C
Courier
905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND Volume 30, Issue 4- February 2022
Learn about Missing Murdered Indigenous Women on page 6.
February 2022
From The Editor...
H
ello again Mandan High School students and staff! This issue is a pretty special one; with the new semester we have gained several new staff members. Gabriela Martin, Emmanuel Dolo, Michael Pfliger, Emma Helbling, and Cambry Fyllesvold are all talented writers that we are thrilled to have on staff. I can’t wait to see what they bring to the future of the Courier. In this issue we have a lot of very special articles, one that sticks out to me personally is page 6. Lily Giggee Reports about the Murdered Missing Indigenous, we used the cover to emphasize the significance of those cases. In addition to this, page 12 along with pages 14-15 have incredible designs, which Leah Emineth and Nathan Stramer worked their butts off for. We hope you all love this issue as much as we do, and if you have any strong opinions about anything we wrote feel free to email us. We will publish your words if you wish to be heard by the school. Everyone deserves a voice.
Scout Hurley, Editor-In-Chief
Staff
Scout Hurley...............................Editor-In-Chief Ariana González .......Assistant Editor-In-Chief
Feature Editor Leah Emineth.............................Opinion Editor
McCartney Fix................................News Editor Jasmine Patera.......................................Reporter Nathan Stramer......................................Reporter Gabriela Martin....................................Reporter Emmanuel Dolo....................................Reporter Michael Pfliger.....................................Reporter Emma Helbling.....................................Reporter Cambry Fyllesvold...............................Reporter Lily Giggee...........................................Reporter
Opinion 02
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.
February 2022
Students Share Experiences With Racism Within The School Mandan’s population has greatly increased. Along with this boost in population, the cultural diversity has continued to grow with more than 1,150+ students making up the school population. Racism is a societal issue that affects people of different backgrounds. It is a common issue that continues to be relevant in today’s society, and school is unfortunately not an exception. In a survey sent out to the student body, 70.1% of the surveyors said they had experienced or seen racism within Mandan High School. Junior MaeLynn Kamp experienced racist comments after the mask mandate due to her wearing a mask with the Mexican flag on it. “I would wear my mask with the flag of Mexico, and get made fun of for wearing a flag that wasn’t America’s,” Kamp said. “And of course, the casual ‘Go back to your country’ or ‘This is our country, not yours’ stuff like that.” As well as these comments, Kamp was also referred to with racially motivated nicknames.
— Ariana González, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
“We had Native American Studies class together. He turned around and asked me if I was gonna get up and dance, like at a Powwow,” Burr said. This instance was Burr’s first experience with racism as a Native American woman. “I had never experienced anything like that before,” Burr said. “I don’t look Native American since I have a lighter skin tone and lighter hair, so people don’t usually know I’m Native American until I tell them.” 29.9% Junior Mia Lira is also one of the students who have witnessed racism within the school towards a classmate.
70.1%
“I’ve once seen a classmate openly making jokes like ‘I’m taking your land’ while they are not indigenous,” Lira said. “They felt the permission of Graph by Lily Giggee saying things like that because surveyors reported their partner was indigenous.”
70.1% of the having seen/experienced racism within the school, 29.9% reported the opposite.
“It was really random, I just came into the classroom and they go ‘Look it’s taco girl,’ Kamp said. Like many students, these comments affected the way Kamp felt about her school environment. “I just felt really uncomfortable coming to school and going to classes because I was afraid it was going to happen again,” Kamp said. Freshman Leah Burr, has witnessed people using offensive terms. “I see a lot of white people saying the N-word,” Burr said. Burr, who is a Native American woman, experienced racism towards her in a class.
Many of the surveyors shared stories of occurrences such as insults towards people’s hair types, comments pertaining to harmful stereotypes, the usage of slurs and microaggressions which are usually passed off as jokes. Lira mentions the idea many students seem to have and use to excuse their discriminatory comments and actions; dark humor. “I really wish people wouldn’t make insensitive jokes like that towards anyone,” Lira said. “It’s not a joke anymore once it pertains to someone else’s ethnic identity or race.” Students who’ve had these experiences agree that this issue comes from a deep rooted sense of ignorance, closed mindedness and lack of harsher consequences. “Too many racial issues are ignored and all it does is make many students feel like there’s no point in saying anything and stay quiet to just get through the halls and many classes,” an anonymous student said. “This is a major issue that requires a serious attitude and system check.”
News 03
Calendar February 2022
— Nathan Stramer, Reporter
Boys’w Basketball 02-18-22 Century @ 7:30pm 03-03 to 03-05-22 West Region @ Bismarck 03-10 to 03-12-22 State @ Bismarck
Girls’ Basketball 02-17-22 Century @ 7:30pm 03-03 to 03-05-22 West Region @ Bismarck 03-10 to 03-12-22 State @ Bismarck
Boys’ Hockey 02-17 to 02-19-22 West State @ Bismarck 02-24 to 02-26-22 State @ Fargo
Girls’ Hockey Photo by Gabriela Martin
Senior Piper Harris dribbling the ball up for two poins.
02-18-22 Williston @ 7:00pm 02-24 to 02-26-22 State @ Fargo
Boys’ Swim and Dive 01-18-22 WDA @ Mandan @ 10:00am
Wrestling 02-17 to 02-19-22 State @ Fargo
Gymnastics 02-18-22 West Region @ Jamestown @ 5:00pm 02-25-22 State @ Dickinson @ 4:00pm 02-26-22 State @ Dickinson @ 1:00pm
Others TSA State Conference: March 21 - 22 Latin Club Toga Bowling 02-24-22 @ 6pm Langauge Club Mardi Gras 02-28-22 @ 6pm
News 04
Jazz I and MMS 02-22-22 @ 6 pm Jazz II and III 02-24-22 @ 6:30 & 7:30pm CB III 02-28-22 @ 6:00pm CB II 02-28-22 @ 7:30pm CB I 03-01-22 @ 7:30pm
COVID VARIANT GROWS STRONGER BY THE WEEK Febuary 2022
— Emmanuel Dolo, Reporter
Photo taken by Scout Hurley,
Picture depicting the five main variants that have had a huge toll on students and their families. — Emmanuel Dolo, Reporter
As the Omicron Variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly across the world, President Biden is taking measures to control it.
According to the Bismarck Tribune, there have been 232,000 hospitalizations and 2,186 deaths due to variants in North Dakota.
According to CNBC, There have been over 76.8 million total cases reported in the U.S., the number continues to increase by 425% each week.
Covid-19 is a tough opponent due to different variants that infected millions after the original COVID-19.
Health Officials warn that this is no time for rest, Covid is still right in front of us, still a giant hill that the world has yet to overcome. Omicron is now the prominent variant in North Dakota, accounting for more than 91% of samples in the latest testings, Omicron is rising by 10% each week. with roughly 15,000 active cases reported. Vaccinations or boosters are the most effective way to prevent severe infection, hospitalizations and death via Omicron. “Individuals should not put off vaccination and count on monoclonal antibody or antiviral treatment when they become sick” Health Official Heather Wiedrich states. North Dakota has one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccine rates in the country according to the CDC, with 65.2% adults being fully vaccinated.
Out of the 5 variants, Delta and Omicron have proven to be the most infectious, making headlines and newspapers all over the world. There have been multiple vaccines and boosters to help combat these variants. According to state data, 45.7% of adults in North Dakota have taken all three doses of the vaccine, while that percentage is significantly lower in children 12-17, sitting at 17.8% According to the CDC; It is heavily advised that kids from 12-17 take boosters as well as vaccines. As Omicron spreads, it continues to effect our school and community as a whole. Many people are doing what they can to protect themselves, while the variants continues to devaste the health of many loved ones. *NOTE: All statistics were updated as of Febuary ninth*
News 05
February 2022
MMIW: The Scary Truth — Lily Giggee, Reporter Murder is the third leading cause of death amongst Indigenous Women according to the Center for Disease Control. 55.5% on Indigenous Women experince sexual violence. Indigenous women going missing and being murdered is a nation wide issue. The topic is very sensitive to some and not really known about by others. “I feel that it needs more attention and awareness,” said Junior Kylah Burr. The issue has not affected those in the Mandan-Bismarck area, but has come to North Dakota. Fargo has experienced some cases, one case from 2017 was that of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind. She was found in the Red River by a group of kayakers. She was 22 years old and 8 months pregnant. According to the Department of Justice Native Americans are ten times more likely to get murdered than any other race. “I just think there is a disparity that needs to be addressed,” Birdhorse said. The issue strikes a chord with students who attend this school and it may affect others. While others may not have a clue about it. “I have lost my aunt and she was a MMIW,” Burr said. Some Native American students feel unsafe when going about their day to day business around the Bismarck Mandan area.
News 06
Photo by Ariana González
“I feel threatened when I’m walking to my car when it’s dark after work or after I get done shopping at Walmart,” Burr said. The issue has been going on for years in the United States. There have been countless Native American women going missing and never really being searched for. Doctors on the reservations have seen many cases of sexual assualt and have made note of it. Rape kits are not performed every time someone comes in with signs of sexaul assualt. “I know that it is quite prevalent and definitely gets underreported if reported at all.”said Henry Lau. The state government does not have jurisdiction on tribal land for Native and non-native crime. The federal government and the tribal government have jurisdiction to arrest people, but it depends on the evidence presented and the funding. “Back at home if you don’t have oil money you don’t really have much and it is really dirty unless people clean it up and it’s also spaced out but we all are a really loving community.” Burr said. There are around 56,000 Native Americans living in North Dakota as of the 2020 census. Which Governor Burgum signed in May 5th as Missing Murdered Indgenous people day. “Too many government officials of any status don’t show they care and won’t do anything to change it,” Burr said.
February 2022
SB 2304: Bringing Light To Native American History
— Lily Giggee, Reporter
The North Dakota Senate passed a bill in 2021 that stated that all nonpublic and public elementary and secondary schools, had to teach about Native American history. The bill was SB 2304, which requires schools all around the state to implement some kind of Native American history in either North Dakota Studies or one unit in U.S history. The website Teachingsofourelders.org gives courses and information for teachers new to teaching the course. Social Studies teacher, Robert Birdhorse has been trying to implement something like this for years. Now that it has become a statewide mandate, it is giving representation to the Native American community.
don’t want to be the first ones to speak up.” Birdhorse said. Birdhorse has been pushing for this kind of change for years before this bill was even passed. He brought up this type of change when the curriculum was going through reform. Birdhorse’s curriculum is based on what his students want to learn. The questions the students ask will further help him when developing what he does with them on a daily basis. “I haven’t got to the point that it takes weeks, it just short quick stuff,” Birdhorse said.
“He deserves all the credit.” said Perry Just, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
The class varies from most history classes since it focuses on the Native American’s point of view rather than the normal history books. Birdhorse talks to other Nartive Americans in the areas to come up with local history around here.
Birdhorse’s curriculum is being uploaded onto the website for help to those teachers. There will also be training for teachers.
“He spends a lot of time during PLC looking for new topics,” said Social Studies teacher Henry Lau.
“It just gives a little different narrative than the old U.S history curriculum,” Just said.
Other history classes are having to adjust to this. The topic is sensitive to students, but can also make others feel better that other people can know their ancestor stories. Birdhorse’s curriculum is being used in a way to help inform other teachers. His class and his curriculum just dives deeper into the history and the “other side’ of things.
The different perspectives that can be taught with educating students and teachers on topics like this may help create diversity in ideas. Some do not understand or know about Native American history and make assumptions. “It’s hard getting kids to give me feedback on stuff. They
“The more you learn about things the better,” Lau said.
Photo by Ariana González
A look into Native American history in literature.
News 07
February 2022
Club Spotlight: Language Clubs Celebrate Together — Emma Helbling, Reporter
March is a month that is packed full of celebrations of all different kinds. From the March Madness Games to St. Patrick’s Day, the month overflowing with various fun and interesting activities. But there’s one day that doesn’t get much attention: Mardi Gras. Thankfully, the French Club is determined to change that. The French Club is home to all things related to France; from having meetings about the culture to learning about charcuterie boards. “The French Club uses Mardi Gras as a way to open up to new people.’’ Ms. Charlebois, the MHS French teacher and French Club advisor said.
“The mask competition is really cool.’’ Foley said. “It’s super fun competing with your friends.’’ But all in all, the Mardi Gras celebration isn’t about competition, it’s about letting loose and having fun and experiencing something new.
Mardi Gras Party March 1, 2022 6:30pm
The French Club uses Mardi Gras as a way to connect with the other language clubs like Latin and Spanish Club. The party also encourages the meeting of new people and letting your problems go, just like the original celebrations did.
“The party is really fun because I get to hangout with my friends, eat food, and play games.’’ Omar Foley, a tenth grade student and active French Club member said.
08 Feature
Mardi Gras is celebrated on March first this year. The celebration is always on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, so the exact date of Mardi Gras changes every year. And this year students don’t have to wait, because the French Club’s Mardi Gras Celebration is on the same day at 6:30.
“I want people to know that you don’t have to be in French to be in the French Club.’’ Charlebois said. “The celebration opens up to you about French Culture.’’
February 2022
CORPORATE ACTIVISM: Companies Take Part in Issues — Jasmine Patera, Reporter
Corporate activism has become more prominent as social issues gain increased attention throughout social media and the news. For instance, around 55.7% of surveyed students at MHS have corporate activism. “Social justice has become more mainstream, and [people] are pushing a lot harder for these companies to participate,” said President of Securian Financial Advisors of ND David Wald. According to the Harvard Business Review, corporate activism (or corporate social justice) differs from corporate social responsibility– the belief that corporations should act in an ethical manner in business practices. Rather, corporate activism is a phenomena where companies participate in social movements for various reasons. Corporate activism can take various forms, such as issuing statements and donations. However, some of that activism comes off as “performative” to consumers. “Corporations probably do [activism] because they want to encourage people to buy their product,” freshman Alyssa David said. “It’s more about money than the business itself.”
Photo by Jasmine Patera
Some companies exhibit physical shows of activism, such as this display at Target.
A number of companies have faced repercussions as a result of their activism, such as a loss of consumers. People who feel alienated by corporate activism may boycott companies, among other things. “I’m not allowed to buy Nike things, so I don’t buy Nike stuff,” sophomore Omar Foley said. “I’m not allowed to watch the Super Bowl either.” However, corporate activism can also help the company doing it. A study from the University of Oregon found that if a company took a stance on a particular issue, stock prices and quarterly sales rose or declined depending on the opinion of stakeholders.
44.3%
55.7%
Regardless of its effect, corporate activism seems to be a new feature of the present. “We have clients that are completely different, and people have different viewpoints,” Wald said. “And at the end of the day I want to make sure that we take care of people.”
Graph by Jasmine Patera
55.7% of survey participants believe corporations have a right to particiate in activism.
News 09
February 2022
Mandan Construction Class Works to Finish Garage — Cambry Fyllesvold, Reporter Just up the hill, Mandan’s Construction class is towards the end of building a garage from the ground up. It is located on a lot currently under Kilen Enterprise, but is being fully worked on by Mr. Kroh’s construction class. “Kilen is being so patient,” Mr. Kroh said, “He is really giving the boys an opportunity to learn.” Kroh’s Construction class started working on the garage in September and has been making good time. The build should be finished by the beginning of March. “Within the first month we started framing,” Mr. Kroh said, “all the framing was done right before we left for Christmas break.” The windows and door have been recently installed and the siding is going on soon. The students have been working together to accomplish all tasks that need to be completed. “I look forward to going up there everyday,” Sophomore Rudy Kroh said, “the atmosphere is great and the work is good.” In only his second year of teaching, Mr. Kroh believes this project is the best they have done. He intends to expand this project next year and work on the house that is on the lot the garage is located.
Photo by Cambr Cambry Fyllesvold
Mr. Kroh’s sixth period Construction Class working on the garage.. This kind of work will stick with the kids for their entire lives.
“The house is not in good shape,” Mr. Kroh said, “The plan is to have the kids work on the inside of that next year.”
“This is such a beautiful opportunity for our school,” Mr. Kroh said.
The group is appreciative of Kilen Enterprise for letting them use the site as a way to let the students learn how to build.
Last year, the Construction class built three sheds and finished a storage container. The students have also had other small projects.
“We are supported fully by Kilen Enterprise,” Mr. Kroh said, “the build doesn’t cost us anything but the time, they have paid for all the supplies.”
“The sheds have been paid for by their owners,” Mr. Kroh said, “They are still waiting to be picked up.”
There are two Construction classes that work on the garage. They share the work picking up where the other group left off everyday
Mr. Kroh’s new curriculum is creating a new light for Mandan construction. Students have expressed their appreciation for Mr. Kroh, they feel he gives great instruction.
“Our schedule really balances the work nicely,” Sophomore Luke Eberle said, “the groups work well to get it all done.”
“Mr. Kroh is a great leader and drives the students very well,” Rudy Kroh said.
The garage is a big project that is growing the student’s abilities.
Overall, the garage build is a good opportunity for students to
News 10
Political Civility In A Tense Political Climate February 2022
politics is trying to listen to the other persons’ point of view.
— Emma Helbling, Reporter What is a way to politely talk about politics with someone, even if you know that they oppose your political opinions? It can be hard to talk to someone on subjects such as politics, without forcing your own emotions and beliefs into the conversation. So how can you achieve a polite discussion about these subjects such as politics? This is where the wonderful world of political civility comes in. Basic civility is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as formal politeness and courtesy in speech and behavior. And political civility is described in basically the same way.
“You want to treat talking about politics like a friendly debate.” Desilets said. “You should keep your calm.” Keeping calm is a positive way to have people listen to your message. Harvard Business says that your body treats having a difficult conversation like you’re under attack. And having flight or fight symptoms take over in a heavy conversation is not going to do you any good.
Shaking hands is a great way to politely end
“Voicing your opinions without causing disrespect.” Sophia Warner, a tenth grade student, said about her personal definition of political civility. Voicing your opinions without causing disrespect can be hard, especially when you don’t do any research into them. It also can be hard discussing different opinions on politics with your friends and peers, when you have different views.
“You want to keep calm, you’re not Photo by Emma Helbling going to do yourself an argument. any favors by getting emotional.” Desilets said.
“You want to treat politics like a friendly debate. You should keep your calm.’’
A method to keep politics civil is respecting the other’s opinion. Your discussion is going to be much more successful if you’re being a polite and respectful listener instead of shoving your opinion down someone’s throat. “If you do end up in a situation, I wouldn’t say things unless you are 100% sure about the facts.” Warner said. “If you just say something that you heard or saw on TikTok you don’t know if that’s 100% true.”
“I think a lot of it is if you’re not conservative, you’re automatically wrong.” Leelyn Desilets, a tenth grade student, said. “I also think that the extremes of both sides take it too far.”
Research seems to be the key to having a civilized conversation about politics. After all, research does help you learn more about things you possibly didn’t fully understand.
It’s often a problem, taking your opinions too far when discussing politics. A way to avoid going to extremes when talking about
“If you don’t fully know the facts about what you’re saying,” Warner said. “you could just cause more controversy.”
Feature 11
February 2022
WELL, THAT WAS EMBARRASSING
— Leah Emineth, Opinion Editor
In a survey sent to the MHS student body, participants shared embarrassing stories from throughout their high school experience. Let’s admit it, we’ve all been there. My freshman year, I thought it was a good idea to have 3 bowls of cereal for breakfast. I got into the lunch line, and my stomach wasn’t agreeing with me. So I projectile vomited on the shoes of someone standing in front of me. I was so shocked I asked them if they wanted me to take them home and wash the shoes for them. Awful.
I was talking to a girl about how pretty this other girl was on the varsity volleyball team and I didn’t notice it but the girl that I was talking about was right next to me listening to me and I was so embarrassed I acted like I was on the phone with my dad. By the way she’s a senior.
My most embarrassing story in my high school experience is answering a math teachers question like 12 divided by 25 and getting it wrong by a long shot, like 5135. It wasn’t even close! The whole class laughed.
Feature 12
Last Friday it was pretty slippery out. I was walking to my first period and I slipped and fell right by the Braves Center in front of people. Then I was walking to third period the same day from the Braves Center and in between the ASA and high school there was a plate of metal and I tripped on it and face planted again in front of a bunch of people. Monday came around and they had put a cone on it.
Junior year, I was on crutches and I was walking from the Braves center to the high school. Going down the stairs, I slipped since it was December. I fell all the way down the stairs and ripped open my stitches. I didn’t realize I ripped them open so I stayed at school all day in pain. I went home and told my mom what happened and she brought me in only to find out my cut got mildly infected and I broke out into a mass of hives.
Last year, I donated blood at the blood drive, and I didn’t eat enough to boost my blood sugar after, so I passed out and threw up twice in front of a bunch of freshmen. Then, Mrs. Bouche had to push me out of the school in a wheelchair so my mom could pick me up. I saved 3 lives though, haha.
During my freshman year, I would always bring coffee. One day as I was walking to my second period, I was walking down the hall by Mr. Johs class. I zoned out and my coffee cup slipped right out of my hands and the bottom broke. It was honestly so embarrassing because as I was trying to go to the bathroom it left a long trail of coffee.
When I was a freshman, I opened the bathroom door too fast and hit a senior in the face. A few days later I ended up seeing her again in the hallway and she had a broken nose.
The Flipside February 2022
— Emma Helbling, Reporter
Who complains Who’s the five and who’s Who has the worst more? the ten? taste in music?
Freshman Rylen Kautzman Jodi Hatzenbuhler
“Me”
“Jodie’s the ten.’’
“Me.’’
“Rylen”
“Rylen’s the five.’’
“Rylen’’
Photo by Emma Helbling
Sophomore
Issac Peterchuck Hannah Carrier
“It’s about equal.’’
“I’m the five and she’s the ten.’’
“I like mine better.’’
“I’m the five.’’
“Mine’s better.’’
“Him’’
Photo submitted by Hannah Carrier
Junior Jenna Stein
“Carson”
Carson Weyrauch
“Jenna”
*giggles*
“Me’’
“Jenna”
“Jenna”
“Jaxon”
“He can be the ten.’’
“Definitely Jaxon.”
‘Kennedi”
‘We’re both 8s.’’
“She listens to the same 9 songs.’’
Photo submitted by Jenna Stein
Senior Kennedi Ritz
Jackson Scott
Photo submitted by Kennedi Ritz
Teachers Who Complains more? ‘She does’’
“I do”
Who’s the five and who’s the ten? ‘‘She is’’
Photo by Emma Helbling
Mr. Gustafson
“He is”
Who has the worst taste in music? “I do”
“He does”
Photo by Emma Helbling
Mrs. Gustafson Feature 13
The Song Spot February 2022
Shining the spotlight on the great musicians of color — Nathan Stramer, Stramer, Reporter
This Is America - Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” outlines several of the struggles that people of color have faced in American society. It brings out good points as well as Gambino’s funky style of music. Starting off with an upbeat, church-like chant that screams pride, “This is America” quickly transitions to a harder beat, while Gambino smoothly introduces his impressively elaborate lyricism. Trying not to feel uplifted, motivated, and like you own the world is one of the hardest things to do while listening to the dumbfounding instruments and vocals that come together to create this masterpiece. I listen to this song when I get a little bit in the dumps, it makes me feel like Gambino and his assorted vocalists are picking me out the dumps, patting me off, putting a Benjamin in my pocket, some porsche keys in my hand, and sending me on the way. Haupe - Duke Ellington and
Orchestra
Photo Sourced by Youtube music
His
Duke Ellington, an influential jazz musician of the roaring 20s, released this sweet saxophone melody, along with his album “Live At The Blue Note” in the peak of the Jazz Age. It had been circulated and played throughout clubs in the city that he lived in, New York. Haupe begins with a clear, sweet, melodic piano with other percussive jazz instruments like the soft cello bassline kept throughout the whole song. It soon enough adds in a sharp yet soft saxophone to do the melody, which might be the most complex portion of the song. It changes massively and no same rhythm or melody is repeated for more than 8 beats. I found this song out of my favorite episode of “Big Mouth” called “Duke.” I felt calm, and content with the episode after watching, which is uncommon from that show, so I knew that I should probably look it up. I listen to this song when I am going to bed or when I have the chance to simply relax. It will lighten the load on your shoulders, and accentuates the calm and relaxed feeling.
Photos Sourced by Pintrest
Feature 14
Photo Sourced by Youtube music
Photo Sourced by Pixels
Walking my Baby Back Home -Nat King cole
February 2022
Need an absolute banger no matter when, who, what or where? Nat King Cole presents us with some of the most iconic jazz to reach us in this day and age. The musician behind another famous love song, “L-O-V-E” (Spotify code for L-O-V-E in pink), released Walkin’ My Baby Back Home in 1952 after wartime. Civil discourse between races was prominent and one thing that was low in communities was morale. If I had been born during this era, I think this song would give me the hope I needed to boost morale. Heavy brass dominates the intro but soon mellows to a nice, bumpy, jazz melody with interjecting trumpet all over the place. Cole’s smooth, low voice takes over with a mid octave accordant that could just melt butter. This is one I like to listen to while driving around in the snow, or playing a relaxed videogame while the sky is dark at 4:30 pm, and the wind whistles in the background. Throw some nice food and drinks in there and you’ll be feeling warm all weekend. Then, when it is about that time, you’ll have this stuck in your head so hard you’ll be walkin’ yourself right to bed.
Photo Sourced by Spotify
Just The Two of Us (Feat. Bill Withers) - Grover Washington Jr.
Photo Sourced by Youtube music
80s masterpiece and opening song of Grover Washington Jr. ‘s “Winelight” album, “Just The Two Of Us,” starts your listening experience with a quick, snap-like, kick drum and a high octave, complex vibraphone melody, and adds in a quirky yet noticeable bass guitar riff. Before you’d even notice it, in comes the steel drums to help out that vibraphone and in tails along with them is Grover, building bridges with those drums that rivals that of the Golden Gate. The song lets Grover go on for a while, until Bill Withers wants a turn. Bill hops up on his saxophone and rips it like there is nothing else in the world that could top such an extravagant solo. I listen to this song during any activities, it is good to play in any situation to make you simply feel good. I have driven around in the rain and jammed it in the snow, in good weather, by myself and with my friends. I promise you no matter where you play this song, it will either be funny, groovy, or just a straight up bop.
Killing Me Softly With His Song - The Fugees
Starting with a barely noticeable organ and a vocal solo from Lauryn Hill, this sweet, funky song gets you in your own mood that makes you feel like you could do anything. It quickly changes to a groovy beat with a spunky acoustic riff, and the rambling voices of Wyclef Jean, and Pras, the other members of The Fugees. Lauryn takes the first verse and handles it like no other with a simple bass drum and a flowing, fast, trap set beat. This song mainly features her and her beautiful voice as she takes your thoughts and bad feelings and just throws them into non-existence with her wide array of vocals. I listen to this song whenever I need to feel a little funky. The first part throws me off a bit, but it’s always easy to settle in and get groovy with. At a low volume, it is great for sleeping as well, but be careful when the bass comes in while Hill sings the chorus. These couple of measures including the bridge of the song have and will continue to stir me awake to jam out a little bit. It is a mystery how she does it, but she does. Everyone who listens is sure to feel good and lightened after listening.
Photo Sourced by Youtube music
Photo Sourced by Amazon Photos Sourced by Wikipedia
Feature 15
Inclusion Changed in Special Education February 2022
— Gabriela Martin, Reporter
For kids who attend public school, there is an expectation that all students will have access to equal education. Special education is in our district to keep this expectation. Special education involves a community of people in our school and outside of it. The community and our district are becoming more aware of what special education is like in our schools.
“There are so many unique learning styles and unique needs”
Special education is used in our school to help students who learn differently. Some of the district’s educators, including Tracy Klein and Amber Allers, said that the lack of awareness or education to general education students is contributing to why employment in this field is overly available.
Special education teachers including Alexis Rasset and Allers said that inclusion could be improved and the students should be taught about special education more. Also, there are plans in the works for providing a safe and improved special education program in the future. “Our students aren’t any different than any other students, they should have the same opportunities that other individuals have,” Intellectual Disability teacher Amber Allers said. Many special education teachers said that it is very important to have special education offered in schools, because of how kids learn differently. “There are so many unique learning styles and unique needs,” Special Education Director Tracy Klein said. Having general education students be more involved and educated on this topic can lower some false assumptions about students with disabilities. “I think if your school culture embraces the differences, the more inclusion you have, the more acceptance you have” Special Education Strategist Maggie Williams said. Klein said that the way the media and the community portrays special education is getting more generally positive. “I see it as becoming increasingly more positive, and a broader acceptance for those unique differences,” Klein said.
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Inclusion is also getting better, however, teachers including Allers and Willams said that they still think inclusion can be pushed further. “We need to start pushing out to general ed classrooms,” Willams said. “A student if they are able too should be in a science class with their peers.” This also brings up the topic of how these things are going to come into effect. Allers shares some high school programs that are in the works. “We have inclusive bowling, we have a coffee shop, and we are going to start peer-to-peer soon,” Allers said.
These programs help students communicate and learn from each other. The peer-to-peer club started towards the middle of February and will help bring awareness to our district. “If we can create that awareness through these initiatives, that interest will create a future staffing pool,” Klein said. Starting programs like peer-to-peer not only helps all the students, but can also help due to the excessive job opportunities. “There is excessive opportunity, there are jobs available,’’ Klein said. “However, there is a lack of candidates.” For our district, paraprofessionals are needed. “We could use more paras,” Rasset said. “I think it just comes down to pay.” Paras are not required to have the same licenses or schooling as other educators in this field. This is why they do not get paid as much.
Paraprofessional: The title given to someone who helps a professional but is not fully licensed
“There are a whole lot of things that go into it,” Rasset said. “You have the school’s general budget, and just making sure there are good and qualified people.” Overall, Special Education is an important part of our curriculum and helps a lot of kids who otherwise might not be able to gain that help, and could be talked about more.
February 2022
Instagram Accounts Bring Laughs Around Mandan High School — Cambry Fyllesvold, Reporter
Over the past few months, there has been a rise in Instagram accounts around the Bismarck-Mandan area created by students. But these accounts are not the stereotypical Instagram page. Around Mandan accounts like Mandan High Parking, Mandan Slumped, and Bathroom Shoes of Mandan have grown in popularity. Bismarck-Mandan also has a joint slumped account called Bismarck-Mandan Slumps. “I think everyone enjoys the parking page because it is funny,” Sophomore Alex Arnegard said. The owners of the accounts have chosen to stay anonymous, leaving MHS wondering, who is behind these accounts? Students have made their guesses, but none of the students have verified
they own the accounts. “I think the anonymous person for the parking account is a sophomore,” Arnegard said, “The sophomore class gets featured a lot so maybe they are friends with the owner.” Some people think Mandan High Parking has improved the parking around the building. Others think it has gotten worse. Controversy will continue to grow either way making Mandan High Parking more and more popular everyday. “I think it is an honor to be featured on MHS Parking,” Sophomore Luke Eberle said, “lots of people see the posts because of how popular it is at Mandan High.” Mandan High Parking has over 550 followers and is growing in followers everyday. The instagram account posts a few times a week, but is not constant with its posts. “I think they post enough,” Sophomore Nick Allan said, “There is only so much bad parking around the school.” Mandan’s Parking page covers license plates when they post, but this does not stop students from identifying the bad parker right away. “We just know each other’s vehicles when they post,” Allan said. These accounts are not secluded to Mandan, Legacy High School also has a bad parking Instagram account. Students claim Legacy’s bad parking posts are not as extreme as Mandan’s bad parking. “Mandan’s parking is more intense,” Allan said, “It is more than just being over the lines at our school.” Students have stayed respectful and responsible while viewing all Instagram posts. The accounts have stayed clean and do not harm the school. “My favorite part of some posts is the comments,” Arnegard said, “They make the account funnier.” With all the accounts growing in popularity, students continue to view the posts and question who are the anonymous people behind the accounts. Photo by Cambry Fyllesvold
Mandan student being exposed on @mandan_high_parking
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February 2022
Mandan High’s Miracle Twins Continue to Thrive
— Cambry Fyllesvold, Reporter
Conjoined twins are incredibly rare. One in every 200,000 twin births in the United States are conjoined. But being separated at the chest successfully, makes these twins at Mandan High School part of the 10% of conjoined twins that survive. Sophomores Abby and Isabelle Carlsen were born conjoined at the chest. Led by Pediatric General surgeon Christopher Moir, the girls were separated in Rochester, Minnesota at Mayo Clinic.
included 17 surgeons to ensure the girls were in the best hands. Isabelle’s likelihood of survival was incredibly low. Her heart was inside Abby’s chest and was not able to go back into her own. “I was very scared,” Bullinger said. “But if we would have decided not to go through with the girls, Isabelle would have never made it.”
“We don’t think we are any different than other Abby and Isabelle shared a liver and lung and were kids. We live our lives just conjoined from their hearts to their belly button. Almost six months after they were like everyone else.” born, on May 12th, 2006, ~ Abby Carlsen the girls underwent a major separation surgery to isolate the two bodies. Abby, Isabelle, and their mother share their stories.
“Abby had a much greater chance of survival,” mother Amy Bullinger said. “But it was either separate the girls, or neither one was going to survive.” The surgery at Mayo Clinic involved a 70 person team that
Photo submitted by Amy Bullinger
The girls conjoined as babies. Abby on the left and Isabelle on the right.
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The stress on her body caused Isabelle’s blood pressure to drop. Doctors eventually got Isabelle's heart where it should be and closed her chest with only a small layer of skin over her heart. Both girls shared the outer sack of the heart.
“I had surgery in second grade to get a Gortex patch put into my chest,” sophomore Isabelle Carlsen said. “The Gortex patch was put in to help protect my heart from impact and support it more.” Because the girls were conjoined at the liver, The Abby and Isabelle shared one Biliary Tree and Portal Vein. In the body, The Portal vein carries nutrients to the liver from other organs and the Biliary tree breaks down the body’s fluid waste. The
Photo by Cambry Fyllesvold
Abby and Isabelle are now 16 years old and dance for the Mandan Kachinas.
February 2022 Portal vein ran through Abby giving her a majority of both the girls’ nutrients leaving Isabelle with little nutrients at all, making her incredibly weak. “Sharing a liver was part of the reason doctors didn’t think Isabelle would make it,” Bullinger said. “She was so much smaller and was not as strong because of the lack of nutrients.” Isabelle was not totally the weaker link though, she did have the Biliary Tree. In surgery, doctors made Abby a Biliary Tree out of her small intestine. “Doctors were hesitant during surgery because if they were to even knick the Portal Vein during the separation, the girls would have bled out and passed away.” Bullinger said. After the surgery, the girls have grown up as healthy young girls here in Mandan. Both Abby and Isabelle go back yearly for checkups, but ever since their surgery all has been well.
Photo submitted by Amy Bullinger
This diagram shows how the girls were conjoined at the liver. Abby on the left and Isabelle on the right.
“We don't think we are any different than other kids,” Abby said. “We live our lives just like everyone else.”
Dance also can work as physical therapy for Isabelle. She does certain stretches to help with her Scoliosis.
Both girls grew up in gymnastics but have recently stopped competing. Abby and Isabelle are both members of the Mandan Kachinas.
“It is not an official diagnosis,” Amy said. “But Isabelle does go to therapy and gets it checked out often”
“We both started gymnastics to help with physical therapy,” Abby said. “It just kind of stuck from there.”
Over the years, the girls have been in the spotlight by cameras and interviews. What to them seemed normal, was really an incredible story for others to hear.
Isabelle benefited the most from this form of physical therapy because being conjoined ultimately made her develop Scoliosis.
“I enjoyed the attention more when I was younger,” Abby said. “I don’t really want all the spotlight anymore.”
“It really helped,” Isabelle said. “It was one of the only struggles I had after the separation.”
In 2014 Mayo Clinic sent a news crew to Mandan to do a segment on Abby and Isabelle. They captured the girls’ day to day life.
Abby and Isabelle believe gymnastics helped them physically and mentally throughout the years. Recently, The Kachinas have been the girls’ new passion. “I really love being a part of the Kachinas,” Abby said. “It is so fun”
“I think we can both agree we have embraced the attention and that is not what we want anymore,” Abby said. The girls’ journey has impacted so many people. Their survival has shown others around the country how incredibly strong these girls are. Feature 19
February 2022
The Fix From Fix Six Finest — McCartney Fix, News Editor
1. Mass
Dir. Fran Kranz “You say you wanna heal, we all do... is this how?” A perfect encapsulation of a film concerned with 4, deeply hurt individuals who want nothing more than the vaguest reassurance that their attempts at atonement and forgiveness and healing are not in vain. They wish for nothing more than pity in which to wallow, yet society hesitates to afford it to the most in need. It’s painfully necessary viewing, which resonates on such a deeply human level. The whole of this films ensemble is award worrthy; Ann Dowd, long relegated to roles of docile support is a revelation in this significatly meatier part played to perfection alomgside the reserved, cagey Reed Birney. It does not make a monster to raise a monster, and calling one your son doesnt allow you a greater understanding of his motivvations, or make you any less a victim of his cruelety. “Perhaps, if I had let him hurt me, then I truly would have known him.” If you see a single film this year, make it this one. Photo sourced from Pinterest
2. Pig
Dir. Michael Sarnoski
Just the tale of a man’s futile attempt to rescue his kidnapped pig, that’s the sales pitch, and the general sort of schlocky, debt obligated Nicholas Cage vehicle I anticipated when I entered the theater. What I was left with was a crushingly honest deconstruction of vengeance as all consuming. There is no resolution, no catharsis, no emotional tsunami of great relief, just the weight of realization, and of knowing there was nothing you could’ve done to change anything.People do not just die, they leave, and are forevermore gone. A realization made all the more crushing by the film’s own assertion that we don’t get a lot of things to really care about, and now one of those few things is gone. Pig is a portrait of fate as inevitable, and life as beholden to it. Photo sourced from Pinterest
3. Licorice Pizza
Photo sourced from Pinterest
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Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson A film enamored with the art of filmmaking, and 70s era Encino, and life itself. No film was more joyously ambivalent and freespirtied and wholly absorbing this year than Paul Thomas Andersons ninth feature, Licorice Pizza. Chiefly concerned with the relationship of a showboy turned darling swindler and a directionless 20-something turned willing accomplice, the premise of the screenplay is statutory and honorific of a bygone era of Hollywood in equal amounts. PTA pays homage to a time he adores in a manner not unlike Tarantino some three years earlier, but the similarity of setting, makes the contrasts of the artists all the more striking.There relationship is realistically structred, with reinforment giving way to an ever towed line shakily drawn in the sand. You get the sense that every single charachter here knows they’re doing wrong, but relegates such thoughts to the deepest crevace of their mind. Because it is not wrong if you do not think about it, right?
February 2022
4. Spencer
Dir. Paolo Laurain A spiraling, psychological semi-horror documenting this haunted women’s internal pendulum of dread. Ever swinging from mania to flat affect Catalonia, a woman so removed from the wheel of her destiny, at the merciful whims of her conspiring family. Anxious and sick and analyzed, a miserable cocktail forced down the throat of England’s rose. It’s no detriment to the film that the whole of its cast shone effervescent in their roles, the recent snubbing of Stewart and perpetual overlooking of Harris and Hawkins by awards bodies is a travesty. The film offers what I believe to be the finest direction of the year courtesy of Paolo Laurain who deservedly finds himself at the forefront of a talent rich best director race.
Photo sourced from Pinterest
5. Judas and The Black Messiah
Dir. Shaka King Powerful, painful, striking, anxious and provocative, all in equal measure, Judas and the Black Messiah, is perhaps the year most odiously required viewing. It ever so occasionally loses itself in service of too many goals, functioning as a biopic of Hampton and an infiltration thriller, while struggling to balance the conflicting tones each requires. The circle is made whole through a brutal conclusion that highlights the ambiguity of it all, asking its captive audience to empathize with a manic mess of a man, batting for both teams with a heart committed to one, and a life of freedom offered solely by the other. Photo sourced from Pinterest
6. The Power of the Dog Dir.Jane Campion
Photo sourced from Pinterest
Everything in Jane Campion’s sun seared world of caked sweat and rawhide is cold, callous, and calculated. Perhaps that’s a most accurate reflection of the world in which we currently live, or perhaps we are all arrested by the sharpened edge of Campions wit. Whereas the unforgiving worlds of prior auteres, such as the Coens were unyielding in their deference to fate as a destructive vessel, Campions is crafted entirely in servitude of the undeterrable cruelty of one man. Phil is pained, prejudiced and almost inhuman in his capacity to snuff out humanity at its root. Maybe he can be a good man, at one time, perhaps he was, but the husk of a man Campion presentes us with seems averse to decency as a concept. The high fidelity portrait of predation Campion paints on Cumberbatch’s canvas is as harrowing as it is arresting. In a just world there would be no discourse as to who was most deserving of Best Actor at this year’s Academy Awards, this Oscar is Cumberbatchs, and was from the moment his cold gaze met the reels upon which this movies excellent cinematography is housed. You can not look away, and yet you are made acutely aware of how terrible it is. What does that say about us?
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Febuary 2022
BODY DYSMORPHIA GROWS IN TEENS
— Emmanuel Dolo, Reporter
As children, body appearance did not hold much value, it was simply used to move. As people get older, things get complicated. With the assistance of the media, friends, sports, and comparison; their bodies become burdens. “It feels like I’ve had it my entire life, it got especially bad in freshman year. Everything was really busy, I was in two sports and it affected my time to eat throughout the day,” senior Marnie Barrios said. Some individuals get extremely anxious about the way their body grows, doesn’t grow, or the way it thins or widens over time.
To battle these changes, they may start lowering/increasing the food they eat. Body dysmorphia can ruin a person’s relationship with food, as well as with other people. It can cause people to feel obligated to change their looks. “I felt like there was an expectation for me to look a certain way, so I had to live up to that,” Barrios said.
For many, the battle of body dysmorphia is more like a war with a mirror. an endless void of insecurity. It usually starts in early years, and intensifies as the body changes. “When I was in middle school, It was hard to figure out which body shape I fit in.” sophomore Ellie Landeis said. People find themselves desperately trying to change whatever they can, they tend to deny acceptance until all that remains is a broken idea of perfection. Hoping that maybe then, They will feel good in their own skin, good about the flesh they carry. Body Dysmorphia can heavily affect one’s diet and relationship with food, a person with Dody Dysmorphia looks at food like more of a chore, than a delight. “Eating food became a tough thing for me, it was unenjoyable and underwhelming,” Landeis said. It is very important to seek help with these issues, talking to health officials, talking about it with family, and friends, and finding other people that struggle with the same issues you do, so you can help each other.
These efforts to change their body sometimes lead to dangerous consequences, like severe malnutrition, muscle strains and tears, as well as severe obesity. Body Dysmorphia may cause other bodily issues such as anorexia According to MayoClinic, Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder related to the way one perceives their body or health. These issues are deeply related to Body Dysmorphia because they all tie back to a person wanting or trying to change an issue about their body, that isn’t truly there. They place a high value towards controlling their body weight and shape, these values have a heavy toll on their daily lives, bringing worry to their family, friends, and health officials.
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Photo taken by Scout Hurley
Picture of a girl, staring in the mirror, stressing over her body appearance.
Febuary 2022
SEX: MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION Sex is a sensitive topic, due to how many people were raised. The way it is portrayed in the media may lead many to believe that sex is dangerous. Regardless of the controversial feelings we may share about sex, being mature enough to address the reality of the consequences of having sex as a teen is neccessary. As teens and young adults, people are still undergoing development. Partaking in sex can affect their physical and their emotional development throughout life.
— Emmanuel Dolo, Reporter
“Put a lot of thought into the person you are planning on having sex with and decide if you are willing to have a deeper connection with them, if you realize that you’re not willing, then dont.” they said. Many teens have no knowledge of how sexual diseases spread. When a person engages in sex with his/her partner, they are having sex with every person their partner has had sex with.
“ I was not mentally prepared and I didn’t truly understand what I was doing.”
Not knowing this causes STIs and other infections to spread faster in society, which may lead to confusion and regret arising in both people.
These effects may apply to the way someone views their bodies and the way they respond to daily life.
This emphasizes on the importance of contraception and other forms of sexual protection when one has sex, so it is less of a regrettable experience.
Many teens believe they can handle the mental stress that comes with having sexual intercourse, but once faced with the experience, it becomes an issue.
When both partners are educated on how to engage in sex safely, it creates a safe, regret-free space for them to enjoy. Sex has consequences so it is important to educate yourself before partaking in it.
“I started having sex when I was 14, it affected my self-image and self-worth. I was not mentally prepared and I didn’t truly understand what I was doing,” an annonymous student said. Engaging in sex with little to no knowledge of the consequences can damage a person’s future. To many teens, it is easier to allow certain things they don’t like to happen during sex, rather than to object them, due to a fear of the other person retaliating negatively. “There were times when I knew it did not feel good, but I let it happen because I didn’t want them to stop talking to me or not like me as much,” the annonymous student said. Many teens do not tell their parents when they have sex. Although the conversation may be awkward or scary, it is far more helpful when parents educate their children on sex than to have sex entirely confused in terms of what to do. Another reason why it’s important for parents to know if their kids are engaging in sex is so they can help them resist being pressured into something they do not want. “I started having sex when I was 14. It was not what I expected, I wasn’t sure if I wanted it, but I guess I did,” an annonymous student said. This correlates to being confused on whether or not sex is truly what a person may want.
Painting by Jaylee Wilber Photo by Emmanuel Dolo
This depicts the destructive nature of engaging in sex as teens. The plethora of hands reaching towards the woman in this piece symbolize everyone she’s ever had sex with, and the consequences still burdening her to this day.
Opinion 23
And the Oscar Goes To... Who Cares? February 2022
— McCartney Fix, News Editor
As we once again find ourselves in the midst of another tight awards race, a similar feeling has arisen from a great deal of the public. Shrug. This current indifference to the Academy Awards contrats a time in which Oscars ad space was the second most expensive throughout the entire year. Why this is has been a pressing topic of discussion amongst not only members of the academy themselves, vying for the viewership they once demanded. Fans, such as myself, also wonder why a cultural touchstone of such status has fallen so hard from grace. To analyze the valley accurately, we must rewind to the peak of the Oscars powers as a telecast, the 70th annual televised ceremony, in which the evening’s grand prize was taken by James Camerons Titanic, a film which was the biggest box office draw in history up until a decade ago. Note that, it becomes a recurrent matter throughout this article, the fact of people preferring to watch the Oscars when it celebrates movies they have actually seen. Now let’s look at the box office gross of the 5 most recent best picture winners. Disclaimer, the gross of the most recent winner, Nomadland, suffered tremendously due to the pandemic climate into which it was released. The Oscars in recent years have awarded a diverse and rich selection of films with its highest honor, including Korean class commentary, a multitude of tortured artist portraits, and a film about Ben Affleck flexing the strong arming influence of the flm industry because whats a Hollywood award show without a little self felating. Eclectic as these offerings may be, a definitie slant towards the independent and abnormal is evident. The Academy has taken to rewarding a more broad range of works, perhaps to their detriment. The combined domestic gross of all the 2010s Best Pictures fails to eclipse 1 billion dollars, between 10 films! Contrast this with the 2000s which counted amongst its ranks a multitude of bonafide blockbusters and crowd pleasers. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King alone grossed more in the United States and Canada than all of the 2010s best picture winners combined, a grim outlook for certain. Here is the thing, however, I really like the offerings the Oscars have shifted their praises towards in recent years, yet even I can diagnose them as extremely unlike a majority of films the masses are currently interested in. Perhaps the academy itself sacrificed the nielsen ratings in pursuit of that ever elusive prestige.
Opinion 24
Photo sourced from Creative Commons Once a face synomyous with Hollywoods finest offerings, Sir Oscars ratings are now in a troubling state of freefall.
Box Office Gross of the Five Most Recent Best Picture Winners Nomadland (2020)$3.5M Parasite (2019)$53.4M Green Book (2018)$85.1M The Shape of Water (2017)$63.9M Moonlight (2016)$27.9M A special thank you to the GRAND 22 Theaters for sponsoring the Couriers Instagram Contest! Thanks Dad!
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February 2022
Question Corner
— Gabriela Martin, Reporter When I was an incoming freshman I was completely lost. I wanted someone to give me all the answers on how to “survive high school.”
Advice about anxiety and depression.
Of course, there are no definite answers. However, shared experiences and any tips would have helped.
Starting off, if someone feels like they are genuinely showing signs of anxiety or depression, talk to a doctor/professional. A medical professional will offer the best help.
I thought that if I gave students an opportunity to anonymously submit questions, I could offer the same help I craved. My hope is that the kids who are struggling the way I struggled will feel encouraged by this article.
I still struggle with anxiety and depression today, however I cope with it better by: paying attention to my body/mind and having genuine discussions with the people I trust.
What is the best way to study if you only have 30 or less minutes a day?
Once I take the time that I need to take care of myself I feel more available in my relationships. Adjusting my schedule helps me listen to my body and makes me feel better mentally.
Some points I wish I was told when I started high school are: know and understand my learning style, and time management. Know my learning style: Some people are oral learners, others are visual learners, and I am a hands on learner.
DRAGON BREATH: - Use thumb to plug one nostril of nose while inhaling -Use both pinkie and thumb to plug both nostrils and hold breath for a few seconds -Use pinkie to hold the other nostril and exhale - Repeat the process for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Knowing my learning style helped me take better notes in class and allowed me to engage in the class and learn better rather than just complete my work. Time management: I had to change my schedule in order to feel physically/mentally prepared to study. Studying does not have to be cramped for extended periods of time. What works for me are 10 to 15 minute bursts. I retain a lot more when I study for 10 minutes in the evening, rather than 30 minutes in the morning. Two great resources that work well for me when I need a quick refresher are Kahoot and Quizlet.
Pay attention to my body/mind: I struggle to take care of myself when I am dealing with my mental health issues. This leaves me broken and makes me distant from my relationships.
Having genuine discussions with the people I trust: This is still hard for me, especially when I tend to shut down. I continue to learn that there are several people in my life that want to help. Allowing myself to be vulnerable with the people around me helps lower my anxious thoughts because they are out in the open instead of taking up space in my mind. These are some things that have helped me with both of these topics in the past. Remember that it is okay to not be okay, and there are people who will help and support you the best they can. What works for me isn’t going to work for everyone else. There isn’t one correct path to take during your high school career. Take classes you think you would enjoy, and take care of yourself.
5 SENSES GROUNDING TECHNIQUE:
- List 5 things you see -List 4 things you hear - List 3 things you feel -List 2 things you smell -List 1 thing you taste Feel free to mix around the senses. I always use this when I need to focus and clear my mind. Opinion 25
February 2022
Fast Food Olympics — Michael Pfliger, Reporter
In a poll sent to MHS, we asked what their favorite places to eat and favorite things to get there were and I ranked them. Here are the results of the first ever Fast Food Olympics.
2nd
Photo by Michael Pfliger
1st
Coming in place are the Culvers-Chicken tenders: These chicken tenders had a light breading and were moist but not soggy. You definitely get what you pay for with four tenders coming out to be $6.29. A little expensive for fast food but good overall.
Photo by Michael Pfliger
place is the Burger King- Whopper: The In Whopper, a large burger with an assortment of toppings drenched in sauce between two buns. The only complaint here is it was kind of soggy with way too much sauce and toppings. $6.29 for one Whopper with cheese. There were points while I was eating this that it was all bread and toppings in my mouth.
3rd
In place is Mcdonalds Mcnuggets: McDonald’s, the number one fast food chain in the world. Not the number one chicken nuggets in the world. These chicken nuggets were drier than a desert. Extremely salty and sucks the moisture out of the eater’s mouth. They resemble a sponge in many ways like how they suck the moisture out of your mouth and have the same flavor as a sponge. $2.50 for a four piece McNuggets.
Opinion 26
Photo by Michael Pfliger
February 2022
Photo by Lillian Giggee
These four Braves fight to get the puck out of the defensive zone. Pictured left to right is Mallory Brahos, McKenzie Yantzer, Kenlee Edland, and Mikayla Fleck.
Braves Break Boundaries — Jasmine Patera, Reporter
The girls’ hockey team is over halfway through their season this year. The team is excited to keep doing well in their games and see what the rest of the season holds.
“We’re competing with some of the best teams in the state, and we’re confident,” Kautzmann said. “We have speed that a lot of other people don’t.”
“I think that we’ve had one of the best starts to our season that we’ve ever had in program history,” senior Margaux Kautzmann said. “I think we have a lot of potential as a team.”
Along with speed, the team is versatile overall with their skills. However, they have still been working on honing specific techniques within the team.
The Braves have won the majority of their games and achieved a lot against tough teams, such as taking Bismarck into a shootout for the first time ever. The girls also beat Grand Forks for the first time in about six years.
“Our ability to score, we’ve been working on that for a while and we’re getting it handled,” Hertz said.
“We’re happy with our results, which is what we wanted,” sophomore Madison Hertz said. “We’re just hoping to make it to state on Saturday.” The captains believe they have the potential to do good at state. The team’s performance so far bodes well for their competition: they are guaranteed a spot, so they believe they can place high at the tournament compared to their standing in previous years.
Because the team has built their skills and confidence over the course of the season, they are looking forward towards developing their skills even more. Overall, the girls’ games are ones to watch until the state competition at the end of February. “I think that when we are confident in how we play, and when we move the puck and are focused on the game, we play very well,” senior Jayli Wandler said. “We just have to keep pushing.”
Sports 27
SPORTS February 2022
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
“Century is usually on top every year, and I’m ready to play them for a second time and show them we are not only a force to be reckoned with, but a competitor to fear.” - Senior Morgan Sheldon
“We’ve improved in many ways mostly in chemistry aspect with learning our teammates tendencies and playing to each others strengths,” -Senior Lucas Burgum
Photo by Lily Giggee
Senior Shelby Zachmeier goes in for a pin.
BOYS’ SWIM AND DIVE
GIRLS’ HOCKEY
“We got a lot of guys qualified for WDA and Riley Poppe and Ian Keller are qualified for state in two or more events,” -Senior Henry Bierman
“We have been playing good offense and defense.” - Senior Jayli Wandler
Sports 28
ROUNDUP February 2022
BOYS’ WRESTLING
GIRLS’ WRESTLING
“The biggest challenge this season is the inexperience of our team. [We] are a young team with a lot of potential, just need more experience.” -Junior Seth Gerhardt
“Although our record may not show a lot of wins, our team has learned how to overcome and fight,” -Senior Carolyn Goebel
Photo by Lily Giggee
Senior Jayli Wandler, Sophomore Kenlee Edland, and Sophomore Ellie Mcelvaney trying to stop the puck from going in to the net.
BOYS’ HOCKEY “We have had our ups and downs, and I think right now we are going up.” -Junior Brady Helbling
Sports 29
ATHLETE THE MONTH December Senior Jayli Wandler February 2022
OF
— Scout Hurley, Editor-in-Chief
What has been your best team memory?
“When we played outside against West Fargo, we beat them 2-0 and I had a 43 save shutout. It was a really fun experience.”
What has been your biggest achievement throughout your high school athletic career?
“My biggest achievement would be taking Bismarck into a shootout. We didn’t win, but I’m super proud of how I played and my 95% save percentage for that game.”
If you could think of one person who has helped you along your journey, who would it be and why?
“My dad because he makes sure I have everything to succeed, and he supports me in whatever decisions I make.”
Photo taken by Jasmine Patera
What has been your biggest achievement throughout your high school athletic career? “My biggest achievement as an athlete would probably be placing 4th in an event at the State Meet. But being a team captain for two seasons has probably been my overall biggest achievement.
Riley Senior Poppe
What has been your best team memory? “My favorite memories all come from our team meals and parties. It is always a blast to get together with the team outside of the water.”
If you could think of one person who has helped you along your journey, who would it be and why? “Both of my parents for sure. I would not be the person I am without them.”
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Photo submitted by Riley Poppe
February 2022
Building Better Athletes at Mandan High School
— Michael Pfliger, Reporter
Being healthy is
workouts, not completing all the reps, not even having a plan for all the reps, just go to bench press and do whatever you want to do,” Sheldon said
something that almost everyone tries to accomplish throughout their life; some will do cardio, some will lift weights and some will do something else. Those that do turn to the weightroom may do so for a variety of reasons, like sophomore Leelyn Desilets. He started lifting for wrestling but kept with it because he enjoys the way it makes him look and feel.
Mandan’s approach to lifting is unlike many other programs they focus on compound movements and becoming a better athlete. They focus on many things like bar speed and time under tension to build more muscle than regular lifting.
The man behind the “I’m a big triphasic weightroom is Zach training guy so we Morast, head strength Photo by Michael Pfliger hit all three of those and conditioning coach concentric, eccentric An inside look at the Mandan High School Weightroom. in his 8th year at Mandan and isometric and then High School. In his first pauses and eccentric year working at Mandan High School he coached about 3 kids a stuff we do a lot. That generates more muscle growth because its day. Now in the winter he averages adaptation that your muscle has about 70 kids a day, and in the to adjust to as opposed to normal spring he averages about 100 kids lifting week in and week out,” a day. Morast said. “Now I think that lifting is part of our culture in Mandan in sports, it’s just what we do,” Morast said.
“Now I think that lifting is part of our culture in Mandan in sports, it’s just what we do,” Morast said.
“Lifting at the Wellness center as an add on to the strength program at the high school is nice but, no athlete that has only lifted there has ever showed any significant gains and, no athlete following their plan has become a starter or, has become a state qualifier in track,” Coach Todd Sheldon wrote in SportsYou. Lifting can make athletes better at their sport. Some people like to lift on their own but having other people there and a coach to push you and tell you when to go easier can also be an added benefit. Coach Sheldon is adamant that is the reason that most people who lift on their own don’t make meaningful progress. He also believes that when people lift at the weight room there are many factors that contribute to their success, like having someone there to keep them accountable.
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“When things get hard it’s easy to skip the things you don’t like, not finishing
For those that don’t know what concentric, eccentric and isometric lifting is, concentric is when the contraction of the muscle is focused on and eccentric is when the elongation of the muscle is focused on and isometric is keeping the muscle contracted for an extended period of time. “Through the course of an activity you will find you might be doing the same activity but you will be doing it in different ways that will get your body to react as it would in any athletic activity. Going to the weightroom should make you a better dodgeball player,” Sheldon said. The weight room is open every school day before school from 6-8:15am and in the afternoon from 2:30-lift completion after school. If there are changes in times more information is available on the football and track sports you pages. If you are not on those you can ask Morast after lifting is over for the day if there are changes to the regular schedule.