Being Interviewed for a Collegiate Honors Program: Story-time by Bear Shipley

Lincoln, NE — On January 18, 2019, I traveled down to Lincoln, Nebraska to be interviewed for the business scholars honor program. It was cold and snowy, forcing my family to drive slower than the speed limit. Anticipation and nerves grew as the destination inched its way closer. Arriving at the hotel around 10:30 pm, sleep was hard to come by.

At 8:15, I was to report to the school of business and go through the introduction. While sitting in one of the amphitheater rooms, I looked through a handout they gave each student. I noticed the very first page was my schedule for the day. I was one of the last people to be interviewed. As I marched from room to room, the daunting unknown of what the interview would be like, hung over my head.

There were two interviews, both different in their format. One, you were thrown into a group, and tasked with an impossible question. You and the members of your group had to come up with an answer that best answered the prompt. My prompt was a little ridiculous. It asked, “What state would you get rid of and why?” My group talked about the economics of states and at some point South Dakota was thrown on the chopping block, but I immediately shut that down. It was strange, as I’m not a person who takes over a project. I offered ideas, but felt overwhelmed as other students would lead and offer a lot more insight on which state to get rid of. In the end we got rid of Mississippi as it has a poor education system.

The second interview was where two faculty interviewed the student. Most of the questions were aimed towards my leadership opportunities and what I have learned, and what it means to be a leader. This one freaked me out the most, as it was a lot more personal. I left second guessing all my answers even though it seemed like the assessors approved of my answers. It was strange. I came in filled with anxiety, and left feeling lost. The stress from the wait carried over, as the results would not come back for a few more weeks.

All in all, it was a great experience that I can learn from moving forward. Now that I have a better understanding of what an interview is like, I know how to decently handle myself as well as be better equipped to answer questions about my leadership opportunities. No matter the outcome, the experience and what I have gained from it will positively affect me.

The Female of the Species: a novel review by CC Graham

“Still, the question remains: What is wrong with you? Because something is, and I know that. I’ve tried to find out, looked up the words and the phrases that seemed as if they should fit. Words like sociopath and psychopath, ones that people like to toss around without knowing what they actually mean. But neither of them fits. They spoke of a lack of empathy, disregarding the safety of others – when I am the opposite. I feel too much.” -The Female of the Species

The Female of the Species has quite a deceiving title. I grabbed it off the shelf on a whim, it’s bright green cover and thought-provoking name catching my eye. I expected something along the lines of a fresh high-school coming of age, complete with the usual drama and romance. But within its pages was a surprisingly dark, graphic, eye-opening narrative – the first book I’ve read by someone who isn’t in high school that paints an honest picture of what high school is really like. 

The novel follows its protagonist, Alex Craft, a volatile, violent young woman whose cold, calculated view of her peers, and of humanity as a whole, is disturbingly relatable. She is closed off from everyone. Her father MIA, her mother distant, and her sister brutally murdered years ago, but she isn’t heartless or cold-blooded – oddly enough, her thoughts and musings are poetic and heartfelt. She is a delicate balance of unbridled anger and surprising gentleness. As she is coaxed out of her shell by Claire, a well-meaning, but naive preacher’s kid, the mystery of her sister’s murder, and the subsequent gruesome death of the man who did it, is unveiled.

This book quite honestly opened my eyes to the many discrepancies that exist in high school settings but aren’t ever acknowledged. Alex, at one point in the novel, remarks, “But boys will be boys, our favorite phrase that excuses so many things, while the only thing we have for the opposite gender is women, said with disdain and punctuated with an eye roll.” I hadn’t ever bothered to give that any thought – but there are more than a few things that are overlooked in high school. Choice words and phrases are thrown around casually, their meanings sinisterly ambiguous; and comments on girls’ outfits and girls’ bodies are more common than lost pencils on the floor. This book has the potential to really change your mind – it’ll challenge your perception and make you question what you thought was okay.

Fair warning: this book centers on the misconstrued issue of rape and sexual abuse toward women, and Mindy McGinnis (author) does not hesitate to dive deep into the complicated network of motives, feelings, loss, and violence that shapes this issue. It is quite graphic, but unfortunately, we live in a world where a narrative like this is necessary. The truth must be told.

This novel is really quite startling, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a deeply heartfelt, sometimes graphic and very unpredictable read. Stop by the library and pick up this book, or just to peruse the shelves!

The Mind of Murder: Dick Hickock and Perry Smith by September Johnson

On June 6th, 1931, Richard Hickock was born to Walter Sr. and Eunice Hickock. On October 27th, 1928, Perry Smith was born to Tex Smith and Flo Buckskin. Little did the two know growing up, that these two complete strangers would one day be connected in the worst way imaginable. 

Perry Smith grew up in a broken home after his parents separated at a very young age. Smith and his siblings were forced to move away with their alcoholic mother, leaving their father behind. All of the children grew to despise their abusive father, except Perry. When his father came back to take them, Perry was the only one to go with him. Smith stopped going to school and traveled the country with his father. For a short amount of time, Perry Smith was placed in a Catholic orphanage where he claims he was abused and allegedly almost drowned by a nun for wetting the bed. As Smith got older, he got into more conflicts with his father. Eventually they went their separate ways, as Smith decided to enlist in the army and serve in the Korean War. After his service, he bought a motorcycle and decided to visit his father in Alaska. On his way there, Smith got into an accident that should have been fatal, stunting his legs’ growth, leaving him permanently injured and in pain, but still able to walk. Later in his life, Perry Smith was imprisoned for petty crimes and later got out on parole. While in prison, Smith was cellmates for a short time with none other than Dick Hickock.

Dick Hickock led a normal life in a loving home, with his brother Walter Jr. He was of average intelligence and a strong athlete until he got into an automobile crash that left his face disfigured. Hickock wished to go to college, but his parents lacked finances. Because of this, Hickock became a mechanic and married young. After cheating on his wife, he chose get a divorce and marry his mistress. Hickock went to jail after writing bad checks and committing fraud. In jail he was cellmates with both Smith and another man, Floyd Wells. Wells worked for Herbert Clutter, the man whose family ultimately became the victims of a “get rich quick” scheme gone wrong.

On November 15th, 1959, Smith and Hickock, after much planning, murdered Herbert, Bonnie, Nancy, and Kenyon Clutter with the intent of stealing their money and leaving no witnesses. Herb Clutter was shot and his throat slit, while the other three were all shot. The men of the family were brought down to the basement while the women were murdered in their beds. All together, the pair only found roughly fifty dollars. Ultimately, the two were eventually caught, tried, and hanged for the murders. All together, six lives were ended over fifty dollars.

Although both Hickock and Smith were not tried as mentally insane, the doctor who evaluated them believed that they both were not mentally stable at the time of the murders. The laws were stated in such a way that did not classify their mental illnesses as being mentally insane. This is most likely due to the motorcycle accident and automobile crashes both murderers experienced. Such accidents and conditions growing up may very well be what caused the two to snap and believe what they were doing was okay. None of us will truly ever know what brought both Hickock and Smith to murder.

 

Beginning of an FCA Chapter? By Grace Nelson

Many people know FCA for the dinner they provide at state tournaments, however, did you know that you could be a part of this organization? The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, better known as FCA, is a student lead organization for athletes who want to incorporate faith into their athletic career. Currently, Madison High School does not have a chapter. This, however, could easily change.

In order to begin a chapter, or “huddle” as it is called, we would need a handful of students willing to join. Once multiple students express interest, monthly meetings would be scheduled and a chapter of our very own would begin. MHS is currently looking to do just that!

It is important that MHS starts up a FCA “huddle”. We have not had any affiliation with FCA in the past, but creating this would be a great way to leave a lasting impression on our school and community moving forward. If you are interested, please email Mr. Bundy or myself (GN3037@k12.sd.us) for more information. 

 

Creating a Comfortable Classroom Environment by: Ailin Montgomery

If you’re like me, you might gauge your comfort in a learning setting off of what’s around you. Wall decor, lighting, and storage are just a few aspects of the average American classroom whose importance is often overlooked. Such elements have been proven to have an effect of the morale, and ultimately, the success of students and teachers alike.

According to a 2015 study published in the journal Building and Environment, adjustments to certain classroom elements can up learning outcomes by 16 percent. An article entitled “How Classroom Design Affects Learning” on connectingelements.com, points out ways in which teachers can alter classroom arrangements in order to achieve a higher level of success and comfort for their students. One aspect of the classroom that this article discusses is flexible seating (sofas, standing desks, work stations). Flexible seating provides students with an opportunity to choose the environment in which they learn, giving them a feeling of ownership and community in the rather isolating environment of the classroom.

Even smaller details like the decoration of the walls can enhance a student’s learning experience. According to the article, balanced design such as an accent wall (distinguished by a concentration of color or posters) can increase student progress by 23 percent. Emphasis is placed on the importance of seeing the learning environment from the student’s perspective, taking into account what students believe may make them more comfortable and productive in the classroom. After reading this, I decided to take it upon myself to pick the brains of some of my fellow peers. Below are a few responses I received when promoting: What aspects of decor do you appreciate in classrooms?

“I like things that create a nice smell: candles, wax warmers, and diffusers. I also like seeing Christmas lights and lamps as well and rugs and even a couch.” – Maddie Pauli

“I love lamps.” – Seth Christiansen

“No white walls! If possible, natural light is nice. Keep it colorful, but no inspirational quotes!” – CC Graham

“I love a good alphabet above the board, and also Christmas lights” – Carson Hunsley

“I want it to be warm, maybe a fireplace if possible.” – Ammon Hawkes (I regret to say that I do not think a fireplace is at all possible, sorry Ammon) 

 

The Changed Golf Rules in 2019 by Mya Maxwell

For those of you who are ready to dust off your clubs and head to the course, I think you’ll find it imperative to first inform yourselves of the updated golf rules for 2019, because there were a lot!

• If the ball is moved by a player accidentally while he/she is searching for said ball:
  • New rule: No penalty (was previously a 1-stroke penalty)

• If a player accidentally moves his or her ball or ball-marker on the putting green:
  • New Rule: No penalty. (was previously a 1-stroke penalty)

• How to replace a ball lying off the putting green after it moves and when its exact original spot isn’t known:
  • New rule: Replace the ball exactly as how you thought it was before. (the previous rule was to drop the ball as near as possible to the estimated spot)

• If a player’s ball is in motion and accidentally hits the player, his or her caddie, the person attending the flagstick or the attended or removed flagstick: 
  • New rule: No penalty. (was previously a 1-2 stroke penalty depending on what was hit)

• If a player accidentally hits the ball more than once during a stroke:
  • New rule: No penalty. (was previously a 1-stroke penalty)

 

The Dropping procedure has also changed significantly.

• When a player has to drop a ball…
  • New rule: Always drop in a defined relief area.

• Where a dropped ball must lay…
  • New rule: The ball must come to rest in the relief area where it was dropped. If the ball comes to rest outside of the relief area, the player will drop a second time in the relief area. If the ball again comes to rest outside the relief area, the player will place it where the ball first touched the ground on the second drop.

• Measuring the size of the relief area where a ball must be dropped and played…
  • New rule: The relief area is measured by measuring 1 or 2 club lengths (which is defined as the longest club the player has during the round, other than a putter).

• How to drop a ball
  • New rule: The ball must be dropped straight down from knee height (the height of the player’s knee when in a standing position).

• Lost ball Time allowed for a ball search
  • New rule: A ball is lost if not found in three minutes. (was previously 5 minutes)

• Substituting ball when taking relief.
  • New rule: A player may always substitute a ball when taking relief.

• Taking relief for a ball embedded in its own pitch-mark.
  • New rule: A player may take relief without penalty for an embedded ball anywhere in the “general area” (new term for “through the green”), unless a Local Rule has been adopted restricting relief only to areas cut to fairway height or less. The general area is the new term for “through the green”.

 

Rules have also changed changed considerably in regards to putting on the green.

• Replacing a ball on the putting green when it moves from its spot after it already had been lifted and replaced
  • New rule: The ball must always be replaced on its original spot, even if it was blown by the wind or moved for no clear reason.

• Repairing damage on the putting green:
  • New rule: A player may repair almost any damage (including spike marks and animal damage but not including natural imperfections) on the putting green.

• Player touches the line of putt or touches the putting green in pointing out a target:
  • New rule: No penalty, so long as doing so does not improve the conditions for the player’s stroke. (was previously a loss of hole/2-stroke penalty, with exceptions)

• Putting with an unattended flagstick left in the hole:
  • New rule: No penalty if a ball played from the putting green (or anywhere else) hits the unattended flagstick in hole.

 

Things certainly have changed in the penalty areas!

• Areas the Committee may mark as a penalty area (where relief with 1- stroke penalty is allowed)
  • New rule: Red- and yellow-marked “penalty areas” may now cover areas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc, in addition to areas of water. ( Was previously that the Committee may only mark an area of water as a “water hazard”.)

• Player moves loose impediments, touches the ground with hand or club or grounds the club in a penalty area when the ball is in the penalty area
  • New rule: No penalty. (was previously a loss of hole/2-stroke penalty, with exceptions)

• Expanded use of red-marked penalty areas
  • New rule: Committees are given the discretion to mark all penalty areas as red so that lateral relief is always allowed (but they may still mark penalty areas as yellow where they consider it appropriate).

• Elimination of the opposite side relief option for red penalty areas
  • New rule: A player is no longer allowed to take relief from a red penalty area on the opposite side from where the ball last entered that penalty area, unless the Committee adopts a Local Rule allowing it.

 

Everyone’s favorite spot, the bunker, has also had a lot of rule changes.

• Player moves or touches a loose impediment in a bunker when the ball is in the bunker
  • New rule: No penalty. (was previously a loss of hole/2-stroke penalty, with exceptions)

• Player touches sand in a bunker with his or her hand or a club when the ball is in the bunker
  • New rule: No penalty except when a player touches sand (1) with his or her hand or club to test the conditions of the bunker, (2) in making a practice swing, (3) with the club in the area right behind or in front of the ball or (4) in making the backswing for the stroke. (was previously that any touching of sand with hand or club results in loss of hole/2-stroke penalty, with some exceptions)

• Unplayable ball relief options
  • New rule: A player may take relief outside the bunker back on the line from the hole through where ball was at rest for 2 penalty strokes.

 

Miscellaneous rule changes:

• If a player’s clubs are damaged during the round
  • New rule: A player may keep using any damaged club, no matter the nature or cause of the damage, even if the player damaged it in anger.

• Adding clubs to replace a club damaged during round
  • New rule: A player may not replace a damaged club, unless the player was not responsible for the damage.

• Use of distance-measuring devices
  • New rule: The use of DMDs is allowed, unless a Local Rule has been adopted prohibiting their use.

• Pace of play Recommendations on how to play promptly
  • New rule: Recommends that players make each stroke in no more than 40 seconds, and usually in less time. (were none previously)

• Playing out of turn in stroke play
  • New rule: No penalty (as today), and “ready golf” is encouraged when it can be done in a safe and responsible way. (was previously discouraged)

• Other changes to help pace of play
  • Other new rules: Reduced time for search, allowing more areas to be marked as penalty areas, expanded use of red penalty areas, the simplified dropping procedure and allowing a player to putt with the flagstick in the hole.

 

USGA.org