MHS Courier March 2018

The Courier 905 8th Ave. NW, Mandan, ND - Volume 26, Issue 4 - March 2018

remembering the 17 lives lost in Florida

In the wake of the school shooting in Florida, our staff weighs in on the safety of our school on page 3.

a moment of silence

STAFF EDITORIAL: UNTIL IT IS US

From The Editors...

On February 14, the lives of so many changed at the hands of someone else. At Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School, Nikolas Cruz murdered 17 people in a matter of seven minutes.

Even though this tragedy happened almost a month ago, it is important that the discussion does not end.

On page three, our staff editorial focuses on the topic of school shootings. We want to use our voices for those who no longer get to use theirs. We will not sit quietly and wait for the next tragedy like the Florida school shooting to happen. We will not keep watching our peer’s lives end before they ever got the chance to fully begin.

On a brighter note, this issue also touches on the Central Dakota Humane Society’s involvement with huricane Harvey and the many different restaurants making their debut in Mandan.

The March issue of the paper is the first-ever time the Courier has published a 40 page paper. We were able to do this because of our 14 person staff. We are so grateful to have a big staff that brings such diversity to our paper. We aspire to keep bringing nonbiased, timely articles to Mandan High.

Brenna Hammer and Shantel Jangula, Co-Editors-In-Chief

Courier Staff and Editorial Policy Shantel Jangula..........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor Brenna Hammer.........................................Co-Editor-In-Chief Feature Editor Owen Piehl...........................................................News Editor Sports Edior Maiya Fleck..................................................General Reporter Santanah Gerhart..........................................General Reporter Savanna Hagerott..........................................General Reporter

Ryan Phelps..................................................General Reporter Riley Griffin..................................................General Reporter Ben Gartner...................................................General Reporter Kenna Heidt..................................................General Reporter Courney Entzi...............................................General Reporter Maggie Knoll................................................General Reporter Madi Just......................................................General Reporter Liberty Hurley..............................................General Reporter Hannah Cahoon...........................................................Adviser

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.

02

March 2018

Opinion

#MeNext?

This mom is right. Something must be done. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue; this is an American issue. This is not about the second amendment or the way we raise our kids; this is about real human lives that are being lost by senseless violence.

This is about the way that our government has repeatedly turned the other cheek and waited for the next tragedy before addressing these issues.

This is about us.

After the Sandy Hook shooting, Orlando shooting, the Las Vegas Valentine’s Day. For most students it is a time to share our shooting and now the Florida shooting, millions of people have love with our friends and family. Here at Mandan, students look taken to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media to forward to receiving singing valentines and roses from their best give their opinion. Yet nothing has seemed to change. friends and secret admirers. However, this Valentine’s Day had a Children have gotten to a place of frustration so much that they very different tone. are taking matters into their own hands to take a stand against these In Florida on this Valentine’s Day, the halls of a high school shootings. were red not with paper hearts featuring cheesy pick-up lines, but On March 24 and April 20, millions of students across America with the blood of 17 innocent and unsuspecting students and staff are planning to walk out of school, holding posters saying members. “#MeNext?” and asking lawmakers how many more need to die 17 human lives were lost and countless others were changed for change to be made, to show that we do not feel safe in our because a former student walked into the school place of education and that something has to and murdered them in cold blood. give. Because nobody else will do anything, the Immediately Americans turned their attention students will. to the government and what it should have done Our school has shelter-in-place drills frequently. to prevent this with those on the left generally The teachers often explain what is supposed to arguing for stricter gun control laws and those on happen during a lock down: sit along the wall the right arguing for a stronger enforcement of furthest from the door, make a barricade with the morals. desks and remain very quiet.

Regardless of which side one After they explain this, falls on, there is no debate that though, they explain what would there is a problem here. Children actually happen. From throwing are dying. They are dying at books and shoes to physically school, where they spend nearly attacking the shooter, teachers as much time as they do at home. all seem to have very different We are always saying, “that will ideas of how they would handle an active shooter. not be me” and, “that could not happen here.”

The teachers’ refusal to follow the exact protocol is not necessarily How long do we have to tell ourselves these things before we a bad thing, though. While sitting in classrooms during these drills, are the next breaking news piece, before the faces of our students many students make comments about how sitting in a corner and are played in a slide show titled “Remembering the Victims” and simply staying quiet is “stupid” and “ineffective.” being debated upon on Facebook?

Are they wrong? Since nearly every school shooter was a Something deemed the ‘new normal’ has suddenly become more student, or had been a student, at the school they attacked, they realistic to us as we now have access to all the videos students know exactly how to carry out what they came to do. There needs filmed inside the to be a change. school shooting. We Nationally and “We are always saying, ‘that will not be me’ and, no longer hear about locally, the safety these tragedies, but ‘that could not happen here.’ How long do we have of all schools is in we see them and what is to tell ourselves these things before we are the next question; experience the cries not in question is the of fear from the fact that something breaking news piece?” students filming. needs to be changed.

One video shows Children are dying and nothing is changing. Until the leaders do smoke billowing into a classroom while students can be heard something, the blood is on their hands. screaming under their desks, their voices muffled by the sound of On Valentine’s Day, 17 people died. How many more will it take gunfire. before something changes? We have sent our thoughts; we have Another shows the blurred out bodies of students laying in pools sent our prayers. of red, backpacks and papers scattered throughout the halls. One This discussion cannot end until students all across America shows a mom, crying hysterically as she explains to the camera can worry about their homework rather than worrying about their that she just finished making her daughters burial arrangements, safety and their lives. begging for government officials to “do something.”

The Staff Weighs In On the Safety of Schools

95%

of school attackers were current students at the high school in which they attacked

Opinion

March 2018

03

Being left-handed in a world designed for right-handed people SAVANNA HAGEROTT

have personally ever had to experience. I gear would be cheaper and easier to find, and obviously that seemed like the smarter would rather sit on the floor.

A right-handed desk does not do anything idea. So because of that, I used my stick According to Live Science, around 10 for a lefty. There is absolutely nowhere differently than I did when I played out, percent of the world is left-handed, and to lay our elbow when we are writing, making it much harder to adjust — but at if you are like me, you are one of the and the thick part on the right side of us last my gear was cheaper. privileged people that belong to that 10 is completely useless. In addition to that, On top of all of these experiences, being percent. left-handed there is almost Now, the other 90 percent of the population always has affected a has no idea about the disadvantages we right- handed my work life suffer. To those who have never known person sitting as well. For a what a right-handed vs. left-handed scissors in the one leftwhile, I worked feels like, here are a few of the dreadful handed desk in at Cold Stone experiences we go through daily.

Creamery, and the class.

Being left-handed affects your life from whenever we The lefty a very young age, and if you did not have s c h o o l did not use a good experience in elementary school, struggle also the ice cream you would have figured out that being left- follows you spades, we handed meant you needed to change to into used an ice middle right-handed — somehow. school and Photo by Santanah Gerhart cream scoop As soon as people find out you are left- high school. with the handed at a young age, they automatically Writing in a The lead smear from writing with a pencil on button to get paper. assume your teenage to adult life is going thick notebook the ice cream to be terrible, which is somewhat true. or binder while your left-handed is a great out.

However there is really no way to change feat that I still have not been able to figure Now, it may come as a surprise to you, from being left-handed. but I always picked it up with my left hand, out how to fix.

For me, the more I grew up, the more Writing on paper as a left-handed human however, it is completely impossible to I realized how much being left-handed comes with another price. Whether it be in press the button with your left thumb, so affected my entire life, whether it be in pencil or pen, whenever we write anything I had to switch it every single time, and in sports, school, daily life for a long period of the entire year I worked there, I never got and even work. time, we are able to the hang of it.

School itself is not Daily life is probably the worst aspect to see that infamous something we look smudge that just adds being left-handed, because that is what we forward to, and being so much character to get to experience 24/7. Throughout our life, left-handed really adds each piece of paper the most common occurrence for us is to to that. I do not know if get noticed by the majority. we hand in. you right-handed people Whenever a right-handed person notices Not only does know how often we used being left-handed that a left-handed person is in their vicinity, scissors in elementary affect your school they feel the need to recall any distant school, but for a lefty, it life, it affects your relative or friend who they know is left was far too often. Leftathletic life as -handed, because for some reason that is handed scissors were well. In some of vital information to us. basically never available, Us lefties do not experience these things the sports I played, and when they were, it being left-handed every second of every day, fortunately. seemed like the other did not affect me at However, when it is all compiled into one, lefty in the class always all, like swimming we start to realize how much this world is got them first.

Photo used with permission by Flickr. or soccer. In others, in fact made for right-handed people.

You know what else Right-handed people will never understand however, it affected there is never enough of? An example of a left handed desk. me greatly. the struggle we go through on a daily basis, Left-handed desks. Being In even more ways, it affected how I but I hope this article made them at least left-handed and sitting in a right-handed learned a new sport. I became a regular realize they need to stop sitting in the one desk is actually the most annoying thing I goalie in hockey because I was told my left-handed desk in the class.

General Reporter

04

March 2018

Opinion

Hammer Times

The

BRENNA HAMMER - Co-Editor-In-Chief

Merely Present This article is in no way encouraging the use of illicit drugs or alcohol nor discouraging the concept of having a “designated driver.” In writing this, I have no intentions of questioning the integrity of school administration, but rather raising concerns for the health and well-being of students and the protection of those who are innocent.

On New Years Eve, I was sure to contact all of my close friends and let them know that I would be sober that night; I asked them to call me if they were drinking and needed a ride.

The reason I do this is because I understand the dangers of alcohol. I keep up with the news, I had an alcoholic aunt, I am friends with the family of Taylor Goven, who was killed in a drunk driving accident in 2016. I love my friends and I want them to be safe. That is why I offer them rides, even though I know it might cost me.

Even though I, an underage student, chose to obey the law by not drinking, I could be severely penalized for mere presence. At a legal level, this is called constructive possession. So if I walk into a party just to drag my intoxicated friend out, I am guilty because I am in a place where I could have easily picked the bottle up.

Often times, though, law enforcement officials will be understanding of this and will appreciate that you have taken the appropriate steps to keep everyone safe. However, this is not the case in our school.

As stated on page 14 of the student handbook, Mandan High School’s drug and alcohol policy enforces a “mere presence” standard.

That standard states that if any student is somewhere where they “know or have reason to know that alcohol… [is] being consumed illegally by minors,” they are subject to a two week suspension from any activities they are involved in at the time.

However, while the “mere presence” standard has its punishments clearly stated in the student handbook, there are no specifics on the exact punishment for a student who was caught under the influence. The word “alcohol” is mentioned in the student handbook 21 times and the most specific punishment for a student who is guilty of drinking is “up to three days suspension,” which is still not nearly as clear as the punishment for a student who is merely present.

Upon further investigation, one can find the specific punishment for being caught with illicit drugs or alcohol buried in the North Dakota High School Activities Association handbook (Section XI of Article XIV). In the school’s defense, this rule, which specifies a six week suspension, cannot be modified by individual school districts. However, there is no logical reason for this not to be stated in the handbook. How difficult is it to cite this policy to make students clearly aware of their rights?

It has also been brought to my attention that in specific cases, the mere presence standard can be investigated to protect students that may be affected. However, this is not made clear to students in the handbook nor in class assemblies. Without letting students know what their specific consequences and protections may be, we are endangering the lives of students by discouraging those who are above the influence to help those who are under it. In addition, without having specific guidelines on determining what is considered “forgivable,” students who are in close relation to members of the school board are arguably subject to more lenient judgement.

Unlike law enforcement officials, though, Mandan High School administration has made it very clear that they are not forgiving with this policy. In fact, we are reminded at the beginning of the year, before activities and before every long break, every. single. year.

So, if over spring break you go to a party to pick up a drunk friend and administration finds out, you will be penalized. You, and anyone else in that position, would literally be punished for following the law and doing the right thing.

I understand that the goal of the “mere presence” standard is to discourage the use of illicit drugs and alcohol among underage students and I truly appreciate that the school is trying to keep students healthy. However, this policy has gone too far and has evidently become a bigger concern than the actual use of drugs and alcohol. The concern of administration needs to lie on those who are actually making destructive decisions, not those who have stayed safe and sober.

I know that my words in a newspaper will not change the way our school is run and I truly do fear the consequences of the “mere presence” standard. However, I want to close by telling my friends and anybody for that matter, to call me if they are not fit to drive.

I want them to know that, while I think it is completely absurd and unfair, I will always choose their safety over a petty policy’s repercussions.

Opinion

March 2018

05

T P A H HO R W TS BO EA LA ERE SW AVE WH S SL AND XIST Y IS IT E ALL C O L MAIYA FLECK General Reporter

Sweatshop slave labor exists in America and its products are being sold in our local malls. Sweatshop slave labor can be defined as physical labor under inhumane conditions. This is widespread in developing countries and is fueled by fast-fashion trends Americans buy.

Even students unknowingly contribute to fueling this unethical business, with cheap fashion comes hard consequences for the workers behind the products. Sweatshop slave labor has a larger impact than a rip in cheap top or empty bank accounts from teenage trend followers; this cheap labor can mean painful conditions or even death for the workers.

Fast fashion is popular because trends go in and out of style and can be quickly replaced. With items flying in and out of closets, 13 trillion tons of these clothing items end up in landfills. Not only do these items take up space, but the toxic dyes can also leak into the environment and contaminate the earth.

A majority of clothing is not biodegradable, with some taking almost 200 years to fully disappear. It is easy to forget that getting rid of clothes is comparable to littering. However, the environment takes a direct attack from the waste humans produce from abundant amounts of clothing.

Purchasing higher quality items instead of multiple cheap ones can benefit the waste clothing produces. If that is not in a budget for teenagers, checking out local thrift shops and gently used clothing stores are other alternatives that do not harm the ecosystem.

Online gently used clothing stores like Mercardi, Depop and Poshmark are other great places to buy gently used clothing items and accessories. Plato’s Closet is a great local business that also recycles clothes that is a tight knit with the community.

These items also cost a significant less amount of money than buying some things first hand. Recycling clothes benefits everyone involved and is a great way to find one-of-a-kind pieces.

06

March 2018

Women and underage workers are directly affected by fast fashion trends targeted by sweatshop slave labor.

80 percent of the people employed to manufacture fast fashion are women.

By supporting places that retail these products, shoppers keep fueling the industry, and directly putting women and children in danger. Alot of workers do not have other options to gain income.

This toxic job holds them in a place where they become vulnerable to sexual assault and inhumane conditions. The hard work they do, they can sometimes only make $3 a day or less.

In America, there have been multiple lawsuits against Forever 21, as many overworked employees have made under minimum wages.

There are ways to get around the minimum wage by eliminating “middle men”and claiming to be retailers not manufacturers. Ross, Tj Maxx, and Forever 21 were investigated by the U.S department of Labor who found one worker who made $3.42 per hour in California, where the minimum wage is $10.50 per hour.

Kirkwood Mall, a primary stop for students, has a list of stores that use sweatshop slave labor. A few stores that retail these goods are H and M, PacSun, and Scheels. However, some stores such as Boot Barn and Francesca’s buy ethical, non-slave labor produced goods.

After learning what shops use slave labor, I went through my closet to see which clothing items I owned that were not manufactured using slave labor, to find an estimate 70 percent of my pieces are slave labor merchandise.

Astonished by the large quantity of items that were made by sweatshop slave labor, I wanted to see what brands were ethical. I realized two of my favorite bands, Patagonia and Brandy Melville, did not use slave labor.

Brandy Melville is sold at Pacsun and Patagonia at Scheels. Pacsun and Scheels sell slave labor produced goods but they still also market brands that do not.

Identifying which brands at a particular shop are slave labor and which are not can be tricky.

If it seems to good to be true with a 75 percent off price tag made in a developing country, the quality can be fleeting, and it can be sweatshop produced.

Overall, looking into where clothing pieces come from and how they are made is beneficial to all the people involved. Understanding the backstory where the clothing is manufactured makes them that much more special.

Supporting shops that market these items directly affects other human beings and the environment. As a community, other options are available that will benefit human beings.

All facts and statistics from the LA Times and Forbes.

Opinion

As life becomes more expensive, side hustles are becoming more popular.

Here are some ways to turn your extra hours into extra cash.

High School Side Hustles SANTANAH GERHART General Reporter

Add up all the hours you have spent at home binge watching Netflix. Now imagine how rich you would be if you spent a fraction of that time bringing in some extra cash. Thanks to the growing popularity and accessibility of side hustles, extra money is literally just clicks away.

As the famous Khalid said, we are all “young dumb broke high school kids,” trying to make enough cash to eat out and look good (and afford retail therapy when life gets rough).

The thing is, high schoolers have a lot of responsibilities put on them; trying to balance school, work, a social life, family responsibilities and everything else can get rough. However, now is a crucial time to bring in some cash with college coming up, cars to take care of and more and more responsibilities piling on.

It may seem easier to just chill with it and wait until after high school to really start bringing in the cash, but as someone once said, “good things come to those who HUSTLE.” One solution that many high schoolers and millennials have turned to is the idea of a side hustle. Though the concept has been around a while, millennials are the ones that actually put a name on it.

According to Urban Dictionary, a side hustle is a

“Sideline that brings in cash; something other than your main job.” 75 percent of the

159 students surveyed have a side hustle, most of which include babysitting or selling things online.

Students typically take on side hustles to make some extra cash, but many also do it just for fun, as a hobby or just to get rid of things they do not want anymore. Whatever your goal, there is a side hustle to match.

The majority of students that have a side hustle say it is worth it and would recommend trying it. A lot of side hustles barely require any time and energy, and making extra money can literally be as simple as downloading an app.

Other people, however, are not big into the idea. Most of the students polled that do not have a side hustle said it is because they did not know about many of them. Others said that they don’t have time or do not think it is efficient. Can’t win ‘em all.

Opinion

Some side hustles include: being an Uber or Lyft driver, babysitting, fixing things up and selling them, selling old clothes on apps like Mercari or Poshmark, taking surveys, Doing yardwork, using coupon/rebate apps like Ibotta, donating plasma at BioLife, apps like HQ Trivia or Sweatcoin where you can win/earn real money On the apps Mercari and Poshmark, you make an account to sell your used or unused things that you do not want anymore.

It is super easy to use and you can get money fast. Either transfer your earnings into your bank account or use the money towards purchases of your own.

On the app HQ Trivia, which was created by the creators of Vine, every day at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. a host walks everyone watching through 12 random trivia questions on a variety of topics. If you get all 12 right, you are a winner and get a share of the prize pot. If you get one question wrong, you lose. On New Year’s Eve, HQ gave away $18,000, and each winner received about $50 each. On the average day, the daily prize pot is around $1,000 and you could make between $10-$50 if you win.

The app Sweatcoin converts your outdoor steps into currency.

For every 1,000 steps, you get 95 cents. You can then put your earnings towards gifts including gift cards, electronics, clothing, music downloads, food gifts and sometimes even an iPhone X or a PayPal gift card. The best offers sell out fast, so it is a good idea to check the marketplace daily once you save up enough coins. *Photos used with permission from Flickr.

March 2018

07

Try Something New MAGGIE KNOLL General Reporter

Pulse Fitness is worth the money

A workout with a fun twist. Lisa Menge, owner of Pulse Fitness has been in the fitness industry for 20 years now. Her daughter, junior at Mandan, Taylor Tonneson teaches Xabeat classes, and Menge teaches Xabeat and many other classes including butts and guts and circuit training.

For the month of February, Pulse Fitness was offering Xabeat classes for only $3 as well as $3 for all other regularly scheduled classes. The discounted price gave people, like me, who were curious about the class a chance to try it for a great deal.

The regular price for an Xabeat class is $15. You can also buy a package of $70 a month which includes an unlimited amount of classes for the month.

As a dancer myself, nothing excites me more than being able to incorporate dancing into a workout. When I heard that Pulse Fitness was offering a workout class called Xabeat, which features choreographed dances to upbeat songs, I could not wait to try it.

My mom, who is also a big fan of Zumba and working out was willing to try the challenge with me.

Personal health and fitness is very important to me personally and working out keeps me in shape for dance.

The outside of the Pulse Fitness studio located at 112 2nd Ave NW. The atmosphere was what made a huge impact on me. It was a very friendly atmosphere that made me feel comfortable.

Tonneson made me feel positive, she was also motivating and encouraging. The music was fun and put me in a good mood, which made me want to workout more.

The building was remodeled with hardwood floors and mirrors on the wall. There was plenty of room to spread out and participate in the workouts.

Xabeat consisted of song after song of choreographed dances that really got my blood pumping. The Zumba like moves were choreographed to songs that were fun to dance along with. The dance moves were repeated multiple times which gave me the opportunity to learn them and do them.

The moves had the right amount of difficulty to make it fun but simple enough so everyone could do them. I went with my mom and she had no problem keeping up, in fact she sometimes did even better than me.

The overall experience was uplifting and positive. Tonneson provided me with a good workout experience.

The inside of the Pulse Fitness studio.

08

All photos and graphics by Maggie Knoll

March 2018

Opinion

The Real Piehl Why there should be campaigns for class representation OWEN PIEHL

News / Sports Editor For more information regarding class president and representative elections, you can consult Mrs. Bouche, the student council advisor, or talk to your class representatives about getting involved on student council.

If you feel strongly about this issue, please feel free to get in touch with either me or The Courier. You can email me at owen.piehl@msd1.org, or drop off a letter to us in Mrs. Cahoon’s room 221.

I have spent the last two weeks planning, writing, revising and editing an article for this page about why Mandan High School should hold elections for class president.

This well written article now sits in the trash as, upon meeting with two student council advisors clearly wielding far more understanding of student council than I, I now know that student council does hold elections for class president along with three other positions as class representatives.

However, it has occurred to me that many of my peers may be with me as far as misunderstanding about the elections for class president in our school. For this reason I have decided to replace my former, fiery article arguing for the students’ right to vote, for a more measured explanation of the rules regarding class elections and my ideas for how they could be improved both for us and the future students of Mandan High School.

So, first off, as I said earlier, there are elections. They are held in the spring, the end of the school year, and voting decides the representatives for your class for the following year. This voting is separate from voting for student council positions, which are decided on by outgoing student council members.

Anyone with a year of experience on student council can apply to run for senior class president, who is tasked with representing the senior class and speaking at graduation (other class president elections do not require a year of experience, so go

Opinion

ahead and run, underclassmen!).

Imagine the movie Napoleon Dynamite These elections have the potential to if Pedro had not run in the class president not only teach students about voting and election. What would have become of deciding on their own representation, they Napoleon’s dance moves had he not also have the potential to be pretty lit. gotten on that stage in support of Pedro’s First off, posters would be fun, a lot like campaign? Holding campaigns and more homecoming week and the posters that publicized class representative elections those candidates make. Second, and in would enable our school’s inner Pedros and my opinion more important, there is now Napoleons to shine. a primetime slot for our candidates to give So all I ask of you, my fellow students, is speeches and tell their respective classes to push with me for the opportunity to take why they should be elected. part in fun campaigns for class president If you have not heard, our beloved and representatives in the spring of this diversity assembly has been cut from the year and for years onward. Let the future of schedule due to a lack of diversity.

Mandan have something for kids to aspire Since there is no longer an event during to and which enables them to learn about the time slot that assembly took up, it would their role in the democratic process. be the perfect time to hold class president So for those who have been or are election campaign speeches. These considering running for one of these speeches, written by the students appearing positions, do not forget: Don’t open the on the ballot, would be the perfect time champagne, until after the campaign! to showcase the variety of ideas of those with the initiative to run for ‘20 a position representing their ‘19 peers.

Mandan High states in its mission statement that its goal is to help all students “become productive members of society.” One of the most important parts of being a productive citizen in the United States of America is exercising your right to vote.

With these events as a part of the election process for class representatives at our school, students would be able to learn about voting and how to help decide their own representation as they approach adulthood and the *(just kidding, actually don’t) responsibilities it carries.

‘21 ‘22 These election processes Poster by Owen Piehl are a stereotypical part of the overall high school As you can see, I have a background in speech experience and robbing giving, so if any of you future candidates need a our students of this once in coach, let me know. a lifetime experience is a disservice to them.

Banana graphic by Shantel Jangula.

Elect 12 year old me as Class of 2019 President!*

March 2018

09

Courier Calendar March April

BEN GARTNER General Reporter

Sunday

Tuesday

Monday

Thursday

Wednesday

Friday

Saturday

5

6

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

1

2

3

4

5

6

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9

10

11

12

13

14

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17

15

School

30

School

10

School

Event Description

*The Courier calender only includes home games Girls’ Basketball March: 8-10 State in Fargo Boys’ Basketball March: 8-10 State in Fargo Boys’ Baseball March: 5 Parent Meeting @8 19 First Practice

LAF Menu March: 8 Nachos 15 TBA 22 Hot Dogs

Girls’ Soccer March: 12 Parent Meeting @7 26 First Practice Girls’ Tennis March: 13 Parent Meeting @ 6:30 April: 2 First Practice 13 Bis-Man Quadrangular

March: FCA Fridays Meeting 7:30 a.m.

8 FFA Meeting April: 12 Annual FFA Banquet

Girls’ Softball March: 6 Parent Meeting @ 7:45 19 First Practice

Boys’ Golf April: 9 First Practice

March 7 - ACT registration with all junior students in the auditorium March 15 & 16 - 9 Weeks Testing

School

Legend

nd

a Track

Field

Softball

Basketball Baseball

News

31

School

Golf

Tennis

March 9 - No school for students, Teacher PD March 29 & 30 - No School April 2 - Storm Day (If needed)

Club Event

Band/Choir Event

School

Soccer March 2018

No school

Test Days

LAF Menu

11

Bringing National News Home: Unwelcome at Home The fate of DACA and its DREAMERS RYAN PHELPS General Reporter

President Donald Trump’s views on immigration were known since he announced his presidential campaign right off the escalator. These views are now the basis of presidential action on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

DACA is an executive order that gives illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children, known as DREAMERS, protection from immigration forces if they applied.

President Trump used presidential power to end the program September 5, 2017 but gave Congress a six month deadline to find a replacement.

The protections from the DACA program must be reapplied for every two years. If the program stops accepting applications all 690,000 recipients will be unprotected in two years.

On January 20 Democrats in the Senate refused to pass a bill to fund the government until DACA gets a replacement. This lead to a government shutdown where all Orange: Support of non-mandatory spending stopped. shutting down the The shutdown ended two days government till a vote on later with only a promise from DACA was promised senate majority leader Mitch Blue: Disapproval McConnell to be able to vote on a bill concerning DACA. Despite off shutting down the the promised vote many still doubt government till a vote on a solution will come about.

DACA was promised “Honestly, it has been this long

debate and it feels like it has been played like a card,” said Spanish teacher Shelly Maluy, “not really considering these are people.

Honestly I don’t see a positive outcome.”

While the issue might be complicated many believe the answer is simple enough if politicians are willing to find it.

“I think our leaders can find a solution, but there is a lot of egos in the way. They need to put the American people first,’ said Social Studies teacher Jason Salz.

President Trump has proposed a pathway to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal immigrants who are eligible for the DACA program if 25 billion dollars are spend for a border wall, restricting American citizens ability to sponsor family for citizenship to spouses and minor children and reducing legal immigration.

On February 15 the promised vote on DACA came. Four bills were proposed with the most popular bill, sponsored by the Common Sense Caucus, gave a pathway to citizenship to DREAMERS and funding for a border wall.

Said bill failed 54-45 in the Senate, six votes away from being able to break a filibuster. The Grey: Support White House also threatened to continuing DACA if other veto the bill if it received enough immigration laws change votes.

Orange: Support a On February 26 the Supreme continuation of DACA Court decided to allow a lower court ruling that ending DACA Blue: Students who is unconstitutional.

Only the would not support a Supreme Court has the power to continuation of DACA undo the ruling.

Poll of 136 MHS students

31%

69%

14%

36%

50%

Timeline of the Ending of DACA September 5

President Trump announced deadline for replacing DACA

February 15

Vote on replacement happened, with all bills failing.

January 20

Democrats refuse to fund the government until DREAMERS are protected

February 26

The Supreme Court stays lower court ruling, protecting DACA

January 22

Vote on replacement for DACA is promised, government funded

March 5

Original replacement deadline Graphics by Ryan Phelps

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March 2018

News

S cie N Ce O l Y m P I ad Sulfur

Cerium

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Yttrium

Phosphorus

Iodine

Science Olympiad competitors talk about the competition

BEN GARTNER General Reporter

Mandan High School will be competing in the annual Science Olympiad for the second year on March 22 in Bottineau, ND. The Science Olympiad started in 1984 and is a premier science competition. It provides rigorous challenges to 7,800 teams in all 50 states. The purpose is to increase participation in science, technology, engineering and math.

“It is a fun environment and you get to learn about how science is applied and work as a group to do experiments,” said Science Olympiad Advisor and science teacher Ciera Kroh.

Mandan offers the Science Olympiad through the Science Club. A student does not have to be in Science Club to participate, though, it is strongly encouraged.

“Generally I would say that you have to be in Science Club, but this year I was more lenient,” Kroh said. “There was too many kids for one team but not enough for two, so I recruited outside of Science Club.”

There are 17 different categories that are being judged at the competition this Science year. The categories range from Anatomy and Physiology to Rocks and Minerals.

It is not just strictly business on the trip. This year they are staying at Lake Metigoshe and doing activities like studying how different animals prepare for winter and using GPS in a treasure hunt.

Every competition they go to, they try and schedule a tour of a college to help make the selection easier in a few years.

To prepare for their projects, students are assigned a practice date to get together with their partner and experiment.

“We prepared by doing what we do in the competition itself over and over again until it works,” junior Jordan Webb said.

At sporting competitions the atmosphere can be tense and unfriendly, but unlike sports, Science Olympiad can be loose and inviting.

“Most people there are really nice and happy,” Webb said. “We are all science nerds for the most part, so it is enjoyable.”

If a student wants to join Science Club or an event related to it, they can talk to Ciera Kroh in room 114.

“It is a lot of fun and we all try Photo by Ben Gartner and stick together while doing students working on their optics it,” Webb said. “Some of the best memories are made in high project. school, and being in a club helps you make friends and meet new people.”

For placing top three you can win thousands of dollars in scholarship money to UND. Last years winner got $1500 cash on top of the scholarship.

“The last three years we have had top placers in the Science Fair where they have won scholarship money,” Kroh said. “For the Olympiad, this is our second year of competing and we did not make it to state last year, so I am not sure what will come of it.”

Olympiad

Categories Being Judged This Year Anatomy & Physiology Chemistry Lab Disease Detectives Dynamic Planet Ecology Experimental Design

News

Forensics Helicopters Herpetology Hovercraft Microbe Mission

March 2018

Mousetrap Vehicle Optics Rocks & Minerals Thermodynamics Towers Write It Do It

13

New Bites Close to Home Several new restaurants coming to Mandan MAGGIE KNOLL General Reporter

Bennigan’s 1506 27th Street NW

and deserts. Bennigan's is known for its Monte Cristo sandwich, Oh, Baby Back Ribs, and Death by Chocolate Cake. Unlike other restaurants in Mandan, Bennigan's will be open 11 a.m. to midnight.

"Our food is amazing," Mangiamele said. "We have chef driven food and innovative drinks, and we are known for generous portions so this provides value to our guests, they get generous portions of high-quality food and drinks for a good price."

school students who would normally have to drive to Bismarck to get a job.

"One of our biggest opportunities for high school students is to have their first job at Bennigan's," Angela Discher, Bennigan's Vice President of Marketing said. "We firmly believe that young people who work in hospitality business will have an advantage as they grow in their careers.

Culver’s

Mandan 1704 E Main Street is adding Bennigan's several new will be businesses Culver’s is a casual fast-food restaurant located to the beside the that is hoping to break ground in April and community C o m f o r t be open as early as August of this year. in 2018. The Inn & Sammy and Harry Wu are the franchisees businesses Suites. It working with co-owner Paula Grossinger include will be to bring Culver’s to Mandan. The Wu’s, C u l v e r ’s , l o c a t e d previous owners of the Rice Bowl, were Bennigan’s near the looking for another opportunity they could and Grand S t a r i o n grow with and decided Culver’s would be a Junction S p o r t s great option for them.

G r i l l e d A general idea of what Bennigan’s will look like. C o m p l e x “Culver’s is a perfect fit for the Subs. community,” Grossinger said. “It goes well and the Bennigan’s is to open late Summer 2018.

Gwen with the types of places here.” interstate.

Mangiamele, Owner and Managing With Bonanza closing July 30, the Wu’s "Bennigan's location will help to pull Director of Legendary Restaurant Brands, travelers from the interstate to spend money initial plan was to keep the building and is working to support independent in Mandan and stay at our hotels," said remodel, but they later realized it was a franchisees Rob Knoll and Monte Stein Ellen Huber, City of Mandan's business better idea to tear down the building and to bring this casual dining option to development and communications director. build something new. Grossinger took Mandan, called Bennigan's. Bennigan’s "It will also help to retain and attract more part in selling items from Bonanza to is a “Legendary Restaurant” that will be businesses and needed workforce in North community members. coming to Mandan in the near future.

Mandan."

"Our new restaurant prototype atmosphere The restaurant is upscale yet comfortable and inviting," will seat about 185 Mangiamele said. "Bennigan's is a perfect people. It will have fit for Mandan, because we are family garage doors to let friendly in addition to being a fun place for the outside air in on friends to get together, including teens." nice days. It can also Bennigan's is going to bring a curbside be used as a private dining option to Mandan. There are no sit- room for parties or down chain restaurants in Mandan so Knoll meetings. and Stein took it upon themselves to bring The restaurant will the Bennigan's chain to Mandan. bring jobs to over The prototype of Culver’s. Culver’s is taking the place The restaurant is an Irish pub restaurant 70 people and will of Bonanza. which will feature appetizers, drinks, meals provide jobs to high

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March 2018

News

Wisconsin in April last year to work at a Culver’s restaurant to see if this was really what they wanted to do. They had an evaluation with the team they worked with and were approved to move forward.

“With my experience it was a great atmosphere to work in,” Grossinger said.

“It was so fast paced.”

Grand Junction 4524 Memorial Highway The Grand Junction location in Bismarck.

“We are right on the gateway to main street,” Grossinger said. “It provides kind of an anchor to Mandan.”

With Mandan’s population size, it is hard to bring businesses into Mandan, but Culver’s felt that Mandan would fit their location criteria well.

“Culver’s does really well in

News

communities this size and was perfectly fine with coming to a community whose population isn’t the biggest.” Grossinger said.

The restaurant will have seating for 140 and will have a patio outside where people will be able to go outside and eat once the weather warms up. It will provide 50-60 jobs with a mix of both full and part time which will offer plenty of jobs for students looking to work in the fast food industry.

“A job in fast food is a great opportunity for high schoolers,” Grossinger said.

Culver’s will offer take-out options and well as having a drive-thru option.

The menu features its well-known “ButterBurgers” and frozen custard as well as other items.

“The menu really appeals to high school students,” Grossinger said.

“When school lets out it really becomes a hangout.”

Grossinger and Sammy Wu went to “Discovery week” outside of Madison, March 2018

A Grand Junction Subs opens March 6 near Classic Rock Coffee and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. Colton Shoults, owner and operator of Grand Junction saw an opportunity to bring this eating option to Mandan which will also feature something new, a drive-thru pick-up window.

“We have a lot of great customers that travel from Mandan to our North store in Bismarck,” Shoults said. “We wanted to bring one closer to home for them.”

The store will be very similar in demographic as the north store located in Bismarck, and it will be located next to multiple businesses on the “strip” in Mandan.

“There is a lot of opportunity on the strip,” Shoults said. “There are not very many options to eat for lunch.”

The restaurant is a big hit with high school students in Bismarck, and Shoults has no doubt that it will do well with the Mandan students.

“We enjoy kicking it with young people and keeping up with social media,” said Shoults, who is only 28 years old himself.

Grand Junction is known for its east coast style grilled subs, salads, kids meals and cookies “as big as your face.”

“We have a very fun culture with a lot of good vibes,” Shoults said. “We have a lot of fun here.”

Grand Junction will hire 19 employees for the new location and will have a drivethru window, which is something that isn’t available at the Bismarck location.

Mandan is Grand Junction’s ninth location

All photos by Maggie Knoll

15

Local Hurricane Heroes The people that are saving our furry friends

MADI JUST

General Reporter

“It was kind of crazy because we The nation was shocked when first saw him on a Facebook post while hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria we were in Louisiana and we weren’t hit the U.S. and Puerto Rico with planning on going down to Texas to astonishing force. help him because I thought someone Many people were displaced by else would.” Buchholz said. “But these hurricanes, along with many three days later this picture had over animals.

2000 likes, but nobody had helped this Instead of euthanizing all the animals dog, so we did.” coming into the local shelters because Kaiser had almost no hair because of overcrowding, a hurricane rescue of a skin condition called mange, had program was formed to get animals tested positive for heartworm, and had to shelters that had extra space. One been shot in the leg. Luckily, he has of these shelters is the Central Dakota been recovering well at the shelter Humane Society outside of Mandan. and will hopefully find a new forever “We’ve taken in animals from home when he is healthy. various disasters all over the country,” “The vet told us that what really Shelter Director Sue Buchholz said. saved him was his personality.”

Despite some of the challenges of Photo by Madi Just Buchholz said. taking in animals from other states, such as new health concerns, the Kaiser was found in Corpus Christi, Texas, and If anybody wants to adopt an animal shelter does not miss a beat, and takes is currently recovering at the animal shelter. at the shelter they have to meet with a shelter worker and the animal they them in regardless. would like to adopt. This allows a person to “The animals come in with various get to know the animal’s personality and see health histories that we don’t know about how well it will fit in with the new owner. so we have to go through the process of “We require two visits for dogs, and one getting them vaccinated and checked out visit for cats before they can submit the and there is definitely a bit of a financial application,” Buchholz said. challenge with more animals.” Buchholz From there, they can submit an application said. with a reference from a family friend or a One of the biggest problems with all of vet. Once the person has been vetted, they the new animals is heartworm. Heartworm can adopt the animal they’ve been meeting is a parasitic worm transmitted by with. mosquitoes that infects an animal's heart, “I know the adoption process seems long, usually in dogs. but we have to be sure that these animals are “We took in 18 dogs in October and going to a good home. They’ve already had I knew that ten of them were heartworm the ball dropped on them once, we don’t positive.” Buchholz said. want that to happen again.” Buchholz said.

The treatment for heartworm can be The overall goal for the shelter is to costly, and is up to the new owner after insure that animals find good homes where the dogs leave the shelter. This can make they can be happy. That is the reason the it harder to find them new homes. hurricane rescue program was created in “I was very pleasantly surprised when we adopted out eight of the ten dogs that Photo by Madi Just the first place, to insure that animals, that do were heartworm positive right away,” Buddy is a 15 year old pit bull that is not have any place else to go, are given the opportunity to lead a healthy and happy life.

Buchholz said. currently up for adoption.

“That’s the reason I come to work Most of the animals brought in from other states are dogs. It was a long journey for them to get to North everyday,” Buccholtz said. “That’s what we’re here for, to turn Dakota which they took in pet taxis, but the dog that has traveled their lives around and save their lives.” the farthest, in more ways than one, was a pit bull named Kaiser from Corpus Christi, Texas.

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March 2018

News

SAVANNA HAGEROTT General Reporter

North Dakota

A look into a few of North Dakota’s infamous haunted locations

San Haven Sanatorium, Dunseith

Many people have wanted to explore an abandoned or haunted building sometime in their life. They often think they need to travel great distances just to find a cool place to explore. However, what many people seem to forget is that we have several spooky sites throughout North Dakota that are said to be haunted as well, and there is even one right here in our city. These places are just a small portion of many ‘haunted’ locations throughout North Dakota.

Yunker Farm, Fargo According to hauntedhouses.com, the Yunker Farm was first owned

by Newton Whitman who built it in 1876. Then, the Yunkers bought the farm from him in 1905 and after John Yunker died, his wife took over until her son Laurence took over as the final owner. About 20 years after he retired, the Fargo Park District and The Junior League of Fargo/Moorhead decided to make it a children’s museum. At this location, there have several been reports of a female entity, thought to be Elizabeth Yunker, and she is often see upstairs where most of the smaller children play. There are also reports of a little girl standing next to a well, thought to be a little girl who had drowned in the well.

Fort Abraham Lincoln Custer House, Mandan

Photo courtesy of flickr.com

A side view of San Haven Sanatorium in Dunseith

According to substreet.org, built in 1909, this sanatorium housed hundreds upon hundreds of tuberculosis patients. On top of that, when tuberculosis became less of a problem, it became a place for developmental disabilities (mentally handicapped). In 1989 they completely closed down and the building was purchased three years later by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribe. In 2001, a teen fell down a steam tunnel while exploring the abandoned building.

There have been reports of the sound of babies crying and apparitions in windows. Since it is owned by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribe, it is not open to the public.

Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

The Custer House was built in 1989 and is a reconstruction of George and Libbie Custer’s actual house. According to Recreation Division Member, Matthew Gardner, several park rangers have heard unfamiliar sounds in the house including light voices. There have also been reports of shadow figures seen in the windows and in the corners of people’s eyes. In 2010, a paranormal investigation group did an exploration of the house and confirmed that it is indefinitely haunted from evidence of several audio clips from around the house.

The house is open to the public through tours run by the park rangers.

The front of Fort Abraham Lincoln Custer House.

Feature

March 2018

17

YAY OR NAY

Is America Great Again?

MADI JUST

General Reporter

Photo by Madi Just

Sophomore Ryan Roseberger

Believes America is great again Since President Trump’s election, he has undeniably been a major source of controversy. In spite of all of his controversy, the Trump administration has made significant achievements in just over a year now that he has been president.

These achievements have been follow through on president Trump’s promise to make America great again.

In 2016 the total amount of illegal aliens caught crossing the border was approximately 500k in 2017, but saw a 39 percent decrease with about 307k illegal aliens caught at the Mexican border.

The GDP of the American economy saw an increase from 2.8 percent to 3.2 percent from July 2016 to July 2017. 2017, overall, saw an economic expansion of 2.3 percent greater than that of the previous year which was 1.5 percent, The tax reforms of the Trump Administration have undeniably benefited the United States citizens. Households making $200k -$500k maintained a 35 percent tax rate. Married-joint couples making 165k -315k received a 4 percent decrease to 24 percent. Most individual rates saw at least a 3 percent decrease from the previous 2016 number.

Despite how President Trump posts on twitter and comments on Haiti in recent events have become controversial, his performance in his first year of presidency has exceeded expectations for most of his supporters and has created in positive outlook on his future in the oval office.

18

President Donald Trump’s first year of office has passed leaving many people with the same question: Is America Great Again? The answer is still unclear and heavily debated.

Many students have very strong opinions on both sides of this issue.

Two students share their opinions on whether or not America is great again after Trump’s first year in office.

Is America great again after President Trump’s first year in office?

32.3% Yes 67.7% No

Graph by Madi Just Poll based on the responses of 155 students.

If he hasn’t [made America great again] yet, will he by the end of his term?

46.1% No 53.9% Yes

Graph by Madi Just Poll based on the responses of 141 students.

March 2018

Photo submitted by North Skager

Senior North Skager

Believes America is not great again Where can I even begin with him? His childish demeanor, seemingly countless scandals and amount of time golfing at Mar-a-Lago rather than in Washington are enough to discount his usefulness, and that’s just scraping the surface. That is not even including his exceedingly under qualified cabinet choices, historically low approval ratings and obvious lack of respect and understanding of the government he currently presides over.

His progress is rather slow as well, as most of his promises have fallen short.

The wall is nowhere near fruition, and the deportation of undocumented immigrant is not only unnoticeable, it is occurring even less than under the Obama administration, according to The Economist.

It seems one of the only important things he has actually been able to attribute to his presidency is getting Congress to pass the new tax bill, which, is quite different from the bill what was originally promised, and finally, coming from a soon-to-be college student and member of the middle class, is a very harmful piece of legislation on the basis that it is deficit-funded and that most economists agree that it will have devastating effects on the economy, according to Forbes.

Donald Trump is a global embarrassment for the American people. I do not believe he would ever intentionally provide any benefit for any American citizen unless it somehow helped himself. If you consider tearing apart an historically united people with divisive rhetoric and edgy politics “great,” then maybe he is.

Feature

Feature

Jaxton: “Obviously me”

Trey: “Definitely me”

Trey and Jaxton Wiest

“Probably be called ‘Loud Mouth’”

“I am absolutely horrible at dancing.”

March 2018

*Each month the Courier will feature one male and one female student to be the noobs of the month. Noobs are randomly chosen by staff.*

What would be a movie title for your life story?

“Oh, really, really big”

How big is your backpack?

“Chloe Bender and Kendra Lang because they are my sisters”

Which seniors do you look up to?

What do you want the students of MHS to know about you?

“I would say it is pretty big. It struggles to fit in the lockers.”

How big is your backpack?

“The responsible football players”

of things”

trade her for the world.”

Sierra: “Awesome. I couldn’t

Sierra.”

Savannah: “Sierra. Definitely

Sierra: “For sure me.”

Savannah: “Me”

Sierra: “Oh, for sure me.”

Sierra and Savannah Butler

19

Kennedy Berge

Tray: “Special”

Mackenzie: “Different”

Tray: “Me”

Mackenzie: “Probably Tray.”

Tray: “She is.”

get good grades.”

MacKenzie: “Easily me. I

Mackenzie and Tray Hohbein

Photos taken by Liberty Hurley

Avery: “ A hoot and a half” Savannah: “Very good at a lot

Ethan: “Amazing”

Avery: “Ethan”

Ethan: “Me”

Avery: “Me”

Ethan: “Avery”

Ethan and Avery Hauff

Noobs of the Month

Prince: “My sibling is very annoying, smart guy and I still love him” Kenneth: “My sibling is very annoying sometimes, but still my brother and I love him.”

know how to do laundry.”

Kenneth: “Me. He doesn’t

one that does laundry.”

Prince: “He’s dirty. I’m the

the youngest, and my mom likes me more.”

Kenneth: “Me because I’m

Prince Obeng and Kenneth Brako Prince: “It’s Definitely me.

I’m the oldest.”

e d i s p i l F The

Which seniors do you look up to?

Jaxton: “My best friend”

Trey: “Unathletic”

Jaxton: “Trey”

time.”

Trey: “Me. I clean it all the

Garet Schaefbauer

Finish this statement. “My sibling is...”

Who keeps the cleaner room?

Who is the better sibling?

g n i l Sib n o i t i d E

General Reporter

LIBERTY HURLEY

: u l F e i s s u A The SANTANAH GERHART

the Worst

What you should know...

This is the first time in the 13 years of the CDC’s current flu tracking system that every state in continental America is experiencing widespread flu activity, with Hawaii being the only U.S. state where the flu is not considered widespread.

In addition, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, where almost half of America’s IV bags are made, right before the start of our flu season. Because of all the flu-related hospitalizations, the demand for these IV bags is rising and America is now having a shortage.

General Reporter

When it comes to the flu, most people just view it as an inconvenient routine. Everyone knows it will come every winter, possibly make them feel sick and stay home for a few days, and then it will be over with.

While many people can get through it under a humidifier haze of Netflix, some Ibuprofen, and rest, some others are not so lucky. That minor inconvenience turns into a major issue when a loved one is being hospitalized because of it. m Looking back, this flu season has definitely been a rough ljournal.co rce: digita u so one. The deadly influenza virus that swept across America this season left many hospitalized and some dead.

This year’s most prevalent strain of the influenza virus is This flu season has been the worst since the Swine Flu epidemic the H3N2 strain, also known as the “Aussie flu”. This virus is in 2009, which surpassed every winter flu season since 2003, relatively new, and new viruses tend to kill far more people in when the government changed the way it measures flu. This year general, as well as far more younger people. has taken the cake as the new worst flu season in decades.

It caused so much trouble in Australia that US and European One reason why this is such a bad year is because during a health officials were already watching for it before our flu season typical year, an A virus dominates the beginning of the flu season, even began. Over 80 percent of Americans that had the flu this and the less intense B virus takes over at the end of the season. year were infected by the H3N2 strain.

This year, however, A viruses H1N1 (Swine Flu), H3N2 (Aussie It is a relatively new strain that is known to hit people harder than Flu), and a B virus are all prevalent at once. other seasonal flu strains and is more difficult to prevent. It also causes more health complications and can be especially deadly to Early on in the season, the flu was not very widespread or the most vulnerable groups of people. intense. As the season progressed, however, more and more This strain has been hitting the older generation, or “Baby people fell fatally ill.

Boomers”, especially hard. Researchers are still not sure why this Numbers of people being hospitalized or dying of the flu rose is, but they have discovered that strains that include the H3 virus rapidly by the time mid-January came around. By mid-January, are usually more dangerous than others. The other thing puzzling the number of flu victims this year had already surpassed those officials is why this strain is so much more intense than typical of last year. seasonal flu strains.

Is this year’s flu strain unusually dangerous?

How bad really was this flu season?

the stomach flu vs The flu

Low fever Headaches D iarrh ea Naus ea and vo m i ti n g stomachache and cram ps muscle aches tired or cran ky

20

What’s the difference?

vs Norovirus

(stomach flu) March 2018

Influenza

(Respiratory flu)

Fever and chills headaches cough sore throat ru n n y or stuffy nos e m u s c le a c h es fat i gu e

News

Influenza outbreak in Decades Photo used with permission by SUwalls.com

Did this year’s flu vaccine even work?

This year the vaccine contained the H3N2 virus (along with another A virus — H1N1, and a B virus), but it was a poor match and only provided partial protection. The H3N2 strain is in it, but due to how new it is and its constant mutations, the vaccine was not as effective as professionals had hoped.

Although it is only 25% effective against the virus this year, it is not a total failure. Health officials are still encouraging people to get the vaccine if they have not because it does protect us against this year’s B strain and the H1N1 virus that has been around for years. It also helps weaken the intensity and effects of the virus if you do end up catching the flu.

According to a poll of 235 MHS students, 56 percent have had the flu this permissions: year. t0range.com If the flu is such a common virus and there are vaccinations for it, why does it still take the lives of healthy people?

Why are so many people dying this year? Or is it pretty normal?

If it's normal, why are we hearing about so many more deaths this year than we usually do?

Photo of pneumonia infected lungs used with permission from flickr.

Across America, the unexpected deaths of many normal, healthy people, including a 21 year old bodybuilder in Pennsylvania, a 10 year old hockey player in Connecticut and a mother of three in California, were all widely publicised this year, as well as the fact that a large number of children have died.

Though this flu season has been intense, it has not been unusual enough to be considered abnormal.

Mild flu seasons tend to kill about 12,000 Americans, and severe flu seasons kill about 56,000. So far, 1 in 10 deaths occur due to flu complications.

During the average flu season, the number of child deaths can rage from 37 to 171. So far there have been 97, but this flu season may possibly last as long as May.

Where in the u.s. did the flu spread the worst?

Usually, the flu is most dangerous for elderly people, pregnant mothers, children and people with States including California, existing illnesses such as asthma.

Florida, and Alabama have been hit As in any case, however, there will the hardest. In California, hospitals be exceptions to the norm. The most Photo used with permission from Wikimedia. have been described as “war zones” common cause of flu-related deaths of patients, and San Diego has reported are complications caused by the virus. record numbers of flu-related deaths this year. In Florida, one Inflammation in the flu victim’s chest can easily lead to pneumonia, public school district shut down completely in January because which is more fatal than the flu. Experts also believe that many so many people were out sick. Alabama declared the flu a “Public healthy people who die from the flu are victims of cytokine storms.

Health Emergency.”

These cytokine storms are an overwhelming response by the body’s immune system to an infection. The body sends too many defenses that end up killing the healthy tissue in their lungs and other organs, too.

Get vaccinated. Even though the vaccine may not be able to The H3N2 virus has a new mutation that helps the virus thrive prevent the flu completely due to mutations and other factors, the in the lungs, leading to a greater possibility of cytokine storms or vaccine will still greatly decrease the intensity of the symptoms. pneumonia. As of late February, the flu and pneumonia were the You will also be less likely be hospitalized or die from it. cause of one in 10 deaths in America.

According to a poll, 54 percent of students come to school even when they are sick, usually so that they would not have to take Information from the CDC and Time.com semesters. In order to prevent the flu from becoming serious and spreading even more, students are encouraged stay home and take care of themself rather than spreading the virus to their classmates.

How can people prevent getting the flu or prevent their case of the flu from becoming serious?

News

March 2018

21

Giving Back to More Than the Community

Benefits of volunteering that affect more than just the people being helped

KENNA HEIDT General Reporter

No matter what type of passion a person has, there is almost always an opportunity to give back to your community while doing something enjoyable by volunteering. There are many other benefits of volunteering other than to just do it for someone else. Although there are many opportunities to showcase your qualities, volunteer work catches employer’s eyes on applications also.

Not only does volunteering look favorable on applications, it helps people better themselves by earning new friends, fun, and self-confidence to their lives.

“In Health Sciences/Health Science Students of America (HOSA), we have done a variety of volunteer activities such as blood drives, activities at Edgewood Mandan, and much more,” Health Science Instructor and HOSA Adviser Constance Keller said.

Many students do not volunteer because they do not understand the benefits of volunteering.

“By being involved in school and/ or community organizations, students can have opportunities to volunteer, but students can also take the initiative to reach out to places of business, residents, not for profit organizations, and schools in their community, to see how they can volunteer to help serve others,” counselor Alyssa Caya said.

Even though it helps people better themselves, it can also help many other people or even animals. When one volunteers, they are giving their time and dedication to who they are working for.

“Volunteering is a great way to help brighten someone else’s day,” Leo’s Club President Jacob Castillo said. “Leo’s club has made it our goal this year to donate 100 blankets, and we have made about 85 tie blankets so far.”

Despite volunteering for themselves and other people, many volunteers believe that the act will look exceptional on nearly any application that is filled out. College admission boards and scholarship committees almost always think highly of seeing volunteer work on college applications.

“The Prudential Spirit of American Award is a scholarship that is based on volunteer work,” Caya said. “This award comes out in the fall of the year, and is a national award, so students are competing with others students within their state and at the national level.”

Plenty of students are wishing for their applications to stand out to employers or the admissions office. Many are wondering how they can do this.

“Volunteer work certainly makes a student stand out, because when you volunteer, you are not in it for yourself, but are spending your time to help others or help your community, without monetary compensation,” Caya said.

When students finally want to start volunteering, some cannot find the time or motivation to do things like giving their time. An abundance of kids are trying

to figure out where to find the motivation or time to volunteer.

“It can be tough to find time in a busy high school schedule to volunteer,” Castillo said. “I always try to give advanced notice when new activities are coming up in Leo’s club.”

While students are trying to find time, they often wonder where they can volunteer their time to, especially since Mandan is a smaller city than most others.

“Volunteering isn’t always something that people look forward to, but it’s always worth it in the end.”

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March 2018

Salvation Army Churches United Way

Castillo recommends joining Leo’s Club if a student is interested in volunteering.

“We are an easy way to get started with volunteering, and this is the only group I’ve volunteered through,” Castillo said. “It has been a lot of fun working with the Lions to improve our local community.”

The most important thing when it comes to giving back to the community is to enjoy how many personal connections people make and to have fun while the volunteer is helping people or the animals in need.

“Volunteering has been a lot of fun, and I’ve been introduced to a lot of caring people who are very passionate about their community,” Castillo said.

“Volunteering isn’t always something that people look forward to, but it’s always worth it in the end.”

Nursing Homes

Boy or Girl Scouts

Feature

How Become a Foreign Exchange to Student

Information on becoming a foreign exchange student LIBERTY HURLEY General Reporter

Leingang said. “If they did not, I would have to take junior Year after year, foreign exchange students transferring in and year [in Mandan] all over again.” out of Mandan High School. What happens to the students from There were a few students from North Dakota last year Mandan wanting to explore school-life in other countries? that became foreign exchange students.

Moving to a new country, living with a new family, and “Last year I had two girls from Dickinson [become a moving your entire life around would be difficult in different foreign exchange student], Seymur said. “One went to ways for different people, but many students are interested.

Germany, and one went to France In a recent poll of 151 students 72.2 percent have said that Although Mandan has no in-town programs to become a they would be interested in becoming a foreign exchange foreign exchange student, there are numerous websites and student.. In contrast, 88.4 percent of them said they did not corporations explaining the “how to.” Other schools in the know how to get information about the agencies that provide North Dakota and South Dakota region have had students schooling in other countries. engage in other countries school-life.

One agency that North Dakota schools work with is ASSE They too do not deal with local agencies.

(American Scandinavian Student Exchange). Based in Laguna “I have a book of certified agencies,” said Bismarck High Beach, California, they send foreign exchange students all School Secretary Michelle Schmidt. “They are national, not around the world. local.”

“I have not had a student actually become a foreign exchange Popular destinations for students are Germany, Spain, student in a different country in close to 10 years.” Principal France, and Italy. With ASSE, there are some scholarships Mark Andresen said. available for students.

Not a lot of people know the “There is a scholarship for students to go to information to become a foreign Germany in North and South exchange student, and even less Dakota,” Assistant actually take the steps to become Director of the Midwest one. Most who do, cannot get their Region for ASSE Kari credits transfered.

Skoglund said, “I had Instead of them getting credit for four kids go [to Germany] their year abroad, it is considered • Mak from the Dakotas.” e an experiential year.

With ASSE, they yourse sure you However, there are tips some offer some exceptions l f a ssocia professionals have. with to becoming a foreign t e a “Sit down with counselors trustw exchange student • a

o gency and the principal to find out if rthy agencies do not. that other Fill ou t the ap credits will transfer.” said State “You do not need to know plicati Coordinator for ASSE in the o n the language [of your traveling p r • Lea hones ocess country] North Dakota, South Dakota, to go,” Skoglund said. t r l n y the ba and Midwest Minnesota “We are a lot less expensive s c i c lang ulture surrounding areas Amanda than other foreign exchange u o a f ge an your c Seymur.

• Imm d programs. h o e sen co rse yo Sophomore Kambria Becoming a foreign exchange urself untry Leingang has been looking • Emb i n t student could be a difficult h a t cultu ark on into becoming a foreign journey, but it can give a person r e y our jou exchange student, but saw advantages in life beyond high r n ey! some difficulties in the school.

Anyone can do it with a technical part of it. little time and effort.

“Mainly the issue with [becoming a foreign exchange student] was credits transferring over,”

TIPS T O BEC OMING FORE IGN E A XCHA NGE STUD ENT

Feature

March 2018

23

Definitely Abled

How MHS students are redifining what it means to have a disability BRENNA HAMMER

awarded this year with the state nominee recognition award as “an expression of [special olympics North Dakota’s] most sincere appreciation for [her] service and deep commitment given to Mandan high school provides educational opportunities for special olympics athletes.” over 1,000 students of all backgrounds. However, even though Through special olympics, Huft is able to participate in bowling, students are used to seeing basketball, track and field and soccer, every personality imaginable, all of which she loves competing in. from jocks to theater junkies, Special Olympics North Dakota also there still seems to be outcasts. allowed Huft to attend a special prom, The biggest of these “outcasts” where she danced the night away with are perhaps the students in the friends. special education department.

Huft shares a classroom with Mandan High’s special her friends Rosie Holzer, a junior; education department includes Jasmine Mertz, a freshman; and Tyler many students and staff Delzer, a freshman. Together, these members. While these students students attend classes, deliver papers, may seem different than the go grocery shopping, and make food average high school student, like pizza and brownies. they actually are incredibly After graduation, Huft aspires Photo by Brenna Hammer to work at A&B pizza delivering similar to any other student.

Some are even doing things that drinks to customers. Delzer hopes Pictured left to right: Tyler Delzer, Jasmine the average student could not. to work with his dad and his sister’s Mertz, Rosie Holzer, Morgan Huft.

Tyler Whisenhunt is a senior at boyfriend at Mandan Tire to continue Mandan High School with autism spectrum disorder, also known his fascination with cars. Mertz has very different goals than the as ASD. ASD is a disorder that affects the nervous system and average high schooler and hopes to someday be a chicken dance inhibits a person’s ability to interact and communicate with others. teacher.

Whisenhunt does not let this slow Most of these students will him down. go to HIT inc., an organization Whisenhunt, like any other providing a variety of services to student, enjoys the simple things in adults with disabilities in western life. Specifically, he enjoys playing North Dakota, after graduation. with his three dogs and six cats, Organizations like HIT allow adults riding his bike, and hanging out at with disabilities to get the most out his grandma’s house. His favorite of their lives and fulfill their goals. hobby, though, could be considered Mandan high school’s mission shocking. is to provide all students with the “I like to find [broken] electronics tools needed to become productive and fix them,” Whisenhunt said. citizens; this includes students “I fixed a television set and a who may appear a little different. playstation set.”

Students with disabilities may Whisenhunt is excited and proud not be able to communicate and to graduate in 2018 with the same physically appear like the average Photo by Brenna Hammer student, but in the end, they really class he started school with. He Huft was recognized for her achievements and plans to continue his electrical are not that different from any fascination and become an other high schooler. Equipped dedication to the special olympics. electrician in the future. with their drive, determination, Morgan Huft is another senior at Mandan High who is and dreams, these students are definitely abled. doing incredible things despite having a disability. She started participating in the special olympics as a little girl and was

Co-Editor-In-Chief

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March 2018

Feature

Student Fixes Up Rental Property

Senior discusses the motives behind owning a rental property SHANTEL JANGULA

and Marketing Education teacher Don Fry interested Lipp in owning rental properties from his previous experience Summer break for high school students of being a rental property owner. is often the time to get rid of notebooks “He told me the cool things he’s done full of notes and doodles, to spend some because of it and I thought, ‘Well, I wanna days at the river and enjoy the sun before do that.’” school returns in August.

English III teacher Lisa Quintus allowed For senior Jared Lipp, summer break for Lipp’s dream become a reality. In was the perfect time to renovate a Lipp’s freshman year in English, Quintus house in hopes of getting a head start in held a “genius hour” designed to help entrepreneurship. student’s dreams become achievable “I wanted to be able to make money through thought and planning. for myself,” Lipp said. “I thought it’d Through “genius hour,” Lipp was able be awesome to buy a house, get a renter to think about what he wanted to do with and make money monthly on top of the the rental properties he would one day money I already have.” own.

Originally, the house was foreclosed “Teachers always help you out if you on, resulting in it being owned by the listen to them.”

Department of Housing and Urban Lipp is also an active member of the Development. Although there are school’s business club, DECA. advantages to buying a HUD home, there “DECA has been one of my main are also disadvantages. motivations in this process.”

“I have to pay off whatever the other In late April, Lipp will be attending the person owed on it,” said Lipp. “But you High School DECA International Career get it cheaper than you would a normal Development Conference in Atlanta, home.”

Georgia.

However, buying the $65,000 house “I took first in the central region came with a large renovation cost. for Restaurant Management to go to “To fix everything up cost about nationals.” Lipp said. $20,000.”

Lipp has always showed interest in Lipp replaced the shingles on the roof, business, and started investing in the installed carpet and laminate flooring and stock market at a young age. applied paint to the rooms that needed it.

“When the whole economy went down, For Lipp, renovating his new renter I put all the money I had in the stock house was not his only responsibility; he market,” Lipp said. “I ended up getting also has a job at the local grocery store, enough money to buy a house.”

Dans.

Lipp is constantly planning and “I typically work 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at making improvements on his journey to night,” Lipp said. “Whenever I wasn’t at entrepreneurship. work, whenever I wasn’t at school, I was “In my room I have a big board where renovating the house.”

I write all my goals and plans on there.”

Though he did a lot of renovating by Having one rental property is not the himself, his father did pitch in whenever end goal for Lipp.

Photos submitted by Jared Lipp he could.

“I want to have a lot of rental properties,” “My dad has owned a couple rentals Lipp picked out his rental property in Lipp said. “I plan on having my second before,” Lipp said. “So I asked him along July and took four months to complete rental property one year from now.” the way, ‘Hey, how do I go about doing Along with owning a second rental renovations. this?’” property, Lipp will be attending Bismarck A long with the help from his dad, State College and eventually North his teachers played a role in Lipp being Dakota State University with the goal of a able to own a rental property. Business business degree in mind.

Co-Editor-In-Chief

Feature

March 2018

25

Mandan Students Actively Serve in the Military LIBERTY HURLEY General Reporter

A feature of our students in uniform

Imagine walking into a room as a high school student, getting sworn into the military by raising your right hand, and leaving as a student in uniform. In doing so, you have gained the responsibility of an adult.

Becoming an adult is a lot more real when your country lays in the hands of a teenager.

The National Guard, Army Reserves and active Army are all viable job options for a high school student. But, they all come with their own set of benefits and down falls.

While being a member of the National Guard, you must serve drill one weekend a month and two weeks a year. This could make life difficult for high school students.

“Trying to plan around [drill weekends is difficult],” senior and National Guard member Beau Hickman said. “You can-not skip out unless it is an important school event.”

To be in the National Guard you must go through basic training. This is a two to three month course that most high schoolers take during the summer between their junior and senior years.

However, that is not always the case. Junior and National Guard member Araya McLellan joined the Guard and is taking basic training later this upcoming summer.

During basic training recruits will do a number of physically and mentally straining activities. It can be hard work, but the work pays off in the long run for a high schooler.

“You learn how to be a respectful person and how to work as a team.”

McLellan said.

The National Guard is widely used as a second option to college. People can have the chance to think about their degrees, and then have help funding their way through college.

“They pay for your college for seven years tuition as long as you stay good with them.” McLellan said.

People learn about the National Guard in a number of ways.

“They first came into my Problems of Democracy class last year, at the very end of the year, and they just kind of explained the benefits.” Hickman said.

Students that are in the National Guard cannot be deployed. So, they get to learn more about their future careers while actively serving in the military.

Another military option for a high school student is to join the active Army prior to graduation. Senior Christina Padilla is doing just that.

Padilla is currently serving as a 31 Bravo. “[31 Bravo] is the military police, and I would be guarding the base during a war.” Padilla said.

Padilla and other members of the military have to do Physical Training twice a week. For Padilla it is on Thursday and Friday and lasts four to five hours.

“It is rough,” Padilla said. “I go at like four thirty [in the afternoon] and do not get back until like nine or ten.”

Padilla plans on continuing with her military career.

“I will just continue doing the military police because I do not want to be a normal police officer.” Padilla said.

Students can learn about the National Guard, Army Reserves and active Army at numerous recruitment offices around the Bismarck and Mandan surrounding areas.

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March 2018

Photo by Liberty Hurley

Senior and National Guard member Beau Hickman dressed out for drill after school.

Photo submitted by Christina Padilla

Senior and National Guard member Christina Padilla signs into the active Army.

Feature

Wonder Wing

Answering the question: “What is the vocational wing?”

General Reporter

Exit Doors Art

Restrooms S p e c i a l Education

RILEY GRIFFIN

Agriculture Classroom

Libraries have genres of books organized in of the outside portion of the wing though. sections. Department stores have clothes in sections “A big plug with FFA for kids is that it’s one of the largest of sizes. These both have a similarity to Mandan inter-curricular activities, so any CTSO organization is part of High in that is that they all three have sections. that class. Our organization gives out $2.1 million in scholarships There is something different about the high school every year,” said Wanner. “A lot of kids don’t know that, so that’s though. One of our sections is unnoticed. That a good opportunity.” section is the vocational wing.

Of course, the vocational wing is not just for the students. The “The vocational wing past the teachers are just as important to this section. band rooms and auditorium,” “I myself was in FFA, and I was said junior Landen Veil. a chapter president. I gained Auto Shop The vocational wing offers thousands in scholarships from the classes that deal with more organization to help offset college hands-on work. and I ended up graduating college “The wing basically is the Agriculture Shop debt free,” said Wanner. place for the hands-on side of Students mainly do not just take a class learning and education,” said Veil. in the wing because it was a random There a variety of classes offered in the vocational wing. Many students class to pick. Many have a background take more than one. in some of the material offered in the “Classes offered in the vocational wing are agriculture classes, classes or they thought that it would be automotive classes, welding classes, and tech classes,” said Veil. “So far, an interesting subject to learn about.

I’ve taken Agriculture I and II, Automotive I and Intro to Welding.”

“All of my siblings had joined in on Agriculture classes FFA, so FFA was something I was really are a large portion of excited about,” said junior Faith Gress. the vocational wing “I liked the idea of being able to do stuff that many students are with your hands instead of just study enrolled in. material.”

“In [agriculture] Many of these students who put time class we will make bolt and work into these classes want to make gauges, bolts and nuts. something out of it when they get out of Then we will do a unit high school. These may be things like where they do shop making it into their career, helping others stools and toolboxes,” or just useful skills that they think that said Agriculture teacher they will use often.

“It is something that I hope I can Photo by Riley Griffin Tanasha Wanner. “We also cover animal continue after high school. I hope that Student made bolt gauge that was sciences, we go over the I become a state officer because it is FFA unit and what FFA something that I want to do when I’m a created in Agriculture 1 class. has to offer students. freshman in college,” Gress said. “It is A student may ask why something that you get to participate in they would need to be down in the vocational wing or what the classes with so many other people and meet so even do for the student. There are many benefits to taking vocational wing many other people.” classes.

Stairs “Although there isn’t any dual credit or AP classes offered, the benefits are learning hands-on skills you will use in your life,” said Veil. “There’s *Pictured above: map of the vocational also the benefit of being able to explore a lot of career opportunities and doing what you love through school in my case.” wing starting with the stairs and The only club in the vocational wing is FFA. This takes up a large part wheelchair ramp being on the east end.

TSL Classroom

Welding Classroom

E x i t Doors

Wheelchair Ramp

Feature

March 2018

27

Post-Diploma Athletics The games do not end when school does RYAN PHELPS General Reporter

Many athletes have been in their favorite sports since middle school. It served as a reason to do well in school, to keep in shape and a way to make friends.

It might seem like the end of school is the end of athletic competition However they’re many activities to participate in at anytime in ones life.

Marathons

event such as the Boston Marathon.

“I started running again with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. I didn’t expect to win,” said Witham

UltraDistance

Marathons are certainly very long races but there are even longer. Five Photo by Chad Ziemendorf longer races are Cyclist getting ready to ride the Maah Daah Hey Trail. found on the Maah Daay Hey trail in the Badlands. The races are for mainly for time being the trail with my friends from cyclist. high school, I decided I was going to “The Maah Daay Hey Buck-Fifty is the finish the whole thing in one day. I finally longest non-looped trail in America, if not did and decided to make sure everyone the continent, said race creator and director can experience the Maah Daah Hey” said Nick Yabbra. No one has finished the trail Yabbra. on foot yet.”

The Maah Daah Hey 25-100 races begin The Buck50 is the longest of the races on August 4th, and the Buck50 races start with a length from 151-161 miles and is the on September 22 through September 27. only race not completed on foot. 25, 50, 75, and 100 mile races are also held and are uniquely challenging.

CrossFit “The thing that makes the Badlands Not all athletic competitions in North special is the isolation. You might not Dakota are endurance based. One such see another person all 10 miles between example is the Dakota Games, an annual rest stops, which can lead to danger if you CrossFit competition in Fargo’s Veteran get injured,” said Memorial Center.

Yabbra.

“The official definition of CrossFit is While the always changing,” said Jessica Grondahl, vastness and Director of the Dakota Games. “It’s emptiness might competing in high intensity, functional include a danger movements.” to traveling the The sport of CrossFit is practice in Maah Daah Hey, CrossFit boxes. There are nine of them it’s exactly what in North Dakota, with the closest being makes it special. CrossFit Mandan. Movements competed The half-desert- in include snatches, muscle ups, deadlifts h a l f - p r a i r i e and handstand push-ups. environment and “Almost all exercises are scored based on the solitude of the the time taken to complete a given number trail attract and of reps. A few are based on the number of inspire hundred reps completed,” said Grondahl.

The Dakota Games have a qualifier in Photo by Chad Ziemendorf every year.

“After my first April, and take place themselves late June.

Trail

The marathon is a widespread endurance event that is simply running 26.2 miles in as short of time possible. One in 200 Americans have completed one according to Statistic Brain Research Institute.

Speed might be what is scored on in a marathon but much more focus should be placed on pacing oneself.

“I honestly enjoy half marathons more.

No matter how slow you go in a marathon, around mile 20 you hit the wall,” said 2017 Bismarck Marathon winner David Witham.

The “wall’ is a term used to describe the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion an athlete experiences when their bodies lack the fuel to continue movement.

The closest and soonest marathon available to MHS students is the Bismarck Marathon on September 15. This race is Olympic certified so performing well is qualifying for both Olympic Trials and

Maah Daay Hey

Sports

March 2018

29

Getting Girls Lifting The lack of girls in the weight room and getting girls started COURTNEY ENTZI General Reporter

Walking into the weight room there is no shortage of boys of all shapes and sizes. There is the football team, the basketball boys, the track stars, and the many other boys crazy about lifting, but there is one thing that is frequently missing—the girls.

“I encourage girls to lift,” sophomore Cole Graner said, “If you don’t know what you’re doing just ask someone who does.”

The weight room is welcoming to everyone wanting to lift and improve themselves. Frequent lifter Cole Graner is supportive and encourages people to lift.

“Just do it. There’s nothing to be scared of,” Graner said. “There are lots of people that can help you get started,” Now, just because there are not many girls in the weight room does not mean they are not lifting. After all there are other places that can provide the same equipment as the weight room.

“I think girls don’t like the weight room because a lot of guys go there so they feel uncomfortable,” senior Lily Roberson said, “Also I really like lifting so I like someplace more clean with a lot of equipment.”

Although it may seem scary to try something new especially a male dominated activity, it is highly beneficial for girls to workout and strengthen their muscles.

“I highly recommend it, “Roberson said. “Its healthy and it can really boost your confidence.”

Not knowing what you are doing can be intimidating, but there are many tools out there to help you learn.

“I started lifting at the end of sophomore year and I learned from YouTube,” Roberson said, “ I have separate days for everything, an arm day, leg day, abs, cardio,” It is a scary thing to start something new but the benefits can pay off in the end.

“Even if it can be intimidating just give it a try,” Roberson said, “It’s all trial and error,” Lifting can be very beneficial for student athletes or just anyone looking to get in the gym.

“I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to do it,” Graner said. “It’s good for you and it’s healthy so why not give it a try?”

Lifting is something everyone can participate in and there are workouts for everyone. Go with friends and find a workout that works best for you. The weight room is always welcoming to new lifters.

“I think the biggest thing is just to get started cause its not really that scary,” Todd Sheldon said, “Their’s always someone to help you with whatever your doing.”

“Even if it can be intimidating just give it a try. It’s Getting all trial and Started Lily’s Recommended YouTubers error.” • Whitney Simmons-

30

Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles

• Nikki Blackketter- Fitness and Weight Lifting Workouts

• Amanda Bucci- Fitness and Nutrition High School Lifting Hours • Before School at 7:00 a.m.

• After School until 5 p.m.

• Summer weight program varies depending on session All Graphics by Courtney Entzi

March 2018

Sports

Underrated Sports in Mandan Some athletes believe that their sport does not get the appreciation it deserves

$

BEN GARTNER General Reporter

a

k

b

Parents tell their kids, “Never judge a “It is relatively easy to learn the basic book by it’s cover,” yet people still judge skills (of tennis),” said freshman tennis certain sports without giving them a chance player Elizabeth Felderman. “But it gets a or even trying to watch them. lot harder when you learn all the different In a poll taken of 206 Mandan High School types of shots.” students, 95 percent believe that there are Most athletes spend many hours working underrated sports at Mandan. Gymnastics, on the skills needed for their respective dance, tennis and swimming were some of activities, whether it be in a gym or a pool. the top voted underrated sports on the poll.

In the poll mentioned previously, one In the poll mentioned above, one student student said, “People do not understand the said, “Some sports get absolutely no hard work that goes into them. Specifically recognition or turnout at any events even dance, gymnastics, and swimming, just with a very capable team that can break because there is not a ball, it’s thought records and win state in multiple events.” they are either not sports or are not good The more well known sports like football enough, which is wrong.” and basketball seem to have more fans than Season can be a hard time for some the above sports. students with how much work they put in “People do not give as much attention for their sport. to sports like dance, cheerleading or “We start with a warm up, then a lead gymnastics as much as football or in set, a main set, then a cool down,” basketball,” said anonymously on the Sheldon said. “We swim about 3,000 yards poll mentioned above. “People pay more a practice.” attention to the Super Bowl than gymnastics Athletes not only have to put in work at the world championships.” during season, but to improve they must The underrated sports tend to not get big keep working in the offseason. or any student section at their meets.

“I play almost everyday, even in the Photo Submitted by Elizabeth Felderman “A lot of people do not show up to any Elizabeth Felderman getting prepared winter,” Felderman said. “The season is so of the meets because they do not think it short, so I can not rely on getting better in to return a serve. is as important as volleyball or football,” that time period.” sophomore swimmer Mayson Sheldon These students put in hard work in and out said. of season and the athletes think that they should get more credit.

In some sports you have to start young to be able to be at the top “All the sports should not be underrated, we are all Mandan and of the game and learn all the specific skills. we should stick together,” junior tennis player Kamdin Sedivec said.

un·der·rate /ˌəndə(r)ˈrāt/ verb

past tense: underrated; past participle: underrated underestimate the extent, value, or importance of (someone or something). “a very underrated film”

Sports

March 2018

31

FRESHMEN TO WATCH Celebrating underclassmen at the top of their game BRENNA HAMMER

Elizabeth Felderman

Co-Editor-In-Chief

In nearly every high school, sports are a central part of student life and the bonding amongst classmates. Generally speaking, the upperclassmen tend to get credit for the success of a team because they have experience in high school athletics. However, underclassmen can also have a big effect on a team’s success. Here are a few freshmen who are already changing the game.

Sydney Gustavsson

Softball & Girls’ Basketball

Girls’ Tennis

Accomplishments: Felderman was three or four years old when she was introduced to the sport of tennis. This year will be her third year on the Mandan High School Varsity Girls’ Tennis team; last year she was the top player and placed 4th at WDA in singles to qualify for state. She also qualified for state in doubles as a 7th grader.

Why do you play tennis?

“I like one-onone competition and enjoy being on a team with my friends.” photo submitted by Felderman

photos submitted by Gustavsson

In basketball, Gustavsson wears the number 30 and in sofball the number 15.

Accomplishments: Gustavsson has been playing softball since the third grade and basketball since kindergarten. This season will be her second year as a catcher for the varsity team and her first as a guard for the varsity girls’ basketball team.

Why do you play basketball and softball?

“I have grown up with the sports and have enjoyed them [ever] since.”

What advice do you have for other student athletes?

“To work hard and have fun. Be a leader and a good sport.”

Freshmen to watch were nominated by their respective coaches. Photos of athletes submitted by respective athlete.

32

What advice do Like last year, Felderman will you have for be on the hunt for a WDA and other student state title this year. athletes?

“Work hard and have fun.”

Jaxon Duttenhefer Football

Accomplishments: Dettenhefer has been around football since he was about six years old; he started playing competitively when he was in the third grade. He mostly plays defensive tackle and offensive line, but occaionaly plays running back. Duttenhefer wears numbers 38 and 62 and although football season is over for this year, you can expect to see him making an impact on the team for years to come.

What advice do you have for other student athletes?

“Keep your grades up. You can’t do your work on the field if you forget to do your work off the field.”

March 2018

Sports

Shakes: Should Athletes be drinking them?

Coaches’ concerns revolving around the new diet trend MADI JUST

General Reporter

These days, it is hard to walk into class without seeing a shake from places like Bam or Nutrition Revolution on every desk. Shakes are almost inescapable with one adorning the arms of every student as they walk down the halls.

The shakes have become the next big diet fad, and many students at Mandan love them and drink them on a regular basis.

“I drink a shake every day,” junior Kennedy Harris said. “Sometimes, I’ll even drink two.”

The drinks are very popular with high school athletes who drink the shakes on a regular basis during the season.

“I probably drink a shake about once a week.” sophomore and basketball player Lakyn Darras said.

But some coaches are worried that these shakes do not have the nutrition it takes to sustain athletes throughout a practice.

“I don't think shakes give you enough of the additional nutrients you need to sustain an athletic lifestyle. ” Assistant Swim Coach Jacob Goergen said. “I definitely don’t think anybody should live off of them.”

Despite these concerns, athletes continue to drink the shakes, even before they compete.

“I drink shakes before meets all the time.” junior and varsity swimmer Lexie Keller said.

Some students recognize that their coaches are concerned, and even try to see where they are coming from.

“A lot of the time I think coaches feel like your body isn’t getting the essential nutrients that you need, but you actually are.” Keller said.

Sports dietitian, Elizabeth Kaparek, from the Stanford Sports Science Institute disagrees.

“Two scoops of the Herbalife Protein Drink Mix only contains 110 calories, five grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of protein and three grams of fat.” Kaparek said. “Even though it has a good amount of protein for a snack, it wouldn’t be enough

Sports

Photo submitted by Lexie Keller

Lexie Keller drinking a shake from Nutrition Revolution.

“A protein shake should never substitute for a meal, especially for young or high school athletes.”

To learn more about how to build a performance plate scan the QR code at the bottom of the page with a phone camera or QR reader.

March 2018

protein for most athletes.”

Some may argue that going and getting a shake is definitely better for an athlete than eating at some fast food restaurant, but school food is still an option.

“I would rather have an athlete drink a shake than eat fast food.” Goergen said.

“Just remember that a school meal can usually ensure that you are getting all of the major food groups, even if you don’t think it tastes the best.”

If school food just does not seem like something you want to eat every day, another option is a performance plate.

“Most in-season athletes need to be focusing on building a ‘performance plate’ that contains energy-enhancing carbohydrates, lean proteins, and colorful fruits and vegetables.” Kaparek said.

Most of the athletes interviewed said that if they have a shake for lunch, they would usually try and eat a healthy snack like a granola bar before their practice started.

“Yeah, I’ll usually eat something before I practice just to make sure I have something if I drank a shake for lunch.” senior Courtney Olson said.

But coaches are still concerned that even eating a snack before practice may not be enough, and that, despite their encouragement to eat something else at lunch, the athletes may not listen.

“If that’s what an athlete wants to do, there is literally nothing I could do about it,” Goergen said. “But I would try to educate them and advise them that it’s not enough.”

Shakes are not going anywhere soon with new places popping up all over Mandan and Bismarck, but athletes should be aware of the risks before deciding to choose them over an actual meal.

“A shake should never substitute for a meal, especially for young, high school athletes.” Kaparek said.

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s t i u Q t i g n i l nd what a s t r o p s Cal t dents qui sue Why stu ut the is o b a k n i h coaches t

Thousands upon thousands of high school athletes play their last game in their favorite sport every year. However, many are not even sure if the points that they just scored will be their last points during their high school career. Why athletes quit their favorite sports gets a lot of people by surprise.

Frequently, athletes quit a sport either mid-season or after the season. Yet, most of the time, the athlete, in this case, sophomore Trinity Duran, leaves their teammates, coaches, parents and fans puzzled. She quit gymnastics less than a year ago after playing the sport since she was just in elementary school.

“My decision left a lot of people in shock including my parents. They had no idea my decision was coming,” Duran said. “I think what made most people surprised was that I’ve been obsessed with An athlete quitting affects the whole gymnastics since I was young.” team, not just the coach or athlete. It leaves Besides the athlete leaving just the coach numerous people in awe, wondering if in shock, the parents of the athlete do too. anyone could have done anything to sway A lot of the time, parents know about their the decision. children quitting the sport that they were “Letting go of an athlete in the middle in love with. of the season is always hard,” Gayette “My parents were definitely a huge part said.

“We as a team all have to adjust as when deciding if I should quit or not, the a whole. ” coach was surprised,” Duran said.

There are a lot of questions being asked When coaches get the news that one towards the athlete. Most of all: of their players is dropping why would an athlete quit? the sport, the coach questions “My decision “Coaches, parents, and themselves, especially if the most of my teammates asked left a lot of athlete has played for quite a nonstop, they were all just very while. people in surprised, ” Duran said.

Sometimes, the coach or shock.”

On the other hand, there the head cheerleader, such as are positives that come from sophomore Kaya Gayette, will quitting a sport.

Many things change even try talking to the athlete. including the athlete’s friends, the athlete’s “We as a team try talking to the free-time, and the athlete’s self. cheerleader as well as just the head “I have a lot more time on my hands cheerleaders,” Gayette said. “I hate having to hang out with my friends and family,” to let go to a part of our team.”

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March 2018

Duran said. “It has affected me as a person a lot too. I have a lot less stress and less depression from all of the standards we were held up to.”

In some circumstances, the athlete even ends up regretting quitting the sport after not being able to play for a while. Most of the time, students do not know how to fill their free time.

“I really miss practices, I like being able to do things that most people cannot do,” Duran said. “I would definitely think about joining again since I have so much free time now.”

When time has gone by, the issue of the athlete quitting passes and mostly everyone lets it all go. For coaches, they still wonder what went wrong with the high school athlete’s career in that sport.

“A lot of kids quit sports because they just simply aren’t seeing the results that they want to see,” girls golf coach Dean Johs said.

All graphics by Kenna Heidt

Sports

Team Spotlight: Boys’ Basketball

OWEN PIEHL

great shot and I think that’s what we’ve been News/ Sports Editor doing a lot of times.”

The greatest things are built piece by Performance such piece, and Mandan Boys’ Basketball is as this has not gone trying to follow that blueprint all the way unnoticed, however, to the state tournament. as many have referred This team, which started the season on to this years’ Braves a nine game win streak, have placed their as the team to beat in 1st 1st 1st 1st attention all year on improving themselves WDA. each and every day.

“When it’s big games “Little steps, little goals. Win a game, win obviously we want two in a row, then win three in a row,” said that target on our back Boys’ Basketball Head Coach Brandon because it motivates PPG FG% RPG APG Schafer. “If we lose, bounce back, and us,” team captain Trae Graphic by Owen Piehl I think we’ve done a great job with our Steckler said. “We’ve Mandan finished the regular season leading the [three] losses. We’ve had good bounceback got one goal in mind victories right after a loss.” and that’s the state WDA in Points Per Game, Field Goal Percentage, Little steps aren’t exactly the kind these tournament and then Rebounds Per Game and Assists Per Game. players are always taking, however, as in the state tournament with the mentality that we were gonna kick three of the team’s starters are at or above the state championship.” some butt,” Steckler said. “We kinda laid 6’ 4”, with senior Trae Steckler coming WDA teams play each other twice in it on the line and I think it all started on in at just that a season, and a the defensive end when we kept getting and sophomore notable series this stops and that led to our offense and it just Elijah Klein year for Mandan clicked from there.” and senior Cam was against BHS. The Braves have also benefited from Steckler both The Demons strong leadership from both coaches and listed at 6’ 6”. hosted Mandan in players as they have gone through the This size is their first matchup, season. one small factor and were able to “Our team captains are Trae Steckler, which has hand the Braves Easton Miller and Cam Steckler, so those contributed to a their first loss of the three are looked to a lot to help motivate stellar statistical season, with chants and pull us together when things aren’t season for the of “overrated” necessarily going great,” Schafer said.

Braves, as this raining down “They bring a lot of leadership and play team leads the from the Bismarck with an edge and they really try to push that West Region student section onto their teammates.” in Points Per after the game.

The Braves finished the season ranked Game, Assists This, however, third in the West Region with a 15-3 Per Game, only seemed conference record, giving them a first round Rebounds Per to motivate the matchup with Jamestown at the WDA Game and Field Braves, as they tournament. The Braves beat the Blue Jays Goal Percentage.

Photo by Ben Gartner came into their next in both matchups during the regular season.

“Offensively matchup at home There is still a long way to go, but this we’ve been Senior captain Cam Steckler prepares and on fire, holding team is built to compete and that’s exactly for a free throw in Mandan’s 69-66 doing a nice Bismarck to only job sharing the victory against Minot. Cam went on to 17 points in the first what they plan to do.

“We’ll be the best team towards the end basketball, and I score 24 points. half on their way to of the season,” Steckler said. “WDA is a mean that’s the a 71-47 win against tough conference and you just gotta play main thing,” Schafer said. “We’re playing one of the top teams in the West Region. the next game like it’s a state tournament together, taking high percentage shots, “We knew it was gonna be a good game we’re not forcing things, and we’ve really obviously and we just had to come out there game because anyone can win in WDA and it’s definitely who shows up that night.” been stressing giving up a good shot for a

Mandan Braves Basketball

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New Sport for Students

Clay Target Shooting can be added to student activity lists MAIYA FLECK General Reporter

Photos provided Thompson.

by

Jenna

Shooters standing at the line preparing to compete.

Jenna Thompson shooting a clay target.

Mandan High School students have a

new sport they can participate in, Mandan High School Clay Target League. It is clay target shooting for students to participate in as a school.

The sport will not be recognized as of now as a school sponsored sport because it has not been validated by North Dakota High School Activities. After they make the decision to validate it, the schools that want to participate will be able to. Legacy, BHS, and Century will also have teams competing.

North Dakota High School Activities will decide which season the sport will officially fall under.

To validate it has been in the process of becoming a sport for about a year. Last year about nine Mandan students participated in the sport shooting for Legacy.

The sport had positive feedback from the students at MHS. “I think we already see how popular it is the meeting last week ended up having close to 50 students signing up,” Athletic Director Mark Wiest said.

The interest from the sport can be second nature from students that enjoy hunting and practicing target shooting on their free time. The outdoors aspect can appeal to many kids that grew up hunting with their families.

“You can shoot for your school, meet new people, and letter in it,” said sophomore Jenna Thompson, a member of the team.

This gives students another opportunity to be part of a school team and compete with other schools in the state.

As more information is distributed the sport is expected to gain more interest from the students.

“I think it’s the fastest growing sport throughout the United States at this point,” Wiest said.

It will be another opportunity to participate in a school

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Last years team of students shooting for Legacy. activity rather than traditional activities such as band, basketball or debate. It is very new to all schools and uses a different approach of athleticism. This addition to the activity list would include a new demographic of students that might not have found interest in other activities the school has to offer, or just adding another activity to their list of extracurriculars.

“It can reach kids of all ability levels,” Wiest said.

April 1 will be the first practice week at Capital City Sporting Clays. The students would not be able to practice on school grounds due to safety precautions. Athletes will need to provide their own shotguns.

Some more information about the sport is the activity fee would be the same as other sports around $50. This would cover transportation, uniforms and whatever else the students would need.

“You really have to do a couple rounds to get used to the gun you’re shooting,” sophomore Jenna Thompson said.

Small key elements like precision and accuracy make it different than other sports. It does not require steps like warm ups or weight training.

A basic competition begins with athletes collecting tee shirts and going over registration. The coaches would gather the score cards, and then the team would be called to the line and start the round.

The score cards are based on hits and misses. Five shells are shot at five stations, for a total of 25 shells per individual.

“Constant practice beforehand and going there on your own time and knowing your gun helps,” Thompson said.

March 2018

Sports

Sports Round-Up RILEY GRIFFIN General Reporter

Boys’ Basketball Girls’ Basketball The boys’ basketball team has put in work this season after the team placed sixth at WDA last year. They came back hungry this year and opened their season with a nine game winning streak with their first loss coming against Century.

So far, the boys only have three losses at the hands of Century, Minot and Bismarck High. This puts them in third place going into WDA and they are working very hard to put in their best efforts and make the most of the season.

Wrestling

Mandan wrestling wrestled aggressively as four of the wrestlers each finished the regular duals season with a total of nine wins. These wrestlers are sophomore Will Kleinknecht, junior Kolten Reisenauer, junior Jacob Boehm and senior Issac Berger.

The Braves concluded their season by clinching a fourth place finish at the state tournament in late February. However, the team has improved their placing at the West Region Tournament from last year’s fourth place to this year’s third place.

Their only state champion was senior Issac Berger, who finished his high school wrestling career as the champion of the 152 weight.

Girls’ Hockey

The girls’ hockey team played hard this season but were unable to finish with results to mirror their effort. Leading scorers for the team were seniors Taley Davis and Hannah Peterson with seven goals each. Peterson lead the team in assists with a total of six.

Eighth grade goalie Autumn Scheetz is worked extra hard with 551 regular season saves to finish with an almost 85 percent save rate.

The team had big shoes to fill going into the state tournament as third place title defendants. Unfortunately, they were unable to top last season’s success as they lost both of their games at the state tournament.

Girls’ basketball has their mind set on the state tournament and have been working very hard to make their presence felt. The team is set at 16-5 for their games to make over 3-1 win to loss ratio.

“We are working very hard to try to be one of the four teams to earn their way to the state tournament,” Head Coach Abby Thomas said.

Their first game was a loss against Century, but they came back with four wins after this. The girls placed third at WDA and fourth at state last year and plan to bring the thunder to place higher this season.

“We know it won’t be easy, but we are excited for the challenge and are working hard for our year-end goal,” said Thomas.

the 200 and 400 free relay teams earned champion status, breaking the WDA 200 freestyle record.

The team will send many swimmers and divers to the state tournament in Fargo on March 2 and 3.

Boys’ Hockey

Boys’ hockey played aggressively this season but their efforts were not displayed by their single conference victory.

“It is a rebuilding year for the hockey team. We have come together over the season very well.” said Head Coach Leif Mattson.

Junior Maysion Mattern lead the team between the pipes with a total of 496 goals saved with a save percentage of approximately 88 percent. The leading scorer was senior Quinn Halstengard with 13 goals and senior Keatyn Skytland lead in assists with a total of 12.

The boys placed 6th at WDA last season and were looking to overcome this placing.

“We set a team goal to get back to state and have been preparing to get back up to this point,” said Mattson.

The team did not reach this goal, though.

The team got knocked out of WDA by Bismarck High and Bottineau-Rugby. The Braves did not make it to the 2018 state Photo by Riley Griffin tournament.

Freshman Drew Condon chases after a puck in a 2-6 loss against Minot.

Boys’ Swim/Dive

Boys’ swim and dive started out their season by taking first at the Bismarck Multi Dual. Foreign exchange junior Matheus Pimenta leads the team in every event except for the 50 free which is held by senior Joey Clark. John Mindt leads the dive portion in 1M dive.

The boys made a splash at the WDA tournament with the team placing third and junior Johnny Mindt shattering the WDA diving record. Pimenta also placed first in the 200 IM and the 500 freestyle and

Gymnastics

The Mandan gymnastics team has been working very hard. McKayla Lindbo has been leading the team by as the top placer by placing in the Dickinson, Fargo and Bismarck meets.

Mandan competed against Dickinson on February ninth which was the final regular season competition for both teams. Top placers were McKayla Lindbo in all around vault, uneven bars and floor exercise, and sophomore Nellie Masseth in balance beam.

The team placed sixth at WDA with no placings in the tournament for Mandan.

All statistics and information comes from wdasports.org and the respective coaches. Sports up to date as of February 26.

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March 2018

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Athletes of the Month COURTNEY ENTZI General Reporter

Girls’ Diving

What does your pregame meal consist of?

“Anything with noodles.”

Olivi

What is your coaches favorite thing to yell?

“Arms all the way up with confidence.”

a Lac her

What is your greatest Strength?

“Being able to bring my teammate and my own spirit up and be positive.”

Photo submitted

Boys’ Basketball

What does your pregame meal consist of?

“Six Inch Spicy Italian Sub.” What is your coaches favorite thing to yell?

“TAKE A CHARGE.” What inspires you?

“My persistence to beat my dad’s assist record.”

What is your greatest strength?

“Assists”

E

Photo submitted by Easton Miller

n o t as

er l l i M

Girls’ Basketball What is your pregame song?

“Finesse by Bruno Mars.”

Mega

What is your pregame meal?

“Subway, Rev. Tea, cherry Laffy Taffy, apples and peanut butter and a white Gatorade.”

n Zan

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What is your coaches favorite thing to yell?

“Sideline”

der

Photos by Ben Gartner

March 2018

Sports

Wrestling

What is your pregame meal?

“Jimmy John’s, Peanut butter and honey wrap, 3 granola bars, 2 fruit snacks, and 2 body armors.”

What is your greatest strength?

“Gaining weight”

Kol

ten

What is your greatest weakness?

“Losing weight”

Rei

sen

aue

r

Photo by Casey Beck

Girls’ Basketball What is your pregame song?

“Anything Megan plays!”

What does your pregame meal consist of?

“Popcorn, Sprite”

Co

y e n t ur

n o s l O

Which teammate is the team mom?

“Lizi [Leingang]” If you could go back and replay a game which game and why?

“The state game vs. Legacy.”

Photos by Ben Gartner

Boys’ Basketball What is your pregame song?

“Bubble Gum by Rasheeda” Who is your biggest fan?

“Grandma Jane” What is your coaches favorite thing to yell?

“Bang Bang Baby” What is your pregame meal?

“It’s a secret. Lets just say many carbs”

S e a Tr

Photo Taken by Casey Beck

Sports

March 2018

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