The Bison Stampede – November 21, 1997

Students Acting Against Poverty is a group formed to kill something that threatens everyone—poverty. Although to some, it may be closer to home than one may think. There are over 13,000 poverty-stricken people in Minnesota, and hundreds of those people affected are within District #877. Two people, junior Amber Schmitz, and sophomore Miranda Benz, decided to tackle this looming problem right here at BHS.

After a church mission trip to Chicago, they learned what it meant to be truly poor, and to live off the streets completely. They came back, feeling depressed that they could not do more, and guilty because they had so much, and others didn’t. Their youth minister at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church of Buffalo, Paul Ruhlend, had an idea that turned into a school project.

“Our goals are to get out into the community, to help get rid of poverty not only around Christmas [and other holidays] through [existing] services, and to try to get people to realize what poverty really is, and that it’s everyone’s responsibility,” Benz said. “So it isn’t something that’s out there, but that it’s closer to home,” added Schmitz.

Students Acting Against Poverty is committed to serving others and helping others. They want to get across the point to the student body that much of poverty is overlooked, and they want to open the student’s eyes to the real world. One group is Loaves and Fishes Too, whose mission is to feed the hungry, enlighten the public, empower guests and volunteers, and develop change.

Through small committees that meet outside of AAA and the help of adviser and science teacher Dan Schnieder, they want to end poverty locally, and have a good time while doing it.

“Poverty is a serious issue, but we can have fun [serving]. Although, it’s a different kind of fun,” said Schmitz. The group also focuses on political issues. Change within the government includes small things like writing letters to local government, to sitting in on the state Congress, to possibly as large as sharing their views in Washington. They want more laws and things done to help those who are in need.

“Things [groups] that are into poverty right now don’t always scratch the surface of the causes,” said Schmitz. Benz agreed: “To get out of this, it’s everyone’s responsibility. They should be grateful for what they have, change bad habits, and to like people for who they are.”

Students Acting Against Poverty meets on Fri. AAA.

Buttons saying “District #877 Teachers — We Are One” are being worn by teachers all over the District.

The buttons were distributed by a group of District #877 teachers and Buffalo Federation of Teachers who were trying to work out contract negotiations with the district and wanted to get a point across to the community.

“The buttons are a way to send a message in an appropriate way that we are a united group,” said Negotiations Co-Chair Kip Wold. “It’s a good way to say something without saying something.”

The group of 285 District teachers are still in negotiations with the school board and superintendent. Many teachers are showing the BFT negotiators support by wearing the buttons.

“It is the strongest show of support ever in my 20 years of negotiations,” said Wold.

After displaying the buttons, rumors started flying around the District that teachers may strike. Wold says teachers are not planning a strike yet, and hopefully they never will.

The negotiations committee and school board met last Fri., Nov. 14 with a mediator who served as an objective member in negotiations. After a full day of talks, they are one step closer to reaching a final settlement.

A proposed contract has been presented to teachers. The next step is ratification. Both the teachers and school board must formally agree to the changes in the teachers’ contract. Within the next two weeks, ratification meetings will be held to vote on the proposal.

Approximately four hundred vehicles race to the finish around the after-2:45 p.m. scene. It has been trying to get the cars out. The drivers are moving more anxious every day. Parks halt of the parking lot for a number of reasons—some have to leave, some want to get out, and others want to go home.

The buses exit the gate to [unclear] 13th and [unclear] Main Street. Even if the students use that the speed limit is 25, cars are allowed to become faster than the speed limit. Long waits to get into the parking lot. Here students do not have parking for a while. Teachers always have to find a spot. Many students would park along the school lawn facing [unclear].

Engines revving, brake lights flashing, people battling to be the first ones out of the BHS parking lot. These are all familiar sights and sounds to anyone trying to maneuver through the 3:00 p.m. traffic jam.

The parking lot is totally chaotic after school. Some may feel that this is overstated, but there are many reasons to fear for student safety. Students often cut in front of each other and do not wait in line for their turn to get out. When this happens, the entire exiting process is slowed, and the jams get worse.

When you look at the big picture, aside from the honking and swerving, you have 400 to 500 vehicles, and only one exit.

Humans by nature are aggressive. One exit for so many cars is asking for trouble. In spite of this major architectural flaw, students should not have to wait 5-10 minutes of their own time to leave. This does not take into account those students who have to be at a certain place in only so many minutes after school ends. Those who are on a set schedule are treated when a careless driver cuts in front of them to leave the lot.

If the school charges the students a fee for parking in the lot, it would take care of many of the problems. There would naturally be fewer students willing to pay for the privilege to park, so traffic would lessen.

Another solution would be to keep the same student exit, but instead of having it so small, we could make it wider and change it into two lanes. Instead of having a bottleneck, cars would flow out easily. Another option is to open the southeast exit for student use.

There are changes needed beyond the parking lot to ensure students' safety. The speed limit on Cty. Rd. 35 in front of the school needs to be lowered to 45 mph or less. If students are trying to get out onto Cty. Rd. 35 and other cars are going 55 mph, it can get pretty dangerous. This will also solve partially the problem of the school buses having trouble getting on Cty. Rd. 35. Other solutions for these problems would be to put some stoplights at the intersection of Cty. Rd. 35 and Bison Boulevard, or a set of four-way stop signs.

No one likes to have to wait forever, or what seems like it.

The easiest solution? Be patient and drive carefully - it will make driving safer for everybody.

One thing many guys are forgetting lately is that last sentence. By this, I am referring to teenage pregnancy. Far too many times students have heard of yet another guy who has run away once they got their partner pregnant. I use the term “run away” because that's what it is. It doesn't matter if he's a major pillar of the community, or if no one within a 200 mile radius has any knowledge of his existence. The responsibility is still his. If you are ready to have sex, then you are ready to support a child, plain and simple; no method of birth control is 100 percent effective. Hence, you must be prepared.

Sadly, there are many guys out there who are living in a complete fantasy by thinking they can have sex and not worry about what happens next. Then, when they find out their partner is pregnant, they run. Not only do they leave the girl to care for the baby, but they leave her alone with their baby.

Alone, not for just a short time - alone meaning outcast. Looked down upon by everyone that she knows. Alone to decide whether to abort the baby, keep the baby, or put it up for adoption. Alone to find out who her real friends are, and to find out who she can trust. Most importantly, alone to find out, first hand, how cruel other high school students really can be.

Although, that is not to say that all teenage guys with children out there are scum. There are many who have stood by their partners, and either took the relationship further, stayed where they are, or broke up and helped the mother financially. But they are still there for their kids, and are still there for the woman who carried their child inside her body for nine months. For those men, I have the utmost respect; for those who flee, I have none.

The life of a teenager can be, at times, a huge hassle. On any given day a teen may be faced with problems involving family, friends, a boyfriend or girlfriend. There are tests to study for, fights to solve, and new responsibilities to get used to. The stress can be overwhelming, and sometimes it’s a struggle just to wake up to the alarm clock every morning. What if it’s not an alarm clock that breaks your peaceful sleep? What if it’s the cries of an angry baby who needs to be changed and fed? What if it’s 3:00 a.m. instead of at 6:30 a.m.? What if that screaming baby belongs to you? This is the routine that belongs to every teenage mom. This is the life that Carrie*, 17, must lead.

Carrie and her boyfriend, Mike*, were both 15, and sexually active. Carrie always assumed she would attend college after finishing high school at BHS. But life took a sudden change when Carrie found out she was pregnant.

“Mike stayed with me while I took a home test. [When it came out positive] I didn’t know what the first step was, or what to do,” said Carrie.

Carrie made an early decision on what to do with her child, and that was to keep it. Her parents were angry at first, but eventually gave in as they realized there was nothing they could do. It was quite a change for the whole family.

“I wasn’t even allowed to have boys in my room before I got pregnant,” said Carrie.

Staying in school at first, Carrie contracted a kidney infection after 6 weeks, and stopped attending BHS. In high school, there are a lot of times when the boyfriend / father doesn’t stick around for the responsibilities. In that area, Carrie has been fortunate. Mike decided to quit school to work full time, so he could earn enough money to help with the financial problems of having a baby.

“We were really lucky. (Mike) has a really good paying job, and I work full time too, so money wasn’t ever a really big problem,” said Carrie.

After 10 weeks, Carrie began school again at ALC. She finished up her school year there, and then in August her son Brian* was born.

“[When they gave the baby to me] I didn’t know what to do with him. I gave him right to Mike,” said Carrie.

For the first six months, Mike lived with Carrie at her parents’ house. Carrie says it wasn’t that expensive because they didn’t have any real bills to pay besides the ones for the baby. Finally, Mike and Carrie rented an apartment for just the three of them. While Carrie and Mike worked, Brian stayed at daycare, and when he got older, Carrie’s Grandmother watched him.

Being teenage parents is a huge adjustment that society isn’t always ready to accept. Carrie said, “At first you got funny looks by people who were older than you. They knew you were too young to be married and they figured you should be.”

When it comes to a social life, Carrie claims to still have one. “I work all day, so when I get home at night I stay with him [Brian] so he doesn’t feel like were never around. Then around 11:00p.m. or so, Mike and I sometimes go out with friends.”

Carrie and Mike are now both 17, and Brian’s a little over a year. Neither of them go to school any more, but Carrie plans on going to college someday. For now, her life revolves around her son. Besides the late night hang-outs with her friends, she works all day to come straight home at night. A life she never thought she’d lead so soon.

“[When you have a baby] there’s a lot you have to give up and prove about yourself,” said Carrie. “After you have a kid, you have to grow up.”

As the parent of three teenagers, I am not here to lecture anyone. Everyone has had “the talk” and everyone has been told about STD’s. I am here, however, to say that if teens find it absolutely necessary to have sex, then please be responsible. I hear all too often of kids at the school getting pregnant because they wanted to have a baby. Well baby, your baby is a 24 hour job! That child comes into this world totally dependent on you for everything. I am not sure I was really ready at the age of 24 for

Birth control. A must for all sexually active teens. Birth control is needed by any sexually active teen, in order to help prevent pregnancy and STD’s. At BHS, percent of the students surveyed are sexually active. The poses a need for birth control. There are many different types of birth control, from condoms available almost anywhere, to Norplant, 6 match-sized capsules inserted into the upper arm by a doctor. According to public health officials forms of birth control may vary from person to person.

“I think more people are using condoms,” said Mike Torgersen, a Public Health Nurse for Wright County. Condoms are the first choice of many sexually active teens for a variety of reasons. They are readily available at almost any store and not very expensive. That, along with the fact that parents don’t always go to Target with their teens, greatly boost condom sales. Condoms

“Abstinence isn’t in this high school’s vocabulary,” according to one BHS junior. This perception is only natural. When people are abstinent, or not having sexual intercourse, there’s nothing to talk about. On the other hand, some of the sexually active crowd may come to school on Monday bragging about their sexual encounters over the weekend. However, of 140 students surveyed, 65 said they practice abstinence. Many simply don’t feel “ready” for sex.

Health professionals warn that having sex before one is ready damages a person emotionally and lowers one’s self-esteem.

“Although teens might be physically ready to have sex, there’s maybe one in a hundred kids that can handle it emotionally,” said Dr. Glen Deutsch, of the Buffalo Clinic.

As a result, many teens decide to avoid the physical and emotional turmoil by abstaining from sex. Stories of “love” gone bad have convinced some that a sexual relationship just isn’t worth it.

“When you share your body with someone, you’re giving a part of yourself,” said one junior. “When that someone leaves your life, something goes with him or her. You’ll never get it back.”

Some people choose abstinence because of moral or religious reasons.

The Bible states in I Corinthians 6:13,16, that our bodies are not made for sex outside of marriage, because in God’s eyes, when two people have sex they become one.

“God called us to be holy and part of that is saving ourselves for marriage. Outside of marriage, sex unleashes a lot of emotions that are destructive for both relationships and individuals,” said one junior.

Abstinence is practiced by some because it is the only method of birth control that is 100 percent effective. Not only does abstinence guard against emotional pain, it also protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) and pregnancy. Not many teens realize that one out five girls become pregnant their first time being sexually active.

“With all the STD’s and pregnancy risks, [having sex is] just stupid. Even if you use protection, you’re not always protected,” said one junior.

The message teens get about abstinence is that it just isn’t happening. The media, especially TV, isn’t much help. In one USA News and World Report study, 92 percent of Hollywood leaders admit that “TV does a fair to poor job of encouraging sexual abstinence.” The reality at BHS is that people are abstaining from sex. Forty six percent of BHS students surveyed, to be exact. Abstinence is in this high school’s vocabulary.

my first child.
You kids, yes kids, you are just that KIDS! Take this short precious time of your teens and early twenties to get your sea-legs and learn about what the “real world” has to show you. Find out who you are, what you want to be when you grow up and then, bring that precious little child into your life. Bring that beautiful gift from God into a loving home where there is some stability, where the parents have had the opportunity to complete their childhood and are emotionally able to handle the responsibility of raising this child.

I am really saddened by the thought that kids today have so little to do or look forward to, that having sex is the highlight of their high school years. Our society had done a great injustice to our children, we are robbing you all of the chance to be kids. You will be an adult for a very long time. Please do not cheat yourself of the precious few years you have to be a kid.

Enjoy these last few remaining years you have left to live and dream, hangout, have fun, and most of all be yourself. You owe it to yourself and society owes it to you as well, do not be in a hurry to grow p. Those teen years never come back. Make memories that will last a lifetime, not babies, they ARE your lifetime.

one of the only birth control methods that can help prevent STD’s.

“Condoms are 90 percent effective, If they are used 100 percent correctly,” said Christine Austin-Roehler a Health Educator for Wright County.

Another popular contraceptive is the pill, which has an effectiveness of 98 percent. The little pills taken once daily, on a schedule, are only a good idea if one remembers to take them. The pill is only available through a doctor or health professional. While this may scare off teens hiding sexual activity from their parents, it doesn’t have to. There are places that offer less expensive services than a regular doctor, in addition to being confidential.

“It’s a law...people of any age can seek reproductive health issues[such as pregnancy and STD testing along with birth control] and that can be kept confidential,” said Torgersen.

There are other types of birth control, many in fact. Some of the most common ones include Depo-Provera, or more commonly called Depo, which is a shot given every 3 months. When correctly used Depo is 99 percent effective. Another method is Norplant. After insertion of small rubber-like capsules in the arm, it will release hormones to prevent pregnancy. Norplant will stay effective for 5 years. After five years it needs to be removed. Norplant is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, not STD’s.

“My parent’s are really cool about sex,” said senior Tony Gwedik, “They just tell me to make sure I use protection.”

Birth control is very important for those who choose to be sexually active. There are people who can discuss birth control and help make decisions on what would be best for each individual teen. Mary Torgersen and Christine Austin-Roehler are just two people who are available and would be more than happy to help. Also, talk to a doctor, a school nurse, or parents. Remember, there are people here to help.

November athletes show desire, determination

Boys basketball looks for commitment

need discipline."

Coach [unclear] is working hard to get the team ready for the upcoming season. The team has been practicing hard, and the players are looking sharp. "We have a lot of work to do, but we are excited about the season," said [unclear].

New additions to the coaching staff include [unclear] and Nick Griffiths, a teacher at the school. They will be working with the team to help them improve their skills.

The team's first game is against [unclear] on Friday, November 14.

"Some major changes from last year's program are coming," said [unclear]. "We are looking forward to a great season."

WHEN BORN: January 14, 1980
NICKNAMES: Ern, Erny
SPORTS INVOLVED IN: Volleyball, basketball
FAVORITE SPORT: Baseball, which played since third grade, and Iveustly enjoy it. Keep me in shape and I'm able.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Honor roll
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Sand volleyball in the summer
PLAYING HIGH SCHOOL: Do college, majorပါတယ်။ elementary education, or sports. everything I can do or teach a coach.

WHEN BORN: April 12, 1980
NICKNAMES: Killer, Cake, Eisengibber
SPORTS INVOLVED IN: Cross Country, Hockey, Baseball
FAVORITE SPORT: Cross country; that's what I wanted at.

WHEN BORN: [unclear]
NICKNAMES: [unclear]
SPORTS INVOLVED IN: [unclear]
FAVORITE SPORT: [unclear]
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS: NHS, Honor roll
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Baseball
PLAYING HIGH SCHOOL: St. John or Claire College

Hopefully I'll be able to play some sport. My first choice would be basketball and then volleyball.

Run cross country in college, also manage hockey in college.

A great year for the Bison

The Bison Stampede would like to congratulate the following sports and athletes for exceptional work this fall!

State cross country participants Cade Eisensimmer, Ben Hatton, Jacky and Nancy [unclear]
State swimming and diving participants Muriel Garner, and Tara Schroeder
The volleyball team on a second place finish in section.
The football team on a third place finish in Lake in section.

Staff Writer

Every sport has their denominating schools that consistently dominate an annual tournament. This season the hockey team will attempt to do a favor in hockey.

In the North Suburban area, the hockey team took third place with a record of 8-5. Overall, they had 13 wins, 12 losses, and 1 ties.

The teamwork is returning virtually as fast as ever. Two of which are happens this year, emmasses Junior and Matt Olson. Olson, along with this year, are returning to all conference, playoffs and [unclear].

Tony Rose is a returning honorable mention player.

The team is working to improve and efficient. Coach MacHilla has a good attitude that will be tough to beat.

"Continual will be the focus for the hockey conference and all year long would be Lakeville," said coach David Frey.

The team's first game is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday on Dec. 4 against Monticello at the Buffalo Civic Center.

You're in the middle of America the week before Christmas. You pass a decodent store when something catches your eye. Sars, yes, not even. You slow down your pace, and listen closer. It's Mannheim Steamroller, the New Age orchestra — based from Omaha, Nebraska, and consumes as you've heard from the radio.

This group of musicians, formed in the mid-1970s by "Chip" Davis, uses a blend of acoustic and digital (real and synthesized) instruments to create a sound that is unique. U.S. pop charts for many years have loved them, Liebermann.

Mannheim Steamroller, with Chip at the helm, does to the orchestra Christmas in a way, with Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Despite the winter religious atmosphere, the album contains not only classic Christmas carols with Chip's unique arrangements, but also contemporary music, a lot of festive, and old-fashioned drum parts. The style of music is so popular it's obvious that Chip had to make a new album for the Christmas season.

Since then, Mannheim Steamroller has released the new Christmas album, Fresh Air, Christmas and Christmas airs, (released in 1985 and 1995, respectively) and Mannheim Steamroller Live (an album available on CD and video DVD). The tastes come from Mannheim's signature sound. Fresh Air, Christmas and Christmas airs, Fresh Air, is always on the way. After

When: Dec. 25th and 26th
Time: 7:00 p.m. on the PAC steps
Served: cheesecakes enriched with whipped coffees, chocolate and more.
What: A '18th Century Christmas' in a night of entertainment featuring the STS Singers, Dance Steps and more of BVS Concert Dancers. Taking us to the Renaissance era, the night will take you gamma gliding with the unlimited music of music, and a pass filled of 'Raspberry, Resplendent' let loose your heart.

P.S. Corner
I am very weary
for so many called life
it's cold
No one is guide
to my uncertain
need to guide
my way through life
Something pulsing is dawn
Spanded once upon a time
Dreaming to come home
Being in a place
Praying I find my way
My Soul's Search

Boogie Nights, a hilarious film about the early days of the adult entertainment industry, is a cross between Saturday Night Fever and Showgirls. This controversial film is full of off-beat characters who in their own world of adult pornography, are trying to make it.

Boogie Nights is not just an exploration of the adult entertainment industry, but also a look at how much work it takes to be a star. The film is a masterpiece of storytelling, and it's a must-see for anyone who loves a good laugh.

Walking through the late 70's in the film, the high energy and music will draw you in. The film is a blast, and it's a lot of fun. It's a movie that you'll want to see again and again.

So many themes and ideas are thrown into the mix, and it's a lot to take in. But it's a movie that's worth seeing, and it's a movie that you'll remember for a long time.

Boogie Nights is rated R for language and sexual content in my opinion, near spirited and