Opinions, Monthly Arts & Sports, Homecoming Page 2 Features, Entertainment Page 6 theme days, Pages 3 & 4 Pages 5 Page 7

October 2, 2015 A Valley City High School Publication - Valley City, North Dakota, 58072 Volume 80, Issue 1 The Bridges The Bridges sees first full staff in years by Dempsey Williams For the first time in four years, the The Bridges newspaper has a Journalism 3 stu- dent writing for the publication. Dempsey Williams, senior, is beginning his third year as a member of The Bridges staff in the hopes of getting experience to further his future career in journalism. The VCHS paper also has a large number of Journalism 2 students, with three of the classmates being returning writers. In recent years, the paper had been mostly staffed by first-year students led by Advisor Carol Foth. Foth comments “To my joy and total surprise, I am thrilled that I have Journalism 1, 2 and 3 students in my final year of being a journalism instructor. Considering for the first semester of last year we had no one with experience in this class, the fact that we have so much experience this year is outstanding”. Students have the opportunity to join The Bridges in 10th Grade and can continue to be staff members through the 12th grade. Homecoming 2015 Royalty On Monday, September 28, Queen Cassie Lloyd and King John Halgrim- son were crowned at the VCHS 2015 Homecoming Community Pepfest. Other members of the royal court are Hunter Sayler, Breanna Roehrich, Bradley Stalvik and Cory Johnson. The VCHS royalty was also presented at the junior/senior powderpuff game at Hanna Field. See more homecom- ing photos on page 7 and look for more in the October 30 issue of The The Bridges staff: Back L-R: Billy Contreras, Anthony Capistran, Tiffany Sprague, Carol Foth, advisor. Center L-R: Rebecca Montecuollo, Trierre Smith, Arts & Entertainment editor Dempsey Williams, Dalton Bridges. (Photo courtesy of Dutton’s Ondracek. Front L-R: Editor-in-Chief Annie Fitzell and Sports editor Sam Jenson. (Photo by Sheila Gallery) Larson) VCHS welcomes new Hi-Liner students, staff by Anthony Capistran Welcome, incoming students to Valley City High School. The Bridges is here to help welcome and recognize the new Hi-Liners. Below are the names of our new Hi-Liners, and their photos are to the left. Challenge: Match the face to the info below. New Students Tucker Schonert (Grade 7) has lived is Litchville for the last two years and is glad to be back in Valley City and loves VCHS. Ashton Sadoski (Grade 7) From: Warroad, MN - She says, “I re- ally like it here and I’m still kind of getting used to school.” She loves that she can do more things like ride her MX. IvRick Peltier (Grade 7) From: Fargo, ND - He used his fishing pole right away when he arrived and caught a nice walleye. He also has the chance to see family while he is living here. Birte Schmedt (Grade 11, Foriegn Exchange) From: Germany - She is having a great experience and is making friends along the way. Jesse Arganbright (Grade 11) From: Huron, SD - When Argan- bright got a job at Pizza Corner, she made friends and began to rec- ognize some faces right away when she arrived. She enjoys having a fresh start at VCHS. Billy Contrares (Grade 12) From: Spiritwood, ND - Valley City Top L-R: Taylor Woodward, Serenity Deloach, Jesse Arganbright, Birte isn’t what he expected, and likes that the gas station is in walking Schmedt, Riley Woodward, Dontevien Foret. Front L-R: Cheyenne Woodward, Scyra Agard, IvRick Peltier, Ashton distance. (Not Pictured. See journalism article above.) Sadoski. Serenity Deloach (Grade 11) From: Brooklyn Park, MN - “It’s nice Bottom right: Liah Alexander and peaceful,” she says and points out she likes the quiet and open Top right: Tucker Schonert spaces. Sycra Agard (Grade 12) Enjoys the VCHS surroundings. Liah Alexander (Grade 8) From: Minnesota - Alexander is return- New Staff ing to VCHS after being a student for a short time here in 2014-15. Danielle Gazeley (FACS) was concerned that VCHS Dontevien Foret (Grade 11) From: Louisiana - Foret likes that he did not have FACS classes and wanted to flip that is making new friends, and has a job. around. Being a second generation FACS teacher, her Cheyenne Woodward (Grade 7) From: West Fargo, ND - Wood- mom being the first in her family, Gazeley applied for ward has a sister who lives here, and is having a good Valley City the FACS position when it opened up. She is happy to experience. be on staff and enjoys her work. Taylor Woodward (Grade 7) From: West Fargo, ND - Says, “Val- Kim Eggermont (ILC) is not new to VCHS, having ley City is smaller than where I used to live,” but she still enjoys it. been a paraprofessional for the past few years. How- Riley Woodward (Grade 9) From: West Fargo, ND - Woodward Danielle Gazeley ever, this is her first year in ILC. She is happy to have thinks VCHS is a cool place, and is making some good friends. Kim Eggermont her own room and enjoys interacting with students. (All photos by Anthony Capistran) Wannicka Cassagnol (Grade 12) From: Miami, FL (Not pictued) Opinion 2 The Bridges October 2, 2015 Here’s my on Air conditioning

by Annie Fitzell Slant Other states might consider North Dakota a ‘cold state,’ but that isn’t always the case. The heat during the first week of September peaked into the 80’s and 90’s, drowning students and staff members in their own sweat. As a very wise woman, Carol Foth once so very accurately said, “This isn’t Florida!” Students have all summer to enjoy the perks of the heat: swimming, tanning, watching Netflix in their air-conditioned bedroom. But when stuck in a hot classroom with no way of coping, anyone would turn into a slobbering ball of misery. When someone’s mind is baking like an egg in torturous temperatures, it is almost impossible to pay attention to anything other than the feeling of uncomfortable warmth. Students are more prone to remember lessons when they aren’t forced to listen to a lecture under vexing circumstances. Moreover, I feel teachers are less mo- tivated and enthusiastic when they are forcing themselves to withstand the heat. Some advisors felt the heat was so harsh in their classrooms, they actually moved their class out into the hallway, or into an unoccupied, air-conditioned room. Some teachers don’t have that option; they and their students just suffer through the seemingly everlasting hour. Though installing air-conditioning in every room would, no doubt, cost thousands of dollars, I’m shocked school’s aren’t required by law to have some sort of air-conditioning system. Even a small cheap fan in each class can help out a lot during a heat-wave. Students shouldn’t have to sit through an entire hour of class praying their legs don’t melt to their chair. In My Judgment......

by Rebecca Montecuollo Question of the Day “If I can’t take my coffee break, something inside of me DIES!” This is a line from the 2015-2016 Senior by Anthony Capistran High play How to Succeed in Business without Really The great Gandhi once said, “The power to Trying. Drinking coffee is a necessity for so many peo- question is the basis of all human progress.” So ple. Personally, if it tasted as good as it smells, I would the question today is to keep your human prog- love it. Even with TONS of creamer and milk, it just ress on track, and to think about is; tastes like cardboard. “What is the key to having a happy life?” The coffee craze is sweeping the nation. Pinterest has I put this question on Facebook, and received a lot of examples of “Before Coffee, After Coffee” sce- great responses from VCHS and the surround- narios. People go crazy without their coffee. They start ing area. to twitch and can start to shake if coffee isn’t a part of Everyone has a different take on how to have a their day. happy life. Some people believe money can make What would it be like if coffee were never invented? Where would this society be? you happy. Would everyone be falling asleep in class? Would everyone be better off because igno- A good amount of people believe it’s banlance rance is bliss? Coffee drinkers think they need coffee to survive, but in reality all that is really needed is a glass of water. There are so in your life, and good support from friends and many beauties of water. It is ancient and people have been using it since the beginning of time. Coffee on the other hand was invented family. just to make people more awake. I’d say just go to sleep earlier. It makes people crabby and crazy. They go crazy and that makes people Also some believe God is another factor, in ad- break out into song! Water on the other hand is pure and is a nessesity. It is refreshing. Would you wash your dishes with coffee? NO dition to a positive attitude. they wouldn’t be clean! There are so many things you can do with water and not coffee. Some may say that coffee is even EVIL. But if you are Drew Jacobson it would be, and The song “Coffee Break” from the upcoming VCHS musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, is a prime example I quote, “Live stress free and lift weights.” of how coffee can affect a person. I suggest youtubing the song, enjoying it and then come to the VCHS produciton in November and enjoy it again! Macy Leigh Willson (BCN Student) stated, “Live beneath your means. Never give up on anybody; miracles happen... Don’t waste an op- portunity to tell someone you love them.” Sam & Dalton’s Adventures by Sam Jensen & Dalton Ondracek Amanda Anderson (VCHS Junior) expressed, “Having a good relationship with your family and having fun in your life.” Miranda Grafing (2015 VCHS Graduate) said, “Let the little things in life that bring you down or anger you roll of your back. Focus on your fu- ture not your past...” Cacie Lloyd (VCHS Senior) believes, “You will have a happy life when you think about and put God first.... But most importantly, he will also show you that true and permanent happiness can only be found in heaven with him.” Marissa Turrubiates (VCHS Senior) gives out her opinion saying, “You really have to know what your goals are and let yourself have fun! Plus follow God’s plan he laid out for you...”

The Bridges The Editorial...... 460 Central Avenue North Bridges Valley City, North Dakota 58072 email: [email protected] by Annie Fitzell Editor-in-Chief: Annie Fitzell Living on a one-way street, my options are limited for getting around the construction near News Editor: Tiffany Sprague the college. I can follow my one-way road and take a detour, leading me all the way around the Opinion Editor: Annie Fitzell Monthly Feature: To be determined college and to city park. Or, I can back down the one-way street and take the shorter route. I Special Feature Editor: To be determined prefer just backing out, but sometimes a car comes onto the road, forcing me to go the long way. Feature Editor: To be determined Dilemma. Arts & Entertainment Editors: Dempsey Williams Driving around the college isn’t the only annoying thing about living close to the college. Be- Cartoonists: Sam Jenson, Dalton Ondracek, more to be determined Sports Editor: Sam Jenson cause of the construction, an entire street is closed off, limiting parking options. So, more and Stingers: Hannah Dockter more college students park up by my house, leaving me wandering around looking for the closest Advisor: Carol Foth spot. Frustration. Staff: Dempsey Williams, Annie Fitzell, Sam Jensen, Tiffany Sprague, Anthony Capistran, Billy Contreras, Rebecca Montecuollo, Dalton Ondravrk, It wouldn’t be so bad if it was only a couple of days, or even weeks. But the construction is tak- Trierre Smith. ing.... so.... long. I’ve lost track of exactly how much time I’ve been searching for new routes and (701)845-0483 ex. 2 swerving around tractors, but I’m already incorporating it into my daily routine. I no longer put The Bridges is published monthly during the school year by VCHS my right blinker on, only to switch it to left when I realize I can’t turn right. I no longer watch the journalism students at 460 Central Avenue N, Valley City, ND 58072. The construction workers, wondering what they’re building. Impatience. opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of the student Construction, though necessary, is annoying. I can name at least two other people who have body, the faculty, administration or the school board. The Bridges will accept advertisements if they are not considered libelous, obscene or do not promote recently had the sound of a hammer pound out a catchy rhythm, which has been stuck in their the use or sale of illegal goods or services. head. Construction takes up everyone’s time, everyone’s attention, and everyone’s parking space. It isn’t so bad when there’s progress, when there’s a flicker of hope for the construction to eventu- ally be finished. But when there are rumors they are running behind schedule, and the project Letters to the Editor won’t be finished for awhile, everyone becomes desperate for closure, the closure of the “No thru Letters to the editor are encouraged, but the Bridges staff reserves traffic” signs. the right to edit letters for length and content. Please refer such correspondance to the address or email address above. Monthly Feature The Bridges 3 October 2, 2014 Athlete of the Month Wagar, What are the ODDS?

by Billy Contreras To enroll in a Wheel Watchers Club - A sweep- stakes held by Wheel of Fortune - You need to have a Wheel of Fortune Spin ID. In order to obtain a Wheel of Fortune Spin ID you would need to register by entering required informa- tion which would include: first name, last name, e-mail address, etc. You also have to be at least 18 years of age in order to register. Then you have to enter your initials for an identification number. Every weeknight during the show, the identifica- tion numbers are shown as well announced. If your identification number gets shown and an- Mikayla Ross nounced, you only have 24 hours to claim it by going online to confirm that you are the winner. Favorite place to compete: In Valley City In March of 2015, Wagar wanted to watch a Favorite Food: Pizza state basketball tournament on television. Mr. Hobbies: run, band, and watching Netflix Wagar had changed the channel to the news after Favorite flavor of Laffy Taffy: strawberry, “Ba- having a small innocent argument about what nana is just Gross!” to watch, while Wagar was doing dishes, the Favorite Joke: Donald Trump’s Presidential Wheel of Fortune Wheel Watchers Sweepstakes Campaign had shown the identification number. Mr. Wagar then called to her and asked what her numbers were. After Wagar told her husband what her numbers were, Mr. Wagar had then advised her she might have wanted to watch the television to see if those were her numbers. Wagar went to go and see for Artist of the Month herself if they had really announced her numbers. Wagar then went online to log in her Wheel Watchers Club Account. Once the window popped open, there were fireworks and big words on the screen that read, ‘WINNER’, and ‘YOU’RE A WINNER’. Wagar had to call a number given to her. She called the number and was notified that it was Sony. Wagar was told by Sony that they would contact her in a few days. It was a Thursday night when all of this happened. On Friday, Wagar was in Principal Kristi Brandt’s office doing an evaluation review. Wagar’s phone rang while she was talking to Brandt. Wagar told Brandt that she needed to take the call because it might be a call informing her that she won $5000.00. Brandt thought Wagar was being scammed. Wagar was right,! The phone call was from Sony, informing Wagar that they would send her the $5000.00 only after she filled out some really personal information and got it notarized, znc then she would have to send it to Sony. Wagar was a bit skeptical. She thought that someone was trying to steal her identity because they were asking for her Social Security Number. Even though Wagar was a little uncomfortable about giving them that type of information, but she filled the paper out, got it notarized, then sent it back to Sony. Sony told Mrs. Wagar that it may take up to 8-10 weeks if she wasn’t an employee of Wheel of Fortune. Wagar received the $5000.00 four weeks later and was then listed as a winner on their website. Wagar didn’t think sweepstakes actually gave out money, but it actually happens. Wagar brought the check to school to show a few people who didn’t believe her. The $5000.00 that Mrs. Wagar won went straight to her daughter for college tuition. Camille Kawasaki Band All In the Family Sibling Rivalry Favorite song to play: (Piano) “Für Elise”; (band) “Hey Baby” by Trierre Smith Favorite Food: Pasta Who gets away with the Hobbies: swimming and music most? Favorite flavor of Laffy Taffy: green apple Abby-He does Favorite Joke: Senior Year Reagan- Jack Jack- Me

Who is the most spoiled? Abby- Jack gets the most Attention Junior High...... Reagan- Me Jack-(says nothing)

Who has the most friends? Abby- Reagan Reagan-Definatly not me Jack- For sure me Jack, Abby & Reagan Ingstad Who gets in more trouble? Abby- I get yelled at the most Who is the laziest? Reagan-Me Abby- Me, I have a Netflix problem Jack- (just laughs) Reagan-Abby Jack- Uh, Abby Who is more adventurous? Abby-Me, through Netlix; no wait, Reagan Who is in more sports or extracurricular activities? Reagan- Me Abby-(starts counting how many on her fingers) Jack, no Jack- Me wait me Reagan- Jack Who is more creative? Jack- Me, Im in five Abby-Me Reagan- None of us Who is the smartest? Jack-Abby Abby- Meee Reagan-Uh, no, Jack Who is on their phone the most? Jack-I am Abby-Reagan and I Reagan- Me Jack- Me Monthly Feature 4 The Bridges October 2, 2014 Columns to enjoy in upcoming issues of The Bridges Mr. Dalton’s Neighborhood by Dalton Ondracek It’s a beautiful day in Mr. Daltons’ neighborhood. I remember the time Fashion when Jordan and Jonah got caught cheating and threw me under the bus. It was just another day in paradise in my favorite class of the day. I was just on my way back from the resource center when my favorite teacher, Trends Mrs. VanBruggen, called me to her desk. I was not called alone , may I mention. I bet you can guess the two who were called up with me. I could with Trierre tell by the look on her face that it wasn’t going to be good. She pulled out the Chapter 2 worksheets and asks us ,“Who actually did the worksheets, boys?” by Trierre Smith My first thought when this question was asked was should I just say There are lots of different me, or should I not?All three of us knew it was me who did the work. As types of fashion styles, but what’s I was just thinking about what to say Jordan and Jonah at the same time trending for fall of 2015? said, “It was Dalton who cheated; we worked on it in study hall together.” Birkenstocks have clearly I was flabbergasted with what just came out of their mouths and I knew I been a big one. These sandals probably wasn’t going to win this battle. have been around for longer It was just another Tuesday night in the beautiful city of the valley. then most people know, 230 years! Isn’t it weird? One can sur- Without a moments notice my phone starts ringing off the hook. With mise by just taking notice; every girl in the tri-state area is wear- the grasp of my sweaty palms waiting to text away, I looked at my phone, ing them. questioning what I read. I was now involved in a group message that I This fall there will be a lot of new trends. One of them that was knew was going to be trouble. I took a look at the first message and my mind was blown with what the message a trend back in the 70’s is bell bottom jeans. Bell bottom jeans had to say. “Can we have your government worksheet?”- Jonah. have been worn for 40 years off and on. This fall they are being It was a decision I knew could change the history as we knew it. My decision was made clear I would risk ev- sold in most junior departments. It shows how trends tend to cir- erything to help out my good buddies. When I sent the messages I knew right away something bad was going to cle back. Another thing I personally love are the “John Lennon” happen. I didn’t send the work sheets in order from 1-4, instead it sent it 2-4-3-1. Needless to say I didn’t get much glasses. The Lennon glasses are just one of the growing number sleep that night. of hippy throwbacks. High-waisted jeans and shorts have been a The mood was tense in the front of the room; you could drop a pin and you would hear it hit the carpeted floor. My first question to my favorite teacher was “How do you know we cheated?”. She comes straight out and sayed, trend for a few years. Many different types of shorts have popped “Jonah put the answers to section 4 on section 2.” My first reaction was to try and get myself out of this mess be- up this past spring for summer wear. The most popular would cause I needed to know how she knew. Instead I decided to take the blame for what happened and let Jonah and be the flowery printed shorts, even for guys. High waisted swim Jordan walk free. The End. suits are back and Taylor Swift has made them popular. This story may have stretched the truth just a little bit, or blatant lies may have been told. But here in Mr. Dal- What else is in? Henna tattoos. They are that sweet, aztec de- tons’ neighborhood, that’s the way I see it. Would you be mine, could you be mine, won’t you be my neighbor. sign drawn on hands or feet. Don’t forget they are not perma- Sincerely, Mr. Dalton nent, so have some fun with it!

That time I...... How to...... ate the M&M’s survive high school by Tiffany Sprague by Annie Fitzell When I was younger, I had a real connection Many people wrack their brains and, figura- with food. We were the best of pals, and it was tively, pull out their hair in high school. Some- great. I was a child of the southwest, living in times the stress gets so severe students would Las Vegas, Nevada. My parents were accustomed rather bang their head against a brick wall than to me waking them up in the early hours of the even look at another math problem. Between morning. They would brush off the comfort of the social stress, homework, class responsibili- sleep every morning to see me peering at them ties, extracurricular activities, and home life, over the bed. I would stand there, just stare at students can easily feel overwhelmed. So, how them for as long as it took them to wake up and does one juggle all these obligations in a set time they would see my owl eyes trained on them. If of approximately 14, or 15 hours? Sleep, social- I was tired I’d simply crawl onto their bed and ization, and education are all important, so one curl up on the bottom of it, or fall asleep on their can’t simply drop one to make more room for floor. Keep in mind, this happened at the ungod- the others. This brings about the age-old ques- ly hours of the morning. tion which has been pondered for generations and will be asked for years to come, “How does One early morning after a dinner party the one survive high school?” night before, my parents woke up because they heard a distinctive tingling of small Classes: Remembering what you have to do for every class can be difficult. Keep objects hitting the kitchen floor. They looked around for a confused moment and a planner! This can help organize your schedule and take a load off your memory. then both looked at each other sharply and whispered, “ The M&M’s!” They grog- Tackle one problem at a time. Some classes require more work than other classes. gily rushed down the stairs to find me sitting on the dining table. This was truly a Instead of having a negative mind-set about having more homework, or having to sight to behold; a toddler who more closely resembled a chipmunk than a human. spend more time studying, just take it as it comes. Complaining about having to do With my face smeared bearing the insides of the consumed morsels, and many fall- 50 math problems won’t make them magically solve themselves. Stop procrastinat- ing from my grasping hands, I quickly shoveled more into my mouth. I was sitting ing; start answering. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll finish. If the homework with my legs wrapped tightly around a bowl filled generously with M&M’s. Both is too taxing, try going in before, or after school to ask for help. Some students learn of my chubby toddler hands were filled with these delicious treats, and my mouth better one-on-one rather than just listening to a lecture. was also filled. I was unable to chew. Think about that for a moment... I was trying Home Life: After spending hours at school and hours on homework, some stu- to shove handfulls of M&M’s into my mouth, which was already filled to the point dents have even more school responsibilities. Instead of going out to a movie with of gagging capacity. Hearing my parents coming down the stairs, and knowing they friends, or staying in with the family on movie night, a student might be locked would find me, only sent me into a new frenzy that made me try harder. I actually in their room wracking their brain with school responsibilities. Everyone needs a started to choke on the gigantic mass of melting chocolate as it begrugdingly trug- break from school in order to stay sane. Socializing with friends is a healthy way to ded down my throat. do this. But how do you find the time? Set a date. If there’s a set time you’re supposed My parents managed to pry all the half melted candies from my hands. No matter to go hang out, don’t ditch. This might mean having to stay up a little later to finish what people say: given enough time and pressure M&M’s DO melt in your hands. I homework, but at least you won’t be crazy while doing it. You can also get together attemped to resist, but it was futile, and my screams were muffled by the sounds of to work together. Could homework ever be fun? Probably not, but at least you guys me choking on the huge mass in my throat. My parents made me cough up my self- could crack some jokes and help each other out. Sleep: The average teenager gets around seven hours of sleep each night. That’s consumed gag. I was very close to food that day... I regret nothing. about two hours less than they actually need. With all the things they have to get done during the day, it’s hard to get to bed early enough to get a decent amount of sleep. However, homework isn’t the only thing which keeps them awake. Technol- Here’s the Heads UP! ogy should, ideally, be put away at least an hour before you go to bed (For more When the next full-length issue of The Bridges comes out information, go to http://ikeepsafe.org/be-a-pro/balance/no-screen-time-before- bed/). Get to homework as soon as possible. Don’t put it off until 11 P.M. and then on October 30, all the columns printed in this issue will be complain. Good Luck! there! As the year goes on each will just get better, more fun and interesting! The Bridges Arts & Entertainment 5 October 2, 2015 THE BEAT

by Dempsey Williams After a summer filled with big re- ie. If I didn’t know better, I’d think “Jordan Belfort” by Wes Walker to and retro/electronic stylings to leases from even bigger artists, it’s that The Desired Effect was written ft. Dyl form a song that functions as both a time to focus on what new tracks and performed three decades ago, From the beginning of the song, club ready dance tune, and an old- are debuting this fall. While there and the album is all the better for it. you can tell that “Jordan Belfort” schoool R&B throwback. 5/5 seems to be a drought in new music is going to be a hit. The eccentric, around this time of year, I’ve been New Releases- offbeat intro gives way to a hum- “Downtown” by Macklemore & pleasantly surprised by the amount “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor ming bass line, and is followed by Ryan Lewis and quality of music released so far Swift a sing-along chorus. Unlike most As the debut single for their new lab with Naughty Boy, “La La La”, this fall. Potentially the final single off hit mainstream rap, which features lots album, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and his sleeper hit with Disclosure, album 1989, “Wildest Dreams” is of trap rythyms and sounds, Walk- return to their ironic, humorous “Latch”. Following a worldwide Album of the Month- a single that illicits mixed feelings er’s single is based around around a style popularized by their break- tour, Smith has once again teamed The Desired Effect by Brandon from me. On one hand, I think the whining, plucked guitar riff, giving through “Thrift Shop”, and merge up with Disclosure for a psuedo- Flowers song itself sounds great. The back- the single a funky sound. 5/5 it with both ‘70s funk and early sequel to “Latch”. It sounds like ex- The Killers have always flirted ground synths nail the ‘80s/roman- ‘90s hip hop. Full of vocal cameos actly what you would expect it to with ‘80s influences in their music, tic vibe, and Swift’s overdubbing “Levels” by Nick Jonas by artists famous in decades past, sound like... which is both a bless- and the newest solo album from skills are once again on full display. In preparation for his forthcom- “Downtown” manages to be both a ing and a curse. While Smith’s vo- frontman Brandon Flowers is no On the other hand, the track sits in ing sophomore album, Nick Jonas self-aware and musically succesful cal runs and falsetto are as smooth different. I don’t think I’ve heard a rather nebulous position when it continues to move his sound even track at the same time. 4/5 as ever, and Disclosure’s thumping an album so bathed in the stylings comes to tempo. “Wildest Dreams” closer to that of a young Justin Tim- bass and wavey synths are sublime, of ‘80s New Wave and Synthpop isn’t a particularily fast song, but it’s berlake. Similar to Timberlake, his “Omen” by Disclosure ft. Sam it almost sounds like the two art- before. Throbbing baselines are not a slow one either. Frankly, I ex- career began in a boy band, but has Smith ists played it safe this time around. paired with Flowers’ storytelling, pect this to be the smallest single of found more mainstream success as Last year, Sam Smith broke 1nto There isn’t anything wrong with the emotive voice for an album ripped Swift’s latest album (even though it’s a solo artist. In “Levels”, Jonas in- pop radio with a trio of hit songs, song, it just sounds slightly cliche. straight from a John Hughes mov- my personal favorite). corperates his now signature falset- including “Stay With Me”, his col- 3/5 Note to self: Take photographs Poems by Rebecca Montecuollo by Billy Contraras Note to self: Take Photos! Taking photos is my hobby. Pictures hold memories. After people graduate they might never see their friends again, but photos hold the best times Love and Bravery close. There is no such thing as taking too many of photos. Personally I took 12,000 in two weeks, and I still could’ve Love is defined as many things, taken more. By many people love isn’t defined as deception, There is a whole world out there that is worth photo- Loving someone who doesn’t love you is like being a dove with no wings, graphing. My personal favorite is to take pictures of nature Hate has to do with love which many can’t mention, when traveling. Traveling is a great way to soak it all in. An Love can bring a future with endless depression, elk could be passing by in the Grand Tetons while you are just about to take the shot. Once I was taking pictures at Many people lack hope and trust, the lake, and a loon spread out it’s wings over the water as Now in the present day of us, I snapped the photo. There is a perfect reflection of the loon in the water. The opportunity Nearly everybody feels as though they can’t live without lust, could’ve been missed. For one who has their heart, Now that I have my own phone, selfies are so much more fun. Every day millions of selfies Anything they would do for them is a must, are taken. Are they really worth it? Some say “yes,” others think they are silly and unneces- Deep down it is known later they will feel torn apart, sary. Personally I like “Ussies.” Inviting friends to be in the picture and looking back, it shows the fun. Known from one’s soul to one’s heart, In the future think what new technology could bring. Maybe there will be 3Dies when you Everybody should be treated as a priceless work of art, take a photo they appear in 3D. It will be like people are standing right in the room. Nobody should be treated as a loser, Note to the not-so-wise: Because their parents can only afford clothes from K-Mart, A picture is worth a thousand words and it lasts forever. Don’t take pictures you might Children are degrading themselves for popularity and likes, regret. Children should be remembered for accomplishments and good times, You may not believe that kind words may save one’s life, Kind words can change one’s mind, I know because someone saved mine, Tickle your creative mind with...... Why? From terrible choices that would have ruined my life, It’s good to make someone smile, by Annie Fitzell and Rebecca Montecuollo Even if someone says they’re fine, This column is going to answer the readers’ questions about different things. This The feeling of losing a loved one is extremely vile, month we chose why penguins can’t fly. Below are our first opinions before research- Imagine trying to survive, ing it. One is serious; one is silly. Then, we will report the facts and compare how close we were! If you were made to live in their shoes for 100 miles, Annie’s Opinion: Penguins inability to fly is actually quite simple. It’s the same They may feel as though feeling happiness is deprived, reason chickens can’t fly. Their body mass is much larger than the wingspan and the To them kind words from one may seem to be a lie, strength of their wings. I believe their wings were made smooth in order to glide It’s time to figure out what truly is wrong and right, under the water, rather than fly through the air. I pray that you can figure out how to save a life, Rebecca’s Opinion: Why don’t penguins fly? I don’t think penguins can fly because You never know if the person next to you is questioning why they’re alive. they don’t have the ambition, or the stamina to fly. I mean, they are tiny, but they just walk around all day on the snow seeing the same thing over and over again. All they do is wake up, go catch fish, eat the fish, walk around on the snow, eat more fish, and go to sleep again. It is the same routine over and over again. It’s like they’re stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day again and again. I genuinely feel bad for them. They can fly; they’re just too Guitar class growing steadily depressed to want to. by Dempsey Williams The Facts: A penguin’s Even though it’s one of the newest courses in our school, Sheila Zinke’s Guitar 1 class has been wings are too short and growing steadily ever since it’s inception. Now in it’s third year of existance, the class size has stubby for flight. They actu- doubled since last year. Initially, 12 people were signed up for the class, but irreconcilable sched- ally work more like flippers uling conflicts at registration prevented four students from joining the class. than wings. Due to a pen- Although most students don’t have prior experience with guitar, one actually took lessons guins natural habitat, it’s under a former student of Zinke’s from her teaching days at Rolla. No matter what, all students wings are more useful help- seem to be picking up the basics quickly. Zinke says, “Everyone is learning and very responsive; ing it swim under water and they’re all very fast learners”. catch fish rather than fly. The class doesn’t have any recitals set in stone as of now besides an end of the year perfor- mance, but Zinke states a Christmas recital, or visits to local assisted living centers aren’t out of the realm of possibility. Sports 6 The Bridges October 2, 2015 ‘Liner football week by week Take a Lap by Sam Jenson Week one by Sam Jenson Valley City kicked off the 2015 football season with a barn burner UND football used to be the laughing against Wahpeton High School. The Hi-Liners got off to a hot start when stock of Division I football in North Dakota. first year starter Levi Nix connected with Nate Rodriguez for a ten yard Former head coach, Chris Mussman, led the touchdown to put VCHS up 8-0. The Hi-LIners continued to roll when squad from their transition from Division II John Halgrimson punched it in from ten yards out. Valley Ciy closed out to Division I FCS. Under Mussman, UND the first half with a bomb from Nix to newcomer Justin Manson to put posted a 31-34 record, including a dismal 3-8 VCHS up three posessions. record in his final season. VCHS thought they would cruise to an easy victory over Wahpeton, but With an embarrasing record, UND Ath- UND Football then Carson Zarak showed up. The senior quarterback from Wahpeton letic Director, Brian Faison, was forced to threw for two touchdowns, and rushed for another to send the game into make a move. Shortly after the 2013 season Sam Jenson overtime. Rodriguez secured a win for VCHS with a two yard touchdown ended, Faison announced the firing of Muss- run. The overtime win over Wahpeton gave the Hi-Liners a 1-0 record to men under center. For a while it seemed as if the fans were man. Immediatley after the firing of Head start the season. right with a 54-3 loss against Eastern Washington, and a Coach Mussman, Faison started the search Week two 24-12 loss to a dismal Weber State squad. Things did get to find the next head coach for University of In week two Valley City traveled to rival Lisbon for the anual Sand Bag much brighter for the freshmen, as he helped lead UND North Dakota football team. Eventually Fai- Trophy game. On the field, VCHS took care of buisiness with a 42-0 win to a victory over nationally ranked Northern Arizona and son came to a decision. The savior of North to keep the trophy in Valley City, or so it was thought. It turns out Valley a blowout win against Northern Colorado to finish out the Dakota football was anounced, Bubba Sch- City played an ineligible player during the win, causing VCHS to forfeit season. This was just the beginning for Studsrud. weigert. their victory. This year, Studsrud helped lead UND to a victory over As soon as Schweigert was announced as Week three FBS opponent Wyoming. The program’s first victory over the head coach of the program, he had work For the first time this season, Valley City headed west and played a con- an FBS squad. to do. After Mussman was kicked to the curb, ference game. VCHS took on Turtle Mountain, and absolutely pummeled UND tried to take the momentum from the Wyoming many of of the players whom he recruited them. The Hi-Liners deafeated Turtle Mountain by a score of 59-6. By the game into the NDSU game. started to transfer away from UND. With all end of the first quarter, Valley City had built up an impressive 46-0 lead UND figured out real quick that they still have lots of the player’s leaving, Schweigert had to hit the and went into the half up, 59-0. Nate Rodriguez led the offense with video work to do after the NDSU game. North Dakota was de- recruiting trail right away to field a compete- game like numbers; he rushed for 180 yards on five carries, and three feated 34-9 and couldn’t buy a yard against the Bison de- tive squad. touchdowns. Defensively, freshman Noah Plagens hauled in two inter- fense. Nobody was expecting a win against the four time Bubba wasn’t expected to do much in his ceptions, and Junior Drew Oberlander had two sacks. With the win, VC defending national champions, but the performance was first season as head coach. Not only was improves their record to 2-1, and started of conference play with a win. still disheartening. UND a very young team that was learning a Week four The rebuilding process is still way ahead of schedule, new system, it had to deal with injuries every On a nippy September night, the Hi-Liner’s hosted conference rival but the North Dakota fanbase will expect it to come much step of the way. UND’s first and second string Dickinson Trinity. The Titans were no match for the Hi-Liners, as VCHS sooner than what it will actually take. Bubba Schweigert is quartebacks got hurt, which forced Bubba to rolled to a 44-14 victory. Valley City was led on offense by Nate Rodri- doing great things in Grand Forks. The sad thing is people pull off the redshirt of freshmen quarterback guez, who scored three touchdowns on the ground. don’t even know because the greatest FCS program of all Keaton Studsrud. Many fans thought things Valley City improves to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. time is just an hour down the road. were going to hit rock bottom with the fresh- Week five In week five Valley City made the long roadtrip to Watford City to take on the Wolves. Valley City won this game on the defense, as they were able to force two turnovers. Offensively, quarterback Levi Nix threw for two touchdowns to help generate the scoring. The Hi-Liners went on to win Nielson sums up season; Miller, Ondracek go to state 26-6, and improved to a perfect 3-0 in the West. Submitted by Matt Nielson Hi-Liners tennis brought back six out of seven varsity players from last year and the work in the off season and one more year of experience showed. The tennis team increased their number of victories by 50% as a team and individually, and the total number of participants increased from 19 to 27. Also, we finished seven spots higher at the West Fargo Invite, had one doubles team consisting of Riley Miller and Hunter Burchill in a state qualifier; Brandon Miller and Dalton Ondracek won the consolation NDSU or UND championship in doubles earning them a 5 seed for the state tournament. As a team, we were one match away from knocking off Fargo North at the EDC tourney, losing 3-2. Our three seniors have been the backbone of the team this year. Dalton Ondracek plays number one In the next issue of The Bridges, Dalton and is a legit one in the EDC. Brandon Miller had a three-match winning streak at two singles while Ondracek and Sam Jenson come to blows Dempsey Williams was our doubles specialist. Their leadership will leave a legacy that will result in the in the talk-down on which is best, UND, or success of the underclassmen in years to come. NDSU. In a recent survey of the VC high Dalton Ondracek and Brandon Miller qualified for state and Dalton Ondracek was All-EDC, two school population, the Bison had a great years in a row. The boys’ tennis team has not had the same individuals qualify for state or named All- showing against UND of two to one, 150 to EDC in back-to-back years since 2004. 75. Next week begins the battle, and The Bridges is where you can get all the details Cross country stays on course on how it all went down. Be sure to check by Tiffany Sprague out the sport section in the October 30 is- Monday, September 28 was a Lexi Treibold in 7th, Heather son Golf Course definitely put sue. tough meet for the cross coun- Fischer 13th, Owen Plagens VC on the map. The Girls’ Var- try teams. Individual scores 20th, and Ezra Hanse 21st. It’s a sity and JV teams both got 3rd for the Varsity girls were: Sha- great day to be a Hi-Liner! place. Boy’s Varsity only had ron Michael 13th, Sophie Boe The cross country meet at the two runners and got 20th, but 14th, Mikayla Wolla 16th, Eli- Casselton Golf Course Sept, 25 the JV got 4th place. volleyball girls show determination za Schueneman 26th, Presley held results of the girl’s varsity The girl’s Varsity top runner by Trierre Smith Curtis 27th, Olivia Slyter 41st, team in 1st place out of 14, and was Mikaylah Ross coming in The Valley City Hi-Liner volleyball team is playing hard this year. Grace Ihry 54th, Becca Thomp- the boy’s varsity was 6th out of 22nd place. AJ Punton got 32nd On parents’ night September 22, the girls played the West Fargo son 56th, Elly Milender 58th, 14 teams. Girls’ varsity indi- in the boy’s Varsity. Presley Cur- Packers. West Fargo won 24-26, 25-14, 23-25 amd 8-25. Reagan In- Mackenzie Leroux 61st, Tarryn vidual results were: Mikaylah tis got 11th in the girls’ JV run, gstad had 23 assists and 17 digs. Justesen 68th, and Angela Lar- Ross 4th place, Mikayla Wolla while Adam Punton got 7th for On September 17 they met the Wahpeton Huskies on the court son 77th. There were 78 run- 8th place, Sharon Michael 11th the boys. Both Punton boys are with a 25-15, 25-12 and 25-23 win. Valley City is now 3-5 in the ners in that Varsity race, and place, Sophie Boe 14th place, from Maple Valley, but compete EDC. September 15 the Hi-Liners beat Devils Lake Firebirds with VC girls did very well. and Courtney Lloyd in 18th with VC for Cross Country. The Boy’s Varsity 5K run had place. AJ Puntun got 5th place the scores of 25-21, 25-21, and 25-9 to ruin the Firebirds 3-0 streak. 74 runners. Individual scores in the boy’s varsity. Charlotte Huschka had 28 digs while Ellie Winter had nine kills. were: AJ Puton 5th, Nathan The girls JV team individual September 8 Valley played the Fargo South Bruins. The Bruins Johnson 25th, Adam Punton placements were: Lexi Triebold came in with a win, of 20-25, 13-25, and 11-25. Reagan Ingstad had 30th, Jack Ingstad 37th, David 11th place, Grace Ihry 12th 11 assists and Breanna Dieterle had six kills. Opdhal 38th, and Jack Jordan place, Mackenzie Leroux 15th September 3 the Hi-Liners played Fargo North Spartans. Fargo 58th place. place, and Elly Milender 18th. got the win with the scores of 20-25, 25-17, 18-25, 25-20 and 15-7. The girls’ and boys’ JV indi- Valley City Hi-Liner’s cross On September 1 Valley played their rivals of the Fargo Davies. vidual scores came out with country results from the Bjorn- Davies went on with the win, 18-25, 10-25, and 21-25. The Bridges News 7 October 2, 2015 Berntson experiences life in India VCHS student congress off by Tiffany Sprague to impressive start After graduating from high school, most will take some time to enjoy life. Bethany Berntson graduated by Annie Fitzell from VCHS in 2013 and did exactly that. Her time was spent in Wandanamaloo, India. She spent three Student Congress, also known Marcellus (SP), Sophomore Jack months there on a Mission as an Special Temporary Authority (STA). Berntson was the first STA to ever as congressional debate, is a high Jordan sign up for the Inia trip, but two boys and one other girl also applied and they all went together. school debate club in which stu- During her time in India, she noticed many things about social placement. It’s called the ‘Caste System’, At the East congressional tour- and most of their population is the very bottom. These people are called the Untouchables, or Subordi- dents can debate bills and reso- nament at the Fargo Baymont inn nates. The Indian government is working to rid itself of this social placement system. However, because of lutions. Nick Lee, last years head and suites, three members of Val- the different classes the Untouchables are guaranteed a job in cleaning and waste removing departments. speech coach, has taken Eydie ley City student congress placed. This leaves the more respectible jobs for the higher classes, and they won’t need to worry about someone Wagar’s position in student con- Amanda Bjork got 2nd in House beneath them getting their job. The Caste System provides social security, so as much as the Indian gov- gress. Lee claims Valley City has 1, Hannah Peterson got 2nd in ernment may try to fight it, the people will most likely stick to it. more students participating in House 2, and Abby Slyter got 4th Berntson was able to observe the different ways Indian people practice their culture. In larger cities, student congress right now than in House 3. Placing 2nd and 4th everything is more modernized, but out in the towns deep culturistic roots are followed and practiced. it has in four years. Eleven kids is an amazing accomplishment. Women are still subject to death if they do not produce sons for their husbands. As horrific as this sounds are currently in student congress, After giving a speech, suggesting to us, to the average citizen of India, it’s normal. The three of which have been involved resolutions to problems, etc., in government does have a hotline to call if someone feels with the organization in the past. their House, a judge rates them that there is an abusive relationship, but since it’s nor- Student Congress team mem- 1-10, 10 being a perfect score. Out mal, the only people who might call would be those bers are in the sections as follows: of twenty-five students in each who visit. Women in India have the highest rates of sui- Senate: Junior Mikey Meester, house, the seven with the highest cide because of these conditions. It’s not a strange thing House 1: Senior Amanda Bjork, ranks at the end of the day place. for a mother of three girls to commit suicide before her Senior Rebekah Jordan The next tournament will be husband or her in-laws killed her anyway. During her House 2: Senior Hannah Peter- held October 11 and 12 in Man- time there, Bernston tried to help some of the women son, Senior Sarah Montecuollo dan. Wishing the best of luck to deal with these extremely delicate situations. She spent House 3: Senior Abby Ingstad time in a church which tried to help give women confi- all the Student Congress mem- dence, and feel secure. House 4: Sophomore Rebecca bers, but we all know they don’t Bernston also served in an orphanage, helping chil- Montecuollo, Sophomore Rose need luck! dren who were either completely parentless or whose parents could not support them. Schooling is not some- thing everyone has access to. Many children have to be- gin working as soon as they are able, and quit school to help provide for their family. Hi-Liner Seniors win Powder Puff Though she witnessed some troubling facts, Bethany still recalls many beautiful memories. She was able to As what seems to be basic tradition, the Above: VCHS 2013 grad Bethany Berntson visit the Taj Mahal, and the tower that entrapped the senior girls won the Powder Puff football returned to the school to tell the students of king who built it. She was able to build relationships her experience of living in India. (Photo by in India. This was an unforgettable experience, and not game, 14-8, on Monday, September 28. It Tiffany Sprague) one that many are able to obtain. was a great kickoff for Homecoming Week 2015! Valley City High School Homecoming 2015 Theme days: ROYALT Y Decades, White T-shirt signing, Christmas in September & Extreme Weather/Disaster

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