a first class paper for a first class school
GIRLS GRAB THIRD
The girls’ swim team took third at AA State Swimming earlier this month in Great Falls. This is the first trophy since 2011.
the sentinel konah
PHOTO COURTESY HELEN HOULIHAN
Admin to reinstate Community Day
MCPS STUDENTS WALK OUT IN PROTEST
by Darren Faughn
of the Sentinel Konah
I
PHOTO BY ASTON KINSELLA
Students from Hellgate and Sentinel line the Higgins’ Street Bridge last Wednesday to rally for gun control reform. The student-organized protest began at noon, during school hours. by Olivia Curran
of the Sentinel Konah
O
n the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, exactly a week after the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, stu-
dents at Hellgate, Sentinel and Big Sky walked out of their schools in protest. A planned peaceful protest consisted of students from Sentinel and Hellgate marching to the Higgins Bridge, and Big Sky students walking to Reserve Street.
Students marched to protest the easy accessibility to firearms, as well as to raise awareness for students killed in Florida and the other school shootings that have happened so far in 2018 alone. Parents of students in-
Valedictorians no more
volved in the walkouts were notified of their absences per the Missoula County Public school policy. A fire alarm was pulled at Hellgate, which many believe was the signal for students to begin the proCONTINUED ON A2
n an effort to strengthen ties with the community and to boost seniors’ volunteer hours, as well as get the seniors out of the building during sophomore and junior testing, SHS will reinstate Community Day on March 20. “The need for better testing environments made the idea of re-instating the Senior Community Service Day a great idea to get students who are not testing off campus,” Assistant Principal Margo Duneman said. “The idea of giving seniors a day out of their desks but still being in school was an easy choice to make. Learning happens everywhere. It is not an optional day.” On this highly organized day, freshmen will be at the old Missoula College building participating in workshops on bullying, suicide prevention, and how to deal with social media harassment. Sophomores and juniors will spend the day in standardized test, the CRT and ACT respectively. The last few years, seniors have had this as a day
“off” school, but many teachers remember Community Day as an annual event many looked forward to. “Students will have the opportunity to help fix trails, work with senior citizens, clean animal cages, pet cats, dogs and other cute little critters at the Humane Society, Parks and Rec, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the food bank, and the Poverello Center are just a few of the places we are looking into working with,” Duneman said. Teacher Gary Stein, who helped to organize Community Day in the past, volunteered to take a lead in this year’s project. “In my experience, I have found that community service builds stronger bonds between community members than any other activity I’ve observed or participated in,” Stein said. “I believe that community service of this type reminds us of our roles as American citizens, to support and provide for each other, instead of constantly working for our own selfbenefit.” The volunteering will begin early morning around 8 a.m. and go into the afterCONTINUED ON A2
Thespians successful at Festival
Spartan Medallion to replace highest honor by Riley Nielsen
of the Sentinel Konah
T
he Senior Class of 2018 marks the first year in which the Medallion Award will be implemented instead of the traditional Valedictorian title. According to Principal Ted Fuller, the decision was made “in 2013 by the MCPS School Board, with the class of 2018 being the first without the (Valedictorian) recognition.” Freshman year, the graduating class of 2018 received an initial draft of the requirements along with stating that valedictorians will be replaced with the Spartan Medallion starting with their class. There would be a new set of requirements for a student to achieve in order to be considered for the Spartan Me-
dallion instead of the usual 4.0 to receive valedictorian. The first draft included AP and dual credit requirements, maintaining a 3.92 GPA, three years of foreign language, 30 documented hours of community service, and participation in extracurricular activities. The current Spartan Medallion, changed in the 20142015 school year, requires a minimum of 75 community service hours, eight teacher evaluations, six “points” of extracurricular activities and a 3.75 GPA. These standards were created by a Spartan Medallion Committee, which was made up of teachers and select staff to set forth a set of rules and requirements. Fuller, teacher Gary Little, librarian Christy Wolgamot and teacher Lisa Anderson are some of the
committee members. “The criteria to determine eligibility is done, it was done that year (2015). What we have yet to do is talk about how the group of seniors that have met this criteria, how the winners are selected, that has yet to been established,” Fuller said. They currently do not know how they are going to distinguish between which student receives the Spartan Medallion and which student does not. Although, there is no limit of the amount of awards given, a clear line of distinction has yet to be drawn. As graduation soon approaches, the Spartan Medallion Committee has yet to complete the selection process. Senior Avery Haslem CONTINUED ON A2
Speech and debate qualify four for nationals
Senior Malcomson wins student of year award by Jada Knight
of the Sentinel Konah
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peech and Debate finished its regular season on top, qualifying four for the National Speech and Debate Tournament to be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in June. Senior Chris Malcomson qualified for the third consecutive year in Congressional Debate, Senate. He also won the National Speech and Debate Association Student of the Year Award for Montana. “This award recognizes Chris’ years of success in debate, as well as his leadership, perseverance, and service to the activity, and is an incredible honor well deserved by this astounding
individual,” head coach Cassidy Brooks said. “I do plan to attend Nationals this year. I will start to prepare in a couple months when they release the docket with all the bills on it,” Malcomson said. “After that, I’ll start to practice two or three times a week leading up to Nationals.” Junior Maddy Braun qualified in Congressional Debate, House and Sophomores Jared Rosenquist and Peyton Riska also made it in Duo Interpretation. “We were pleasantly surprised by Jared and Peyton’s performance,” assistant coach Meredith Britt said. “They had been in the top seven all season long, but had to make the jump to the top three in their event in order
INSIDE
to qualify for Nationals. We believe that their piece will perform well at the National level due to the seriousness of their chosen subject matter.” The team also won the Congress Award, which goes to the school with the best overall performance in Congressional Debate. “This is largely due to incredible coaching by Meredith Britt, and a student group effort including all our qualifiers and alternates,” Brooks said. Alternate positions went to Senior Zach Tonnerre and Sophomore Colin Baker. Brooks also wants to credit Sophomores Halton Stancil, Nash Sauter, Cole Sauter, and Juniors Stephen Clement and Sabina Farr.
News
PHOTO BY OLIVIA CURRAN
SHS thespians perform at the University of Montana for Thespian Festival. Sophomore Rylan Brunkhart (right), as Detective 1, interviews eccentric theatre teacher Mrs. Buffont, as portrayed by Senior Morgan Lombardi (center). Buffont is under suspicion of swapping the street signs around town, and defends herself by using unorthodox techniques to reveal her alibi. Junior Stephen Clem- given a month to memorize by Olivia Curran
of the Sentinel Konah
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arlier this month, Thespian Troupe #483 competed in the annual Thespian Festival at the University of Montana, walking away with an outstanding performance award and second best death scene. The two-day convention, filled with workshops, drama competitions, and student directed one-act plays, is the highlight of the season for many drama students. This year was no exception. Senior Dylan Sandau took home the award for Outstanding Performance in Sentinel’s one-act play “Good Cop, Bad Cop” by Ian McWethy, directed by Senior Shannon Potter. Sandau’s award was for his role in “Good Cop, Bad Cop” as Tommy Blank, a rebellious character with authority issues who points the cops in the right direction after clever use of reverse psychology.
Opinions
ent also won second place for his death scene during the Thespian Olympics. His scene was “Death by Assumption/Falling off Stage.” Other schools referenced recent trends, with more than one “Death by Tide Pod” scene making its way into the Olympics. Junior Chloe Ledbetter said, “My favorite part of Thespian Festival was just meeting a bunch of other high school students from all around the state. It’s super cool because everyone got to let loose and mess around because it was a ‘no judgment zone’ kind of place.” After the Friday festivities, thespians were invited to a catered banquet, at which scholarships were granted, with Senior Renee Kaldor being the recipient of one such scholarship from the University of Montana. “A lot of work goes into preparing for this festival,” Ledbetter said. “We are only
Lifestyle
scripts, set up blocking, get costumes, and every other thing that the show needs. Although it can get pretty stressful, it is still super fun.” A total of 16 one-act plays were shown over the course of Friday and Saturday, and one full length show, “On Golden Pond” by Ernest Thompson, was presented on Friday night courtesy of the Montana Repertory Theatre, a nationwide touring performance company that originated right here in Montana, famous for their touring Broadway and OffBroadway shows. The drama department is now rehearsing “The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon. Both the male and female versions of the show will be performed, so the group is essentially rehearsing two shows at once. Performances of the “The Odd Couple” will be April 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Saturday, April 7 at 1:30 p.m.
Sports
News........................................A1-A2 Opinions................................B1-B2 Lifestyle....................................C1 Sports.......................................D1-D2 Backpage....................................E1
photo by Aston Kinsella
DECA qualifies 46 for nationals in Atlanta Fourteen students qualify in multiple events. A2
illustration by Riley Nielsen
Snapchat update
Not everyone is a fan of the new Snapchat update. B2
Volume 100-February 27, 2018
art by Arianna Silva
Featured artist
This month’s featured artist is Senior Arianna Silva. See more of her work inside. C1
photo courtesy Ashley House
Special Olympics
Athletes converge on Lost Trail for 38th Annual Winter Special Olympics. D1
The Sentinel Konah
February 27, 2018
News
A2 Valedictorians no more CONTINUED FROM A1 said, “It’s frustrating for me because as a senior, I’m trying to figure out if I’m going to get it or not and it seems like it’s been delayed and I’d like to find out how that’s going.” The committee met Friday, Feb. 23 to determine how they will go forward with the selection process. Results of that meeting are unknown. Recently there have been some strong opinions against the Spartan Medallion within the class of 2018. Many students who have achieved a 4.0 believed that they have been cheated from the title.
Brain Bowl takes second at Yellowstone Academic Tournament
“I’ve been working hard to get those A’s and I’m not sure the Medallion is the best replacement. I think a 4.0 is hard to achieve, I know that because of the rigor of classes, some students don’t get all A’s because of it,” Senior Grace Stayner said. Students worry if colleges will consider a student without the traditional title. Most schools use the valedictorian program and colleges recognize the title. Senior Zoe Beck said, “The valedictorian is very recognized by colleges whereas the Medallion isn’t even established outside of MCPS, so I lose out on the application point.”
Community Day March 20 CONTINUED FROM A1 8 a.m. and go into the afternoon. A barbeque will be provided for the seniors after. Stein said, “Beyond taking this day seriously, I love to see students doing work that proves they take their identity as American citizens seriously and know that they are helpful, kind, compassionate, and industrious Americans.” Not everyone agrees, however. Senior Loren Loridson said, “[Community Day] is a good idea in theory. However, in today’s so-
ciety, seniors would rather be doing a million different things than help people.” Loridson says that it wouldn’t be “a good use of time for seniors that have limited time at Sentinel,” when talking about students graduating early. While he believes that it wouldn’t be a good use of time, Senior Marina Gray doesn’t agree with him. “I think it’s important to be humble going out into the world,” she said. “We should help others because we all know that one day we will need help.”
PHOTO COURTESY WILL PEREIRA
The Brain Bowl team took second at the Yellowstone Academic Tournament Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Billings Skyview. Seniors Zach Tonnerre, Noah George, Dakota Thomas, and Anna Vonessen had a record of 6-1 on the day, losing only once to the Skyview Falcons in the championship match. The team’s next competition will be mid-March, when they travel to Montana State University to defend their 2017 championship trophy at the Southwest Montana Academic Olympics. “We will be looking to avenge the loss when we travel to Bozeman to compete in the Southwest Montana Academic Olympics,” adviser Will Pereira said.
MCPS students walkout to protest gun laws, promote peace
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test. The pulling of the fire alarm is being investigated. If someone is found responsible, they will be charged with a misdemeanor.
With an average of three school shootings a week in the first two months of 2018 alone, many high school students feel the need to act. The social media movement #EnoughisEnough started by the survivors at Marjory Stoneman
Douglas has gained national media coverage. This is a movement to convince other teens to talk to their representatives and take action on something relevant to them and their personal safety.
DECA qualifies 46 for Nationals, ties record
the sentinel konah Editor-in-Chief
Aston Kinsella Reporters
PHOTO BY ASTON KINSELLA
Sophomores Karsen Butler, Tyson Lale, Chase Dickerson, Ashley Davidson, and Lindsay Maurer represent the future of Sentinel DECA at the State Convention in held in Fairmont Hot Springs, Mont. by Miya Snead
of the Sentinel Konah
Another record-breaking state competition just concluded for DECA, as 46 students qualified for the national competition to be held in April. Adviser Mark Hartman said, “I attribute our chapter’s size and success to the diverse nature of its membership and to the underlying belief that DECA provides its members with incredible skills that enhance both personal and professional success.” The Montana DECA Career Development Conference, held at Fairmont Hot Springs, hosted hundreds of students from across the state to test their skills in various competency-based competitive events in specific marketing, finance, hospitality, and management professions.
Tying the previous Montana DECA record set by Sentinel DECA in 2015, this year 46 of the 111 Sentinel members who attended the event qualified for the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia by placing either first or second (and, in some events, third) in their respective events. Fourteen members qualified in more than one event, with four members qualifying in three events. DECA President and senior manager of strategic planning Jake Treece said, “This year’s state DECA was one of the best and most successful. Every year I am astonished by Hartman’s hard work. He cares so much for the chapter and is the most diligent person I know. It takes a lot to be willing to take 120 students to a state competition because it takes thousands of hours to plan.”
Treece, who qualified in three events for nationals, was also honored by receiving a $1000 DECA scholarship to the University of Montana, as well as the DECA Diamond Award. Senior Caden Messer earned Sentinel’s top score on the Marketing Cluster Exam. Qualifying members will spend the next month fund raising for the trip to nationals, which will cost students an estimated $1700. They also have time to revise their competition pieces. Senior Marina Gray, who qualified in three events, will compete in Independent Business Plan with Senior Emma Skousen. “We will spend time fund raising money to help pay for the trip. We plan to use judges’ comments to edit or business plan,” Gray said. “As a team we are going to edit our written event more and fix our financial data.”
Kiera Brown Jordan Cowan Olivia Curran Mya Davis Max Dupras Darren Faughn Danika Firth Sarah Hauser Jada Knight Riley Nielsen Andrea Porch Arianna Silva Miya Snead Ethan Violette Adviser
Jenn Keintz Principal
Dr. Ted Fuller, Ph.D. Konah means “bitterroot” in Salish. The western artist E.S. Paxson suggested the name for the paper when it was first published in 1913. The opinions expressed in the Sentinel Konah are those of the individual staff members and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or administration. Letters to the editor are encouraged, but may be edited for libelous or obscene material or omitted at the discretion of the administation. We will not accept any unsigned or anonymous letters.
February 27, 2018
The Sentinel Konah
OPINIONS
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Snapchat ratings dip after new update
ILLUSTRATION BY RILEY NIELSEN
Darren Faughn
Reporter
Last week Snapchat’s newest update makes it so viewers can view stories and snapchats from their friends all on one page while pushing users to view ads and other official stories all on another page.
Eighty three percent, around 1,000 ratings, of its users have rated Snapchat, after the current update, below three stars. While Snapchat thought this would be a good idea, the public doesn’t think so. According to Independent.
co, it’s reported from the Apple App Store that 83 percent, around 1,000 ratings, of its users have rated Snapchat, after the current update, below three stars. Even official stories like WeRateDogs and TheGoldenRatio have spoken publicly about how it’s harder for users to find their stories while they’re being mixed in with other official stories on the Discover page. The Snapchat Support Team has been responding to users complaining about it on Twitter saying that they can’t “revert back to older versions, but can assist them in learning the new app.” But people don’t want to use the new app, they just want the older version back. It was more user-friendly. For many of the beta users, like myself, I’ve been using the update for the past couple of weeks. The new UI seems to be favoring companies who paid for a spotlight on the Discover screen, while hiding the Snapchat stories I personally follow. It’s also confusing to
find people’s stories and view them again, because you have to scroll through your feed or search the person you’re trying to find and then select them to view their story. The older version allowed your chats to be on one screen and stories to be on others, while the Discover page remained hidden to the right of the story screen. That allowed more freedom for the user to control what they could see and not see, but now Snapchat seems to trying to shove their featured stories and ads down their users’ throats. I’m not a fan. Some users around Sentinel and other high schools up and down the valley have both complained and favored the new update. One student from Flathead High School in Kalispell exclaimed that the new update was “trash,” but another student from Sentinel, Alex Simon stated that the update was “god awful.” This isn’t a new incident of companies changing perfectly fine apps. Last year
Instagram changed the way their feed was displayed, going from a chronological
They can really do one of two things. Either they can keep the app the way it is and tell their users to deal with it, or they can go back to their old version.
order to random order. A lot of people, including myself, were strongly against the change, but companies always feel the need to change; to be “innovative” when they really don’t have to. I am curious on how Snapchat will respond and react in the next couple of weeks though. They can really do one of two things. Either they can keep the app the way it is and tell their users to deal with it or they can go back to their old version, but most companies really don’t “downgrade” back to old versions of their apps. It seems like most people would appreciate a downgrade at this point.
School Board cheats Sentinel seniors out of Valedictorian
ILLUSTRATION BY RILEY NIELSEN
Aston Kinsella
Editor in Chief The MCPS school board made a choice in the spring of 2013 to repeal and replace
Even if the Board wanted to implement a new award, why then must valedictorian be removed? Why cannot both titles be recognized? the Nationally recognized title of Valedictorian and replace it with a Medallion Medal, a decision that would go on to affect every academic class from 2018 on. While not only depriving students of tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, this choice also diminished the value of work students have put into their educational careers. Students from the beginning have been misinformed of the requirements, the school has procrastinated its efforts to create the new award along with implementing it upon the Senior
class of 2018 without finalizing the selection process of the “Highest honor given to any MCPS student,” from the 2013 criteria brief for selection committee. The school board has made this decision without asking the students or families if this change was needed or wanted. While this honor allows students to set themselves apart from their peers and be recognized for their well-rounded efforts, it does not hold the same weight and accolades that come with the title of Valedictorian, resulting in many potential 2018 Valedictorians to say, “It’s just not fair.” The medallion was created to replace the title of valedictorian, an honor awarded to the student normally with the highest grade point average, and gives the final commencement speech for the graduating class before diplomas are handed out. Unlike most schools Sentinel awarded multiple valedictorian titles because of an unweighted grading system allowing for multiple students to tie with a 4.0 by the end of their senior year. This resulted in anywhere from 4-16 valedictorians from the graduating class. Yet as Principal Ted Fuller said, “We don’t have a true valedictorian. When you look at the definition of valedictorian, it finds its origin in a weighted grading system.”
However there is no standard definition for valedictorian, as many schools across the country use different systems of grading, rewarding students for taking more rigorous courses, and have varying systems of grading scales. Additionally it is not a requirement for the valedictorian to be the student with the highest GPA. This newly established title is not recognized outside of the MCPS district, if you were to put Spartan Medallion on your transcript or resume it wouldn’t hold the same weight as the nationally recognized title of valedictorian. Valedictorian is not only used by the U.S. but it is also used internationally by countries including Canada, Central America, and the Philippines. So is it fair to replace this traditional and highly revered honor with an award that doesn’t even require the same academic achievement? Senior and potential valedictorian recipient Jamie Seifert said, “If you put anywhere on your resume or for colleges nobody is going to know what it is or care. Whereas valedictorian, even if you don’t like it, carries with it a sense of pride. People recognize that when you’re getting into college, or getting a job.” The decision made back in 2013 came with general requirement for the indi-
vidual school to decide upon what students would need to do to achieve this award. With components of community service, activity participation, and high academic achievement, these outlines were given to school after the decision was made, allowing schools to determine how their school would give out the award. Meaning that even though the title means the same across all MCPS schools, the standard for achieving it was different from each school. Another valedictorian candidate Grace Stayner said, “It seems that it means
The school board has made this decision without asking the students or families if this change was needed or wanted. a little less because you’re recognized as the same but for different things, but you could be great at one school, well rounded, but not the same outside of the school.” While this new award is not only recognized for achieving different accolades in each school in MCPS, Sentinel High School is implementing a changed and unfinished award to the class of 2018. The senior class was presented with an initial award requirements CONTINUED ON E1
The Sentinel Konah
February 27, 2018
OPINIONS
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Mental health in the school system: a recognized issue
ILLUSTRATION BY ARIANNA SILVA
Max Dupras
Reporter
Mental illness is tackled well in high schools. There
There was an estimated 18 percent of teens in the U.S. that have seriously thought about attempting suicide in 2015 and the numbers get bigger every year. are many resources that are given to students who need help. According to childtrends. org, there was an estimated 18 percent of teens in the U.S. that have seriously thought about attempting suicide in 2015 and the numbers
get bigger every year. Along with the increasing number of kids ages 1318 that are diagnosed with a mental illness, schools have to prepare to help these still growing teens. Many schools provide counselors for kids who need to talk about classes, but what some people don’t realize is that they are there to hear you out. Counselors are meant to help you succeed and thrive during your schooling career. This means emotional help. They are there to support you and help with your mental tension. In addition to the help of a counselor, schools provide social workers and psychologists for all students. This can help kids by looking at it in many different points of view. These resources are great for helping a kid through a school day, but when it comes to outside of school, what do they have? Well, these resources are great
for recommending different types of medical and mental health help. Many schools also have nurses, which are great help for acquiring information about mental health. This is good for kids who are just figuring out they have a mental illness. Information is everything when you don’t know what to do. With the frequent help given to kids from many out-of-class sources, there is something to be said about in class. Whether it is a panic attack or an emotional breakdown, a student will feel vulnerable in front of their peers. That is why a connection with your teacher is especially helpful. Teachers are there to teach you and help you evolve as a student. That is why they only want the best for you. It is crucial that kids and teens alike show interest and safety in a class. This can be compromised by a child who is dealing
with something inside their heads. A teacher is willing to build a relationship with their students to help guarantee their success and many of those kids don’t realize that being comfortable and being
These resources are great for helping a kid through a school day, but when it comes to outside of school, what do they have? able to talk to their teachers is also a key way to help calm themselves down while in the classroom. The help of teachers, counselors, and psychologists is enough to implement a student’s emotions into regular, school life without it getting in the way or bothering them. Mental illness will always be an issue for teens across the United States, but, as a country, we are trying to calm it one step at a time.
Lockdown on gun control
ILLUSTRATION BY RILEY NIELSEN
Arianna Silva
Reporter
In the light of recent events in South Florida, I want to talk about how school
We hide in a safe spot in the classroom, but what do we do when the shooter is in the same room/hallway? safety and gun management is a problem. Many schools have mandatory school lock downs and practice what to do, but I think school boards should also add how to protect yourself and others in the lock down. We hide in a safe spot in the classroom, but what do we do when the shooter is in the same room/hallway? When a threat is present, people revert to the flight or fight response. No one knows what to do in that kind of situation. There should also be cameras at each entrance to
make it safer. Schools should teach students how to respond in a safe way that will benefit everyone. Recently there has been news coverage over “the safest school in America.” At this school, teachers are equipped with buttons that, once pushed, will send an alert to police. The rooms also have a box where students can push to send a notice to police and another where the police will know to come. Students are taught to hide in a corner with a book covering their face in order to protect against bullet debris. In this school, the hallways also have a smoke system in which fog machines go off that temporarily disorient the intruder. This system cost the school approximately $400,000, but if Sentinel is getting a $22 million remodel, is less than half a million too much to spend to implement for safety measures? Many schools are looking heavily into improving the safety of their students and make sure the staff and kids are prepared. As many victims have said, you’ll never think a shooting will happen until it happens to you. I have been hearing many people say things about how
guns should be regulated. On the other hand, I hear about how the shooters who have the guns are the real problem. Some of these people have mental illnesses which protesters have seemed to use as their counter-argument against gun control. Guns should be more regulated in the first place. No, I don’t believe it is possible to completely get rid of guns. However, I do believe that there should be very strict rules and background checks for those who are looking to purchase a gun. I think a mandatory, in depth, training class should be required where the teachers of those classes decide if their students are qualified and mentally stable enough to own a gun. There is no need for automatic weapons in this world. Those machines are made for war and are made to kill. No hunter would even need an automatic rifle, because it is not like they are looking to shoot their prey 20 times. Some states have no gun laws at all which makes it easier for people to obtain a gun and do what they please like Florida. The government has made obtaining a gun so easy that school shootings are bound to happen. It is crazy to think that an
18-year-old can’t purchase alcohol or vote, yet they can purchase a gun with quickness and ease. Mental illness is only part of the problem. Blaming someone for a chemical imbalance in their brain is not the solution. Yes, we should get mentally ill people help and yes, we should get a better handle on guns. Arguing
Blaming someone for a chemical imbalance in their brain is not the solution. Yes, we should get mentally ill people help, and yes, we should get a better handle on guns. Arguing about who or what to blame won’t help. about who or what to blame won’t help. When I see people having protests and marching I feel hopeful knowing that people want to change the current gun control laws. We hear about young children practicing ways to evade and protect themselves against a gun. They shouldn’t have to worry about those types of things at such a young age. We as a nation should not have to worry about keeping each other safe from other humans.
February 27, 2018
The Sentinel Konah
lifestyle
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FEATURED ARTIST: Arianna Silva Jordan Cowan
of the Sentinel Konah Arianna Silva is a senior artist who is incredibly talented, and plans to attend the Pacific Northwest College of Art next year in Portland, Oregon. “I started [creating art] back in fourth grade when I moved here. I felt the need to express myself in a new way, I moved and it was a big change.” Arianna says that she would like to go into a career of something art-related. “I don’t know what yet. I just want to make art for other people.” Arianna has taken all of the art classes that Sentinel offers. “[My favorite art class] has been painting with Tim.” If you’re wondering which art class you should take, Arianna is a great source to get the best advice. “My favorite form of art is abstract art. I like how easy it is and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’ll look good regardless. I love expressing your feelings through it on paper and in pretty colors.” We look forward to seeing many more beautiful pieces of art from Arianna.
ACT vs. SAT -Test on what you’ve learned in school
-Test on Reasoning and Verbal Abilities
-Consistent level of difficulty
-Questions increase in difficulty as you progress
-Five Components
-Three Components
-English 70 questions
-Mathematics 60 questions
-Mathematics
-Reading 40 questions
-Science 40 questions
-Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science
-Optional Writing Test
-Critical Reasoning
-Writing Test (Required) -Writing comes first
-No science portion -Math has multiple choice and writing questions
-Last Section
-Roughly 140 questions
-Roughly 250 questions
-Penalty for incorrect answer (if you don’t know it, skip it)
-No penalty for wrong answer (better to guess than leave blank)
-More emphasis on critical reading
-More emphasis on punctuation
-Trigonometry is not required
-Math is all multiple choice
-Calculation is allowed on entire math section
-Requires Trigonometry
What Your Results Mean ACT The ACT is scored on a composite score of 36-point scale. This is the average of four multiple-choice tests (English, Reading, Math, and Science). In addition to the composite scores, there are Stem scores (Math and Science) and ELA (English, Reading, and Writing). Writing is scored on a 12-point scale. The scores are meant to show you how you measure academically against students in your state and the United States, and allows colleges to see who are good candidates for their school and who aren’t. The score that you get on the ACT also determines what scholarships you are eligible for. The higher the score the more likely you will be offered a scholarship that is worth more money. SAT The SAT score range is between 400 and 1600. Sub scores score range is 200-800. Math is one sub score and the other is your combined Reading and Writing scores. These two scores are then combined to get a total score. The scores are looked at the same way the ACT scores. They are used to show where you stand academically against other students of the United States. Your SAT score also determines what scholarships you are eligible for.
The Sentinel Konah
February 27, 2018
Sports
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Spartan Special Olympians take on the slopes
Right: Senior Kendra Miland prepares to compete. Below: Senior Tamanie Riley finishes her run back at the lodge.
The 37th Annual Winter Special Olympics were held earlier this month down the Bitterroot, where the Missoula High School team, made up of 28 students from Sentinel and Big Sky High School, competed in a variety of snow sports. The events that the athletes competed in were snowboarding, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and crosscountry skiing. These different sports could also be played with an Olympian and a partner. Those events were called “unified” winter sports. Many of the Sentinel High School athletes brought home medals. “Actually, we did really well. We had a lot of first, second, and third places,” said Sue Furey, special education teacher.
Below: Senior Liam Mulcare-Jones meets down at the base, ready for his next run.
Right: Junior Kaylor Feeley loading up and heading onto the slopes.
Above: Junior Amber Kellmer and Senior Liam Mulcare-Jones speeding their way down the track.
Featured Athletes
Senior JP Peterson
OLYMPIAN Why do you love the sport? I love competing against the other teams in Boche Ball. Years played: 4 Biggest thing you’ve learned? How to learn to trust my teammates and my friends. Favorite moment? Playing Boche Ball with Mehayla who was my partner. Pregame ritual? Before we start playing soccer we run around the field. Favorite Professional Athlete? Lionel Messi Personal Goal? I want to get a first place ribbon in my events. Favorite inspirational quote? “Lose gracefully and win humbly.”
Sophomore Jorja Mathew
CHEERLEADER Why do you love the sport? I love stunting and performing, I also love spending time with my team and cheering the teams on. Years played: 1 Biggest thing you’ve learned? You have to work together to succeed. Favorite moment? So far is practicing stunts and getting to know my teammates.
Sophomore Jaden Nielsen
Sophomore Bill Lucas
Senior Talla Glass
HOCKEY
HOCKEY
DANCER
Why do you love the sport? It is an extremely fast and you are constantly having to make quick decisions.
Why do you love the sport? I love the feeling of knowing you’re impacting the game at all times.
Years played: 8
Years played: 10
Biggest thing you’ve learned? My coaches have taught us so many lessons. They really want us to be better people.
Biggest thing you’ve learned? Hockey is a team game and the game is most fun when you’re making your teammates better.
Favorite moment? Winning the state championship against Bozeman last year.
Pregame ritual? We practice and go over what we need to do.
Pregame ritual? Put on my gear in the same order I did the previous game.
Favorite Professional Athlete? Simone Biles Personal goal? My goal is to do bigger halftime shows and stunts and hopefully cheer in college. Favorite inspirational quote? “Nothing is impossible.”
Favorite moment? Winning state last year in Whitefish. Then going to Nationals in Cleveland and taking second.
Why do you love the sport? I love dancing with my friends and performing. Years played: 4 Biggest thing you’ve learned? Dance is an individual sport but requires effort from every member. Favorite moment? Spending time and having fun with the team. Pregame ritual? We always run through our routines and just have fun.
Pregame ritual? Eat 2 hours before.
Favorite Professional Athlete? Sara Meerns
Favorite Professional Athlete? Tyson Barrie
Favorite Professional Athlete? Sidney Crosby
Personal goal? Win state again this year.
Personal goal? Be the best I can be.
Personal goal? To continue and to grow and learn from dancing.
Favorite inspirational quote? “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”
Favorite inspirational quote? “You can’t be afraid to fail, it’s the only way to succeed.
Favorite inspirational quote? “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
February 27, 2018
The Sentinel Konah
Sports
D2
Swim girls take third at state competition by Jada Knight
of the Sentinel Konah All the local media might be centered around Hellgate’s fifth back-to-back title, but the Spartan girls’ swim team should not be overlooked. The girls’ swim team came home with a third place finish Feb. 10, after a successful AA State Swim Meet in Great Falls. The boys finished tenth at the tournament. “The Sentinel girls were amazing, with a strong finish and definitive third place finish over Glacier and CMR,” head coach Helen Houlihan said. “I was incredibly proud of all the Sentinel swimmers. They exceeded all expectations and represented their school with class and outstanding sportsmanship.” Individually, Freshman Delaney Carlson took second in the 200 medley relay, third in the 100 breast, fourth in the 400 free relay and fifth in the 100 free. Junior Brooklyn Leiby finished fourth in the 100 butterfly and swam on all three top relays—the 200 medley, 200 free, and 400 free. Junior Audrey Fero finished 10th in the 200 IM and 7th in the 100 breaststroke. Her sister, freshman Sofia Fero took second in the
PHOTO BY JADA KNIGHT
Above: Junior Brooklyn Leiby coming in on her final stretch in the finals of the 100 yard Butterfly as she takes home fourth place for the Sentinel Spartans.
200 medley relay, swimming the backstroke leg.
Junior Caroline McCormick was the leader for Sentinel in the distance events, finish-
ing sixth in the 200 free and fourth in the 500 free, plus relay legs in both the 200 free and 400 free. Senior Andrea Portch had a big leg in the 200 free relay. Junior Keidon Reynolds was also a big contributor in the 200 medley relay. “Junior Eli Boylan swam an outstanding 500 free, dropping amazing amount of time and displaying the heart and soul of a true athlete,” Houlihan said. Houlihan also noted personal bests from Senior Avery Haslam (100 free), Junior Lamar Rhodes (100 fly), Junior Tim Deggelmann (200 free), Freshman Grayson Flanagan (100 free) and Sophomore Thayer Nielson (100 free). “I love the heart and soul this team displays when they swim,” Houlihan said. “They aren’t the tallest swimmers, or the strongest swimmers, but they never give up and their finish this weekend was a direct result of their determination.” With only a few seniors graduating, Houlihan expects the team to come back just as strong next winter. “In the beginning of the season we wanted to finish in the top three, and the girls got the job done. I think the boys finally realized their strengths and next year they will be ready to roll too,” Houlihan said.
Boys head into divisionals #1 seed, girls in 3rd by Ethan Violette
of the Sentinel Konah Last week, the boys’ basketball team advanced to 9-2 in conference play, after defeating Glacier to secure the number one seed going into divisional play Thursday. The girls lost, however, dropping them to current number three seed in the west. The boys’ win gives them a first round bye in divisionals, meaning they only have to win one game to advance to the state tournament next week. Although new this year, the coaching staff isn’t worried about the new format. PHOTOGRAPHED BY GRACIE JENKINS AND JADA KNIGHT “Divisionals is something that is and has Left: Senior Kayla Daily crosses up opponent and gets ready for the pass. Right: Seinor been pursued by the coaches from the AA,” Brandon Morely lookes for an opening to make the play. boys’ head coach Jay Jagelski said. “We believe the atmosphere and environment that basketball and benefit economically.” ment.,” he said. “However, being a number a divisional tournament provides is a betThere are benefits and negatives with the 1 seed you do not have an automatic berth to the state tournament. The original one playoff ter experience than a one game playoff that divisional tournament Jagelski said. “The benefit is, if you lose your first round format protected the number 1 and 2 seeds by has been used in the past. The players enjoy the ability to play in high stakes tournament game, you are not out of the tournament and giving them automatic berth to state. Now the regardless of record, and it is a great oppor- still have a chance to qualify for the state both teams will need to win either one or two tunity for communities to watch some great tournament in a double elimination tourna- games in order to secure berth.”
According to Jagelski, leading up to the tournament, the boys’ team is focusing on how to improve each day, and focusing on their team, rather than worrying about the competition. “We are a very competitive team that has had a good season so far,” he said. However we will be facing teams that are very familiar with us and will do everything they can to take away our strengths. We have to be a team that is confident and willing to take on the challenge of an environment that will be mentally and physically demanding for a three day tournament.” Although coming off two disappointing losses, the girls’ team is still a strong contender for the state title. Head coach Karen Deden said, “We are looking for leaders out of Kylie (Frohlich) and Jordyn (Schweyen) because they have been there before.I am so proud of the efforts of my team and the amount of work they put in to be the players they are. I feel privileged to be the Coach at Sentinel High School and coach the quality student athletes that I get to coach.”
Wrestlers end season in sixth Aston Kinsella
Editor-in-Chief The Spartan Wrestling team headed to Billings, MT on Feb. 9, 2018 to compete at the AA Wrestling State Tournament, finishing their season in a disappointing sixth place. The team consisted of athletes who pplaced top eight in their individual weight class at Divisional’s hosted in Flathead during the previous weekend. The Spartans took 20 of the possible 26 competitors to the state tournament, including Seniors Bryar Newbary, Cameron Hegel, and Junior Reece Eckley who in past years placed in the top three. Sentinel Spartans took 6th overall with a total of 113 team points, compared to the 2016-2017 season where Sentinel took 10th overall with a total of 86 team points. This was one
of the greatest improvements the team has seen in past years. Coach Jeremy LaPorte said, “We had some ups and some downs, we had a few guys that should have gotten some hardware but we came up a little bit short, we also had some guys step up.” Top placers for the Spartans included Seniors Dylan Goforth and Bryar Newbary taking second place in the 182 and 205 weight class respectively. Junior Camrin Doty taking fourth in the 182 weight class, Seniors Cameron Hegel and Justin Kovalicky in the 138 and 126 weight class respectively. Junior Reece Eckley also took third in the 132 weight class while breaking a Spartan record with a season total of 33 pins, breaking the previous record of 32 pins set back in 2010 by PHOTO BY GRACE STAYNER Bentley Alsup. Eckley said, “Honestly it didn’t really set in until a week Senior Dylan Goforth took second place at the AA State after stat, I feels kina cool knowing that I was the one who Wrestling Tournament Feb. 9 in Billings, Mont. pined the most kids in Spartan history.”
Featured Athletes
Junior Eli Boylan
SWIMMER
Why do you love the sport? The bonds that are built with my teammates, and the emotional outlet provided by the pool. Years played: 4
Junior Gabe Mazur
SWIMMER
Why do you love the sport? I get to spend a lot of time with my friends, and racing is super fun. Years played: 3
Senior Cam Hegel
WRESTLER
Why do you love the sport? I love it because of the discipline it teaches you. Years played: 13
Junior Shelby Schweyen
BALLER
Why do you love the sport? I get to play it with all of my friends. Years played: 10 Biggest thing you’ve learned? Losing builds the character it takes to win.
Biggest thing you’ve learned? Hard work makes a huge difference.
Biggest thing you’ve learned? It can end at any second so don’t take it for granted.
Favorite moment? At state this year I won my heat and set the best time.
Favorite moment? Eating food on the bus with Tanner Stack. That was the best.
Favorite moment? Standing on the podium this year with all my friends.
Pregame ritual? Stretch and listen to music right before the meet.
Pregame ritual? We would always be jammin’ to Electric Pow-wow.
Pregame ritual? I turn my music all the way up.
Favorite Professional Athlete? Michael Phelps
Favorite Professional Athlete? Shaquille O’Neal.
Personal Goal? 2019 Washington Open
Personal goal? I want to make finals at state next year.
Personal goal? Always win no matter what the circumstances .
Personal goal? Eventually make all conference for my position.
Favorite inspirational quote? “Go for it.”
Favorite inspirational quote? “The harder I work the luckier I get.”
Favorite inspirational quote? “If you’re not first, you’re last.
Biggest thing you’ve learned? People in life don’t get rocognition for what they’ve done and if you are doing anything for recognition, your reasons are wrong.
Favorite inspirational quote? “Leave their blood in the water.”
Favorite moment? All of the bus rides we go on, especially the state bus rides. Pregame ritual? Dance parties in the locker room with our pre-game playlist. Favorite Professional Athlete? Jesse Owens
Junior Scott Malikie
BALLER
Why do you love the sport? I love succeeding with my team and those around me. I like the trust you need in the game. Years played: 3 Biggest thing you’ve learned? That you have to trust your teammates in doing their part for the team. Favorite moment? Beating Hellgate twice in the crosstown championship this year. Pregame ritual? Listen to music before the game and think about the role I play. Personal goal? Go to state with the team this year and place. Favorite inspirational quote? “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something, but I can’t accept not trying again.”
February 27, 2018
The Sentinel Konah
backpage
E1
Spartan Shield some moments hit the mark, while others fell short
Black Panther tops $500 million in the world wide box office.
Missoula School Board removes title of valedictorian and is to be replaced by the Spartan Medallion, starting with the Class of 2018.
COSMOPOITIAN.COM
TREEREPUBLIC.COM
After hiding her pregnancy for nine months, Kylie annouces her daughter Stormi Webster Jenner with boyfriend Travis Scott.
United States Women’s Hockey team takes gold against Canada for the first time in four Olympic games.
NYPOST.COM
Marches sparked around the United States after the mass high school shooting in Parkland, FL. Thousands of teenagers began organizing protests and marches for stricter gun control, including all three MCPS high schools in Missoula, MT. Teenagers want their voices to be heard by politians and will continue to fight until they feel safe in school.
COSMOPOITIAN.COM
ENTERTAINMENTTONIGHT.COM
Emma Gonzalez, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student, makes a touching speech after the school shooting. Z1035.COM
Snapchat faces backlash after new update. As ratings drop, fewer and fewer people are using the app.
BILLBOARD.COM
School Board cheats Sentinel seniors out of valedictorian honors CONTINUED FROM B1 at the beginning freshman year, consisting of 30 logged community service hours, maintaining a 3.92 GPA, a required five AP or Dual Credit courses, three years of foreign language, and documentation of participation in extra-curricular activities or clubs. Then during our freshman year we had a change in principals, as Fuller joined the staff. “The ’13-’14 school year was when Sentinel created the first round of criteria, and when I became principal in ’14-’15 and looked at that original criteria, I
realized it was not in line with the Board’s criteria, so I formed a committee in ’15-’16 to develop this (current) criteria,” Fuller said. The new criteria has made it easier, and harder, for many students to attain this title. With an increase to 75 community service hours, adding eight teacher evaluations, and now requiring a minimum of six participation points (sports, academic programs, and performing arts) for all applicants, all while maintaining an even lower GPA standard than valedictorians did or that the original draft required with a current 3.75 instead of a 4.0 or a 3.92. It creates a ridiculous amount of unneeded documentation to re-
ceive a reward that students didn’t want in the first place, yet with no other option, students begrudgingly apply for this award. Senior Paige Childers felt very strongly about her view that the medallion, “Favors rich people that have money to do stuff outside of school vs. poor people who lose an opportunity.” Childers believes students who do not have the time or the ability to participate in extra-curricular activities in and outside of school lose out on the ability to receive this award. Childers also said the replacement “makes me feel like there is no point in trying because you’re telling me that what I did
and what I worked for doesn’t matter anymore because I was able to do other things.” Childers would have received Valedictorian status for maintaining her outstanding 4.0 GPA through her four years of high school. It is not right to implement this award on the class out 2018, as seniors from the beginning have been misinformed of what the award is and have lost out on a traditional and prestigious title that is actually recognized and understood outside of MCPS. The first draft stated “We invite you to sign on to an exciting four years of challenging work.” With the fact that this award has
changed during our four years at Sentinel, it is not right to apply it to our class as we did not have the full time to attain it. This award should have been put into effect with the newest incoming freshman class after it had been finalized, not on to the senior class that had already been attending the school for two years. Furthermore, even if the School Board wanted to implement a new award such as the Medallion Pledge, why then must valedictorian be removed? Why cannot both titles be recognized? What harm is there with retaining a nationally recognized title earned for achieving a high grade point average?
UPCOMING EVENTS FEB.
26-27
BAND AT UM CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL
MARCH
BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL HAVE DIVISIONALS IN HELENA
MARCH
STATE BASKETBALL WILL TAKE PLACE IN BILLINGS
1-3
8-10
MARCH
12
MARCH
FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE FOR SPRING SPORTS
15-16
SHS JAZZ BAND PLAYS AT THE UM JAZZ FESTIVAL
MARCH
ACT TESTING FOR ALL JUNIORS SENIOR COMMUNITY DAY
MARCH
SHS JV SOFTBALL GOLD VS. FRENCHTOWN
MARCH
SHS VARSITY SOFTBALL VS. FRENCHTOWN
20
26
27
MARCH
30
SHS VARSITY SOFTBALL PLAYS IN GREAT FALLS SHS JV SOFTBALL PLAYS IN STEVENSVILLE