purpose, opportunity, service, connection
GOLF COMPETES AT STATE AS TEAM The golf team finished fourth at divisionals in order to earn a team berth to state this year. Left to right, Caden Bateman, Carson Suchecki, Hayden Ellis, Kaden Yaeger, Madeline Heaney, Jake Paugh, and Ashlee Owens. 7
the Sun Journal
PHOTO COURTESY JOHN HEANEY
royal couple
BPA pairs with Drum Coffee
by James Bivens
of the Sun Journal
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PHOTO BY DARCY COHEN
Seniors Quincy Morrison and Jacob Gardanier were crowned the ultimate royal couple at the 2021 Homecoming Game on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. Unfortunately, the football team lost to Butte 21-0 in the Homecoming game. However, in last Thursday’s match-up against Flathead, the team won 34-6, clinching a spot in the playoffs. They play Great Falls Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. in Great Falls.
GSA off to ambitious start in ‘21
Hunting season in full swing, the paranormal type that is by Hollin Keintz
of the Sun Journal
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t’s that time of year when we actively seek out things that go bump in the night. But for many, the spooky season lasts all year. Beginning each spring, the Old Montana State Prison in Deerlodge hosts overnight ghost hunts led by experienced paranormal investigators Lisa Garcia and Jenn Keintz. The events are held at least twice a month on both Fridays and Saturdays, starting in March and run through the end of October. Guests arrive at the OMSP at 9 p.m. and stay locked in until 3 a.m. “It’s a great event. We have people travel from all over the United States, and sometimes further, just to experience what they see on TV,” Keintz said. “There’s nothing like sitting quietly in the dark, waiting for something to make a noise, or reach out and touch you.” For the first few hours, guests stay with the guides. It’s a combination of a history tour of the most haunted locations, as well as a few vigils in those hot spots, to see if the spirits will come out and communicate.
ocated in the central hub of the building, the new school store, the Commons Coffee Co., is the reincarnation of the old DECA store and the former coffee cart, the Steamin’ Eagle. Run by the Business Professionals of America club, the store and coffee bar hope to serve all of the Big Sky community in an efficient and affordable manner. “We are excited about our new store, and though it’s a bit intimidating, taking on the coffee bar is turning out to be quite the learning experience by both advisers and students,” Jenn Keintz, co-BPA adviser said. Keintz and co-adviser Laci Dunfee were both baristas in college, though for Keintz, that was 25 years ago. “It’s coming back to me, slowly but surely, but we plan to keep our offerings pretty limited,” Keintz said. “The plan is to do a few drinks really well rather than to offer an entire menu of coffee drinks.” The group has officially partnered with Drum Coffee this week, the local shop in Missoula owned by Fitz and the Tantrums’ drummer John Wicks and his wife, Jenna. “We are really excited to be pairing with Drum Coffee,” Keintz said. “We have switched our coffee to their Luigi blend of whole bean espresso that see BPA COFFEE, P 3
by Hollin Keintz
of the Sun Journal
I
f you have noticed teachers wearing colorful lanyards around the school, they are probably proudly displaying their support for Big Sky’s Gender Sexuality Alliance club, or GSA. The group recently printed and laminated rainbow colored tags for teacher lanyards. On one side, the lanyard says “LGBTQIA2S+ Affirming Educator” and on the other it says “All Students Are SAFE in My Space!” GSA meets weekly and provides a safe space for all students. PHOTO BY JAMES BIVENS Regardless of orientation or Seniors Hollin Keintz, Gwen Fleming-Campbell and Kendall Toye ghost hunt at the Montana Children’s Center in identity, everyone is welcome Twin Bridges, Mont. last Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. The group, along with Senior James Bivens joined the annual to attend as long as they come Blaze radio station’s Halloween Ghost Hunt at the abandoned orphanage, with permission from owner Leslie with an open mind and behave Adams. Highlights of the outing will be aired during DJ KC Koepel’s Halloween special. respectfully. Staff, too, are Around midnight, guests can then happen, but if something does “I’ve heard an audible growl encouraged to attend to learn more roam the prison on their own, or happen, guests can be assured that come from the end of a long about the club and what they stand they can take one of the guides it is real, and they haven’t been hallway when no one was in the for. with them if they are too nervous “set-up” by the hosts. building except the few people Club president, Junior Mercy to venture out by themselves. “We want to keep our integrity I was with. I’ve seen hats get Gordon (she/he/they) said, “Our “We are often asked to intact, so we don’t fake anything,” pulled off people’s heads, and main goals for the club are to accompany people after we’ve Keintz said. “We would be fired if wallets picked out of pockets from provide a safe place for anyone set them free. Either they are we actually tried to intentionally ‘inmates’ who you can’t actually who needs it, bring attention to still a bit scared of the area, or scare someone. We would rather see. I’ve had someone breathe specifically gender and sexuality they just aren’t sure what to do. I absolutely nothing happen, and heavily in my ear that I heard related issues or topics, and don’t mind going with them at all, people just had a good time seeing live and I have on recording. I’ve amplify young queer voices.” although that doesn’t guarantee if anything was out there, than seen lights turned on, recorded The club has been working anything will happen,” Keintz fake something and have it not be an unknown voice finish the song really hard on easy and safe said. real.” we were singing, and been told to accessibility to the gender neutral That is one point emphasized And things do happen. Guests leave by a disembodied voice. I’ve bathroom that Gordon and a few often by the guides--there is have been touched, scratched, had been whistled at, and I’ve had my other juniors advocated for their no guarantee that anything will their hair pulled. see GHOST HUNTERS, P 7 see GSA LANYARDS, P 3
INSIDE
News
Opinions
Lifestyle
Sports
News........................................1-3 Homecoming ................................4-5 Opinions....................................6 Lifestyle.......................................7 Sports....................................8
photo by Brandon Honzel
Glacier restoration
BSHS science students work at Glacier to help restore Fish Creek Campground 3
photo by Darcy Cohen
Winter driving hazards Reporter Jordan Cowan advises rookie drivers how to park in the snow. B2
OCTOBER 28, 2021
photo by Kylie Fisher
Half Moon Success
Finley Stratford and Emma Reed performing as part of the Improv Troupe. C4
photo by Addie Smith
Playoff bound
Football beat the Flathead Braves last Thursday to earn a playoff birth, 34-6. 7
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October 28, 2021
News
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Meet the Staff
Hollin Keintz Editor-in-Chief
Caden Mueller Reporter
Q: Favorite thing about Big Sky?
Q: Favorite thing about Big Sky?
A: This may be biased, but the media program. Creating for the student body has been so much fun, and I can’t wait to continue to be able to make cool things for people.
Q: Why join the newspaper?
A: I really love writing, as well as journalism, and I wanted to create interesting pieces for and about my school.
Q: What’s a good day for you?
A: Having enough time to do my homework, and also sleep for more than five hours
Q: Cell phones in school, yes or no?
A: I think there are some ways that teachers could handle it better, but overall students shouldn’t pay more attention to their phones than to the class.
Q: Your dream car?
A: 1967 Chevy Impala, or an orange 1973 Camaro.
Q: Your spirit animal?
A: A mongoose. Or a capybara.
Q: Thoughts on mandates?
A: I don’t mind the mask mandate too much, but after a long day it can be a little annoying.
Micky Lapham Reporter
A: My favorite thing about Big Sky was the schedule but now I think my favorite thing is the staff.
Q: Your superpower would be...?
A: If I had a superpower it would be to bend reality to however I wanted it to be.
Q: How do you show school spirit?
A: I just go to school and do my work to pass for my future.
Q: Cell phones in school, yes or no?
A: I don’t think the phone policy is too bad but it was nice when nothing was going on and you could be free on your phone for awhile last year.
Q: What is your opinion on phone policies during class?
A: I don’t know, I just like listening to music during class so as long as I can do that I don’t really care Q: What is your dream car?
A: Some type of muscle car from the 60s/70s. Q: What is your spirit animal?
A: It would be a snake.
Q: What is your opinion on school mandates?
A: I think the mask mandate is smart and good for people’s safety. Q: What do you think could be improved at Big Sky?
A: I think things are fine but I also don’t pay attention to much so I could be wrong. Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
A: People assuming I’m dumb, or micromanaging.
A: I always show focus, as well as help out others, keeping a smile on my face. Q: What’s a good day for you?
A: Knowing I made others laugh, as well as not having homework.
Q: Cell phones in school, yes or no?
Q: Why join the newspaper?
A: I was actually placed into this class but I’m happy about it. It’s giving me new learning experiences. Q: Cell phones in school, yes or no?
A: I think the phone policy should be a little more loose. I understand having no distractions during class but people always find a way to use them anyway.
Q: Thoughts on school mandates?
A: A cat, as they’re more or less free to do what they please.
Q: What about the parking lot?
A: I dislike having to wear masks, but I do it so I can continue to work as a caregiver.
A: The mask mandate is completely fine with me. I know I’m keeping myself and others safe.
A: My dream car is a Mustang. A: I think the mandates are completely reasonable and should continue until Covid is 100 percent over.
A: I think upperclassmen should be released earlier to help with population control.
Christian Morin Reporter
Q: Your superpower would be...?
A: Making at least one person laugh, it fuels my ego
Q: How do you show school spirit?
A: The first memory I think of when I think of school is the moment when my kindergarten teacher stepped on my finger.
Q: What is your opinion on phone policies during class?
Q:What’s a good day for you?
Q: Favorite thing about Big Sky?
A: My favorite thing about A: I liked the idea of having Big Sky is the environment a block schedule rather than 7 we have in band class. periods a day. Q: Your superpower would be...? Q: Favorite thing about Big Sky? A: If I got to choose one A: The variety of classes/ superpower it would be courses you can choose from. invisibility.
Q: Your dream car?
Q: Your superpower would be...?
A: Teleportation.
Q: What made you choose BSHS?
A: I feel students shouldn’t have their devices out during class, but should still be able to listen to music and such.
Q: Favorite thing about Big Sky?
My favorite thing would be theatre and band.
Emily Finlay Reporter
Damon Quist Reporter
The ability to fly.
A: Sometimes phones can help with school work but if the person using the phone is distracted and not working then phones can be bad.
Q: What is your dream car?
A: Definitely a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Q: What is your spirit animal?
A: I’d have to say a wolf.
Q: What do you think could be improved at Big Sky?
A: I think the big sky has been improving a lot, but I think big sky could have some cooler classes and more classes about money and how to pay bills.
Q: How do you feel about the school’s parking policy?
A: It’s descent at least we have a big parking lot Q: What’s your most used social media platform?
A: Instagram
Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
A: People who get in the way when you are trying to achieve something
Q: Your spirit animal?
Q: Thoughts on mandates?
Q: First school memory?
Q: Thoughts on mandates?
Q: Your biggest pet peeve?
A: Setting the TV volume to a number that isn’t a multiple of 5.
Q: Your biggest pet peeve?
A: My biggest pet peeve is when people sing the music while they’re listening to it through headphones.
c
Jacky Bloom Reporter
Riley Pellett Reporter
Q: Favorite thing about Big Sky?
Q: What made you choose BSHS?
A; My favorite thing is absolutely the floors, they’re so random and different in almost every room. Q: Why join the newspaper?
A: I joined newspaper because it seemed interesting.
Q: How do you show school spirit?
A: I show my school spirit by showing up, even when I would rather chop off all my fingers and replace them with crab legs than be here, I show up :)
Q: What’s a good day for you?
A: What makes a good day at school for me is definitely when it’s rainy, a Thursday, and there are no tests or homework. Q: Cell phones in school, yes or no?
A: I believe that people should be able to use their phones at the beginning and end of class. Q: Your dream car?
A: My dream cars are definitely a 1969 Chevy Camaro, 2021 Chevy Camaro, a 1950 Chevy C1 Corvette, a 2021 Dodge Charger, and a 1968 Dodge Charger.
A:I chose this school because my brother went here and almost all of my friends went here.
Q: Your superpower would be...?
A: Super speed.
Q: Why join the newspaper? A: I chose to join newspaper
because I wanted to try something new.
Q: How do you show school spirit?
A: One way I show my school spirit is by playing the bass in orchestra and going to the concerts.
Q: What’s a good day for you? A: Not having to do a lot of
work is what makes a good day for me. Q: Thoughts on mandates?
A: I’m not a big fan of the masks but I’ll do what keeps me safe and every other mandate I really don’t mind.
Q: Improvements needed at BS?
One thing that can be improved is the time when you go to school and when you leave school. Q: Your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve would have to be when somebody walks slowly in front of me and stops in the middle of the hall.
Mariah Zentner Reporter
Madison Glessner Reporter
Kylie Fisher Reporter
Darcy Cohen Reporter
Q: Favorite thing about Big Sky? A: The theatre program or my friends. Q: Your superpower would be...? A: I really want to be able to fly. Or read minds. Q: Why join the newspaper? A: I wanted to write and interview people.
Q: Your superpower would be...? A: If I could choose a superpower it would be the ability to read people’s minds.
Q: What made you choose BSHS?
Q: Favorite thing about Big Sky?
Q: What is your opinion on phone policies during class?
Q: What’s a good day for you?
A: A good day at school would have to be getting all my work done in class. Q: What is your opinion on phone policies during class?
A: My dad and uncle went to this school and my friends were planning on going to Big Sky too.
Q: Your superpower would be...?
A: I would choose teleportation because it’s always been a super power I think I’d enjoy. Q: Why join the newspaper?
Q: How do you show your school spirit?
A: I chose to join the newspaper because I found a love for writing and sharing ideas.
A: I really enjoy writing and taking photos so I thought it would be a fun class to take!
A: I am fine with the phone policies in school. We are here to learn and we don’t need them during school.
A: My current car is pretty great. Her name is Ian. Based on Ian Gallagher from shameless.
Q: What is your spirit animal?
A: It isn’t terrible for students, but they should not let parents, teachers, ect. park in our student parking lot while we need it.
Q: What’s your most used social media platform?
A: Meeting two of my really close friends who I’m still friends with to this day.
Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
A: My spirit animal, to my knowledge, is a dolphin.
Q: What is your dream car?
A: 1970’s Chevy square body is my dream car.
Q: How do you feel about the school’s parking policy?
A: My spirit animal would have to be a Grizzly bear because I would love to sleep for several months.
Q: What’s your most used social media platform?
A: I would say I use snapchat and twitter the most.
A: My most used social media would be Snapchat. A: People asking me what’s wrong, then telling me no you’re not fine tell me what’s wrong.
Q: Your superpower would be...?
A: I would choose Invisibility so that I can disappear randomly.
A: I don’t think it’s a lot to ask for a student to stay off their phone during class. They Should be able to use it in the hallways though. It isn’t distracting.
Q: What is your dream car?
A: One of my favorite things about this school is being able to express myself and try new things in my class and feel comfortable about it.
A: I try and go to different differ sporting events, wear items with the school logo, and participate in all sorts of activities like spirit week, sports, and clubs.
Q: What’s your first memory from school?
Q: What is your spirit animal?
Q: What is your opinion on school mandates?
A: I honestly think the mask mandate is good to start school with and can later be changed.
Q: Why join the newspaper?
Q:What’s a good day for you?
A: A good day at school comes from having projects in class and good communication between my classmates and teachers. Q: What is your opinion on phone policies during class?
A: I don’t mind not using my phone during class, it teaches good control of yourself and responsibility. Q: What is your opinion on school mandates?
A: School mask mandates are clearly not fun, but I don’t have the time and energy to get into trouble for not wearing one so I just go with it.
New Teachers: Shunteal Jessop, Mathematics Q. How many years have you been teaching? A. I have been teaching mathematics for five years. This is my second year at Big Sky. Q. Previous and similar jobs? A. In high school, I worked concessions at the movie theater in Corvallis, MT. After high school, I had many titles. I was a waitress, bus monitor, tutor, certified nursing assistant, and so much more. After trying so many different kinds of jobs, I set my sights on a career in teaching. Q. Where did you grow up, and what did
Hope Montelius, Activities Secretary Q. Years working at Big Sky? A. First year as a “full time” employee. I have spent several years at BSHS in various jobs. Q. Outside hobbies/interests? A. My husband (Dave) and I have six
you want to be when you were younger? A. I spent the majority of my childhood living in Eureka, Montana. Eureka is a small town further north and is about seven miles from the Canadian border. When I was a kid, I always thought that I would be a doctor and I was convinced that I would never have any children. I am now a teacher with two sons of my own! Q. What was your best memory of high school? A. One of my favorite memories in high grandbabies, ages 65 and under and we are very present in their lives. We also spend every Sunday together watching and cheering for our beloved football team the CHIEFS! (no, we are NOT band wagoners). Q. Where did you go to high school at? College? Degrees? A. I graduated high school from Sentinel in 1983. I then went to the University of Montana to pursue a degree in teaching while raising 2 of our 3 children. I graduated from UM in 1989.
school was teasing one of my teachers. One day I drew a portrait of said teacher on the board. Now I am no artist, but I don’t think my picture was too terrible. So, the next day he drew a portrait of me and it was not quite what I was expecting! Q. Favorite sound? Favorite place? A. My favorite sound is the sound of rain. My favorite place to visit is Whitefish, Montana. They have an amazing crepe shop there. Literally! The food joint is called Amazing Crepes. Q. Favorite sound? Favorite place? A. I love Country music, it is always playing on my computer at work. One of my favorite places to visit is Bangor, Maine. We have a family “Camp” there and try to get to camp at least once a year. One of my best memories of being in Maine was the fact that I got to see Darius Rucker in Bangor at the water pavilion with 20 of my family members. Darius Rucker has always been on my bucket list so that summer I got to check one more thing off my list!
October 28, 2021
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BPA coffee
continued from Page 1 they make in house and deliver to our doorstep.” Drum coffee co-owner Jenna Wicks suggested the school use their Luigi blend, the same blend used at the Drum locations for espresso. “The flavor is bold, chocolatey and nutty. We designed the blend as espresso to be flavorful enough to cut through the milk of lattes so you get that delicious coffee flavor,” she said. “We did this by adding a small percentage of Robusta bean which is one of the most common beans used in Italy. It gives espresso shots a beautiful thick crema that allows you a little more time while making drinks before they start to turn toward bitterness.” Only in its second year at BSHS, BPA is looking to expand membership and make their group competitive in the state of Montana. With less than a dozen members last year, several students qualified to attend the National Conference, though competed virtually due to COVID restrictions. One of the current needs is finding students to work the store throughout the day, especially first period. “We really need students who are committed to the store to work during the school day. Other than lunch, or busiest times are the end of zero period and the start of first period,” co-BPA president Hollin Keintz said. “We don’t want kids to be late for class, because we worry about teachers getting angry. But there’s usually this huge rush right at the end of zero period, and we don’t have enough workers to get through everyone as quickly as we’d like to. We really want this to be completely student run, with our advisers doing just that—advising.” BPA meets Tuesdays at lunch in Room 130. Anyone is welcome to join.
GSA lanyards continued from Page 1 freshmen year. In addition, club adviser Nicole Hensley (she/her) helped to pass out the GSA badges to teachers. “A badge signifies that the teacher in possession of the badge is an ally to the LGBTQ+ and is someone they can go to if they need help. The reception has been pretty good. Not every teacher wears their lanyard, but I personally have noticed a lot of teachers that do and it’s really comforting and heartening to see,” Gordon said. The GSA’s two big projects coming up are painting pride flags for the gender neutral bathroom and a clothing drive, both of which any students or staff at school are welcome to participate in. “GSA is focused on creating a safe and accepting environment for everyone, especially those who might not have that safety and acceptance otherwise. Regardless of their orientation or identity or if they’re closeted or out, our club is a place where everyone is free to be and express themselves without worrying about facing the serious consequences many other queer youths do,” Gordon said. “I know that for me personally, being able to attend GSA my freshman year and being able to thrive in that space as my true self was so important to me at the time and seriously affected me for nothing but the better. I am incredibly privileged to have a very loving and supportive family, and I’m really proud to see how our GSA is shaping up to be a loving and supportive family of our own for our members who aren’t as lucky as I am.” GSA Vice President Max Berndt (they/them), sophomore, said, “GSA is very important to me as I feel like, as a nonbinary person, or someone who tends to fit into the ‘other’ category, my voice, opinion and feels tend to be overlooked and GSA is somewhere that changes, and that makes Big Sky a better, more welcoming place.” Berndt will be leading the projects with Hensley, but has not set dates for either the clothing drive or painting of the gender neutral bathroom. In the meantime, Berndt said, “It’s also very important to me to try to educate staff as much as possible as I know Big Sky’s staff has the best intentions towards LGBTQ+ members, but sometimes they need help figuring out the best way to make us feel safe.” Gordon stresses that anyone and everyone is welcome to join club meetings, which are held Wednesdays at lunch in Hensley’s room.
BPA leadership conference
Seniors Ashlynn Everett, Hollin Keintz, James Bivens, and Kendall Toye visited Fairmont Hot Springs a few weeks ago to attend a leadership conferece for Business Professionals of America. They sat in on guest lectures lead by entrepeneurs and business leaders from all over the state, and also got to enjoy the hot springs on their two day trip.
Each year, teacher Brandon Honzel takes students from APS, IB Biology and Natural Resources and Conservation classes to Glacier National Park. Even in the year of Covid restrictions, students were able to once again resume this important work. The students work with the park nursery to work on restoration in Fish Creek Campground. This year, students planted grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees in a reclaimed campsite. They also monitored previous years’ plantings to determine effectiveness. After the work was completed, the group hiked to Stanton Lake in the Great Bear Wilderness. Pictured above: Charlie Watson, Veronica Lenchuck, Paeton Miliken, Parker McCollum. At right: Zoe Metzger, Anmarie Sowers and Conner Stineford.
Welcome new teachers and staff: We tried to find everyone who is new last year and this year. If you didn’t make the cut this issue, we will find you for the next issue!
Matthew Keenan, Spanish
Alicia Angell, Science Q. Years working at Big Sky? A. One year, this is my second year teaching. Q. Previous and similar jobs? A. I taught science last year at Florence Carlton High School, before that I worked in research at UM. Q. What do you love about Big Sky? A. Big Sky has a super creative and supportive team and everyone I’ve meet so far has been so nice and welcoming! Q. Best advice for students? A. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas, even the ones you are unsure of – sometimes great breakthroughs come from these ideas! Q. Outside hobbies/interests? A. I like to paddle board and raft in the summer and ski in the winter because these are great ways for me to get outside with my family. I also love to read and bake because I love a good story or learning something new and I have a major sweet tooth. Q. Where did you grow up, and what did you want to be when you were younger? A. Red Lodge, Montana and I wanted to be a pediatrician. Q. Where did you go to high school at? College? Degrees? A. Red Lodge High School (class of 1999) and University of Montana – B.A. in Biology (2003), M.S. in Neuroscience (2009), M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.
Q. Years working at Big Sky? A. I have worked in high schools for nine years; six as a Spanish teacher and three as a principal. Q. Previous and similar jobs? A. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in a subsistence farming village in Nicaragua for two and a half years, which was quite different. Q. What do you love about your job? A. I love being able to support students in whatever ways they
need to be their most successful selves. Q. What do you look forward to? A. Returning to classroom teaching so I can better connect with students. Q. Best advice for students? A. Always speak up when you need support. Q. Any special talents? A. Me, my wife, and our two boys will often cruise around on a four-person tandem bike.
Zach Murphy, Science Q. Years working at Big Sky? A. After a storied career as a professional jump-roper, I began my time as an educator last year! This is my second year as a teacher and my second year at Big Sky. Q. Outside hobbies/interests? A. Outside of the school day, I enjoy golfing with my friends, running with my dog Nala, and spending time with my roommate Allie who I will be marrying this
fall! Q. What was your most embarrassing moment from high school? A. My most embarrassing moment was when a full-page picture of my best friend and I in speedos somehow made it into the yearbook. Thanks, Mrs. Keintz. Q. Any special talents? A. I once beat Mrs. Zilkey in a 1-minute jump rope competition by over 100 jumps. Don’t ever let her forget that!
John Willard, Para Educator/Life Skills Q. Name, position, and location within the school? A. John Willard, para educator/ life skills. Q. Years working as a para? A. 6 years at Desmet School. Q. Previous and similar jobs? A. Wilderness therapy instructor, soccer coach, residential home for young boys, Watson’s Children’s Shelter. Q. What do you love about your job? A. I love working with special needs kids. Q. What do you love about Big Sky?
A. I love working at hometown high schools. Q. Best advice for students? A. A positive attitude is super helpful. Q. Outside hobbies/interests? A. I love the outdoors, sports, and music. Q. Where did you grow up, and what did you want to be when you were younger? A. I grew up in Missoula and wanted to be a soccer superstar. Q. Where did you go to high school at? College? Degrees? A. I went to Hellgate and the UM where I studied Sociology.
Q. What was your best memory of high school? A. Graduation was my best memory of high school. Q. What was your most embarrassing moment from high school? A. I have no embarrassing memories, just memories of bullying that was so prevalent. Q. Favorite sound? Favorite place? A. I love to visit our lake cabin and listen to the water. Q. Any special talents? A. My superpower is my ability to see through the bs.
the sun journal
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Homecoming
Homecoming Queen and King: Jake Gardanier and Quincy Morrison
Photo Credits: Darcy Cohen, Kylie Fisher, Yearbook Staff
Junior: Dakota Belarde and Marcus Raines
Freshmen: Ayla Schultz and Bradon Auerbach Sophomore: Shelby Clixby and Benjamin Lautzenheiser
October 28, 2021
October 28, 2021
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homecoming
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the sun journal
October 28, 2021
Opinions Keep parents out of student parking lot 6
E
very year students are required to make sure that We are required to attend school and be on time if we want they get a parking pass in order to park in the student good grades and to not get into trouble. parking lot. You are required to keep Some students have to run home or other that pass as long as you drive and attend Big places during lunch for personal reasons. Sky. Some people live a distance away from the If you lose it, you are required to pay $5 for school and must drive there, do what they a new one. need to, get something to eat and then be Without the parking pass you get a ticket. back at school in 45 minutes. You can also get a ticket if you park in the Traffic alone takes up time, depending on teachers’ or parents’ parking lot. This would the route you take, how long it takes to drive be good for teaching responsibility, however there and the time it takes to get out of the there is an issue with the parents parking in parking lot. If you were not the first people our parking lot. out of the parking lot it could take about 15 Every year, whenever the track season starts to 20 minutes to get out. This leaves a small up and we have track meets here at Big Sky, Darcy Cohen, reporter window of time to get to class after we get the parents crowd into the student parking lot. back from wherever we go. Students have to choose between not going out for lunch or Parking in the students’ parking lot gives us less of a parking at the Fort and walking back. The part that is the distance to walk. This way it will take about three to five most annoying is them taking our parking spots if we leave minutes to get to class. If we have to park at the fort, we campus. We take the time out of our day to get a parking would have to add in some extra walking time. It would pass so we don’t get a ticket, only for the parents to park take about 10 minutes to get back to the school, from the freely without getting ticketed. Fort. This could cause students to become late for their next
class. Another frustrating thing is how long it takes to even find a parking spot. If you get back at a good time it could take anywhere from one to five minutes. Arriving later can cause you to take longer to find a parking spot. With parents taking our spots it increases the difficulty of finding a sport to park. Then it becomes first come first serve for the spots. All the parents taking up the parking spots increases the amount of time it takes to find a parking spot, if there is even one available. If not then you have to go to the fort and walk back to the school. The process all together could take up to anywhere from 10 to 20, maybe even 30 minutes. This depends on the time you get back, how many cars are moving around the parking lot, availability of spots to park, whether or not you have to back track to the Fort, and how long it takes to get to class. Parents should not be allowed to park in the student parking lot. We take the time and responsibility to get a parking pass and keep it for three years, are required to go to school and already have a hard time with the parking lot. Overall, we don’t need the parents adding on to the craziness of the parking lot.
Who packed a mess for lunch? When class ends and it’s time for lunch, hundreds of students rush to the cafeteria. The lines are long and students have to wait to receive their lunch. Some students don’t even eat lunch because of the large lines. Several students will cut in line, and take food. Sometimes, it’s hard to walk past people because of the Madison Glessner, crowd. We should have reporter more places for students to grab lunch.
Though there is a need to keep track of the amount of meals being eaten everyday, having more places to receive lunch would help slow down the traffic between students. Also, allowing students a few minutes out of class before lunch starts would allow students to have enough time to grab their food and find a place to eat without feeling crowded by swarming students. With the rise in Covid cases, this would be
beneficial in keeping kids healthy, and keeping distance from each other. Maddie Smith stated the cafeteria is busy, annoying, and is not Covid safe. She thinks having more space to grab lunch could improve this. Another student, Ammarie Sowers wishes there was more space. She also has a problem with some of the students in the lunchroom. “They are mean, they push me, they unzip my backpack. I’ve had someone try to steal my wallet.” She also told me during the interview there are a lot of students, and they are loud and yell at eachother.
I interviewed Tim Cardarelli, one of our custodians. He told me they have to rent a storage space because during the renovation they lost space to place things, and there is no money to redo or fix it. What he thought could be improved for our lunch is to have several lunch periods for students. With the information from our staff and students from Big Sky High School about the cafeteria, we need to improve the situation we have now. There are too many students surrounded in one area, it is very crowded, definitely not Covid safe, and students are not respecting each other’s personal space.
New schedule killing our schedules This year’s schedule change has a lot of new opinions.
as a surprise to a lot of people. It has been broken down to certain parts of Hellgate, Sentinel, and Big Sky’s schedule to combine it into one. For instance, on Thursdays we have homeroom as a first period, this comes from Hellgate. Hellgate high school students aren’t required to go to their advisory first period like the other two high schools involved. A lot of kids find it unfair that Sentinel and Big Sky students must attend advisory. Many think it should be optional to come that morning and if you have missing work then you can show up and treat it like a zero period. I agree with these opinions. I often don’t have missing work or things I need to be studying. It can be pointless for me to sit in the classroom with nothing to do. Overall, I am still adjusting to the new schedule. There are definitely things I want to change, but I am happy with it. Earlier leave and optional advisories would be wonderful. I am just thankful for no more two hour classes! Looking forward to my second year of high school at Big Sky! Let’s have a good start to the year!
trends attack again
all our classes and didn’t get much teaching/learning done. Last year, in semester one, there were two hour A lot of students want the late 10 a.m. start back. Or long periods, this left kids unfocused, the early leave at 3 p.m. I agree with both, aching, upset, tired, hungry, and overall but that time schedule barely left time for not getting any information. Myself learning. However, this schedule barely and many others disagree with that time leaves any time for events. Opinions can schedule. I say as long as we do not go around and around for hours with no correct answer, but we can definitely write bring that back everyone will be happy. them down to get a better train of thought Leaving at four is interrupting a lot of students’ jobs, events, homework time, out there. and non-school related sports. Starting at This year’s schedule is quite complicated. nine in the morning and leaving at 4 p.m. School starts at 8:55 a.m. and ends at 3:55 is 7 hours of school. This is the average p.m. On Thursday’s school starts at nine school time, but leaving at three thirty forty a.m. and ends at three fifty-five p.m. p.m. would barely make a difference Thursdays and Wednesdays, we don’t Mariah Zentner, reporter in our class time. We could always start attend all our classes. It is split by every at 8:30 in the morning. I can agree that other period. Wednesdays we go to early morning starts are awful, but this periods first, third, fifth, and seventh. On could help a lot of people to leave time for activity after Thursdays we go to advisory, and the remaining periods. school. The late starts last year were nice in the mornings. This year’s schedule isn’t completely new. This comes Although we had short days with barely any time for
art by Jacky Bloom
Say WHAT? Comments made by students, faculty, and staff around campus “Short classes are easier to focus in.”
“Students zoooom through there.”
-Aspen Gorenier (Not Pictured)
-Junior Maddy Hodge talking about the student parking lot
Schedule changes? “The change in schedule makes it hard to be in HSA and do full IB.” -Junior Marcus Raines
-Freshman Rae Sanfilippo, right
“I like it for a world language class.” -Sarah Kries, French, talking about the new schedule
As a parent she hopes the parking lots are monitored. -Chris South, art teacher
Masks? “I don’t like wearing a mask but I understand why we have to.”
Masks? “Good either way.”
-Senior Alley Postorino
“Hard to keep up right.”
-Freshman Lili Pehler, left
October 28, 2021
the sun journal
Lifestyle
7
GHOST HUNTERS continued from Page 1 hair pulled. It’s active, that’s for sure.” Not only is the prison known to be haunted, it has some pretty infamous prisoners, as well. One of the most colorful characters is Paul Eitner, or Turkey Pete as he was affectionately referred to. Arrested for murder in 1918, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison. A model inmate, he was assigned to watch the prison’s turkeys at the farm down the road in Galen. However, he sold the entire flock one day to a rancher passing by for 25 cents a head--thus earning him his nickname. He was also called Shorty (he was only 5’2”), and the “Champ” for his love of boxing--he was the prison team’s manager--and would shadow box each match. He was also the mascot for the prison band, and when the band was allowed to leave the prison walls to perform, he was known to dance with the ladies. After serving his time, Eitner was denied parole because the parole board was afraid he would not be able to adjust to the outside world. Thus he essentially had free reign of the prison until his death in 1967, often sleeping outside the Warden’s office, and reading the Warden’s morning paper before he arrived for the day. Even though paroled, Eitner remained within the prison until he was 89, as he suffered from dementia in his last years, believing he owned diamond mines as well as the prison itself. Inmates printed fake checkbooks for him, so on Fridays, he would “pay” the employees their weekly wages from Eitner Enterprises. He also “bought” families’ groceries, sent checks to the President for the entire defense budget, and once sent $12.5 million to Brazil when the coffee crop failed. He served 49 years in the prison, and his cell, cell #1 in the 1912 cell house, was retired and never reassigned after his death. He was the only prisoner to receive a funeral within the prison (in the Clark Theater) and over 600 inmates, guards, and community members were allowed to attend. His tombstone was purchased by the guards, who also served as his pallbearers. “Turkey Pete is probably the most famous prisoner, and one we are asked about more than any other,” Keintz said. “Is he here? I’m not really sure to be honest. I don’t think so. And if he is, I wouldn’t be afraid of him. Sometimes we think he shows up in the theater, and in administration, but he’s not a menacing or scary presence. Some mediums have claimed he’s here, and they’ve communicated with him, but I personally believe he has moved on.” Not only does Keintz investigate the prison during the summer and haunting season, but she also helps out local paranormal group Tortured Souls Investigations, and has been helping with the Blaze Radio Station’s annual Halloween Ghost Hunt for the last six or seven years. This year, both teams paired up to investigate the abandoned Montana Children’s Center in Twin Bridges, Montana, a location only investigated by three paranormal groups-Travel Channels Ghost Adventures, in November 2016, and Destination Fear, which will air Nov.6, 2021. The Twin Bridges Orphanage opened in 1894 as a haven for innocent children. It was designed to prepare children to become productive adults by segregating them and providing them with food, education, vocational training, and a rigid structure. The campus is over 100 acres, and in its prime, had separate girls’ and boys’ dormitories, a hospital, a school, a gymnasium with a swimming pool, a working farm, and a grand Victorian mansion at the center. It was essentially a self-contained town, and for the most part, a highly successful institution. Children were brought to the orphanage for a variety of reasons, most stemming from the poverty in Montana after the mining monies dwindled, as well as true orphans without families to care for them. While some children had lost their parents, others were dropped off because their families could no longer afford them and the orphanage gave them hope for a better life. As many as 400 children lived at the orphanage at one time, seeing the highest number of children during the Great Depression. After Montana established a foster care system, the numbers dwindled and the orphanage officially closed its doors in 1976. Not everything was rosy within the walls of the orphanage. Many former residents claim regular beatings, abuse, neglect and sadness during their time spent in the home. These claims have lead to the numerous rumors of the hauntings at the home, leaving many paranormal investigators dying to get in. Current owner Leslie Adams bought the orphanage in 2007 and planned to restore the buildings. She purchased it from a man who had planned to turn it into a grand business venture, but then Black Monday hit, and he essentially just locked the doors, fired everyone and did nothing until she purchased the buildings in 2005. She doesn’t feel the land is hers, necessarily, but more that she is a care-taker of history until the next owner comes along. Restoring the buildings is a huge undertaking,
At left: Seniors James Bivens, Hollin Keintz, Kendall Toye and Gwen FlemingCampbell re-create the above polaroid left by the stars of Destination Fear. The Travel Channel show visited the Twin Bridges Orphange last spring, and their episode will air Nov. 6, 2021. The Big Sky students found the signed polaroid in one of the classrooms. Both groups are pictured in the school’s theater at the orphanage.
PHOTOS BY JENN KEINTZ
Top: The Big Sky documentary team of Bivens, Toye, Keintz and Fleming-Campbell outside the Grand Victorian at the Montana Children’s Center in Twin Bridges. Below left, the team with Hadley Keintz, 12, outside the Old Montana Prison in Deerlodge, Mont. Bottom right: The Documentary team tours the Twin Bridges Orphanage with owner Leslie Adams (in pink) and members of Tortured Souls Investigations before the Blaze Ghost Hunt. They are pictured here in the nursery.
and has essentially consumed her for the last decade. “I had been building in this area for a bunch of years before walking into this, and dragging my folks all through crazy places like this. So I’m ok with it not having any using, I’m just reducing the barriers for developers,” Adams said. When she first moved in and they began to work on the buildings, there was quite a bit of paranormal activity, though she now feels comfortable there day or night. “There was a lot going on here in the beginning. And when we were demo-ing, you know, doing the roofs, and when you disrupt, it gets busy. So we would hear things--singing and stuff,” she said. “But it was never scary.” Not surprisingly, the ghost hunt went as expected-Keintz’s group, which included five Big Sky journalists-experienced the most activity, while the two adult groups didn’t find too much. “At least once during the night, we had all of our equipment go off--multiple times--except the music box,” Keintz said. “I was most excited to use the music box, so that was a little disappointing, but other than that we seemed to make quite a few connections.” The group had multiple encounters throughout the night-a door shutting on them, the cat toys and the mel meter going off in response to questions, and one person actually getting pushed.
Senior Kendall Toye, who was pushed in the nursery around 3:30 a.m., gave the experience a “10 out of 10” saying it was “a lot of fun and I’m so glad that we got as many experiences that we did. I’m looking forward to the next one!” The students were able to attend as reporters, and also to work on an hour-long documentary about the haunted locations in Montana which will air at the Big Sky Film Festival in February. The same group was able to visit Deerlodge over the summer months as well. “I personally got a lot more paranormal experiences from Twin Bridges than the prison. Back at the Montana State Prison, when we went ghost hunting for the first time, I was honestly kinda skeptical and my skepticism didn’t change after we left,” Senior Gwen Fleming-Campbell said. “Then we went to Twin Bridges Orphanage, and let’s just say, I definitely believe in the paranormal now.” Senior James Bivens said, “It was a lot of fun working with the Blaze and the energies of the other groups. Deerlodge was a lot scarier for me than Twin Bridges because of the history of the inmates. The children at Twin Bridges made me a lot more sad. Except when we were in the Nursery. Almost all ofour devices were going off at once and Kendall getting pushed definitely gave me a spook.”
Half Moon Variety Show gets drama students back on stage
Bottom left: Grace Scheonen, Isabelle Lewis. Top left: Ashlynn Everett, Octavio Jimenez, Kion Nordberg. Middle: Landon Roberts, Kaysa Haury, Ashlynn Everett, Lilyanna Adams, Grace Scheonen, Lucas Schroeder. Right: Gabriel Hendrix.
PHOTOS BY KYLIE FISHER
October 28, 2021
the sun journal
8 SPORTS Big Sky soccer ends off the 2021 Season
by Damon Quist
of the Sun Journal As the 2021 soccer season ends here at Big Sky High, nothing beats going out during or after school hours to watch the Eagles play against rivaling schools. The first few weeks of the season weren’t too hot for our soccer teams, but we’ve gotten to watch the Eagles hold off against Helena, Glacier, Butte, Capital, and even Hellgate. Upon this topic, we’ve gotten to talk to a few of the Eagle’s players, and how they’re taking in the 2021 season. When it came to the start of the season, the Eagles were eager to play against future teams. “This year we’ve built a really good connection as teammates, and an even better bond. Working together this year has been easier, and making the field more fun to play on,” Junior Noel Migliaccio said. Asides from the girls’ team, the boys’ team has had “rougher years in the past, but this year the number of players showing up, and the team’s skill level overall has greatly improved,” Junior Chase Klemundt said. Taking on the start of the new season for both teams was not only thrilling, but enjoy-
able for those who watched the games. As the first few games took place in the season, the Eagles started making plans for their games against up-
Weston McCullough, Junior
Noel Migliaccio, Junior
Maddux Burwick, Junior
Golf earns berth to state as team
PHOTOS COURTESY JOHN HEANEY
by Hollin Keintz
of the Sun Journal The golf team made it to state this season, as a team, for the first time. This is the second year that golf has competed as a team at divisionals. Although they just fell short in 2020, they placed fourth this year, earning themselves a birth to the big show. “Going to state as a team was one of our goals as a program,” Head coach John Heaney said. Coach Heaney said there were plenty of highlights from the season. Senior Hayden Ellis made All-State
gate, they’re just really going to be good games,” Migliaccio said. Junior Maddux Burwick said, “Our biggest threat is Hellgate, as they’ve always been the best in the state, and they’ll always be up there.” With the start of the 2021 season, our teams were not only cooperating with each other, but were building team-like relationships to boost each other up. Junior Weston McCullough said how “we haven’t really had a goalie this year, but Harley’s been our goalie so far, and he’s been doing a good job so far. I’d say he’s our most valuable player, as we needed a goalie, and he stepped up.” Senior Quincy Morrison talks about Annie Migliaccio is their MVP, as even “after getting a surgery and being out for the first few games of the season, going through Covid, and facing other obstacles, she still came back and gave it her all. She shows great leadership, and myself and many others look up to her.” After all that’s happened within PHOTO BY ELLIOTT BRANNAN the 2021 season, our teams are already planning for the next season. coming teams, and for returning games Prepared for anything coming their to teams such as Hellgate and Flathead. way, our teams are motivated, excited, and “We’re really excited to play our cross- ready to overcome any obstacles in their path. town games against Sentinel and Hell-
for the third straight year. He finished 10th at the state tournament, the best of any golfer from any Missoula school. “Hayden had a great year and really caught the eye of some college coaches, so hopefully his competitive playing days aren’t over,” Heaney said. Carson Suchecki was also All-Conference, with a 12th place finish at Divisionals. On the girls’ side, Madeline Heaney and Ashlee Ownes were both All-Conference. “One of the biggest improvements came from Kaden Yaeger, who was a JV golfer last season. He put in the time in the offseason, made the varsity team, and earned a letter,” Heaney said. “For the girls, last season they were competing to not finish last,” Coach Heaney said. “This year, they were right in the middle of the pack. So our future is bright!”
Chase Klemundt, Junior
Quincy Morrison, Senior
PHOTOS BY DAMON QUIST
Football to take on Great Falls in first round of divisionals by Hollin Keintz
of the Sun Journal
According to head coach Matt Johnson, all things considered, it’s been a relatively good season. “Our kids show up and compete in every game. Many times we are outnumbered and out sized, but we never backed down and are complemented by other teams for it,” Johnson said. The team also made the playoffs this year, taking on Great Falls in BY MADDIE SMITH Great Falls tomorrow Senior Liam Sandoval, Defensive Lineman, takes on aPHOTO Hellgate night for the first round Knight. of divisional play. “I am most proud of our mentioned Louis Sanders, Johnson was especially team’s resilience,” Johnson with two games with 10 gratified to win against said. “Everyone kept a posicatches and over 100 yards Flathead last week, guarantive outlook through thick receiving. Cole Sandburg teeing a spot in the playoffs, and thin. This can be diffihad multiple 100 plus yard a yearly goal. cult, as it’s easy to become a rushing games. Going into the game, neigh sayer. Each week they “Another one who really coach said, “We have to stop came to work at practice and had a great year was Isaac their quarterback. He may continued to get better.” Ayers,” Johnson said. “On be the best all around athlete Johnson praised the offence, defence, and punt we have seen all yar. If we many seniors on the team, return, he has made a mark. can stop their run game and commenting on their leaderDawson Raulston has also especially him in the run ship skills and owning their played great all season game, we will have a greeat positions. and exemplifies a Big Sky opportunity to beat them” Johnson specifically footballer.”
VOLLEYBALL WRAPS UP SEASON TONIGHT, HEADS TO PLAYOFFS NEXT WEEK by DARCY COHEN
of the Sun Journal The volleyball team will end their regular season play tonight against the Glacier Wolfpack and will be spending time gearing up for divisional play next weekend in Kalispell. Senior Hadlea Fred said one of the goals is to make it day-two in the tournment, and prepare themselves mentally, because “above all that’s what’s most important.” Fred said the seniors feel good about going into divisionals, as last year their season ended abruptly due to Covid quarantines. “I’m just glad we actually get to go this year and expeerience it.” Senior McKiayah Olhausen feels the same way. “I’m glad I got the chance to get to play with these girls and play my senior year.” Heading into playoffs, Olhausen wants to go out and “play my hardest, and most importantly play my part to help my team out.” Setter Rece Sandau, junior, said, “I think we’ve come together a lot more as a team since the beginning of the season, and I’m glad
I get to play with all my senior friends this year.” Personally, Sandau feels she has improved on running the court, a key component of the setter’s job. Her favorite memory? “Definitely getting a yellow card when we played Flathead at home.” Although she’s excited
about playoffs, but is focusing first on tonight’s game against Glacier. “I’m really excited. I think we have improved a lot as a team, so I think it will be fun to play them again.” Junior Jordan Whitmire, libero, said, “We are successful in most of our goals
this season, but overall, we just could not quite find that drive that makes us push through and just attack each team we played.” She feels she got better at reading the ball and the highlight of her season was the win against Hellgate at the Knight’s home gym. “It was our first confer-
ence win and it felt good to slam that eagle in the Knight head in the middle of the floor.” She, too, looks forward to tonight’s game against Glacier. “I believe that if we are aggressive, and we all do our jobs and work as a team, we will be hard to beat.”