The Bison Stampede – April 24, 1998

The Humane Society of Minnesota is holding its annual Walk for the Animals on Saturday, May 2, at Lake Rebecca Park. Last year, the event raised more than $40,000.

Undercover reporting reveals wrongful selling

This year's participants will walk to help the Humane Society of Minnesota raise funds for the Society's programs, including the adoption program, the pet contraceptive program, and education programs for children.

'We are a great lot of animals,' said one volunteer.

In 1997, 2,880 people walked in support of the Minnesota Humane Society and for this year's walk, 2,800 loyal pet supporters are expected to sign up.

The beginning of the end that is the startling fourth quarter to respond to the initial week of fourth term, many students are still feeling the effects of graduation preparations, and the school year is just beginning.

As students return to their classrooms, the question remains: how can we prevent the violence that has become so common in our schools?

Many experts say that the violence in schools is a growing problem that needs to be addressed immediately. They suggest that more resources should be allocated to school security, mental health services, and programs that promote a positive school climate.

However, others argue that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. They believe that by investing in our communities and providing young people with the tools they need to succeed, we can create a safer and more equitable society.

Whatever the solution, one thing is certain: we must take action to ensure that our schools are safe places for all students to learn and grow.

The MAAA softball team is working hard to make a consecutive state appearance this year. The team has been practicing diligently and is feeling confident about their chances.

'We have a great group of girls this year,' said coach [unclear]. 'They are hardworking, talented, and they play well together. We are excited to see what they can accomplish this season.'

"The Herd" AFRICA

Rise and shine! It's time to get up and dance. Next year, expectations of a new curriculum are higher. "I think it's good idea," said one student, "it's a much needed change." [7:50-2:30]

Students will be able to arrive around 7:50 AM and depart at 2:30 PM. The school board voted fine to have secondary schools start at 8:00 AM and elementary schools start at 8:30 AM.

"I think it's great," said junior Manche. "It won't interfere with sports and activities, and it's more convenient for us."

The change of start times was decided by the school board following a meeting on March 26.

Students can off, schools, and their parents can attend to their concerns by attending the school board meetings held monthly throughout the school year. The attendance at those meetings is little to none, considering how many students are strong, young, and active.

Personally, I am planning to attend the upcoming services. It should be for the students benefit, too. The teachers, I hope, will be made for all right reasons.

"The Herd" is now recruiting members for the summer season. Don't play an instrument? They are also looking for colorguard and honorguard members. Sign up and get a schedule in the band room ASAP!

Get your entries in! Stop in to select and for best selection!

As always, Buffalo Floral has the most unique and creative designs for corsages!

Don't forget Mom's Mother's Day, May 10!

Teenagers in Buffalo have no problem getting cigarettes to smoke for one simple reason: they are not carded enough.

Lawmakers have been trying to lower the amount of teenagers who smoke. However, problems are starting to emerge. Only 50 percent of Buffalo businesses visited carded an undercover reporter when they tried to buy cigarettes. Most businesses only card people if they do not look to be over 18.

“I have never been carded since I was 12,” said senior Jane Smith. “It does not work unless it is practiced every time.”

Despite there being a legal smoking age, many teens find ways to buy cigarettes anyway. Fake identifications make up most of the problem because they can be hard to recognize, but another obvious problem is the cashiers themselves. Cashiers who were teenagers carded the undercover reporter fewer times than did adult cashiers.

Different stores had different policies on what age they were supposed to stop carding people.

“If someone seems to be under 28, we card them,” said a Holiday representative. “Our policy is to card anyone who is under 30,” said a Wal-Mart representative.

“We identify anyone who is 27 or under and card them,” said an Econo Foods representative.

Many of the stores that were visited said that if they caught minors trying to buy tobacco, they would just refuse to sell to them.

There does happen to be a penalty upon stores and individuals who sell tobacco to minors, however, representatives from different stores could not agree on what it was.

“The person who sold the tobacco and the store are both fined, but I don’t know the exact amount,” said a Holiday representative. “It’s either $1,000 or $7,000, but I don’t remember.”

“The fine is $50,” said a Wal-Mart representative.

Some stores do penalize cashiers who sell cigarettes to minors.

“We give the employees written warnings,” said a Holiday representative. “If they repeatedly sell cigarettes to minors, we fire them.”

“We terminate the job of anyone who is caught selling cigarettes to minors,” said a SuperAmerica representative.

Some stores have different policies on how they identify people who are under the age where they need to card them or if they are minors.

“We have to know the person’s first name, last name and date of birth before we sell them any tobacco,” said a Holiday representative.

Different people also have different suggestions on how to identify these people.

“Businesses should issue smokers a card that allows them to buy tobacco so it would be a separate card so all they have to do to buy it is show that one,” said junior Lucifer Moore.

Different ideas for different things, but they all show that getting tobacco is too easy for minors.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Enjoying high school and athletics, current feature teacher Scott Kerbaugh always looked at teaching as something that he wanted to do. Now Kerbaugh has been teaching for 13 years.

“When I started, we used TRS 80’s with cassette players. Now look where our school is,” said Kerbaugh. “I could have written a book on the changes that I’ve seen in between.”

Kerbaugh keeps up with the newest technology by asking the students and the tech people to show him.

“I don’t consider myself an expert, but I am not afraid to do anything new,” said Kerbaugh.

Kerbaugh allows the students to do the individual projects that they want to do and that incorporate their interests into these projects.

First drills will be the same since four girls and one teacher were killed a few weeks ago in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The violent schools is people doing anything about it.

Many people do not realize the seriousness of the situation when two students fight in the hallway, or when a student is killed. Midterm exams and school shootings are a growing problem. They can proceed to take the van with various weapons into the middle school. When they go to the school, Johnson's friend was killed, and after that, five people died and fifteen others were injured.

What is scary about this situation is that Johnson was fourteen, and all the students were elementary school students. Out of 36 shot students.

This sort of thing can happen anywhere, whether it is a rural area or in the middle of a big city. Anyone can snag at any time and there is usually no stopping it.

Last October in Pearl, Mississippi, a 16-year-old boy shot nine people, killing two. He also killed his mother with a knife. This was a rural area, not a big city.

In December, a 14-year-old killed three people and wounded five in West Frederick, Kansas. Three major incidents, ten people died, major incidents, that's not the whole story. The year's not over yet and there are just a few that have happened already.

One of eight all-star nationals have access to guns at school. It's not too surprising that copycat incidents are starting to pop up. There are increasing all over the country who are potential perpetrators of these kinds of warfare.

Parents around the country need to keep their under control. Some parents also need to be stricter with their kids.

Fights need to be taken more seriously. Someone could accidentally get pushed over the railing in a stairway or injured in a fall. When someone calls in a bomb threat, they are called a false alarm because it could be bunch of people who kids could also fight. If the students do their best to keep things from happening, we won't be scared of fire drills.

Kala Hemming Editor-in-Chief
Aubree Reinitz News Editor
Lucifer Moore Editorials/Opinions Editor
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The Bison Stampede is printed by the Wright County Journal.

Walking through school hallways has never been appealing. First, you have to pass the group who’s vocabulary seems to consist of only swear words. Then you have to dodge the numerous couples making out in front of everyone. While walking, you notice your “WWJD?” bracelet. Your head snaps up and looking back, you see the same bracelet being worn by the people you just walked past. HUH?!? What is going on here???

Sadly, the “WWJD?” bracelets have been reduced to something that shows up the hypocritical people who don’t practice what they preach.

These bracelets have, however, brought us into a new time. It is great that so many people acknowledge that something Godly is cool. But is it still Godly when people wear them simply because it’s fashionable?

The idea originally came from a book by Charles Sheldon called, In His Steps. It is about some people from a church congregation who were challenged by their pastor, minutes before his death, to live their lives asking themselves, “What would Jesus do?” Putting this phrase into an acronym and on bracelets, they came out for Christians as a reminder to ask themselves the same question. Now, both Christians and non-Christians wear them and because of this, they are only a fad.

As a Christian who has put my “WWJD?” bracelet on the shelf, I feel personally offended by the people who wear them and say they’re Christians while they keep living the same non-Christian lifestyle they always have. Although these bracelets are only cloth, they still hold a special meaning to all who choose to wear it for the right reasons.

It comes down to this: if we’re going to talk the talk, we better make sure we walk the walk. If we don’t, we’re degrading ourselves to the level of those who do not wear it for inspiration.

The question is not what WOULD Jesus do, it’s what DID Jesus do? He died for our sins, and it’s time we took Him seriously.

Isn’t it sick when it takes the deaths of four school children and their teacher to wake up the nation to the violent society it has allowed to evolve. This is saying nothing of the 25 kids shot dead every two days who escape even the slightest media coverage.

It can’t be too hard to ignore the increase in privately owned handguns per capita in the US. The current total stands at 235 million, which is the highest in the world. Many would argue that this is because the United States has a Bill of Rights making such ownership legal. If so, it could be considered hypocritical to grieve when people take advantage of this right — such as the two kids in Jonesboro, AK, for instance.

Maybe it is time to seriously review certain aspects of the Bill of Rights. Namely the second amendment, which clearly states:

The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; a well armed and well-regulated militia being the best security for a free country.

After all, many lobbyists state that the right was only stressed to allow separate states to stand their guard against potential federal tyranny. If this is the case, then why are half the children in this country growing up in a home where firearms are kept?

Pro-firearm groups argue that President Madison, when saying that America has “the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation,” was highlighting the individual’s right to bear arms.

Whichever side of the argument you represent, you cannot dispute the facts. And even if it would be political suicide to withdraw a constitutional right, would it not, in the long term, prevent more widespread sacrifice?

Internet Safety Tips: Do you know who’s watching you online? Do you know exactly what you’re downloading? With some easy tips and common sense, you can keep yourself safe online. Because in cyberspace, no one can hear you scream...

MustBuy: Get yourself a virus scanner to prevent your system from getting infected from downloaded files.

One good free scanner is F-Prot. It is available in .ZIP format at the Simtel.Net software archive (Dos version only) — http://www.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet/msdos/virus/fp-228.zip (228 will change to 229 as versions change — updates are made about four times a year)

If a company asks for personal information before you download or purchase something, be careful. Not only can they possibly use your name/credit card number/e-mail for illegal uses, but they can sell them to others. The worst example is companies who sell your e-mail to advertisers. No one likes “junk” e-mail, a.k.a. spam.

The solution? Get a second e-mail. Many services on the Web will set one up for free. Use one for your daily chatting, and the second for business. Hotmail (http://www.hotmail.com/) and Yahoo! Mail use WWW pages to fetch/read/send mail, while Juno (http://www.juno.com/) lets you download a special program which you can run separately from your browser. Local companies also have free e-mail offers, such as UPN (http://www.kmsp.com/).

Another note about downloading/buying: Take time to read the license agreements, the "fine print" of software. Look for the hidden costs or the time restrictions of use. Often, the agreement will state that you get the software "as is," so be sure you can remove it once you install it.

Chatrooms/Internet Relay Chat (IRC): Common sense, please. We all know what can happen. Use fake names, and don’t pass out your e-mail (unless you have more than one — see above). If you have the right tools, you can find out the real name of anyone in our district from their e-mail address, so a second one with an alias makes it harder for people to track you.

Cookies: Little tidbits of information; they can be placed on your computer and "handed out" when you visit certain sites. Most cookies are used by advertisers to find out where you’ve visited, and target you with ads pertaining to your tastes. It’s at it’s drawbacks, since it’s like telling the world “I went to this site,” even if you didn’t really want to go there.

If you have Netscape v3.0 or more recent, here’s a way to find out who wants to leave a cookie. Go to the “Options” menu, select “Network Preferences,” and click the “Protocols” tab. Under “Show an Alert Before,” check the box next to “Accepting a Cookie.” A little warning box will come up each time. If it says in the box “send right back to itself,” its usually okay, since it won’t stay on your system. However, if it has “The cookie will persist until” and a date, then you want to be careful before accepting that cookie.

SurfStops: Internet Smart Students has a collection of links to many safety sites — http://www.plantnet.com/~droth/droth/Safety.html Hard-core details about Internet security can be found at the Netscape Security Solutions page — http://home.netscape.com/info/security-doc.html (Mostly stuff for Webmasters and programmers.)

Got a problem? Send questions and tips to “Quick Fixes, c/o "The Bison Stampede"” and send to one of the addresses on page four. You can also e-mail Vern directly at [email protected]

(The Bison Stampede would like to remind all students that visiting non-schoolwork related sites during school hours (7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) or from home through the District’s dial-in server are against official I.S.D. 877 policy.)

Attention all 1997-98 staff:

Our The Bison Stampede t-shirt design is done! You can see it in the window of A-101. There is also a sign-up list where you can put your name and your size. Price estimates will be made once we know how many to order.

You only have TWO WEEKS to reserve your t-shirt! Don’t delay!

Questions? Contact editor Brian Malerich

What’s going to be your mode of transportation to prom: Mustang? Camaro? Corvette? Limo? How about a big yellow bus that seats about 77 people? That’s what it was for Spanish teacher Pam Ramstad. For her, prom wasn’t filled with expensive dresses, tuxes, and limos, but it still has lasting memories.

“I think the most memorable moment was the ride to Chanhassen Dinner Theater on a big ol’ school bus for two hours all dressed up with all of our classmates and friends,” said Ramstad.

In Ramstad’s home town of Sacred Heart, prom goers were dismissed from school at noon on Friday for the dance that night. Frantically running around the house trying at get ready for the big night was part of the evening’s excitement. Carefully, she put on the dress that her mother had made for only $25.00.

“I thought I was really cool. I think I was the only one who had a sewn dress. My mom made a lot of my clothes at the time,” said Ramstad.

Even though Ramstad’s 1983 prom seemed very different from today’s proms, there are some things that will never change, for example, the anticipation everyone feels when they are getting to ready to go.

“I just remember being very excited and anxious for the whole night to come. I imagined how handsome my date would look,” said Ramstad.

Instead of renting tuxes, it was expected for the guys to show up in dress pants, and a suitcoat.

“It was very normal for the guys to wear suits. Not one guy showed up at prom wearing a tux,” said Ramstad.

All the teenagers rode a school bus for 100 miles north from Sacred Heart to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater where they attended a play, dinner, and dance.

“It was the third year that we went somewhere instead of staying at school for prom, it was considered quite normal,” said Ramstad.

Ramstad said it was a great evening. After dancing, and watching Annie the official prom was over. For post prom some kids went to parties, and some went out with their dates. Ramstad went to her date’s house and watched a couple of movies.

“I never had a set curfew, it was really cool because I was able to go to my date’s house and not have to worry. My parents knew where I was at, and my date’s parents were at home, so my parents trusted me,” said Ramstad.

Although prom traditions have changed, Ramstad wouldn’t change her prom experience for anything.

“We all had a great time together. It certainly didn’t seem like an out of the ordinary prom at the time, but now looking back, of course I see how different my experience was!”

Kincaid’s is located at Normandale Lake Office Park, Bloomington, phone number 921-2255. Steak house specializes in Nebraska corn-fed beef, fresh salmon, oysters, and pasta. Also features mesquite grilling and homemade bread. Price range: $20-$30

Murray’s is located at 26 S. 6th St., Mpls, phone number 339-0909. Specialties include Silver Knife Steak, hickory smoked shrimp, and garlic toast. Fish entrees include walleye and salmon. Violinist/pianist. Price range: more than $30

Nicollet Island Inn is located at 95 Merriam St., Mpls, phone number 331-3035. Overlooks Mississippi River. Specialties include blue-corn-dusted walleye with local wild rice, grilled duck breast with Kahlua-apple cider sauce, and grilled tenderloin with cabernet sauce. Homemade breads and desserts. Reservations suggested. Price Range: $20-$30

W. A. Frost is located at 374 Selby Ave., St. Paul, phone number 224-5715. Restored Cathedral Hill restaurant with wood-burning fireplaces and garden patio. Menu includes beef, chicken, pasta, and fish. Reservations suggested, smoke free. Price range: $20-$30

Lord Fletcher’s on Lake Minnetonka phone number 471-8513. Specialties include walleye, fresh seafood, prime rib, chicken, and pasta. Entertainment nightly, reservations suggested. Price range: $10-$20

Earle’s actual prom location in the Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, phone number 569-6330. Serves regional country cuisine. Reservations required. Set price: $28.50 per person

Lido’s Italian Market Café & Bar located on Snelling Ave., Roseville, phone number 636-9726. Serves made-from-scratch cuisine and create-your-own pasta d

Ciatti’s Italian Ristorante 5181. Serves such pastas as Alfredo, and spaghetti. Spe parmigiana, and chicken mar $10 - $20

Shelly’s Woodroast locat phone number 593-5050. No are marinated spices and soups, salads, and desserts.

Editor’s Note: This list was c Wryk, Journalism II students.

If your pants are dragging at your knees, prom is always a good way to relieve some of the weight coming from your wallet. For those on a small or limited budget, it’s perhaps a good thing that Prom comes only once a year.

Junior Kristi Varner and her boyfriend Tom, however, are putting their resources to the test and have made plans to attend two proms this year. An expensive proposition?

“Yeah, but it’s worth it,” says Kristi.

Schools only have one prom each year, though, so how can they attend two proms? Simple. While Kristi attends school at BHS, Tom attends school fifty-five miles away in Milaca. The two meet while competing against each other at a Speech competition in Cambridge last year.

“I beat him!” declares Kristi proudly.

After the competition, letter after letter from Tom arrived at Kristi’s door.

“At first I thought he was really scary,” says Kristi. “But since he was so persistent I went out with him, and then I fell in love with him.”

Since then the couple have seen each other at least once a week.

Kristi doesn’t have a car so Tom makes the hour-long drive down to Buffalo. Weary from the travel, he sometimes turns right back around to take Kristi to Milaca. Spending so much time in each others’ towns has expanded their social lives considerably, which makes attending both proms all the more appealing for them.

“Through him I’ve found friends at his school, whereas he’s found friends through my school,” explains Kristi.

Prom won’t be the first school event for the couple, either. Kristi and Tom make every effort to make it to as many school events as they can, and even attended both Homecomings this year, although their plans for prom are a bit more extensive.

“We’re going out to eat at a French restaurant in Uptown [before BHS’s prom],” says Kristi. “Afterwards I’m planning on going to a party.”

Kristi, probably no longer needing a belt to hold up her pants after prom, plans on attending Tom’s graduation later this year. After her own graduation she has hopes to follow him to St. Cloud State where they’ll be closer together.

The dangers of prom night are evident: drinking and driving, the date rape drug, the late night partying, etc. Becoming so caught up in prom, people do not often realize that something terrible could happen before the fun begins.

English teacher Jean Pehl has experienced this firsthand. At 16, she became so caught up in prom, she made a horrible mistake and ended up with less than desirable prom memories.

It was the afternoon of her junior prom. Pehl was driving her dad’s car in her hometown of Breckenridge, MN. With her sister in the passenger seat, the music blaring and the excitement of the upcoming prom, she didn’t see the little three-year-old boy run out into the street in front of her. Although she was going the speed limit, she couldn’t stop in time.

“The whole thing happened because I was so geared up on prom and the after-prom parties,” Pehl said. “I wasn’t paying attention and I hit a three-year-old with my dad’s car.”

When she rushed out of the car, she saw the little boy lying about ten feet in front of her. The femur bone was sticking out of the little boy’s leg and there was a dent in the car by the front headlight from the car hitting his head.

“When I got out of the car, I just saw this little boy lying there,” said Pehl. “To think, I was driving the car and just hit this fragile child. That is what I remember about my junior prom.”

Although she still went to prom that night, her memories of that day are only of the young boy who ran out in front of her car. The three-year-old boy survived but had to be put in traction for six weeks. This was a major wake-up call to her and she realized that prom altogether can be dangerous.

She feels that too often the hype is so big, people don’t think about much else.

Pehl says it’s hard to give advice to students because they already know the rules and what to do and it’s just their choice whether they’re going to follow them or not. She does warn students not to get so caught up in the emotion of prom, or the fun will be taken out of it.

“It’s crazy,” said Pehl. “The whole emphasis is on looks. There is life after prom and you have more fun if it’s not the big show of your life.”

At the beginning of the century, women fought for equality and the right to vote. Now, at the turn of the century, it’s happening all over again.

In January of 1998, 12 female athletes and two coaches from Bloomington-T Jefferson High School went to the Board of Directors of the MSHSL demanding equal opportunity. The decision went to the girls and now Minnesota track teams are required to offer girls pole vaulting if boys pole vaulting is offered. Currently, BHS has five females who have taken advantage of that opportunity.

“I think girls pole vaulting will become a huge event just like any other sport that has opened its doors to women, like basketball and hockey,” said junior Shaya Tackaberry. “Women will be breaking the limits constantly, just like in other sports women compete in.”

The first record breaker of the year comes from one of the biggest meets of the season for girls, the Girls Conference meet. Sophomore Heidi Jacobson took first place in girls pole vault, clearing six feet, becoming the Conference meet champ.

“I think it’s good that the girls are allowed to vault but having the girls on our team will be the biggest change to our ‘vaulter family,’” said junior Justin Cardinal.

Pole vaulting requires proper technique combined with upper body strength. Since vaulting is a new event, the challenge presented to the girl vaulters was not having a female vaulter to “show them the ropes.”

“The hardest part for me is the strength that you need and the ability to handle body capacity, plus the technical challenges of vaulting,” said Tackaberry.

Similar to football and hockey, pole vaulting is rapidly being considered a dangerous sport, because of the potential head injuries it can cause. In California in 1997, a high school pole vaulter died after missing the landing pad and hitting his head on concrete during practice (according to Detroit News, 5-17-97). This and other incidents have led to the introduction of safety helmets for pole vaulters.

“The National Safety Coordinator for pole vaulting in the U.S.A.T.F. (United States Association for Track and Field) is recommending helmets for all vaulters this year,” said pole vaulting Coach Boyd Emmel. “Some states are requiring helmets. Minnesota does not, but is highly recommending wearing them. Tome, ‘highly recommending’ safety equipment means, ‘do it.’”

“I personally don’t like [helmets], but if that’s the only way I can vault, I’ll do it,” said junior Scott Johnson. “Plus, I’m getting used to it now.”

Memories of last year’s state record vault of 15'6.5 by alumnus Jed Bergstrom still linger, which was beaten by Tim Koupal of Anoka. This year, Bergstrom is an All-American vaulter at St. Cloud University and has recently placed fifth at Nationals, beating his rival, Koupal, who placed seventh.

“Jed is a hardworking, committed athlete. I expect him to vault at least 17 feet before completing college,” said Emmel. “He was and always will be a great role model for younger athletes.”

When was the last time a Bison team took the Consolation Championship at the State Tournament one year, and sixth place the next? Not many of us are aware that this is exactly what the Bison adapted softball team has achieved over the past two years.

Although the team has placed very high and has made many great accomplishments in the past two years, success to the adapted softball team does not necessarily mean a winning record. To them, being successful is playing from the heart and giving it their all to better themselves every time they compete.

“Win or lose, the outcome of the game does not matter,” said senior Karrina Rogness. “As long as you try your best and have fun, then everyone’s a winner!”

Consisting of only nine players, dedication and positive attitudes play vital roles in their step toward the goal of a State championship. Under the skilled coaching of Jeff Thompson, and Pam Melenich, the team is once again expected to finish strong.

“I like the coaches best about being in softball. They are really nice,” said sophomore catcher Travis Nitzberg. “I even hit coach Thompson in the leg the other day, and without getting upset, he told me ‘Nice hit!’”

While most BHS athletes complain about having to practice everyday, this does not hold true for the athletes of the adapted softball team. Primarily only practicing a couple of hours after school on Mondays, the team has been forced to put forth individual time at home.

“I wish we had practices everyday after school like most other sports, especially because then I would not have to ride the bus home,” said Nitzberg.

On a lighter note, it appears that some of the players experienced an identity crisis last season. At an away game at Humble High School, some of the guys found themselves in the girl’s locker room. Embarrassed, they ran out with red faces, as confused girls screamed from inside the locker room walls.

“It is hard to find your way in unfamiliar buildings,” said senior manager, and former catcher Manuel Guzman. “Even though it was really embarrassing, we all managed to get a kick out of it now!”

These athletes do indeed give it their all. They play strictly for the love of the sport. There is no inner conflict between players, or concern over individual statistics. They are ecstatic just to be a part of the team.

Starting out the season undefeated thus far, with a record of 2-0, the Bison adapted softball team has recently defeated Dakota (21-6) and South Suburban (16-10). The players hope to continue their winning streak and go 4-0, beating last year’s start of 3-0.

Upcoming games include Moundsview, and Robbinsdale. The next home game is on Tuesday, May 5, against Anoka.

Golf balls into holes scores of girls may not be everyone's cup of tea but for members of the girls' golf team it is a way of life.

Sophomore, Kim [unclear], who has played golf since second grade, expressed her delight that last year, when the team was not expected to make a tournament, they were able to make it. "It was wonderful that we participated and played between girls' golf teams," she said.

"This season we anticipate more success than last year," she said.

Competition started when the girls played their first match against Menard, last Monday, for the boys' golf team. No matter how prepared they may be, it is going to occur as performing to my potential. If you do something out there you know could be better and an opponent does better, you feel responsible to the team," said Kim.

While many members of the community have seen or participated in a high school theatrical production, elementary and middle school students interested in theatre have essentially been left by the wayside. A lack of opportunities presented a challenge for students until recently, when more productions like Jack and the Beanstalk started popping up, giving younger students a chance to finally display their talents.

As an added supplement to the theatre program, Community Education teamed up with Tracy Denny, English teacher, to provide a spring show benefiting students of all ages. What started out as a combination of Shakespearean works eventually became Jack and the Beanstalk, due to a lack of funding and other complications. The gifted and talented department of BHS planned to fund the Shakespearean play, but predicted expenses producing the set pieces and costumes were much too high. The decision was made to make the transition to a simpler and less-expensive Jack and the Beanstalk. This partially-musical version of the classical fairy tale features both singing and dancing, with original music written by senior Tim Kearns, and choreography by freshman Sandy Kunzer.

Auditions for younger students required them to dance, sing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Happy Birthday,” and read selected parts of the script. Ninety-two children auditioned for the 30 roles in the production.

“We were asked to be enthusiastic and loud; you don’t have to care what the audience thinks,” said Hannah Schleuder, sixth-grade, who plays the part of Jack.

Hence enlisted the help of other students who were assigned to groups of children to act as leaders. Kearns, in addition to writing original music for the show, has also found time to work with cast members on character development. With the large range of ages in the cast, everyone involved in the production faced special challenges.

“We have to break the kids up into small groups to work on a specific scene for the day. That way we can get them to focus on what we need them to focus on, without any distractions,” said Denny. “Tim [Kearns], Mark [Mavencamp] and Sandy [Kunzer] take a group of kids and concentrate on the singing and dancing aspects as a group. The kids seem to learn faster that way.”

“Little kids are quite rambunctious and don’t settle down, and some of us have a low tolerance of such things,” said sophomore Jen Sicora, who plays the part of “Stranger,” a narrator and Jack’s push in the right direction. “At the same time, they can be quite amusing and fun.”

As an added bonus for both the performers and the audience, Jack and the Beanstalk was performed at the Discovery School for groups of students from many different schools throughout District 877. With the success of Jack, many students are looking to future productions with Buffalo Community Theater or Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre. Some ambitious students considered exploring opportunities in the Twin Cities at Child’s Play or Children’s Theatre summer workshops.

“My plans for future theatre involvement are to be a famous actress when I grow up,” said Gretchen Otness, fifth grade.

“These kids have such talent in working well with each another. They’re so mature, like mentors for the younger ones, always willing to help them,” said Denny. “Teamwork is such an important part of acting, and I’d say that they all have a strong chance at a future in theatre.”

The 70th annual Academy Awards seemed to knowingly flaunt talent of Titanic proportions. The biggest blockbuster of all time battled male strippers, neurotic New Yorkers, disturbed geniuses, and a corrupt police force for Oscar’s hand.

So, when the envelopes were opened on March 23, it was no surprise that the nearly $500 million phenomenon made waves. Titanic clinched 11 of 14 nominations, including best director, best cinematography, and the big shocker, best picture.

“I knew Titanic would win almost everything, even though it shouldn’t have,” said senior Brennan Ursell. “The only reason it got so many nominations was because it’s so popular. Amistad should have gotten a bunch of nominations, but all it was nominated for was best supporting actor.”

Though Titanic tied Ben Hur for the most Oscars, the acting categories turned out to be an iceberg. Both Kate Winslet and Gloria Stuart failed to capture a statuette, and the male categories received no nominations at all.

Jack Nicholson won his third Oscar for As Good As It Gets, and Robin Williams danced offstage with his very first for Good Will Hunting.

Even before Titanic and its competitors were released into theaters, Hollywood had been buzzing about Leonardo DiCaprio and his credible performance as the young scrapper Jack Dawson. But when the list of nominees was announced in February, and DiCaprio wasn’t one of them, fans everywhere were shocked.

Because of that, Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t nominated. I thought he did a really good job,” said senior Sunnie MacLeod. “Judging by the nominees, it kind of looks like people were nominated because of who they are, not by their performance,”

Still, not everyone was devastated by the ignoring of DiCaprio.

“The only reason I liked Titanic was because he died,” said junior Andy Hermes.

Titanic was unsinkable, but the glory went to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the two aspiring stars of the continuously successful Good Will Hunting. Damon and Affleck broke the mold when they took home Oscars for best original screenplay. They made their acceptance speeches while dancing around like two young children on Christmas, thanking everyone they had ever met, and then some.

After this year’s high-budget, successful movies, and the summer of 1998 closing in, movie-goers are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next super-movie. Godzilla, opening Memorial Day, has been advertised for what seems like forever. The popular flicks from Japan were remade into a movie, with an almost Jurassic Park-like look. Another movie waiting to be released is Armageddon, a spin-off of the 1996 success Independence Day.

“I’m looking forward to the new Star Trek movie coming out this fall. I liked Star Trek: First Contact because of the special effects, and hopefully the next one will be just as cool,” said senior Paul Wetter.

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Journalism II students were seen performing in the Baptist church wearing a business suit. The performance was a success. The students were able to perform well. The audience was very impressed with the performance. The students worked hard to prepare for the musical. It was a great experience for everyone involved.

To participate in the contest, fill out this page with teachers' names and entrant's information below. Tear this page out of the paper and turn it into the folder outside room A-101 marked "Prom Photo Contest." All entries must be in by Wednesday, April 29. Please be sure to follow these rules:

1. Students only!
2. Cannot have a member of The Bison Stampede staff on this year.
3. Teachers cannot help students in any way.
4. If no one has all the right answers by the deadline, then the prizes in the most right answers win. In the event of a tie, names will be drawn.

The prize is a meal for 2 at Buffalo Perkins

Good Luck!

Name: __________________________________
Grade: __________________________________
First teacher: ___________________________