INIWA » Top Stories

Cutting it close

Cantalope — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:43:01 +0000

Boy’s basketball etched out a win at Swarthout Fieldhouse against crosstown rivals CMR. The boys had a 10-0 defecit to overcome in the first quarter, but thanks to the late game heroics of Shyke Smalls and Dylan Tatarka, the boys were able to pull off a victory 48-44.

Check out the link below for coverage and highlights of the annual crosstown showdown.

Boys Crosstown

Musicians Fight Poverty in Great Falls

David — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:44:29 +0000

Perhaps one of the most successful fund raisers to be seen in a long time, junior Brian Tremper’s benefit concert at the south VFW made major leeway for the GFHS food pantry. On Jan. 7 2012, hundreds of dollars of food and toiletries were donated to aid Bison who are struggling to obtain everyday meals. As poverty strikes hard around this time of the year, the food pantry has noticed a dramatic decline in stocked products. Luckily, the show was a huge success.

“We raised about six hundred dollars and a thousand pounds of food. It was a huge success, and more than I could ever ask for,” said Tremper.

Not only granted with the opportunity to work with local musicians and see familiar faces, Tremper’s prominent displays of community service later rewarded him with the Eagle Scout badge.

“It was great to see so many talented, young musicians come out and support a great cause like that. I hope more concerts like this happen in the future, because it was a great time for everyone involved and really helped out the food pantry.”

Swimmers set new goals as state championships draw near

Cantalope — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:35:22 +0000

“We all [the team] want to win state championships, and I want to be able to compete along side my teammates.” Sophomore Tiffany Denning explained GFH’s main goal for this years swim season. State Championships are set for February 10-11. The team has done incredibly well this season, and won their two most recent meets.

“We have improved a lot throughout the season. Our practices have gotten harder, but that is so the coaches can push us as we excel in our different events.” Freshman Kayla Rowton said. Her main goals this season are to get first in her event, 100 yard breastroke, and for the girls to take home the win for the state championship. “We are all working so hard, we are preparing ourselves. It is hard, especially the dry-land practices and the practices that were over break, but it will be worth it. Some of these girls work so hard, they practiced almost 3 or 4 hours a day over break.” Kayla explained the commitment of being in such a competitive sport.

Each girl has at least one person on the team that they aspire to be, and look for answers to their basic questions. For Denning, this was Sophomore Amy Mosher. Denning praised, “She is really good, and just last year she just started swimming. She has improved so much, it definitely payed off and this year she is on Varsity. She makes me think that I could be in that position sometime next year.”

Advanced auto class earns scholarship, wins national contest

Cantalope — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:42:18 +0000

On the morning of Jan. 19, select students from Great Falls Public Schools automotive program received a donation of over $2,500 of parts from City Chevrolet. The donation was to aid in the restoration of a 1965 Ford Mustang, which is part of a contest the automotive program students are participating in, and were notified they had won on Dec. 20. Bob Oakland of City Chevrolet said, “We are pleased to be a part of this program. It’s a great opportunity for students in the community to learn about auto mechanics.” The car dealership donated tires and wheels, a sound system, a headliner and seat coverings. “We really appreciate the support,” Said the project advisor, Joe Wilkins. “It’s been overwhelming.”

The students participating in the project come from Great Falls High, C.M. Russell High School and Paris Gibson Education Center. For some, winning the contest was a surprise. “We’re such a small school, it was great that we could compete with a large high school and a community college in this competition, said Brandi McCoy, a senior at Paris. The other schools the group competed with were a high school in Monterey, California and Kansas City Community College in Kansas City, Kansas.“It feels great to get these donations and be able to put everything on the car,” said Jessie Leavitt, a senior at Great Falls High.

In addition to numerous donations from businesses around the area, all of the students participating in the class have received a $10,000 scholarship to Ohio Technical College for taking first prize in the contest.

Lady Bison vs Helena Capital Podcast

Cantalope — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:00:32 +0000

Go to the link below for highlights from the Bison Capital game. Led by freshman Markaela Francis, the lady Bison took a close loss to Helena Capital at the R.W. “Bill” Swarthout Fieldhouse.

Lady Bison Game

Hazing Scandal: Hazing allegations leave GFH student and educators in turmoil

SaraGraybill — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:49:27 +0000

“I was very surprised and disappointed to hear the allegations, I don’t know if they are true, but GFH has always had a reputation for being student friendly,” said Trustee Jan Cahill when asked about his reaction to the recent hazing allegations surrounding GFH students and employees.
On Nov. 10, Great Falls Public School administrators learned from the Great Falls Police Department about an alleged hazing incident involving potential sexual assault. An investigation by the GFPD into the incident commenced. After interviewing all persons involved, the GFPD charged senior Alex Mauricio Botina-Roehm with sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of sexual assault and arrested him on Nov. 15.
“Botina-Roehm was handcuffed and transported to Cascade County Regional Jail,’’ said Deputy Corey Reeves, “there was enough probable cause to arrest him and bring him to jail.” After posting bail, he was released and on Dec. 8, Botina-Roehm appeared in court, pleading innocent to all charges. His trial has been scheduled for Mar. 26, 2012. Botina-Roehm’s charges led to a restraining order against him, which forbid him to approach within 1500 feet of Great Falls High School and the alleged victim. Lawyer Alex Evans and Cascade County Attorney John Parker could not be reached to comment on the restraining order or liability to other students and educators.
Botina-Roehm now attends the College of Technology in order to stay on track for graduation. He remains an enrolled senior at GFH. His suspension will be reviewed after trial.
“Everything was normal to me,” said senior Destin Wassmann, “I never felt uncomfortable.” To many football players, the locker room was just a place to talk and hang out, yet others chose to leave and shower at home. “It was something I didn’t want to be a part of—just the screwing around,” said senior Sam Wingerter. Players agree the horseplay happened occasionally.
“It’s just screwing around; it’s not sexual,” said junior Colter Posey.
The alleged hazing behavior involved an activity known as “power gobbling,” the placement of the forearm between the victim’s legs from behind and lifting upward. The activity causes pain in the victim’s groin. This alleged frequent practice of Botina-Roehm led the victim to tell his mother about the hazing and also about an incident in which Botina-Roehm placed his thumb into the victim’s rectum.
The investigation against Botina-Roehm uncovered emails between GFH employees revealing their knowledge of “power gobbling” before the Botina-Roehm incident was reported to the police. The GFPS administration initiated an investigation to find out what GFH employees knew before the incident was reported. “Before anything moves forward the report has to be reviewed,” said Principal Dr. Fred Anderson.
However, the investigation focuses on whether or not the situation was handled appropriately. “I can’t begin to speculate about what disciplinary measures will be taken toward district employees until we receive the report,” said assistant superintendent Tom Moore.
“No rock has been left unturned,” said Anderson. All rumors surrounding the incident have been looked into. The investigation conducted by an independent consultant from Missoula was completed last week. The administrators received the investigator’s report, but the findings are not yet public. “The correct way to handle a situation like this one is not something that is very black and white,” said Anderson. The situation raises concerns of both reporting the incident and the privacy of the students involved.
The school district potentially faces civil liability in a case like this one. “There is always that possibility,” said Moore on whether or not the school district could be sued. He added, “That will not influence the administration’s decisions about disciplining the employees involved.”
“I would hope we’ve learned from this incident, and factual parts of this incident will make certain that rules and policies are in place to keep students safe” said Cahill though he could not comment on the liability of the school district at this time.

Fundamental focus restores tradition

Shandon — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:32:42 +0000

The Great Falls High wrestling team has revamped their focus, attitude and leadership in hopes to advance in their 2011-12 wrestling season.
“Senior wrestlers have taken charge of the team this year by being more vocal in leading the underclassman with the mindset of every day, improving,” said senior, Josh Morin. With the wins so far this year against Bozeman and Havre, the wrestling team has displayed a change in focus. “the wrestling team this year have picked up a more serious leadership and focus in working towards the goals for state,” said Morin.
As for the underclassmen they have experienced, “harder practices, along with harder competition,” said freshman, Randy Keesler. The varsity line-up this year features eight rotating underclassman, which puts a expressive amount of pressure on the underclassman, however, the wrestling team has remained victorious with, “the underclassman, although not the most technical, giving it their all on the mat,” said Morin.
The wrestling program this year has added a new member to the coaching staff, 2007 Great Falls High Zach Gregiore. “We have added Gregoire to our coaching staff this year and I feel we have a great wrestling staff.” said head coach, Steve Komac.
“The coaches have guided the leadership in the wrestling room, nonetheless, the senior class has picked up on the change and set an example of etiquette in the room,” said senior, Bridger Wren. The change of discipline in the room have shown to be a positive effect in the performance in competition. “The win against Glacier last week at the Mining City Duels, proves our high chances for placing in the top three at state.” said Wren.
The improving wrestling team has a secret to their successful team, “high expectations and a significant amount of talent,” said freshman, Casey Dobson. Another reason for success is, ‘“coaches have held upperclassmen at a higher level and higher goals in changing the focus in the room,” said Steve Komac.
Along with the victorious varsity, the junior varsity stepped it up this year as well. “This years junior varsity team is one of the best we’ve had in a while, with placing third at the B-C class tournament, the Cascade Invitational,” said Steve Komac.
After the duel win against Bozeman, 2011 State Champions, the wrestling team is showing, “the team is in on the hunt for a trophy this year at state,” said freshman, Jarren Komac. The whole team is looking to win this year on varsity and junior varsity and hopefully, “to contribute a lot of points to the team at state,” said Dobson.
The winter sport, wrestling, follows school tradition by upholding a prosperous and successful wrestling team. “Great Falls High wrestling is all about tradition and I feel we are upholding that tradition,” said Morin.

Collaborative effort by students turns prom into huge success

Cantalope — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:53:04 +0000

After the banning of the dance method known as “grinding”, many students were wary about going to prom at all, yet with the help of student council and teachers, students learned new dance methods and a lesson on school ethics.

Check out the video podcast below for highlights of the 2011 Winter Formal.

2011 Winter Formal

GFH is ‘All Shook Up’

KatieRider — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:01:31 +0000

With comical characters, amazing voices and dancing statues, “All Shook Up” was extremely charming. The auditorium was filled with the laughter of many students, parents, and various people of the community as all of the characters fell “stupid in love” with each other. Although the plot had many holes, the cheerfulness of the student actors and the various solos made up for unrealistic story.

The cliche, repeating song, “One Night With You,” was sung by almost all of the characters, but it some how added to the joyful atmosphere of the musical. At some points I thought it was unneeded, but loved how all the characters, except for the singer, froze as the actor preformed the song. It added a dream like quality to the musical, and the positions of the extras in the play were amusing.

The “Can’t Help Falling In Love” scene was incredible and well choreographed. As all the various actors called out to the ones they had fallen for, it made you wonder if Natalie was going to get with Chad, or who Sandra is going to fall for; where would Loreina and Dean run away to, and if old friends Sylvia and Jim would find true love together.

I felt as if the play ended a bit abruptly, with the wedding scene and Chad and Natalie “falling in love.” Since Chad makes it clear he had been with many women, I don’t know if he is going to stay with Natalie; and how are Dennis and Sandra going to stay together if Dennis has to go to dental school? Many questions are left unanswered at the end, and the ending feels stapled on to an otherwise well put together musical.

Overall, the musical was well worth going to, and the music evoked emotion, whether it be humour or pity, in the audience. Regardless of the unrealistic plot and strange ending, I truly felt that all of the characters were “All Shook Up.”

Football players and coaches weigh in on season

Cantalope — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:20:33 +0000

Recently, the Bison took a tough loss to Billings at home, 31-0.

After a mediocore finish to the season at 3-7, coaches weigh in on the loss in this video podcast.

Click the link below for video.

Football Podcast