C
Courier
905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND Volume 32, Issue 3- December 2021
January 2021
From The Editor...
Hello again Mandan High School students and staff! I hope you guys are as excited as I am about this newest issue of the Courier. This issue is a perfect way to conclude the first semester and get everyone ready for Christmas break. As I move into the second semester of my senior year I am growing more anxious about what the next year holds. I am currently in the beginning stages of my apprenticeship at Black Sheep Tattoo and I am very excited to be starting my career as a tattoo artist. I really appriciate how hard my staff worked this issue, they always know the right thing to do when problems pop up. Again, I really hope you enjoy this edition of the Courier, be sure to check out our winter package, beginning on page 10!
Scout Hurley, Editor-In-Chief
Courier Staff and Editorial Policy
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to reach out to us! Instagram: @mhscourier E-mail: mhscourier@gmail.com The photo on the front is of the “Chmielewski’s Christmas Corner” in Bismarck. this house is a super popular holiday activity in the Bismarck-Mandan area.
Opinion 02
Scout Hurley.......................................Editor-In-Chief Ariana González ...............Assistant Editor-In-Chief Feature Editor Leah Emineth.....................................Opinion Editor McCartney Fix........................................News Editor Shaydin Ell....................................................Reporter Jasmine Patera...............................................Reporter Nathan Stramer..............................................Reporter The Courier is a news/feature magazine that is published throughout the school year. As an open forum for student expression, all content online and in print is decided and moderated by student editors. The staff welcomes letters, articles, submissions, of any student, faculty, or community interest. Submissions may be turned into the Courier, room 221, and by message to mhscourier@gmail.com. All submissions must be signed by the author if they are to be published and subject to editing if space is restricted. The Courier strives to be objective in its news coverage. Columns and letters reflect only the opinions of the writers, not those of the Courier staff, administration, teachers, or student body. Editorials that are not signed reflect the consensus of the staff. The Courier is funded entirely through advertising sales. Contact the Courier at mhscourier@gmail.com if interested in advertising.
December 2021
North Dakota Bans Teaching of Critical Race Theory — Jasmine Patera, Reporter
Photo by Jasmine Patera
Critical race theory is often seen as a re-telling of the standard history curriculum.
CRT banned in state Legislation planned/introduced No state action
Numerous states are considering passing legislation to ban critical race theory. Graphic made by Jasmine Patera
This November, the North Dakota state legislature introduced and passed a bill to prohibit the teaching of critical race theory in public K-12 schools. This bill follows heightened public attention towards critical race theory (CRT) across the nation and multiple states moving to ban it. According to the Brookings Institution, nine states have banned CRT, and twenty more have proposed legislation or are working on a ban. North Dakota has taken action partly to assure citizens that public schools do not push political ideologies. “Trust in public schools has eroded over the past couple of years,” said state Senator Nicole Poolman. “Since we don’t teach critical race theory, passing a bill to reassure parents that public schools don’t have a political agenda made sense.” Bill 1508, the bill that banned critical race theory in North Dakota, defines critical race theory as “the theory that racism is not merely the product of learned individual bias or prejudice, but that racism is systemically embedded in American society and the American legal system to facilitate racial inequality.” However, there does not seem to be a clear-cut definition of CRT between people. “Nobody has the same definition of [critical race theory],” said state Senator Erin Oban. “If you can’t clearly define something, everybody’s interpretation of it will be something else.” With the passing of this bill, some worry that teachers will not be able to teach the same curriculum. However, that belief isn’t necessarily true amongst teachers at Mandan High. “People don’t understand what the theory actually is, then pointing to history you can misinterpret the law pretty easily,” said social studies teacher Kurt Miller. “We’re still going to teach Jim Crow laws, Japanese internment camps, [and] the facts of history as we always have.”
News 03
December 2021
Electricity Over Fossil Fuels — Shaydin Ell, Reporter
General Motors and Ford Motor Company are all making an extreme switch to electric cars. Electric vehicles are said to be less expensive than normal gas/diesel powered one. They also emit less greenhouse gases as well as air pollutants. Many people have issues with the price of the vehicles as well as the accessories. The price of the car does not include the price of the charger inside the home as well as the installation fee. The most common Tesla car model is the Model 3, this car costs $44,990 with no accessories. The price of a home charger costs around $3500, including installation and parts. Monthly gasoline can rack up to, on average, $102.42 per month, when gas prices are on average $2.60. Now average gas prices in the nation are $3.34. While public charging costs around $129.50. Monthly at home charging on the other hand can cost anywhere from $30 to $70. If a driver were to drive 100 miles in an internal-combustion engine it costs around $8 to $12 while driving the same amount in an EV it costs from $12 to $15. These statistics prove that the cost is significantly higher than a regular gas powered vehicle. “The max range of an electric car is about 250 miles, my car can do 450 miles on 1 tank, imagine going on a trip and having to stop every 250 miles for your car to charge for an hour or more when you can fill gas in around 5 to 8 minutes,” said one MHS student in a recent poll about electric cars. Many might argue that the price is nothing compared to the priceless environment we are saving. Not only that but drivers would save money on routine maintenance because EVs don’t require oil changes. “I think it’s a win for environmental protection and I think it’s the future of automobiles,” senior Margaux Kautzmann said. Overall, electric cars have many pros as well as cons. The U.S would like to change all vehicles to electric vehicles by the end of 2030. “Major companies switching to hybrid makes may be better than fully switching, simply to ease people into the idea instead of pulling the rug out from under them,” another student said.
News 4
Global Sales of Electric Cars US Global Total 3.5m 3m 2.5m 2m 1.5m 1m 0.5m ‘10
‘12
‘14
‘16
‘18
‘20
Electric cars are considered the “future” of the car industry. We have seen a gobal rise in the production as well as sales for Electric Vehicles. Graphics by Shaydin Ell
HOSA: A Club In The Present For A Career In The Future — Ariana González, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
photo submitted by Damian McCormick
Hosa club members learning about the CPR mannequins.
December 2021
When choosing an extracurricular activity, a majority of the time, students will lean towards an activity that will not only allow them to have fun, but also an activity that will provide them with a learning environment and a place to explore their interests further. This can be especially beneficial for students who are unsure of where they are headed careerwise. For students who are interested in the medical field, joining HOSA is the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience and explore their interests. HOSA is an international student-led organization focused on four core values: learning, leadership, service and innovation, according to Health Sciences I and Advanced Health Sciences teacher Constance Keller. “HOSA implements leadership development while maintaining focus strictly on the Health Industry,” Keller said. As mentioned before, HOSA is a student-led organization, allowing students to fill in leadership positions like treasurer, secretary, and president. This year’s HOSA presidents are senior Damian McCormick and senior Angelee Rath. “We try to immerse the student population in healthcare fields,” McCormick said. Students in HOSA do a lot of volunteering and giving back to the community, while also learning about different medical fields. “We learn about different careers and different things about healthcare,” Rath said. The members of HOSA also have the opportunity to participate in competitions. “We have the opportunity to go to the Fall Leadership Conference or the State Leadership Conference where we can be competitive in the event we choose,” Rath said. Currently, HOSA is working on a variety of different projects. “HOSA students are currently working on Community Service Activities for Christmas such as making over 100 cards for residents of Edgewood Mandan, donating gifts for Angel/Giving Trees, etc.,” Keller said. “On Dec 17th, HOSA students will have a fun Basket Auction activity as a fundraiser for participation at State Leadership this Spring.” Some students are working on design competitions for t-shirts and pins for State later this year. Students also have the chance to win a State HOSA pin. “Last year, Morgan Sheldon won the State HOSA pin,” Keller said. This year, HOSA is hoping to participate in events like Fall Leadership, State Leadership and hopefully International Leadership in Nashville, Tennessee in June 2022. Joining HOSA is not only a good opportunity to explore different career paths, but also a chance to collect volunteer hours. “I know a big thing is resumes,” Rath said. “A lot of volunteering hours is good to put on them, or they could possibly be used for things like National Honor Society.” Besides being a way to gain volunteering and community service hours, students in HOSA find it an enjoyable place to be. “We have meetings on Wednesday mornings,” McCormick said. “Every morning, we have stuff to talk about and we are excited to be there and we always have a full agenda.” For people who may be interested in joining HOSA, Health Science students have a meeting in September to sign up, but you can join anytime during the school year.
News 05
Boys’ Basketball 01-04-22 Minot @ 7:30 pm 01-08-22 Williston @ 4:30 pm 01-11-22 Jamestown @ 7:30 pm 01-14-22 Watford City @ 7:30 pm 01-25-22 Legacy @ 7:30 pm 01-29-22 TMCHS @ 4:45 pm 02-08-22 Dickinson @ 7:30 pm Girls’ Basketball
S p o r t s
December 2021
Calendar — Nathan Stramer, Stramer, Reporter
Photo by Shaydin Ell
01-04-22 Minot @ 5:45 pm 01-08-22 Williston @ 3:00pm 01-11-22 Jamestown @ 5:45 p, 01-14-22 Watford City @ 5:45 pm 01-25-22 Legacy @ 5:45 pm 01-29-22 TMCHS @ 3:00 pm 02-08-22 Dickinson @ 5:45 pm Gymnastics 01-20-22 Mandan Meet @ 5:30 pm 01-21-22 Mandan Meet @ 5:30 pm Boys’ Hockey 01-04-22 Hazen @ 7:30 pm 01-07-22 Williston @ 7:30 pm 01-08-22 Bottineau @ 3:15 pm 01-11-22 Jamestown @ 7:30 pm 01-13-22 Dickinson @ 7:30 pm 01-18-22 Bismarck @ 7:30 pm 01-27-22 Minot @ 7:30 pm
Senior Seth Arenz looking for an opening to sink the ball
Girls’ Hockey 01-08-22 Fargo Davies @ 1:00 pm 01-14-22 Bismarck Blizzard @ 7:0 pm 02-08-22 Jamestown @ 7:00 pm 02-15-22 Minot @ 7:00 pm Boys’ Swim & Dive 12-30-21 Mandan Pentathlon @ 10:00 am 01-07-22 Century (Dual) @ 5:00 pm 01-21-22 Bismarck (Dual) @ 5:00pm 02-04-22 Grand Forks/Cheyenne @ 5:00 pm 02-11-22 Legacy/Williston @ 5:00 pm 02-12-22 WDA @ Mandan @ 10:00 am Wrestling 01-06-22 Williston @ 7:00 pm 01-27-22 St. Mary’s/TMCHS @ 7:00 pm 01-28-22 Jamestown @ 7:00 pm
News 06
Clubs & Others FFA 1-13-22 Room V-150 @ 3:45 pm 1-14-22 Livestock Judging Practice Room V-150 @ 3:45 pm 2-5-22 Livestock Judging Competition HOSA Every Wednesday @ room BC #203 Band 1-4-22 Pep Band @ 6:15-8:00 pm The MHS Musical “Grease” has Performances on Fri, Jan 14th and Sat, Jan 15th both at 7:30 pm and a final showing on Sun, Jan 16th at 2 pm. All performances are in the MHS Auditorium.
December 2021
81.9% of respondents in a recent poll think the hat rule should be lifted from the school dress code. Almost half of the student population took the survey.
Photo by Shaydin Ell
Tipping Our Hats to the Rules — Shaydin Ell, Reporter
The hat rule has been around since many current students have been in school. The rule has been justified by teachers over the years as a ‘sign of respect.’ Principal Mark Andresen believes that it goes a lot farther than just respect. Andresen, the principal of Mandan High School for 18 years, came from a farm based-family. “I grew up on a dairy farm, so I was a farm kid and I wore a hat everyday,” Andresen said. “We were not allowed to wear them at school.” His community, he said, was a very traditional one. When you walked into someone's house you would take off your hat, the school in which had the same policy. “From what I understand is some of it had to do with hygiene, which is still today a concern,” he said. “Everyone thinks it is about respect, which in certain households that is still the case.” With a survey given to the Mandan High School students, it shows that 96.7% of them are able to wear their hats in their house. While only 45.2% of them can wear their hat at the dinner table. When Andresen started working at Mandan High, the rule was already in place. The rule has never really been brought up to be visited and might be the reason the rule is still in place. “[If the rule would be brought up to be changed] I would actually involve the teachers in that process, because we are the ones that are enforcing the rules and expectations together,” Andresen said. The turnout of the survey was not a surprise, with over 531 responses. Most students in Mandan High were either in favor of
students wearing hats (81.9%) or did not care if they changed the rule (15%) “‘Respectful’ isn’t a clear definition if you allow other things that are inherently disrespectful,” said one MHS student in the survey. Only about 3.1% of the students say no hats should be worn in school. This is because it is out of respect as well as safety. “I don’t think hats really matter at the school. The hat should be an optional for the students if they want to wear them,” said another student. The teachers and staff on the other hand have a different view on the issue. Most think that the rule should continue to be enforced. “There are enough distractions in the school day without hats causing more,” one staff member said. “Size of hats, types of hats, messages on hats, hats that are taken by other students, hats forgotten in other classes, hats blocking the view of students behind them, hats pulled down so the faces of students are concealed.” Others disagree saying they have other things to worry about then enforcing an “outdated rule.” Teachers voted 62.5% against changing the rule while 37.5% are the opposite, but only 24 Staff members responded to the survey. “I'm ok either way... I taught in Bismarck and they were allowed there and we never had an issue with them... it is a pain though to try to enforce the rule, especially not knowing why we have the rule in the first place,” a different staff respondent said. Students and staff say there are many possible solutions towards fixing the problem with the hat rule. Regardless, the rule will continue to be in place for the foreseeable future.
Feature 7
Feshman Anna Bahm
December 2021
The Flipside What is the worst Christmas song?
What do you want for Christmas?
“Here Comes Santa Clause.”
“A horse.”
What is the worst gift someone could recieve? “Probably a pair of socks.”
Photo by Shaydin Ell
Sophomore Clay Wagner
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
“Hebert lever action rifle.”
“Coal.”
Photo by Shaydin Ell
Junior
“All of them, period.”
Paige Friedt
“A bipod for my 243.”
“A sock full of crap.”
Photo by Shaydin Ell
Senior
“Jingle Bells.”
Adam Gress
“A hippopotamus.”
“Anything but Benjamin Franklin.”
Photo by Shaydin Ell
Mrs. Wanner
Mrs. Schaefbauer
What is the worst Christmas song?
“Anything played before December 24th.”
“Santa Baby and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
What do you want for Christmas?
“All-expenses paid vacation”
“A Range Rover.”
What is the worst gift someone could receive?
Agriculture
“Anything without a gift reciept.”
“A gift with someone else’s name on it.”
Photo submitted by Mrs. Wanner
English
Photo by Shaydin Ell
Feature 8
December 2021
Firefighter To Be and A Veteran Share Experience and Future Endeavors — Leah Emineth, Opinion Editor
Senior Daden Dolajak has decided to pursue a career as a firefighter after highschool. “I might not do that for my whole life but for now that is my short term plan,” Dolajak said. Firefighters do an array of jobs such as controlling fires and responding to emergencies involving life, property, and the enviroment. “I think it would be very hands on and a great way to get involved with the community,” Dolajak said, “I like to help people and I feel like it would be a very rewarding job.” While it can be dangerous for firefighters and on call at the fire station the fire fighters sleep, eat, and perform other jobs during shifts that often last 24 hours. “One thing that I am really nervous for is the heights and I do not know if I will be able to handle the ladders and stuff,” Dolajak said, “It was actually something they told me I would have to get over if I did decide to become a firefighter or else I could not be part of their staff.” Fire fighters also spend excess amounts of time away from family and typically have to completely change their sleep schedules in order to work with their job. “Being away from home might be a little much for me and all of the changes like my sleep might be difficult for me,” Dolajak said, “ I am definitely most excited to slide Photo by Scout Hurley down the pole though.” A lesser known part of the firefighter scene is the inspections and other maintainence tasks they do when not fighting fires which dolajak says he does not know much about yet. “There is an academy you have to go to for like three to four months in order to get your certificate, then you can be part of the fire department,” Dolajak said. Firefighters are offered a variety of options when it comes to schooling. One option is the national guard or just regular school in order to get the certificate. Andy Beck is a firefighter and one of the shift training officers at the Mandan Fire Department. Beck has been working at the fire department since 2006 and before that he did wild land fires for the US Forest Service.
“I started in wild land fires when I was going to school for criminal justice,” Beck said, “I was working in land management agencies in the summer in fire and I ended up getting a permamnent job in fire.” Working in wild land fires causes a person to be gone much more compared to structure fires. “There is good and bad to each side; the wild land part is fun, being outside is fun, and putting out the fires are fun,” Beck said, “You get to see a ton of different places but after a while it is like a double edged sword; the travel is fun but it is harder and harder to be gone especially when you start having kids and stuff.” Wildland firefighters can work up to 14 days straight with sixteen hour days and up to three days of travel before the fourteen days actually start. “My job in Mandan is year round, whereas most wild land postitions are not year round,” Beck said, “In mandan we work two 24 hour periods on and then we have four days off so it is a really good schedule.” “Schooling is really good, but along with that try and find a departemnt in your area that has a junior program because i think what a lot of people do not understand is that it is a lot different than they think it is,” Beck said. Department size also determines what other things a person will be doing besides fighting fires. Larger departments do not do as many inspections where as smaller departments are more likely to do more inspections. “Guaranteed there is gonna be more time spent at the station training and doing maintenance tasks then there is running down the street with a hose putting out fires.” Beck said. Being a firefighter is a very fast pace job; There is always someone on the job day and night with something to be done. “The people you work with are like a second family and so it is a lot of fun cause you get so close to those people,” Beck said.”I have said it for a long time, Law enforcement, EMS, and Firefighters are not jobs for everyone so if people think ‘oh, this might be cool’ you better explore it.”
Feature 9
December 2021
Snoball Contest Winners
1st Place
Photo submitted by Luiza Conceicao Larson
2nd Place
Photo submitted by Marnie Barrios
Welcome to the Winter Package!!! Feature 10
December 2021
The Song Spot New songs for the New Year playlist — Nathan Stramer, Reporter
o otify link t p S e h t n a c S ! e you read il h w n e t s li
“Award Tour - A Tribe Called Quest” “Award Tour,” is a song on “Midnight Marauders,” the third studio album by American hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest, released on November 9, 1993, by Jive Records. This song immediately starts with an upbeat static melody including a soft yet impressive vibraphone, adds in a prominent snare beat, and has vocals so clear yet complex that you want to play it again and again. The beat remains calm and flowy throughout, and the Tribes’ lyrics only get better from the start. It is a great addition to a New Years party playlist! It gives a nice feeling to wherever it is that the song is being played, definitely a great song to sit and wait for that countdown with! Photo sourced from wikepedia
“Rhymes Like Dimes - MF DOOM (Feat. DJ Cucumber Slice)”
Photo sourced from Spotify
MF DOOM’s massive hit album, “Operation: Doomsday”, smoothly hits your ears with relaxed Lo-Fi beats, topped with DOOM’s intricate rap style. This one, of the 19 songs released on the album, has a funky keyboard saxofone in the background as well as DOOM & Cucumbers’ soft, melodic, voices. I imagine this song starting just as the new year comes around. People are talking and having a good end to the holiday season, just sitting and thinking about all the ways that they are gonna break the resolutions they made.
“Life Goes On - Oliver Tree” Oliver Tree’s highly successful deluxe album, “Ugly Is Beautiful: Shorter Thicker & Uglier”, produced this almostdubstep, groovy, beat with a smooth electric background sound like low octave chimes. Tree takes the melody and intertwines his complex flow and style, to create a nice, slow background sound that anyone would be able to relax to. In the song, Tree makes sure to point out the fact that “Life Goes on” he continues to say that it goes on… and on, and on, and on, making it a hit on apps like Instagram and TikTok. The message behind it is basically just that though. The idea that life continues to go on no matter what happens in it, is a good way to look at a New Year. I interpret this song like no other, as a good reminder that you can stick through tough situations, and that whatever the challenge is, you can surpass it.
Photo sourced from soundcloud
Opinion 11
December 2021
The Holly Jolly Fix From Fix Taking you on a trip down candy cane lane for the Christmas season — McCartney Fix, News Editor
“Hallmark Christmas Movies” Dir. Does it Really Matter?
Photo sourced from Alternate Movie Posters
$1,000,000,000 to the first person who can tell me a single unique thing about any off these people!
Feature 12
I have a confession of sorts to make. Prior to my writing this review, I had never subjected myself to so much as a singular, solitary moment of a Hallmark Christmas Film. Yes, I, the movie guy, had never watched even one of the most universally recognized cable TV conglomerates Christmas movies, easily their most iconic export. Recognizing my unforgivable indiscretion, I set out to watch four whole Hallmark movies, which, having now seen the light so to speak, is four more than I can, in good conscience, recommend you subject yourself to. My initial plan for this column was to review, in their singularity, each of the four films, but I couldn’t disgrace my baby like that. I love the Fix From Fix far too much to dedicate the whole of it’s holiday cheer to these awful, awful movies. To glean enough discernible characteristics from these films to individually appraise them on their own merits would be a Herculean task for the sharpest of critics, and the sharpest I aint, so I acquiesced to dedicate the grand spread, reserved last December for the indelible ‘It’s a wonderful Life”, to Hallmark. I love this already. The protagonists of these films are all the same. Pretty faces devoid of any distinguishing characteristics beyond the fact that it’s been quite some time since they have returned to the lull of their rural hometown after fleeing for the bright lights of the cities. Now avoidance is a quality present in many of the great characters in the annals of film history, but Rick Blaine these broads and himbos are not! They are paper thin ideas, meant to be so broad, universally perceptible and dissimilar in their plainness that every single audience member has to have something in common with them. That is how you make Christmas cards, not movie characters. And before you begrudge me my cynicism as it pertains to these harmless slices of nothing I ask only that you distance yourself from the memories you have of these films. Put down that pair of rose tinted glasses and honestly analyze what it is you are left with, nothing of worth. My cynicism comes from a place of great love for the season, which allows for me to recognize how soulless, vapid and insipid these pallid puff pieces of half baked cinema are. If you have watched one of these things, you have watched them all, and if that is the case, may god have mercy on your soul.
December 2021
“Elf”
“Love, Actually”
Dir. Jon Favreau
Dir. Richard Curtis
Photo sourced from Alternate Movie Posters
The old guy from Up plays Santa in this movie!
Elf is a film about an orphan adopted in the elven, and often undersized, north pole villages, who, upon being informed of his adoptive status, sets out to find his real father. For a film anchored by such a silly concept, the cast is stout, stacked with award winners (Ed Asner, James Caan), comedic royalty (Bob Newhart, Will Ferrell) and Zooey Dechenelle whos amicable attempts to keep pace with the eminent charisma of her costars are appreciated, if ultimately futile. The issue with writing a review of a film like this is that I am not entirely sure what to center my critique on. The aforementioned cast do well with the shamelessly, sentimentally indulgent screenplay, and Jon Faverau certainly directs the film, ultimately anonymous as his guiding hand may be. But in writing that sentence I am tasked with answering for what I am doing, who am I kidding? Elf is a movie in which Will Ferrel, adorned in the lime green robes of his people, break dances on the table of an inmate mail room. Why in the world am I critiquing the direction of this almost impossibly stupid movie. In spite of all of this, Elf still retains a sturdy emotional core, because in spite of its more unintelligible, adolescent elements, its humaneness is persistent. Buddy is indomitable pillar of good, and his effervescent purity radiates through the frame. It works because of its acute awareness of what it is, a film which need not be venturesome, progressive, or avant-garde. It is nice and unpretentious. It is dumb, but not nearly as dumb as the cottonheaded ninnymuggins who sets out to write a review of it.
Photo sourced from Alternate Movie Posters
Everybody in this movie is so incredibly attractive!
What a charming little slice of cinematic pomp. “Love, Actually” is done a great disservice by mere transcriptions of the several, tightly intertwined narratives strewn throughout the endearing screenplay. Richard Curtis penmanship is a triumph of rom-com writing, as only occasionally over the course of its two hour run time does the film ever feel bloated, due primarily to the measurably weaker Collin Farrel sequence. His heavyhearted author simply lacks the pure force-of-charisma Hugh Grant lends to his turn as the Prime Minister, and the rich earnestness of Liam Nessons recently widowed father. The latter provides the screenplay a genuine core of humility nicely counteracted by the more coarse affectations of an utterly show stealing Bill Nighy, delivering torrents of expletives betraying the way in which he truly feels about his fluff piece of a single with a lovable wink and sly dog smile; he’s just so very detestable and so very lovable. The disparate tones of these individual vignettes are handled deftly, as the cynicism of one, never impedes upon the purity of another, and the foundation is stylistically sturdy. Above perhaps all else, is a fantastic reminder of the good found within the seasons so often lost in the mad dash of it all. “Love, Actually” is as simple as it is indelibly sweet and content. Its conclusions rosy warmth brings together our principle cast for a moment of universal goodness, felt by all, in spite of who they may be on any other day, and in a manner of speaking, is that not the great appeal of the holiday seasons, its power to make Lucy Lous out of the Grinchiest among us.
Feature 13
December 2021
Holiday Activities in the Bismarck-Mandan Area
— Scout Hurley, Editor-in-Chief
W
ith the bitter cold rolling in it can be hard to find things to do during the holiday season. Everyone has their own special memories of the holiday season and everyone has their favorite parts. There are a few things to do around the BismarckMandan area that are pretty well known, this includes the Chmielewski home and Candy Cane Lane in Bismarck. The display that this family makes is a big favorite for people in the area, visiting the house and walking around, then driving up Candy Cane Lane is a classic holiday activity in town. “The lights are absolutely beautiful and it is so much fun to walk around and look at all the cool stuff.” Leah Emineth, Senior Courier staff member said. “It really gets you in the Christmas spirit being there.” Going to Huff Hills or just going sledding are also some fun options for people seeking excitement during the holiday season. There are a lot of great hills to sled on around town and it is something any sized group can do, which can be very convenient. “For the holidays, my cousin and I go out to Huff Hills and snowboard all day.” Nathan Stramer, Senior Courier staff member said. “We have never been the type to enjoy spending time with our families during Christmas, because we always just find something for us to do.” For people who prefer to stay in on the cold winter days, there is still a surplus of ways to stay entertained. Spending quality time with your family and friends is always a good option. “My favorite Christmas activity would definitely be making Christmas cookies with either my grandma, or my friends.” Junior Courier staff member Shaydin Ell says. “My friends and I make cookies, get matching Christmas pjs, buy hot cocoa from M&H, and then just bake.” No matter what you do for fun this winter, be sure to stay safe and stay warm. Happy holidays!
Opinion 14
Photo taken by Scout Hurley
This is a photo of Candy Cane Lane in Bismarck, which is a whole street on which the residents decorate their homes in spirit of the holiday season.
Fighting for Equality in an Unequal World December 2021
— Jasmine Patera, Reporter
With the evolution of the feminist activism, all they become aware of is are supposed to be “masculine” leads to movement, the “men’s rights their own echo chamber, and they don’t a harmful buildup in emotions that can movement” has also developed hear the other side. often lead to mental health struggles, or into something beyond its original This is harmful especially when even suicide. intentions. These movements were considering another stance of men’s While both feminists and men’s rights originally meant to change the harmful rights activists: mental health. Men die activists acknowledge this as an issue, traits of a patriarchal society; a lot of the discussion is tainted now, sects of both groups are with buzzwords. Men’s mental infatuated with proving that health is an important thing that they face the most oppression. should not suffer because of For instance, a key issue in infighting. the men’s rights movement is While most may not consider with child custody. According themselves men’s rights to the United States Census in activists or feminists, the 2013, around 80% of custodial important thing is to recognize parents were mothers, rather that equality (or equity) is the than fathers. overall goal. Fighting about However, what most people which group is “better” only don’t consider is that this stops that goal from being statistic is harming everyone. achieved. Women suffer under the belief that they are better child-takers and are saddled with a kid they may not be equipped to care for, and men are expected to Photo by Jasmine Patera be distant from their child. Oftentimes, trying to achieve equality ends up as a fight Obviously, these stereotypes between genders. are not things we should decide parenthood on. And yet, whether we are conscious of it or not, these stereotypes are so by suicide around three times more often ingrained in our society that each person than women, according to the American suffers under them. Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In today’s society, we put too much Part of this issue can be attributed to emphasis on dividing ourselves into society’s toxic standards for men: that groups. When people divide themselves men should not be emotional, and that into these groups, like men’s rights they can’t ask for help. These traits that
Opinion 15
December 2021
The American Mental Health Epidemic And The Stigma Which Enables It
One can easily identify the content of the article as a whole by the singular sentence which christenes it. Fix, “ TheNews Editor — McCartney suspect had a history of mental illness”. For many Americans, this is the only time in which they ever spare a thought for the fifth of the country afflicted with mental illness of some sort. A fifth, 51.5 million of your neighbors, your co-workers, your classmates and teachers, the people you interact with on a daily basis, and yet the context in which illness is most discussed is in that of unimaginable violence and horror. This in spite of the One can easily identify the content of the article as a whole by the fact that only around 18% of those who commit violent crimes had a history of mental illness directly culpable singular sentence which christens it. “ The suspect had a history of for their behavior. The issue at play here is not nearly that of societal stigmatization, but of mental health. mental illness”. Dissuaded from seeking professional help due to musinformed preconceptions of our nation. For many Americans, this is the only time in which they ever spare a thought for the fifth of the country afflicted with mental illness of It would be almost comical were it not so sad. A family man, a father of three, a friend of many, and a husband some sort. A fifth, 51.5 million of your neighbors, your co-workers, to the women he had loved since the moment their eyes locked on the floor of their school dance, reduced to your classmates and teachers, the people you interact with on a daily a state of abject mania on the floor of the bathroom in the home he was increasingly uncertain he would ever basis, and yet the context in which illness is most discussed is in that leave. She was thirty minutes from home, rubber burning in an attempt which felt increasingly futile in hopes of of unimaginable violence and horror. bashing down the door as she had many times over This in spite of the fact that only around 18% of those who commit violent crimes had a history of mental illness directly culpable for their behavior. The issue at play here is not merely that of societal stigmatization Graph by McCartney Fix making conversations difficult, but of the deep consequences of this The percentage of American teens who have discourse reverberating throughout the whole of the nation’s mental reported suffering from severe depression has been health. A recent study conducted by the World Health Organization on the gradual rise for a decade and a half. revealed that between 30 and 80 percent of individuals suffering from mental illness have been Dissuaded from seeking professional help due to misinformed preconceptions of our nation. There’s the inherent fear of being ostracized, regarded as “crazy’” of “short a few screws” by your peers. Another roadblock on the path of treatment is deep seated feelings of inadequacy anchored in societal stereotypes of those with depression as lazy or weak willed. These compounding factors result in an environment which isolates individuals from seeking the trouble they may desperately need, further insulating them, and worsening their symptoms, whilst wearing down their resolve. This slew of factors contribute to the desolation which many find themselves in the thralls of, feeling deeply unwell whilst being unable to muster an alternative. However, in ones identifying these issues permeating their lives, they’re taking a pivotal first step. In their search for a solution, they are displaying a great deal of strength. wwwPlease know you are loved, and no less a man or woman by looking for a light to guide you through the occasional darkness we are all privy to.
Resources for those struggling: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: 741741
Reach out to the above resources if you feel intrusive thoughts or worry for your physical or mental safety. You are so much more loved and less alone then you know. Opinion 16
January 2021
— Leah Emineth, Opinion Editor
Explained
On november 5 travis scott performed at his annual astrofest in Houston Texas. The concert quickly turned into a nightmare when fans from Sza’s set rushed over to Travis’s set at about 8pm. Travis scott performed at 9pm but many people came forward and posted videos explaining that people felt like they couldnt breathe or move. The concert was held outside of NRG stadium and “There is no occupancy permit [needed] for an outdoor event,” Houston Fire chief Samuel Peña said. There was at least 50,000 people attending the concert and as it got closer to 9pm the crowd started compressing more and more. There was as little as 1.85 square ft per person, according to an analysis done by researchers at carnegie melon university for the post. “At that density, people are amid a crowd that is at risk of dangerously collapsing in on itself,” two crowd science experts said. When Travis scott’s set finally began many people started passing out and getting taken out of the crowd within minutes. People reported having no control of their bodies as they swayed the way the crowd was going. Many refer to thisas a crowd surge where the crowd is so tightly packed that people begin to suffocate. The concert continued for 30 minutes as people were passing out left and right also resulting in 10 deaths and 200 additional people with injuries at least. Now the big question is who is at fault? Many people point fingers at travis scott who claimed to have not known how severe it was at the time. However many people were quick to point out that Svcott was at a birds eye view of the crowd the entire time making it impossible for him not to see the severity.
Many videos began surfacing over the next couple of days after the concert was over depicting people shouting for Scott to stop the show and other people climbing on the stage begging them to stop the show. However the show went on even as an ambulance was trying to make its way through the crowd. Travis scott did stop his show a couple times before it got shut down completely. One time was for a fan who had passed out near the front and the other time was when he noticed an ambulance but only briefly stopped then went on to urge the crowd to “rage and make the ground shake.” he also encouraged fans to put a middle finger in the sky after starting again after seeing the ambulance. Crowd safety experts are saying organizers, not concert goers are to blame for the surge. “People in the crowd were the victims, because yhey were put in a stituation beyond their control by the organizers and people who approved that event,” founder of Crowd Management strategies Paul Wertheimer said. Organizers allowed the front of the stage also known as “the danger zone” to become overcrowded. “The artist, if he notices something that is going on, he can certainly pause that performance, turn on the lightsand say, “hey we are not going to continue until this thing is resolved,” Fire chief Samuel Pena said. “Nobody wants anybody to die at a concert, but people create an enviroment in which people can die. and that includes the artists,” Wertheimer said. Travis scott issued a statement saying that he is “absolutely devastated” and committed to working together with houston to heal.” he hasalso offered to cover all funeral costs of each victim.
Opinion 17
December 2021
Forgiveth me Father: Organized Religions Trauma
Reckoning with — McCartney Fix, News Editor Photo by McCartney Fix
The impact of religion as an instrument of good is only matched by its ability to cause harm when wielded against someone. In a healthy environment free from the festering hatred that so frequently infiltrates the pulpit, religion has long been shown to correlate positively to mental health. However, when the scriptures are brandished against the congregation they are intended to guide, the psychological harm they can inflict is nearly unparalleled. Individuals found most susceptible to trauma as a result of religious experiences lead lives those within their own congregations viewed as impure and irreconcilable with Church doctrine. Environments such as this are conducive to oppugnant and deeply derisive atmosphere resulting in deeply affecting traumas This is in no small part to how we were socially conditioned to find sanctuary within the pews, making it all the more startling when we are not provided relief, and instead met actively with hostility. Over the course of my time researching for this article I’ve been greeted by particular disheartening anecdotes and advice column detailing the dehumanizing portrait of homosexuals a certain sort of extremely hateful religious folk may paint. One article in particular, from the orthodox ministry network “Focus on Family” advised a family to begin treating their gay son as a stranger in the home who could remain within their home in a merely transactional manner, with him now relegated to a mere renter in his home.
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This without even mentioning to innumerable accounts of young individuals who confided in their pastors their supposedly immoral sexual orientations, hoping for a guiding hand, who were instead met with condemnatory postulation on their own burning in hell. As revealed most notably in recent years by the Boston-Globe, young altar boys and church goers were subjected to sinister, deeply predatory relationships with Priests throughout Catholic Diocese nationwide. The trauma imparted upon a number of young, catholic church goers, which was revealed in a bombshell Boston-Globe report has left many in the religious community reeling, and the church itself unsure of how to reckon with the pain it has caused. In recent years in the wake of the scandal, more and more clergymen have taken a proactive approach to combating this sort of religious trauma by ensuring proper education on boundaries is core to the seminary curriculum. However, for many who have had their lives permanently altered by the traumatic experiences they were exposed to, entering back into religious life can be incredibly difficult. In fact, many families are participating in an exodus of the catholic church following the revelations of the reports. This crisis has furthermore spread internationally, with parishioners all around the world resigned to a state of misery and confusion as they remain uncertain of whether or not they will continue along their journeys of faith at catholic churches for fear of their children being victimized in a similar manner.
— Scout Hurley, Editor-in-Chief
Mandan Kachinas Take the Spotlight December 2021
— Jasmine Patera, Reporter
Photo by Scout Hurley
The senior Kachinas do their starting pose for their trio.
Photo by Scout Hurley
The Mandan Kachinas end their kick routine in the Mandan gymnasium.
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The Mandan Kachinas are starting off strong this season after their Mandan invitational competition December 4th. “Our invitational went really well,” said senior co-captain Marnie Barrios. “Teams from all over the state came to compete and it was a great way to kick off the season.” While the team has been doing well, they have not been without struggle. A lot of the previous team members have graduated, meaning there are a lot of new people. “We got used to dancing with the team we had danced with since freshman year, so now it’s a whole new thing,” said senior co-captain Leah Emineth. Even though there isn’t a lot of experience on the team, there are a lot of competitions ahead to perfect their skills. “I think it will take a while for the team to get used to [dancing], but I think we will continue to improve every time,” Barrios said. Both the JV and varsity team will improve through the course of the year, thanks to the dedication of the coaches and captains of the team. “We were able to add a JV team, and that has been the best thing ever to help our team grow,” coach KeAnna Kosteleckey said. “Both teams have been competing in all 4 categories, and continue to improve and work hard each week!”
October 2021 December 2021
SPORTS
— Ariana González, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
BOYS’ BASKETBALL “I think we are playing really good defense this year, and everybody is working together and playing as a team.” - Senior Luke Darras
Gymnastics “I expect this year to be full of “firsts.” With our team closer than ever, the level of difficulty and competitiveness in our skills is rising, making us a team to watch this season.” - Senior Kendal Blair
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL “Our goal this year is to take it one game at a time, while having a ‘short term’ memory on mistakes we still need to continue to improve and learn from past games.” - Senior Morgan Sheldon
BOYS’ SWIM & DIVE “Our toughest competition will be ourselves. While this is a team sport, it is also very individual. We are always driving towards that fastest swim and highest scoring dive. To succeed, we will have to push ourselves.” - Senior Riley Poppe
Photo taken by Shaydin Ell
Senior Piper Harris dribbles the ball as she moves up the court.
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October 2021 December 2021
ROUNDUP BOYS’ Hockey
GIRLS’ HOCKEY
“A lot of the new kids have played with each other, so they’re used to each other, they play really well together. We have a lot of kids, so we got a lot of legs.” - Senior Parker Anderson
“The team dynamic is going well. We are passing the puck a lot, and it’s not a one-man show. Everyone has been doing their role on the team, and it’s creating great offense and defense.” - Senior Jayli Wandler
Wrestling
dance
“You can expect a heck of a season and hopefully some wins at some of the wrestling duals.” - Senior Zachary Swenson
“The team has been performing well considering the majority of our team is freshmen, and most of them have only been dancing for a couple years.” - Senior Marnie Barrios
Photo taken by Scout Hurley
The co-captains of the Kachinas hug after performing their trio at the Mandan invitational competition.
Sports 23 Sports 21
December 2021
Athlete of the Month — Ariana González, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Senior
Aaron Grubb
What has been your favorite memory of the season? “Our jet black mustaches for State.” Who are you closest with on the team? “We are all big one family, love them all.” Why did you choose to play your sport? “I love how it makes you work as a team, and draws you close to good people.”
Photo taken by Shaydin Ell
Senior
Emily Toman
What has been your favorite memory of the season? “When we beat Legacy in 5 sets.” Who are you closest with on the team? “I am closest with Jordan, Piper, and Morgan.” Why did you choose to play your sport? “I chose to play volleyball just because all my friends played and they convinced me to join..” Photo taken by Shaydin Ell
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