov. 5 in the GFH old gym from 8-11:30 a.m. For more information visit with your counselor. 11/07/2013 Army national guard is in the old gym from 7:15 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. They will be setting up their obstacle course again. 11/25/2013 Fruit Sales for the music department will continue to run until Nov. 25. 12/07/2013 Winter Formal is on Dec. 7. The week after Thanksgiving break. Don’t forget to go purchase a dress soon.
4
Opinion
Oct. 31, 2013
Editorial Skipping, while not always ill intended has negative effects
This school year the administration has increased focus on the issue of attendance in the student population. Attendance incentives and “robo-calls” home have actually proven to have a slight decrease in the number of students skipping class. Additionally this year, Great Falls High has seen one of it’s lowest dropout rates in years. With so many positive outcomes, there is seemingly nothing wrong with the school’s plan. However the fact of the matter is students are still skipping classes. This is no surprise. Some students always have skipped class and some students always will. Before criticizing these students, keep in mind that not every time a student skips class they are committing a crime. Most students at some point or another find themselves unable to attend class. Most times they are skipping a class for
Spill it
perfectly logical reasons, ranging from a doctor’s appointment to needing additional time to work on other homework. However, sometimes students do in fact skip classes for nefarious purposes such as doing drugs or other illegal activities. Whether a student is skipping class to do drugs or math homework is irrelevant; he is still deprived of class time essential to his education. While he may still be able to excel in the class, his improvement in the subject could have increased had he been in class at every opportunity presented to him. In virtually every study done on students’ testing scores and time spent in class, a strong positive correlation becomes immediately apparent. For those with little to no statistical background, that means that the more time spent in class, the better a student will do on his test and class work. The benefits of good grades are infamous
Lack of provided college information misinforms students, many struggle to meet deadlines with increase of miscommunication
by Dustin Senger One of the biggest challenges for high school students is figuring out what they are going to do when high school is finally over. However, one of the major problems with planning one's future is knowing when to take advantage of certain opportunities and experts on the subject are hard to come by. Counselors visit senior English classes once a month to educate students about college and their final year of high school. In an effort to save the children from an overload of information on such a stressful topic, only bits of information are given out. So, to meet deadlines, one must act immediately upon the information. The counselors have a limited time frame, usually only taking about 15 minutes of class time. This clarifies why there is so little information given. Their message is usually pretty clear, ‘Here is what you
need to know. To know what you want to know, you’ll need an appointment and a clearing in your schedule’. Some pieces of critical information are never given to the senior class in time. The prime example being that a great time to fill out college applications is actually during the summer before one's senior year. When the senior class heard this, many were ready to pull out their hair. The fact of the matter is, the common perception that college planning happens during senior year is slightly distorted. Seniors do plan and apply during senior year, but the people who start during the fall are actually late to the game. Seniors that are only getting in their applications right before the deadline are doing so because of a lack of communication. Instead of being new adults ready to take on the world, seniors are still procrastinating kids waiting until the last moment.
THE PUBLIC OPINION by Kristina Knudson You slam on the brakes and honk your horn just as someone cuts you off. A person in front of you takes a random turn without using their turning signal and you have just enough time slow down. What are some things that irritate or annoy you about other peoples driving? Senior Alexis Paladino said, “It Irritates me when they are texting or talking on their phones and they’re not watching anything around them”. Distracted drivers can cause serious accidents or harm because their attention is elsewhere. They may hit other drivers or pedestrians on the road and sidewalk. “I hate when people take forever to go after a light turns green," said senior Amber Mcmurphey. This can be annoying if you're in a hurry, but patience is a part of driving. Being in a rush can get you and others hurt. There have been an increase in car accidents around Great Falls High recently. Students are not paying attention and being defensive drivers. Also, many seniors have
The
and numerous, ranging from scholarship opportunities to increased self esteem. The question circling around remains the same: how is the school going to ensure all students attend their classes? The answer remains the same: the school can’t ensure all students are in their classes. High school is about becoming adults, and adults are left to make their own choices. While the school can encourage students to attend their classes, it is ultimately the student's choice whether they appear in classes or not, much like it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure whether or not they pass. The adult world is “sink or swim.” Though programs like the “robo-call” and attendance incentives help ensure the highest success rate, the best thing Great Falls High can do to curb the amounts of students skipping is let the students make their own decisions and live with the consequences.
Teenage drinking interferes with school related activities by Kristen Hanning
BOTTOM LINE
One problem that plays into it is that seniors get slammed with emails and letters from colleges. The schools invite students to travel across the country on a whim to some open house for a college across the country. Students get these so often that we now toss much of this mail aside without giving it a second thought. When they actually do send students vital information, students believe the letter says the same things as the last 99 did. If a senior wants all of the information that they will need for applying to college and for various scholarships, they will have to talk to their counselor. They will need to know exactly what they are looking for and then clear a block of time to fill out applications for various colleges and scholarships. There sadly is not a book stating the ins and outs of college planning. Every senior is winging it, whether they would like to or not.
Student safety depends upon defensive driving in community
Do you think teenagers are sufficient, cautious drivers?
been seen speeding out of senior lot. As Alexis has said some of those students were on their phones,speeding and not wearing their seat belts. What annoys you about other seniors driving in the Senior parking lot? Senior Daltin Cramer says, “It bugs me when people are in a big hurry and won't pay attention and slow down. Being safe than sorry is a better option that and it's better on gas”. Being patient, calm, and a defensive driver can make driving safer for you, and everyone around you. Those little things that others drivers do are just apart of being out on the streets. People cutting you off, turning without using a turn signal when turning, playing their music too loud or just flat out not paying attention to the road are all things drivers deal with. Teen drivers tend to have less patience also when it comes to driving. Teen drivers always seem to be in a rush. But its not just the teens. There are some adults who need to work on their driving and watch out for other people too. You just need to have a little patience and drive safe. So when someone is speeding or someone cuts you off, just bite your tongue and stay calm. There's always going to be that person whose carelessly driving and will drive you insane. Once again students roam the halls. With the start of each school year emerges the rebirth of the relationships kindled in the walls of Great Falls High. Students begin to amplify their excitement partaking in sporting events and extracurricular but there appears to be a downfall to the reuniting of classmates. The persistent problem of teenage drinking presented throughout the school year remains an on going battle. All too often students attend theses sporting events under the influence of drugs
or alcohol. Not only is this dangerous behavior to partake in, but it is also illegal and a poor representation of the school. Teenage drinking in itself possesses an abundance of consequences, yet many are risking further embarrassment with these public displays of their intoxication. These students are increasing their chance of a tainted record with little payoff. How could anyone believe that this is acceptable behavior? Do these adolescents not even consider the added danger in front of them?
"Stereotypically, no. There can be good drivers, but generally teens are more reckless." -Rennee Wanke ,10 "If teens realize the dangers of the road, I feel like they can be really good drivers." –Zach Dillon, 12 "Yeah, they take extra precautions, especially during winter when the driving conditions are worse." –Kelli McDowll, 11 No one is invincible. Too often teenagers tend to forget this obvious truth. In a school environment the last thing anyone should consider is illicit behavior. In all school related events there are a plethora of administrators and staff around to ensure the behavior and safety of all of the students. When it comes to events such as prom and the football games it is obvious that one of the major red flags is the heightened amount of drinking among the student body. This means
Opinion
Oct. 31, 2013
5
COUNTER
Are teens too old to trick-or-treat? by Brandon Taylor
Imagine wild, rampant and unkempt teens ruining the innocence of Halloween. Every Oct. 31. this occurs. Teens scamper around ruining kids Halloweens: smashing pumpkins, hitting mailboxes, and being generally mischievous. Our innocent children are entirely corrupted by theses menaces. Teens are ruining this holiday, what with their driving miles for candy, taking candy from kids and inappropriate costumes. Teens need to stop trick or treating. Kids hold this holiday as a time to dress up as Power Rangers, or as astronauts or zombies. Teens don’t do this. This holiday, to them, is to get candy, to dress up in “sexy” costumes and get drunk. Although cops are out in force, teens are running amok, getting away with their dastardly deeds. The cops aren’t looking for teens. They're looking for adults. Teens go trick or treating, and yet, tricks are always more abundant. Kids go home at some point, while teens continue to meander around, smashing pumpkins and destroying mailboxes. For some reason, the town curfew loses its effect. Teens no longer care for the authority of non-teens. People, who this hasn’t happened to, don’t know, but the teens are getting bolder and bolder. With each passing Oct. 31, the teens do more and more. This holiday is nothing but tricks for them. Their treats are what they extort from loving parents and adults of the community. The cops can’t stop them. They’ve tried and failed. The cops are looking for those in masks, but everyone is wearing masks. Teens need to be mature. Going through high school is meant to turn us into adults. Adults don’t go door to door dressed as nurses or firemen. If they did, the cops would be called, and fast. Teens need to mature . They don’t get to do trick or treating. It’s a tradition that is for children. Thirteen is too old to be dressing up and forcing people to give them candy. The opposition says that these are things that teens might do. But these are things that have happened in the past, and there’s no saying itheywon’t happen again. Who would want to take that risk if their children were out there, trying to stay safe from these monsters? The danger for kids increases exponentially when teens are out there. We have just started trusting them with cars, and people want to trust them with children? Teens do stupid things, and no matter how sorry they are, it still happens. Remember this when you decide to open your door for the “fake” monsters that we call our adolescents.
di•a•tribe
by Sara Moltzan A picture is worth 1000 words, and a memory will last a lifetime. These two cliches truly embody the spirit of Halloween, especially the practice of trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, most people’s memories will fade over time, but a picture brings the memories rushing back. The strongest memories come from events like trickor-treating with friends and family that subtly impact people, and last well beyond just another day. Aside from the all too common snap chats and senseless “selfies” that are a daily vexation, cameras are used to document the most important of events. Apart from creating a plethora of fond memories and incomparable nostalgia trick-or-treating is all but essential for teenagers today. Many teenagers see the only alternative to trick-or-treating as drinking and partying. The downsides to drinking are clear and numerous, including liver failure and impaired judgement; whereas the downsides to trick-or treating only includes the occasional stomach ache from eating too much candy. The opposition sources things teenagers might do as reasoning against trick-or-treating. Any person might commit a crime, but that does not give the police the right to arrest them before they do. After all, the judicial system focuses on the idea of one as “innocent until proven guilty.” Just because one person might do something does not constitute taking it away from everyone else. Additionally some source that Halloween in and of itself is unhealthy. In reality for some, walking door to door one night a year is the greatest amount of exercise they complete in a single day. Walking three miles with a seven pound weight is not far off from the an introductory aerobics work out at an average gym. Just for clarification three miles is the average distance walked on Halloween by children circling neighborhoods and seven pounds is the average return on candy children receive from this endeavour. While eating seven pounds of candy is not the healthiest, with an average of 800 calories burned in just one night, the negative effects are counteracted. If hypothetical instances are enough to base an argument on, the obvious counterpoint lies in this fact: this might be the last time he will be able to trick-or-treat in his entire life. Depriving someone of the memories he’ll cherish for a lifetime brought on by one night of trick-or-treating based purely on age is laughable. Let him live while he is young, and most importantly let him eat candy.
(dī΄ə-trīb ́) n. [by Cilly Geranios]
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Local movie theater fails to provide an enjoyable environment Sitting in a plush seat, one hand dipped in still-warm popcorn with the other wrapped around a beautiful ice-cold root beer as the screen widens and the movie’s beginning grows closer. A teen sits in content anticipation. Imagine the disappointment as the plush seat has no armrests and feet rest upon layers of years of spilled pop and trampled popcorn. The screen widens but as the popcorn cools, so does the enjoyment. A constant of the Carmike Cinema is not necessarily the stereotypical movie experience, but rather the increasing disrepair that worsens the experience of the movie theater and consequently, the movie. The broken or completely missing armrests serve as physical reminders of the inadequacies of the one local movie theater. With such a monopoly on the population, aren’t new armrests a simple request? Apparently not, as progressively more and more not only are these decisions aggravating but also illogical. Students attending these school events intoxicated are disrupting the experience for many of their peers. For those who intend to enjoy a pleasant night of clean entertainment it is hindered by the boisterous impaired actions of those around them. This adolescent intoxication is rude to the surrounding students and disrespectful to the school. It is unfortunate that such a large number of students find it necessary to be
are breaking or completely removed. Setting aside the physical disrepair the economic damage is difficult not to notice. Standing in line to purchase a ticket, the list of prices is a cause to avert one’s glance as feet shuffle near to the box office window. Upon coughing over $10 and wincing at the meager change, the shuffle of feet travels inside upon the slightly sticky floor to avoid staring directly at the menu and rather dejectedly reaching for the money as another minimum of $10 disappears into the abyss of a cash register. Shuffling away with a ticket and food the wait to see the movie is almost complete. Except, this isn’t the anticipated movie. It’s a runner up, a second choice. In a word, it is inadequate. The intended movie, the anticipated film, that which may have almost seemed worth the expense is not arriving at the local theater. It isn’t that it is just late as the rest of the country’s movie theaters print tickets and sell
intoxicated in order to enjoy themselves. More teenagers should recognize that it is possible to have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol. These games or the excitement of prom is often lost when students are under the influence and often times the school will adapt at the expense of the sober students to maintain order among the school. If more students recognized the benefits of the absence of alcohol, school events which have a tendency to induce
popcorn for the same movie. It is not coming at all. The recent remake of Romeo and Juliet is one such example as it seems to be skipping the Great Falls movie theater on its national tour. Shoulders slumped with such realizations combined with the constant, mildly uncomfortable sound as yet another person’s feet shift over the sludge covering the floor and the inability to place a drink between two patrons culminates in a dissatisfactory experience. Running a business is difficult and making a capital on top of the simple mechanics is not as easy as the public, and this writer, may think. However, the simple expense of buying a new movie to show at a theater and supplying payroll for the workers does not mean maintenance crew’s paycheck should be cut completely from the projected costs. Rather, it should definitely be included as their help is needed now more than ever before in the movie theater’s history.
drinking would become much more enjoyable for everyone involved with them. Students do not realize the excessive amount of downfalls to their moment of fun. Partaking in these activities as well as other forms of entertainment that does not involve chemicals will prevail over these short bursts of excitement. Enjoying a quality dinner with a group of friends will create lasting memories without any downfalls opposed to a night of drinking.
I thought someone was sneaking in on me, but it was just my hair.
Gregg Dart @CoachDart 3 Houston Texans booted from team for smoking pot! Good bye millions, hello Cheetos for the rest of your life. Good choice
Richie Melby @richiemelby BROOMS OUT! GFH sweeps CMR in 3 straight sets. 25-10, 22516, 25-18. Best I’ve seen the Bison play. Dominant
Published approximately every three weeks, the Iniwa is the public forum for 1,362 Great Falls High School student voices. The opinions and views in these publications are not necessarily those of the overall Great Falls Public School District or Great Falls High School administration, faculty, INIWA staff or student body.
Volume 88, Issue 1 Sept. 26, 2013
Visit us: www.iniwa.com & Tweet @GreatFallsIniwa
Contact Information: 1900 2nd Ave. S. • Great Falls, MT 59405 • 406.268.6356 • iniwa@gfps.k12.mt.us The journalism staff utilizes Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 to design and word process. The DIN family font is used throughout the entire newspaper for text and design. The INIWA staff reserves the right to edit all submissions in both the newspaper and iniwa.com. The publication department members maintain membership in NSPA, CSPA, JEA and MJEA. The INIWA has been awarded distinction as a National NSPA Pacemaker. In addition to being named the All-State Pacesetter from the University of Montana’s School of Journalism, the staff has also placed in Best of Show for general excellence from JEA on multiple occasions, the most recent being 2013 Best of Show in San Francisco The INIWA was named a 2006 Silver Crown Winner as well as the 2012 Montana Pacesetter and CSPA Silver Crown.
Adviser Linda Ballew
Associate Editor Cilly Geranios
Social Media Editor Megan Good
Kristina Knudson
Principal Jane Gregoire
Sports Editor Craig Garfield
Web Master Levi Mael
Editor in Chief Kristen Hanning
Advertising Editor Breanna Sanderson
Executive Editor Sara Moltzan
Buisness Editor Josh Byron
Co-Executive Editor Dustin Senger
Copy Editor Taylor Albrecht
Journalists Levi Olson Brandon Taylor Colby Vickers Daryle Albert Lukas Sell Alison Lee Hallie Bilbrey
Photographers Sam Cory Alysha Camacho Dustin Senger Andy McKeever
Lifestyle 6 The ‘No Guts, No Glory’ pumpkin carving contest determines an unanimous winner Oct. 31, 2013
The sole entry, Isaac Rider wins with his last minute submission of a cat jack-o-lantern SPILL YOUR GUTS Senior Isaac Rider guts a pumpkin. “I found out that I had more glory than guts” Rider comically adds after finding he won the contest. Photos Dustin Senger CATS MEOW The winning pumpkin sports the smile of the Cheshire Cat. Carving kits and ideas are available from Pharmacy stores like Walgreens and CVS as well as local department and book stores.
by Sara Moltzan Bison students and staff were given weeks of preparation time to carve a pumpkin for the ‘No Guts, No Glory” Halloween pumpkin carving contest. Senior Isaac Rider submitted a pumpkin on the final day of the contest, winning with his pumpkin “Cat,” unknown to him.
“I haven’t carved a pumpkin since I was five years old. I’m 18 years old now so I figured it was time I conquered that fear” Rider commented. Of 1362 students, Rider, who was the only one to submit his masterful art piece, laughed and said that he looks forward to receiving the prize on Halloween day. “I
found out I had more glory than guts.” Although Rider was the sole participant in the first “No Guts, No Glory” contest, the Iniwa staff will consider re-issuing this challenge in the next year in hopes of increasing the participation of students in CUTTING IT CLOSE Rider carves a jack-o-lantern e x t r a c u r r i c u l a r in the form of a cat for the ‘No Guts No Glory” activities. contest on the final day. Photos Dustin Senger
Halloween costumes promise thrilling photo contest Iniwa’s Facebook page offers Halloween costume submission Reese’s at 210 calories is lower than the average amount of calories in candy, 300 calories. At 13 ounces a package, the average trick-ortreater, can carry over 17 packages by the end of the night
Fast Break
The Iniwa staff would like to see you and all of your friends submit your Halloween costumes to our Facebook page (Iniwa) on or before Nov. 4. The most spook-
Quick facts on teen responses about candy preferences
tacular photos will be featured in a slide show on Iniwa.com. (No inappropriate photos will be used.) Have fun and remember to keep it classy Great Falls High.
Reese’s are the most preferred candy, followed by a tie between Kit Kat, Twix and Snickers. The least preferred candy is unanimously, Tootsie Rolls. Information source: Iniwa.com poll, Hershey.com
DUAL ENROLLMENT SAVE TIME & MONEY Take college classes at Great Falls College MSU while in high school Contact GFHS Pathways Advisor Bridgette Pence | 406.403.5101
Lifestyle
Oct. 31, 2013
Roll up your sleeves
7
Students share their opinions, experiences surrounding tattoos and their place in society by Colby Vickers Every day the number of people with tattoos and the number of tattoos are increasing. In a study by “The Week,” 21 percent of Americans have tattoos. In an INIWA survey, less than seven percent of students opposed tattoos. Senior Darian Keels has a tattoo on her wrist. She inked the words ‘Hakuna Matata,’ as an anti-suicide symbol. “I saw a lot of pain around me; at school, at work, everywhere,” she said. “I had friends that were losing loved
ones because of suicide, and I decided that I would never let myself get to such a deep point of sadness to do something as harmful as suicide.” Tattoos have been a way for people to express themselves for centuries. Over 20 percent of students surveyed said that they don’t have tattoos, but they think tattoos are a form of selfexpression. Many people also feel it is a great way to commemorate something or show some meaning. Senior Katie McAlister also has a tattoo on her wrist
with a deep meaning. “It’s a memorial tattoo for one of my oldest brothers Michael, who passed away Nov. 15 of my freshman year of suicide,” she said. “There is a dove on my wrist and his signature ‘Your bro’ Michael’ lies below that. The signature came from a letter he wrote me in ‘01 when he was still in the Air Force.” Tattoos can be rewarding for so many people. It’s a chance to speak out, remember, or just show everyone what you’re all about.
Based on a random survey of 523 students KEY TO HAPPINESS Senior Skylar Ortiz has this key tattoo on her hip. To her it is the key to her happiness and a permanent reminder of her family’s importance
DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY Senior Darian Keels has Hakuna Matata on her wrist. This tattoo is both an homage to the Lion King and an anti-suicide message
PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC Senior Kaylee Fallat has a music note placed on shoulder. This is special to her because of her love of music.
Driving
Dilemmas Solutions are presented for the biggest teen driving issues
by Craig Garfield
INFINITE WISDOM Sophomore Tuff Lapier has a quote tattooed on his hip. Lapier chose the quote from The Perks of Being a Wall Flower to honor his memories with friends.
BED OF ROSES Senior Kaylee Fallat has a rose with her siblings’ names in it on her leg FAMILY TIES Senior Austin Johnson has the word family tattoed on his chest to symbolize that family has his heart.
From cell phone use to speeding teens at GFHS are not the safest of drivers. “It’s unsafe. I’ve seen a lot of seniors speeding, texting, and not wearing their seat belts. Teens need to learn how to be more defensive as drivers, and slow down long enough to look for pedestrians,” said senior Kristina Knudsen. However, not looking isn’t the only problem with the teen drivers around GFHS. They are less experienced than the average driver. “Passengers don’t respect the drivers,” said Driver’s Education instructor
Gerald Olson. At any of the five lunches or after school tend to be the worst times to be out and about. Some teen drivers lack the ability to watch for other drivers causing accidents. To be more precise, there have been at least two accidents in the past month. There are those people who will say ‘teens are just targeted as bad drivers.’ However, “Studies have shown inexperience and the risks teens take are what lead them to bad driving,” Olson said. There are simple things
Photos Dustin Senger and Alysha Camacho
teens can do to prevent accidents. One thing they can do is put down the cell phone and stop texting. They could also look before they go. Last, they could slow down, pay attention to the speed limit and always wear their seat belts. Steps have been taken to remind teen drivers. New signs that say, “Buckle Up” and “Drive Safe” have been placed in the parking lots as students leave. Olson said, “Teachers would rather see students driving safe.” Remember to buckle up, slow down,put the phone down and pay attention.
8
Arts & Entertainment
Everybody cut Footloose
ARO
The
UND Corner NOVEMBER
Nov. 9 Multi-platinum recording artist TI kicks off his “Return of the King” tour. He is scheduled to perform at the Mansfield Convention Center. Tickets are still available for purchase at around $45 per ticket for general admission.
Bill Cosby will travel to perform in Great Falls. The Mansfield Theater will host the comedic man for one night. Tickets are available.
Nov.14
Nov. 14 Opening night for the Great Falls High Theatre department’s performance of the musical “Footloose” will be in the auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students.
Nov. 23 The Moscow Ballet returns to Great Falls with the Russian Nutcracker Tickets range from $27.50$68.
A&E Interested in more information? Join the conversation on twitter, like us on facebook, or go to iniwa.com
Oct. 31, 2013
Theater department strives for an exhilarating production by Kristen Hanning The theater department is amplifying the stage with the fall production of Footloose. Directed by Krystina Thiel, Footloose features senior Brandon Taylor as Ren McCormack and junior Olivia Longen as his love interest Ariel. In the play, Ren McCormack moves from Chicago to small town Bomont. Here he discovers that all dancing and rock music has been banned. Ren attempts to bring back these missing elements. Taylor feels especially close to this production. Taylor said, “It’s the last musical I’m going to do here. If I go to college and I don’t get
into plays I will be really sad.” Taylor has been heavily involved in the theater department all throughout high school and has an intimate relationship with acting. “I put on makeup and I go on stage and I lie to the audience. I get to be someone I not. I’m not Brandon Taylor. I get the girl, I show off, things go my way. I get to be the hero. It’s escaping to a different world,” said Taylor. As a developing actor, Taylor has his experience from past performances to improve. Taylor remembers the defining moment during the 2013 Play Festival in Missoula that changed him as an actor. The class had the opportunity to meet Mark Kuntz
and Taylor’s conversation with Kuntz helped him gain a better understanding of character development. Taylor said, “When you act you don’t just pretend, you become that person. You are not you anymore when you’re on that stage.” The cast is working on making Footloose an exciting experience for the audience. Taylor said, “It’s super fun when we get the audience involved because our energy is influenced directly on the audience’s energy.” Although the performance is still in the works, they are confident in the outcome of the play. Production stage manager, Shelby Thomason, said, “They are still in
TAKE note ‘MGMT’ Dustin Senger
MGMT’s new album classically entitled MGMT isn’t breaking any barriers. It’s a sweet sympathy to anyone who has heard and appreciated their music before. The tracks aren’t quite anything to brag about. Though, here really isn’t anything wrong with any one track. I still have a feeling that none of the tracks from this album aren’t going to hit any of the top charts however. There just sadly isn’t anything that’s quite catchy enough to escalate MGMT (the album) to glory alongside some of MGMT’s (the band) other records.
the middle of the rehearsal phase, but I think that they will be good and ready to go come the performance.” They cast is working diligently with their dancing, singing and acting rehearsals. Sophomore Chase Sturdevant, playing Willard Hewitt, said, “The toughest part about doing the performance is the dancing aspect. We don’t usually do musicals, but we have been practicing for weeks and we still have about a month until the first showing. We should be ready for the performance.” Footloose will run Nov. 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24. Curtain is at 7 p.m. and admission is $6 for a student and $8 for an adult.
Following the current escapades of Miley Cyrus ‘Bangerz’ emerges her new album Bangerz. Cyrus a hot topic among fans and media alike Kristen landed herremaining album No. 1 on the Billboard top 200 its first Hanning week and since holds spot No. 2.
Among the hit tracks “We can’t stop” and “Wrecking Ball,” the album opens with “Adore You” straying away from the popular repetitive bass thumping beats. Bangerz features various lyrical styles and influence. Many of the tracks including “My Darling” bring Cyrus back to her roots displaying her characteristic vocal talent. The album also varies with sounds recognizable to the 90s and a heavy R&B influence among the tracks. Aside from Cyrus’ faithful followers it is apparent Bangerz is a hit with many pop fans.
‘Find What You Love and Let It Kill You’ Colby Vickers
If you are familiar with the name Jonny Craig, it is either because of his numerous scandals, his work with popular indie artists or his undeniable talent as a singer. The seven-track release begins with a version of the previously released single, “The Lives We Live,” and it is the perfect song to kick off the EP. It is a slow song, but never loses pace. This song is definitely a standout and has an incredible beat. “The Upgrade” is a very slow song that features a nice trap-influenced beat. This is welldone song that gives the EP it’s color. All in all, this EP is a great way for Jonny to show that he has made a comeback and will not be going anywhere anytime soon. This release is not going to be what sends him into a radio spot, but it is going to be what propels his future and gives him the foundation he needs.
Arts & Entertainment
Intermission
Oct. 31, 2013
9
Music Department talent The Great Falls High Music Department conducted and orchestrated two musically talented concerts blowing the audiences away. Notes flew from the pages, and melodies floated through the air as the Choirs, Bands and Orchestras performed a show full of harmony and practiced perfection.
by Lucas Sell
Choir lyrically rocks with song variety Great Falls High Choirs, under the direction of Patrick Ryan and Kathleen Brown put on a show of vocal beauty for audiences. Starting off the show was Select Choir with Ms. Brown. Select is a group that is strictly all girls. They featured solos from Mekka Herrera, Naomi Mendibles, and Beckolby Talula. “I felt that we did great and amazing.” said Mekka. “We have improved in such a short time.” After Select came Varsity Choir with Mr. Ryan directing. The counterpart to Select, Varsity is made entirely of guys only. Finishing up, Ms. Brown came back to direct Chorale Choir, a group that is mixed with all grades. They performed a song that included a trumpet feature. “We did fairly well,” Said Junior Michelle Cooper, “We all sang out and had lots of energy. I think it was the best we did.” Once done, Rhapsody came up on stage gave their performance. Soon after that was Aeolian. Finishing the concert off, Great Falls High’s Delphian Choir was the last group to perform. They gave a wonderful end to the concert, audiences enjoyed a show. “All of the choirs did a fantastic job on the fall concert.” said Mr. Ryan. “I’m very impressed with the attitude and effort this year, and their hard work showed in their first performance. I’m looking forward to great things as the year progresses!”
A musical concert is nothing without the band
Great Falls High Strings plucked and pulled a show of great music
The Bands, under the direction of Jeff McBirnie, showed their love for music with performances by Varsity, Concert, and Symphonic Bands with features from Percussion Ensemble and The Blue Notes. Kicking off the show was The Percussion Ensemble, a group of ambitious freshman with the help of some upperclassman knowledge. After came a more experienced group, known as The Blue Notes, students from all three bands participate in learning a some jazz and blues music. “Jazz band is really fun.” said Jeremy Smith, a senior trumpet player. “We did really well too. I think we are much better than last year.” Varsity Band finally took the stage after an interlude from orchestras. Also known as the freshman band, these students are new to the world of high school and high school band. After Varsity came Concert Band. Returning sophomores and juniors make up the body of this group, and they already know the name of the game. Finally, saving best for last was the Symphonic Band. Seniors who have worked their way to the top make up the majority. “Although we did really well, I think we could have done a bit better.” said senior Tyler Pike. “If you don’t dedicate time to your music, you can’t expect to sound amazing.” With Symphonic band finished, marked the end of the concert. “I think the bands did very well.” said McBirnie. “I was also very pleased with the performance and growth of the bands since the beginning of the year.” Each band, whether new or not, swept audiences away with performances to be remembered.
The Orchestras, under the direction of Mrs. Ruth Johnson, displayed their musical genius with performances by String Ensemble, Concert Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra. String Ensemble was the first orchestra to take the stage. They are the freshman group of the Orchestras and it was their first performance in their high school experiences. After giving a strong performance, Concert Orchestra headed up to prove themselves. Primarily sophomores and juniors, Concert Orchestra returned with students who knew the routine. “Overall I think we did fairly okay for our first concert of the year.” said Veronica Quincy, a sophomore viola player. Soon after came Chamber Orchestra, the veterans of the strings. Full of seniors and a couple of gifted juniors and sophomores, Chamber showed the audience what it really means to be a string player. “We all came together and put on a great show,” said Paul Bramblett, a senior violinist. “It was a group effort and always will be a group effort. It was one of our better shows we’ve had since my freshman year.” And that was the end of the Orchestra’s demonstrations of skill and talent, leaving the Symphonic Band to finish the concert. Each one of the Orchestras gave a wonderful performance, displaying the love of their instruments. “I feel we did well.” said senior cello player Ronnie Miller, “I enjoy playing cello. Making music is my favorite thing to do.”
THE BAND-ITS Senior Sean Kain plays a solo in jazz band(left). Sophomore Jared Evans adds percussion to symphonic band (right). Percussion Ensemble (top) displays their musical abilities. Photos Alysha Camacho and Dustin Mu
PITCH PERFECT Senior Anna Laughlin (top left) performs her solo
during the Delphian Choir performance. Delphian Choir (bottom left) hits that high note. Conductor Patrick Ryan (Right) instructs performers. Photos Dustin Senger
STRUNG OUT Senior Paul Bramblett (top right) manipulates beautiful noises from his instrument during Chamber Orchestra. Violinist saws the strings during the performances. Bases (bottom left) stroke the strings during their performance. Photos Alysha Camacho and Dustin Mu
10
Sports
Insolence
Play reflects improvement despite record losses
Underclassmen anger seniors with lack of respect, loss of tradition
Sports Commentary by Breeana Sanderson At GFHS, having respect for not only your teachers, but also classmates you go to school with every day is a huge priority. From not, clapping until the flag gets off the field to walking down the stairs and through the hallway on the right side, it all matters and shows respect to many people that come through our school every day. The respect around the school has been drastically changing, specifically at all the sporting events we have for the school. Many underclassman have not been respecting the traditions and rules that have been in-tact for a very long time around the school. Seniors have worked their way up to the top and deserve to receive the special tradition that they have earned to have, and one of them would be having the front row seating at all the sporting events. This is not only a tradition that the school has had for many years, but it also shows a lot of respect that the students have. At many of the games there are those same couple of students who don’t respect that tradition and seat themselves where the seniors have worked their way up to sit. Coming to the games when they have been previously drinking is another contributing factor to the respect problems that we have been facing during sporting events. Drinking at this age is illegal as we all know, but the fact that they are having absolutely no respect for the people around them at the games or the school is a different view to look upon when students are coming to the games drunk. This lack of respect shown by students to many people at the games is not acceptable. These students are not only representing themselves at these games, but they are also representing the whole school when they act inappropriately. Basically, what happens is underclassman take over the traditions that GFHS has had for many years without respecting the upperclassmen around them. The seniors can’t do anything about it without getting themselves into trouble. The administration needs to take action to make changes in how the underclassman show respect and build traditions for the school. Showing respect and keeping our school’s traditions at sporting events needs to become more valuable to many more students than there has been lately. As we always say “Stay classy, GFHS.”
Oct. 31, 2013
KICKING AND SCREAMING Junior Brianna Olsen guards the ball during a match up against Billings. Junior Bailey Brandvold passes the ball down the field. Kaylee Reiswig defends against Billings opponent. Photos Sam Cory
by Cilly Geranios Soccer is a competitive sport played by two opposing teams of 11 players in which every player, except the goalkeeper, may not touch the ball with hands or arms. Staring at a definition, and understanding the basics, is not enough to fully comprehend any game or athlete—that requires personal experience. The Lady Bison soccer team cannot be fully understood simply by reading statistics. Captain senior Ariana Newton said, “I personally feel like our scores don’t necessarily show how we actually play.” The soccer team this year may not have shown their success through their actual scores, but celebrated it in other ways. Junior captain Paige Brisbane said, “I think we’re just working as a team better than we have in the past and it feels more like a family.” The inter-team relationships
Overcoming obstacles
originate from the personalities on the team as well as the work ethic. Newton said, “This year, we finally got a lot of people that want to participate and are competitive.” The common want to win has also allowed the recognition of talent to shine though. Though talent is constantly streaming in, generally players need some fine-tuning, but this year an underclassmen, freshman Marissa Meyer, has been playing varsity as a captain. Brisbane said, “Marissa Meyer has a good work ethic and she really knows the game.” The incoming talent is not only promising for following seasons, but so is the team dynamic. Newton said, “I think they’re going to come back next year with that foundation already built so that they don’t have to start over again rebuilding team relationships.” As the season winds down, the players begin to look toward the promise of next season.
Boys soccer reflects on numerous obstacles, lost teammates this season by Levi Olson Despite numerous changes and losses to the boys soccer teams this year the athletes maintained personal connections uniting them. With a less than unblemished record of 1-11-1, the Bison are looking to the future for improvement. Head Coach Lalo Cabrales said “There is great potential for next year. We’ve got to start somewhere.” Many unexpected pitfalls have occurred making further progress difficult. “We started out the year doing really good, but we lost a lot of players and it has been pretty hard to work with,” said Cabrales. Cabrales encourages his varsity boys to play Club Soccer during the summer to be more ready for the season when it begins each year. Junior John Leonard already has experience despite not being involved in Club Soccer. “I’ve been playing since I could start.
Score Card
Probably almost 13 or 14 years,” said Leonard. Though many varsity players, like Leonard, have been involved in soccer for some time, due to the loss of many players to things such as injury and illness, JV players have had to bolster the ranks for the season. “This was my first year of soccer ever,” said sophomore Aaron Constantino. After the loss of a number of players, boy’s varsity saw its share of tough times. “We all had to step up and give it our all since we did lose so many players,” said Constantino. “It’s really hard. We’ve had to play a lot with JV this year,” said Cabrales. Despite everything, players and coaches alike are very optimistic about years to come. “We have a good future for soccer. I believe that within the next two years, we’ll have a good program here at Great Falls High.”
FIGHTING FOR VICTORY Lucas Oswald fights for the ball against Billings. Mael Mire looks for an open teammate. Miguel Menendez runs for the ball during a match against Billings West.
GFHS World Series NFL Volleyball Football Golf G Soccer B Soccer
12–9 1–8 0–0 0–13–0 1–11–1
Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5
1–8 Red Sox 4–2 Cardinals 4–5 Cardinals 4–2 Red Sox 3–1 Red Sox
Chiefs 8-0 Broncos 7-1 Seahawks 7-1 Saints 6-1 49er’S 6-2
Sports
Oct. 31, 2013
THE
11
LONGEST
yard
Bison senior, Brad Humphreys, strives for 1,000 yard mark
SERVING IT UP. Serving the ball, Junior Libbey Fellows assits the Bison in defeating the Rustlers. Although the team played well, winning three sets to two, the Rustlers played one of their best season’s matches, taking the Bison to five games. Photo Andy McKeever
Volleyball girls roll over competitiors
Lady Bison continue focus into final games after consecutive wins by Taylor Albrecht and Alison Lee “[The best thing] so far has probably been putting ourselves in a good position to make it to the state tournament,” said junior Libby Fellows. The Great Falls High volleyball team has had an outstanding season so far; one of the best from recent years. Good communication and an overall team confidence has contributed to the wins the girls have been retaining this season. On October 8th, the first crosstown game of the season was held in the Swathout Field House, against the Lady Rustlers. “It’s always great being able to beat CMR. They’re our biggest competitor,” explained senior Kasey Linskey. GFH won the game in three sets, 25-10, 25-16, and 25-18. On October 12th, the team had a
Fall sports
wrap
consistent set of games beating Butte 25-17, 25-17, and 25-23. They played most recently played Bozeman, ranked No. 3 at the time, on October 26th, and also gained another win to put themselves in third seed. 25-23, 19-25, 16-25, 25-15, and 15-11 were the sets for that Saturday afternoon. Libby Fellows, a junior outside hitter, said “The biggest highlights of the season so far have been placing number three in our conference and placing fifth and fourth in our tournaments.” Besides the occasional loss of focus, Fellows says “We have been really successful this season.” Alison Lee, a senior right side hitter, says, “We are tied with Bozeman for third, but it will most likely come down to a tiebreaker in order to deter-
mine who gets that third place spot.” The team has definitely showed the hard work and persistence throughout the season, along with winning three conference games in less than a week. Linskey said, “We have an awesome coach. She pushes us to be better and brings us together as a team.” Senior outside hitter, Courtney Hammer, said, “This season, we have really improved with our communication and are now playing to our potential. We improve every game, so I’m pretty confident that we will do good in the rest of the season.” The team will be playing in Billings this coming weekend to finish out their regular season, and they will have a home playoff game for state on Novermber 8.
X-Country Volleyball
by Alison Lee A big part of the Great Falls High offense is their running back, Senior Brad Humphreys. As a varsity member for the past two years, Humphreys has made strides in his blooming football career, surpassing many goals and being a big supporter of his team by also being acaptain. “As well as being an offensive leader at running back, Brad is also a strong leader in special teams as a kicker,” said Coach Paul Soldano. As the his senior year wears on, Humphreys approaches a very important goal: to break 1,000 yards in a single season. With less than 100 yards and a single game to go, crosstown covets a very special meaning for the senior. “It’s been hard earned, but it’s something that just happened,” said Humphreys. “I never could have done it without my team behind me, though.” Although he has not decided where he will be going, he does plan to play college football at whatever school he chooses to attend. Among the choices in Montana Tech in Butte. “I’ve talked to the coach and also had an unofficial visit [at Tech], but I haven’t made a decision yet,” said Humphreys. Despite the pressures that can come with being so close to the 1,000 yard mark, H u m p h r e y s remains levelheaded. “It really is exciting. I’m not necessarily trying to break a record as much as I’m just trying to get to that mark.
Football
Soccer
Boys and girls Team earns wins Boys head into final Boys finish season finish state meet, in the last three game of season with final record of finishing at 14th consecutive 1–11–1 after losing against CMR, place overall for the conference games, currently with a multiple players season. 7–3. this year. record of 1–9.
12
Impact
Oct. 31, 2013
James
Ashlen
McGary
Claiming his mother’s life Freshman year, Colon cancer impacts McGary
Botzet Losing his NEW HORIZON James McGary reflects on his recent transfers from home to home.
“My mom had colon cancer. She was diagnosed with it when I was in eighth grade. And passed away two Decembers ago. One year was having cancer, one was remission and then it came back. It was very sudden. We didn’t really see it coming. She was never down until the very end. She always stayed peppy and happy. My mom was never really weak about it. After a while, the cancer was kind of forgotten. Then all of a sudden it came back. I didn’t think too much because I thought ‘oh she’s got this again’. I think I dealt with it pretty well. I remember I woke up, and realized it wasn’t my mom anymore. She was so weak and drugged up on painkillers. It just wasn’t her. I walked downstairs and everyone was in my house. I hadn’t realized what had happened because I was so desensitized. I just grabbed my
stuff and went to school because I didn’t want to deal with it. I treated it like a normal day. I wasn’t really sad, more just angry. No one really understood. ‘Sorry’ has never really been a word for me. At the funeral, everyone was crying. I didn’t cry at all. I just stuck through it. I tried to vent, but whenever I did, no one would understand and I blamed them for that. It just wasn’t working for me. I’m just grateful for the people around me and their support. I’m pretty good with it now. My family is in New Jersey, but I don’t miss them much. I basically dealt with this on my own when it happened. Right after, I lived with her boyfriend but then ended up moving in with a friend. It was more like I was the parent. We didn’t really get along. I moved back in with him, but now I’m with a friend again.”
HEART TO HEART Botzet looks at the spot on his couch where he and his mother used to talk.
“My mom was the only person to understand me. I wear a lot of layers as far as [talking about] stuff goes, so I don’t communicate that well with people. I generally don’t share a lot of stuff with people. I usually just sit and think about it. She had ovarian cancer and was diagnosed about nine and a half years ago. I was six. She was about 25. It was a long time, but she fought. I wouldn’t say there was a particular age when I understood [what was happening] because my mom was fairly open about it. I wasn’t mature enough to handle it. I don’t really think you can be. She went into remission and hit a five year mark, but then was diagnosed again. She would update me about what was going on, but I didn’t understand much of it. I’d travel with her, and thankfully the
mother to Ovarian cancer impacts Botzet’s life
schools were understanding of that. I always figured it’d be too soon, which it was. I kind of denied it all for a while. It was my way of dealing with things. My dad doesn’t live here. He and I do talk, but we are both people that tend to bottle things in. I’m getting better with now actually answering when he calls. I live with my grandparents now. Its interesting but I’m thankful that they always check up on me. We do talk every once in a while, but I do tend to keep to myself. I don’t share a lot of stuff. I guess it’s just a lack of understanding [with them]. Maybe we will overcome that. It’s kind of strange to go from such a close relationship to such a detached one at that. But I mean it’s only natural because I was so close with my mom. Things are starting to get better, but even now, I’m still numb.”
hasten recovery from breast cancer Mary Wren Students
Cancer impacts both the students and teachers of Great Falls High by Taylor Albrecht
“I was at East Middle School, teaching the seventh grade Radical team and it was in March. It was maybe two or three weeks before I was supposed to get my mammogram. I felt a lump, so I called and said, ‘I’m sure it’s nothing, but maybe I should bump my appointment up’. One thing led to another, and it was positive for triple negative breast cancer. I tried to work as much as I could before s t ar ti n g surgery o r chemo. I had 18 rounds of chemo. It was f o u r years ago that I finished. The first nine treatments were every other week, so it took 18 weeks to get through that. The last nine were every week. But in the middle of that, I got really sick at the end of the school year. What had happened was I ended up with a strep bacteria, but because I was in chemo, I didn’t have the defense to fight
Lizzy Ruud SITTING PRETTY Lizzy Ruud reflects on how kidney cancer impacted her childhood. Photos Alysha Camacho
“I had Wilms’ tumor which is a form of kidney cancer that is in children. I was in grade school. I was about six years old. We found it because I was showing some signs and symptoms of diabetes. My parents took me to the doctor. I didn’t have diabetes, which was good. But instead, they found a tumor on my left kidney and it turned out to be cancerous. I don’t really remember much of it because I was
the strep. So, that delayed my chemo. Then, I was supposed to be done in the summer, but I had to start the next school year with the last three treatments. Sept. 11, 2009, was my last chemo treatment. I had to start the school year without my hair and was worried about what students would think with my wig. But really in the big scheme of life, hair is not a priority. I started to wear scarves and hats. Somewhere in the middle of all my chemo I had about 80 students and staff shave their heads for me. And they made shirts. My son, Bridger, has the design on the shirt tattooed on this back as well. I literally remember I got a text as I was walking into my first chemo tr e atm e nt f r o m Mrs. Holden, the couns e l o r. It was a pic-
ture of Taylor Kumm, Darbi Fought, Julia Brantley and Carrie Pointer, and it said “Never SurWRENder.” It was really just all of that support that helped me through. It showed all of the people that cared. It was the little things like that. I had to go in every three months for testing and exams. Once I get to the five year mark, which is the upcoming September, then the chances of it coming back decrease drastically. Through it all, I truly didn’t think ‘poor me’ or ‘this is terrible’. I just knew I would get through. And it was easy with all of the support I h a d .”
Kidney cancer no longer remains a hindrance in Ruud’s progressing life
so young. I remember having to go through a lot of tests at the beginning. Lots of CAT scans. It only bothers me when I sit and dwell on it. It was emotionally hard on my family especially because I was so young. I was so young, I really didn’t comprehend what was happening. I heard the word ‘cancer,’ but I just thought I was sick and needed surgery. Also, I was away from home.
My sister was in fourth grade and my brother was pretty young. They stayed with my grandparents. My parents were the ones that always took me. But, my siblings would come visit. We went to Seattle, Wash. for the surgery, radiation therapy and part of the chemo, but a majority of the chemo was done in Great Falls at the Clinic. At this point, it’s been over 10 years and they say the chances of it coming back are very
small. It’s highly unlikely. As far as now when I think about it, it doesn’t change my lifestyle. I do have to be careful. I only have one kidney and that’s something you have to be careful with. I was pretty lucky that it wasn’t a more severe form of cancer and that I did survive it as easily as I did. My parents are pretty cautious now medically. It really hasn’t placed any long-term stress in my family or anything though. ”