In early September it was announced by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) that our fellow students here at Sheyenne High School: Henry Christiansen, Krishna Kamalakannan, and Grace Widjaja were selected to be National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year. But only 16,000 people are chosen to be semifinalists in this difficult competition.
If our fellow Sheyenne students move forward to the finalist round they will be notified in February and be one of some 15,000 Semifinalists that have advanced to the Finalist standing. Following this important date is May 11, 2022 when the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship Winners are officially announced.
Other than this scholarship’s high competition count, what makes this scholarship so special in particular is what these students had to do to even be remotely considered for this great honor.
“The mission of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) as announced on their website is to recognize and honor the academically talented students of the United States. According to their website of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores (calculated by doubling the sum of the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Test scores) qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program.”
Luck has little to do with how these students are selected. All winners of Merit Scholarship awards (Merit Scholar designees) are chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments—without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. Plenty of information is evaluated by the NMSC including but not limited to the high school official’s written recommendation and the Finalist’s own essay.
The enduring goals of the NMSC’s scholarship programs are:
To promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular.
To shine a spotlight on brilliant students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education.
To stimulate increased support from individuals and organizations that wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding scholastic talent.
In theatre Henry has led set projects, bonding activities, and underclassmen.
Goals that are illuminated by their careful process of choosing the proper recipients for this prestigious award.
For those of you who are juniors and younger here at Sheyenne High School and are remotely interested in this scholarship the semifinalists themselves have words of wisdom to offer.
Grace helps people accomplish their goals as president of the Student Council and Speech Team captain.
Henry Christiansen recommends being well prepared for the PSAT because the test itself is very difficult without proper preparation. Since this is one of the major elements that the NMSC looks for when choosing its winners it’s very important this is covered.
Krishna is a dedicated math and science tutor for middle schoolers.
It’s said best by Grace Widjaja that you should “Study. Please. Not just for the test, but also study the scholarship and the timeline, what are the different aspects, what else would they require after you qualify, etc.”
Krishna Kamalakannan reports he first got to know of this scholarship “around September or October 2020, when registration for the PSAT began.” So if you are currently a sophomore here at Sheyenne High School I advise you to be proactive and prepare for this scholarship ahead of time.’
As school’s first month wraps up, more and more students look for clubs to join, but most don’t know what clubs are available. Know that a list of clubs is available through the Activities Office and the Schoology page; however, not all clubs are listed on that page. So, here’s a look at three clubs here at Sheyenne.
“CGA eSports Stadium interior 2019” by Wpcpey is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Esports
Where and when does your club meet?
(Esports) We’ve been meeting after school and lately we’ve been meeting during voice and choice for the two blocks on Wednesday, but mostly we meet after school.
What does your club do?
(Esports) Right now, we are maining two games: Rocket League and League of Legends. [Each meeting we] practice online and against other schools [working on] positions and champions [while] getting used to each other’s play styles.
What are your plans for competition?
(Esports) Right now, we are just deciding what to do. last year we were with a company, [we are still deciding whether to stay with them, or not.]
What makes you different than the gaming club?
(Esports) The gaming club is open to board games and [changing games weekly,] whereas esports we will be into more team-based games like League of Legends that focuses on more on quick reactions and working with teammates.
What do you want this club to be?
(Esports) I would like this club to be a place where everyone feels comfortable showing up not just gamers, we have a lot of positions like managerial and content creation and even shout casting, we also offer course for learning to build computers and trouble shooting them.
Chamber Orchestra
Where and when does your club meet?
(Orchestra) Chamber Orchestra meets Mondays and Thursdays in the orchestra room
What does your club do?
(Orchestra) Rather than a club, we are an extra-curricular performing ensemble. Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned orchestra made up of students 9-12. We are a small ensemble of students that plays challenging string music. In addition to the normal orchestra concerts, we also play around town at banquets, retirement parties, weddings, and the mall.
Will the Chamber Orchestra be performing? If so, when?
(Orchestra) Chamber Orchestra performs at the scheduled orchestra concerts. Our next performance will be on March 1st.
How has your turn out been so far and do you have plans to improve it?
(Orchestra) Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned ensemble. We usually have a large turnout for auditions, but we cannot always accept everyone that auditions. Students still have the opportunity to play with their curricular orchestra during the day.
What experience do you have with your club?
(Orchestra) This is my 3rd year leading this ensemble.
Chess
Where and when does your club meet?
(Chess) We meet every Wednesday for all voice and choice periods, and we meet in room 2317.
What does your club do?
(Chess) We learn about chess, teach chess, and learn some general strategies.
What are your plans for competition?
(Chess) Once we get going, we might set up tournaments, round robins, [and] keep standings.
What do you want this club to be?
(Chess) We don’t have any major plans like making it a sanctioned club or expanding more, until further notice we are just going to play it by ear and see where it goes.
If the chess club or Esports club interest you check them out at 2317 and 2838 respectively.
Mrs. Ott is an AP European History and US History teacher here at Sheyenne High School.
For her own education, she attended Century High School in Bismarck, UND for her Bachelors Degree, and Walden University for her Masters Degree.
Mrs. Ott says she is happy that she is a teacher but if she had to choose a different profession, she would want to be a dental hygienist.
She explained one of her favorite moments from teaching, “During my first year of teaching a student did an impression of me teaching and he was just spot on. We all had a really good laugh.”
That is the exact type of person Mrs. Ott is, she not only teaches history but also is a great example of the importance of being able to laugh at yourself and have a good time. Students find her classroom to be a great environment to not only push themselves but also be thankful for where they are at in the present.
Her love for her jobs shines through in her lectures, too. When commenting on teaching US History she said, “I really enjoy teaching US History. Our nation has evolved so much over a short period of time and I like to teach about the successes and failures of that evolution.”
Another thing that Mrs. Ott appreciates is how her courses’ subjects can get controversial, allowing for students to speak up about their ideas and opinions in a safe place. Teaching about the 1960s including the Cold War, Vietnam War, and Civil Rights Movements are especially fun for her.
As for her other ideas of fun, Mrs. Ott describes her hobbies as general. In her free time she likes to spend time with her kids, exercise, read, watch Duke University men’s basketball, or turn on some “terrible” reality tv.
Mrs. Ott pictured with her husband, Mr. Ott, and two kids.
Over Christmas break, there have been posters hung anonymously on the inside of both the girls’ and boys’ bathrooms. These posters stem from Justin’s Break the Silence campaign.
Since Justin’s heartbreaking death in 2016, the nonprofit organization through the Dakota Medical Fund spreads awareness about mental health in schools. An example of their encouragement to break the silence is with these posters.
Coached by both Kelsey Johnson and Krista Hulderman, the Student Congress team here at Sheyenne last month became back-to-back Student Congress Champions on November 6th. They have also reclaimed the North Dakota Roughrider District Congress Sweepstakes Award for the second consecutive year on November 7th.
State Student Congress members (Left to right) Back: Elijah Nyberg, Reagan Koppelman, Asiya Gedi, Jona Follingstad Center: Abhiram Kotala, Leo Nyberg, Emma Jorda, Benjamin Kramer, Micah Ramsey, Fatouma Dileita Front: Keona Munowenyu, Sherry Yan, Sricharan Kotala, Grace Widjaja, Christine Nwaigwe
The Student Congress team isn’t unfamiliar with success as they were the first Championship Sheyenne High School has witnessed.
The road to success this year could have been predicted by their strength this season.
After their first tournament at East Congress, Sheyenne came back with 10 awards out of 18 competitors securing four championship awards: Senate from Keona Munowenyu, House I from Sherry Yan, House II from Vidyaa Lav, and House IV from Reagan Koppelman.
East Congress award recipients at Sheyenne High School
Regan Koppelman is a new member of Student Congress, in his freshman year who has remarked that he enjoys Student Congress because it helps him “improve on how he speaks for debate and also speech later in the year.”
West Congress team celebrates in Mandan, ND
Accolades continued to roll in at the team’s West Congress tournament to attain a total of 12 awards. Student Congress came back with five total championship awards in nearly every house.
In House I, senior Sherry Yan, a recurring champion this season, attained their second championship along with senior Christine Nwaigwe.
House II saw freshman Vidyaa Lav champion again for the second time this season.
In House III freshman Hosna Dawlaty championed.
Finally, in House IV Freshman Reagan Koppelman became a champion foreshadowing his future State Student Congress success.
State Student Congress champions in the state capital
The road to the State Student Congress Championship and Roughrider District Congress Sweepstakes Award was a promising one, and it proved in the very end to be so.
At the individual level, this team took three individual championship awards: Jonah Follingstad earned first place in House VI, Christine Nwaigwe earned first place in House II, and Reagan Koppelman was voted Presiding Officer for House V.
National Qualifiers heading to Louisville, Kentucky
As a whole, nearly every individual came from the State meet placing in their chambers.
After the State Student Congress tournament, the team competed competitively in National Qualifiers with Keona Munowenyu qualifying in the North Dakota Roughrider Senate and Grace Widjaja qualifying in the North Dakota Roughrider House for the National Speech & Debate Association’s national tournament. Both individuals will attend the national tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, in June.
State Student Congress team after receiving first place poses in the Bismarck capital
West Congress October 11 Results
Senate: Runner-Up Grace Widjaja (senior)
House I: Presiding Officer Sherry Yan (senior)
House I: Champion Christine Nwaigwe (senior)
House I: Runner-Up Sri Kotala (senior)
House II: Presiding Officer Vidyaa Lav (freshman)
House II: 4th Place Ben Kramer (sophomore)
House II: 5th Place Asiya Gedi (junior) – she went straight 10s all day!
House III: Presiding Officer Hosna Dawlaty (freshman)
House III: Runner-Up Eli Nyberg (freshman)
House IV: Presiding Officer Reagan Koppelman (freshman)
It has been over ten years since the trifecta of major shooters – Battlefield, Call of Duty, and Halo – were released on the same holiday. This rarity has now landed these industry giants in the same window for the biggest FPS season gaming has seen in an exceptionally long time.
These are not the only titles releasing this holiday, however. In fact, there are some contending Game of the Year titles that you will just have to pick up.
The global pandemic has undoubtedly affected many release windows for highly anticipated games. 2019 and 2020 have been rife with delays after delays. However, the industry is now rapidly picking up steam once again.
The bottom line? Gamers are eating good this holiday season.
A now infamous screenshot of the less-than-impressive E3 2020 showcase of Halo Infinite’s campaign, featuring the internet-beloved Craig the Brute
Halo Infinite is the most surprising release (and success!) this holiday season. This sci-fi FPS title was initially revealed all the way back in 2018, but after a disappointing gameplay showcase at E3 2020, the game was delayed a full year for further polish.
Then, after consistent rumors of an early multiplayer debut in November for Xbox’s 20th anniversary, Halo’s six-year hiatus ended as a “content complete” multiplayer – including all the maps and weapons – was released completely free to play.
The reception to the game’s multiplayer beta has been enormously positive. Fans love the tight gameplay, classic music, and general return to form that the series has struggled to achieve since the new developers, 343 Industries, took over after 2010. The biggest complaint currently is a lackluster progression system.
Reviews have also been positive for the campaign in early media reviews – one promised to be the biggest (and now open world) Halo campaign to date, with all new enemies and weapons, picking up after the disappointing Halo 5.
A spartan preparing for battle on the map “Live Fire” within the free-to-play multiplayer
Halo Infinite came out for retail on December 8, 2021, but you can play the multiplayer beta for free today on Xbox and PC.
This return to the decidedly legendary sci-fi trilogy has been nothing short of fantastic. With full 4k remasters for both next-gen and last-gen consoles, you can now shoot (and talk!) your way through Commander Shepard’s action RPG story in its best version possible.
Graphical improvements across the board for all three entries in one of the greatest sci-fi RPGs of all time
Mass Effect is a series all about making your own choices. Some of them are small, like who to befriend or romance, to a bit bigger ones, like the fate of the universe.
This remaster touches up all three mainline entries, but the first one receives by far the most attention. The original 13-year-old Mass Effect was rough around the edges, now being remastered with updated UI and fixes to previously irritating missions.
If you are looking to experience gaming history in the best way possible (or just trying to forget about the lackluster Mass Effect Andromeda), picking up this trilogy should be an easy decision. Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Photo or game? Certainly hard to tell, as Forza Horizon 5 is possibly the best looking game ever made
Forza Horizon 5 is the racing game to end all racing games. Now set in Mexico with a map twice as large as Forza Horizon 4’s countryside England, this newest entry in one of the most consistently excellent series is one you should not ignore.
The developers of Forza Horizon realize who their players are – and especially what they want to do. Although this newest title is not a massive reinvention of the series, the sheer amount of work put in to perfecting an already excellent gameplay structure is immediately noticeable.
This Mexico is a tourist’s dream and a racer’s fantasy
No matter what you do, whether that be street racing, competing in drift competitions, or winning in Forza’s own Battle Royale, The Eliminator, you will always have an acute sense of forward progress that leaves you feeling rewarded – a rare feeling in modern multiplayer games.
Join the Horizon festival in 2020’s highest rated game on Xbox and PC.
The newest entry into this iconic Playstation lineage features Rivet, a Lombat from an alternate universe
Insomniac Games strikes once again in another fantastic outing in this iconic (and now gorgeous) PS5 exclusive. Starring the cutting-edge
DualSense controller and PS5 SSD, Rift Apart aims to immerse you in the journey of the titular Ratchet and Clank (and Rivet!) as they hop across the galaxy.
Rift Apart is a technical showcase from beginning to end. Using the PS5’s ray tracing horse power, light is accurately drawn to reflect and bounce realistically, giving a newfound sense of fidelity to console gaming.
Take flight against Dr. Nefarious once again – and maybe stay a bit too long in photo mode
Likewise, the next-gen DualSense controller uses its advanced haptics in both the triggers and controller to accurately simulate gameplay actions. Further, the lightning-fast SSD, one even more advanced than some PC SSDs, allows you to hop between levels and areas with a button press and a short animation. It is something worth seeing to believe.
The gameplay is equally exciting, involving you grappling and shooting your way across various levels and worlds. Along with the basic platforming features that are expected to be a part of a Ratchet and Clank game – such as the famous rail grinding – this new entry introduces hopping across rifts to gain an advantage against your opponents.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is out as a PS5 exclusive, and no doubt the one needed to show off just what this console can do.
Metriod has never been the biggest franchise in Nintendo’s decades of worldbuilding. However, as a partner piece to the new Nintendo Switch OLED, this monumental series aims to reinvent itself and go back to its roots – one of helping invent a whole genre, the “metroidvania”. Safe to say it has succeeded.
Metroidvanias typically have you playing through a larger world where many avenues of exploration are initially blocked off. Bosses might be unbeatable. Gates may be sealed shut. So, finding the powerups and abilities to move forward is essential to progress.
Metriod Dread follows this pattern to make one of the best Switch games this year. You will explore an alien planet, fight an unknown threat, and discover a bit about your own history as the iconic Samus. Likewise, as many unfortunate gamers have found out, the title is also hard as nails. Fans of Hollow Knight and other similar metroidvanias will feel right at home.
Truly a cover art more worthy of a Doom reboot than a Nintendo game – maybe that’s why this game stands out!
Metriod Dread is out on Switch – but even better on the OLED model. It is hard to express just how fantastic of a deal Xbox Game Pass is. This landmark service offers hundreds of games – from AAA to Indie – for just an initial offering of $1 for three months.
Xbox has had an amazing turnaround even compared to just a year ago, especially in the games department. Psychonauts 2, Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox, Deathloop, and Forza Horizon 5 are some of, if not, the highest rated games of this year. All but one of them are on Game Pass (Deathloop is currently a PlayStation console exclusive).
Along with some excellent third-party entries into the service, Microsoft does not make a hard sell for this “Netflix of Gaming,” all for the price of a candy bar.
Xbox has truly delivered this 2021 for a premiere gaming lineup. Let’s see if it continues.
More and more students are looking for clubs to join, but most don’t know what clubs are available. Know that a list of clubs is available through the Activities Office and the Schools page; however, not all clubs are updated on that page. So, here’s a look at five clubs, future issues will focus on additional clubs.
Cinema Club
Where and when does your club meet?
(Cinema) The Cinema Club, or “Movies Ya’ Gotta See” meet every week during Voice and Choice I and II in the theater at Sheyenne High School.
What movies do you plan to watch?
(Cinema) Films that the AFI (American Film Institute) has deemed as 100 best films of all time, but we are steering away from the R rating films, to make sure that all of us can experience great cinema. So far, we have watched “City Lights” (with Charlie Chaplin), Double Indemnity, Wizard of Oz, and Rear Window (one of Hitchcock’s best).
What experience do you have with what your club does?
(Cinema) I have loved movies all my life. Who wouldn’t want to have that opportunity to escape the wilds of the real world? Furthermore, I almost [have] a major in film studies from MSUM.
What would you like this club to be?
(Cinema) I would like this to be a place for people to come to the theater, shed the day’s troubles at the door, and sit back and watch cinema that’s worth watching.
Pep Band
Where and when does your club meet?
(Pep) The pep band is an extracurricular use of the band program. It is a completely volunteer force. We sometimes have rehearsals during voice and choice time or after school.
What does your club do?
(Pep)We typically perform at sporting events 8 to 10 times in the fall season, [we] try to support the playoff games, and play another 8 to 10 times during the winter season.
What other places does your club play?
(Pep) We sometimes play at pep rallies and have been asked to perform at a few special events. Our Drumline also performs on its own at events.
What experience do you have with what your club does?
(Pep)I played in marching band and pep band in college and was also a student leader for my last two years before becoming a band teacher. I have taught marching band and pep band for the last 11 years while a band teacher. I also lead the North Dakota Army band for the national guard.
What would you like this club to be?
(Pep) A significant contributor to the community of Sheyenne High School, focusing on the positive climate and atmosphere at the afterschool activities.
Improv
Where and when does your club meet?
(Improv) We meet during voice and choice 1 on Wednesdays.
What does your club do?
(Improv) We play different improv games in which dialogue, characters and plot are made up in the spur of the moment.
What experience do you have with your club?
(Improv) I have a B.A. in theatre with an emphasis in acting and directing.
What do you want this club to be?
(Improv) A fun and engaging group for students to learn improvisation skills and practice stage confidence in a safe and welcoming space.
Music Industry
Where and when does your club meet?
(Music Industry) During voice and choice times
What does your club do?
(Music Industry) We do some song writing and recording music How has your turn out been so far?
(Music Industry) Turn out has been decent about 10 students a session on average
Do you have to be a part of a music class to join?
(Music Industry) You don’t have to be involved in a music class, just need an interest in writing/recording your own or others music
What experience do you have with your club?
(Music Industry) I have been in a band and recording music off and on for the last 12 years. I went to MSUM for the Music Industry program and toured nationally with a signed band on Victory Records. I’m currently in a cover band and play events and weddings when I’m not teaching. I play guitar bass and drums and also am a singer.
What do you want this club to be?
(Music Industry) Long story short, I want it to be a free recording studio for our students to explore and create music.
Gay Straight Alliance
Where and when does your club meet?
(G-S-A) Our club meets in classroom 2617 on Wednesdays during Voice and Choice #1.
What does your club do?
(G-S-A) Our club organizes fundraisers and events that help spread awareness for diversity, inclusion, and acceptance, especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
How has your turn out been so far?
(G-S-A) Our club currently has between 40-50 attendees and club members.
What experience do you have with your club?
(G-S-A) This is my first year running the club with Mrs. Radle.
What do you want this club to be?
(G-S-A) I want this club to be a place where students feel safe, feel loved, and know they are not alone.
The counseling team provides a range of services and implements initiatives to meet the needs of an ever-broadening and diversifying population at Sheyenne High School. Here’s a look at their recent student-centered support and celebrations of success.
The Counseling Team Back Row, Left to Right Penny Aipperspach, Erin Beck, Jess Steiner, Christiana Steffen, Laura Stenerson, and Kim Ziemer Front Row, Left to Right Krystal Haugen and Jessi Raile
The Mustang Closet
The Mustang Closet is a free resource available to any student who needs any clothing or shoes.
The Mustang Closet is in the hallway leading to the theater. There are bathrooms located across from the Mustang Closet for ease of trying on any clothing before you bring it home.
The closet is accessible any time during the school day; the Mustang Closet is an honor-based system.
If there are any additional items that you need, such as personal hygiene items, please let your counselor know.
2022-2023 Sheyenne Registration
The 2022-2023 Registration Process will begin in mid to late January.
Start thinking about which classes you might want to take next school year and start talking to your teachers about their recommendations.
Backpack Program Fundraising
Lex Lunde of Thrivent Financial, who partnered with Bully Brew Coffee and the Sheyenne High School Counselors, raised $1,541.00 on November 17th for our Backpack Program and families in need!
We are so thankful for the support from our school and community.
Free College Applications
On October 27th we held a Free College App Day event for seniors to apply to one North Dakota College of their choice for FREE.
The counselors, along with representatives from colleges in the state, went into all the senior English classes to help seniors apply to college, if they wanted to.
We asked our seniors to take a quick survey (only 176 students completed the survey) and here are the stats on what our seniors “did” during Free College App Day!
The Mustang Post 