Devyn Brinkerhoff Intro to Journalism

“That is so annoying.” How many of you catch yourself saying this at Campbell County High School?  You’re not alone; a majority of CCHS students and staff have pet peeves.

“I hate when people take or touch my hat,” senior Doyle Hanson said. “It’s my personal belonging; don’t touch it. “

“I like to get to the point,” junior Tanesha Fink said. “I hate when people over-explain something.”

“When people tell me they heard something about me but don’t end up telling me, is my biggest pet peeve,” said sophomore Brett Brandenburg.

Some people have more than just one pet peeve.

“I cannot stand when people flirt a lot, are dramatic, or whiny,” sophomore Tyler Fortuna said. “Seriously, what is the point of that?”

Sophomore Skylar Diede said, “When people are overdramatic or talk something little up, I could freak out. You don’t need to make anything bigger than what it is.”

Dating is great a platform for finding someone’s pet peeve.

“When you can see a girl’s little mustache, it is just plain gross,” said senior Derek Hunt. “Or when you start dating a girl and they decide that they don’t have to shave their legs anymore.”

Senior Casey McKeown said, “My pet peeve is when I bring a guy over to my house and he doesn’t shake my dad’s hand. It leaves a bad impression on my dad and I cannot stand that.”

Table manners are also a pet peeve for CCHS students.

Junior Alex Dapra said, “ When someone chews with their mouth open, it is disgusting, unattractive, and rude.”

Teachers have their own pet peeves.

“I hate when my students pop bubbles with their gum in my class,” said Auto Shop teacher Earl Smith.

Sophomore World History teacher Sydnie Arehart said, “My peeve is when I have to keep repeating myself to my students.”

Pet peeves are sometimes the most annoying thing in the world. But we all have them and they will never go away. So, I guess we better start getting used to saying, “That is so annoying.”

Faith Rudland, Introduction to Journalism

When you live in Gillette, it’s a daily task to deal with careless drivers. Someone cuts you off, you are fighting for a lane, and then you can’t help but mad.  That’s road rage.

“I personally get road rage because people here just don’t care about other drivers, I constantly have road rage.” Said sophomore Caelan Aldrich, “When I’m driving with my mom, it’s worse because she joins in. One time she even got out of the car and threatened to mess someone up.”

“People in Gillette suck at driving, so people get mad at that fact. I always have road rage when people are being dumb,” said sophomore Brooklynn Erisman. “I don’t really get road rage when I’m driving with my parents because I’m a safer driver. But when I’m driving alone, I honk the horn to get their attention and then yell out the window at them.”

“People get road rage because other people drive dumb or that’s how they were taught. I don’t really get road rage that much; I’m too distracted to get mad, but if I do, I honk the horn. I’m too lazy to roll down the window and yell,” said sophomore Mercedes Edwards, “when I’m with my mom, I don’t have to get road rage; she does it for me. She yells out the window while I keep driving.”

“People get road rage because other people can be really stupid. I get road rage constantly,” said sophomore Gabrielle Johnson. “I don’t like stupid people.”

Surprisingly enough, there are some sophomores at CCHS who don’t get road rage at all.

“I think most people get it because they’re impatient. I don’t ever get it,” said Bryan Antonovich.

“I think people get road rage because other people are impatient and rude while driving. I don’t get road rage; I just don’t really feel like it’s necessary.” Sophomore Kateri Yoesting said, “My mom does all the raging for me while I drive. She yells out the window and sometimes reaches over and honks the horn.”

It is almost clear to see that if you see a Sophomore driving on the streets in Gillette, there’s going to be some honking or yelling if you cut them off so watch out, and chill.

Breezie Long, Introduction to Journalism

Attended 55,440,000 Seconds of School

Spent 924,000 Minutes in School

Walked 149,952 Steps from Junior Parking Lot

Read 108,000 Pages for reading pages in English

Completed 47,520 hours of homework in high school

Spent 23,232 Minutes In-between Classes

Enjoyed 19,360 Minutes at Lunch in High School

Spent 3,696 Hours in School

Relaxed on 2,444 Non-School Days

Attended 2,288 Days of School

Gone to 2,112 Class Periods in High School

Enjoyed 1,105 Days of Summer Vacation

Slept in 1,040 Weekend Days During the School Year

Received 396 Hours of Math, Science, and Social Studies Credits

Attended 309 Home Games

Appreciated 143 Early Release Days

Received at least 132 English Credit Hours

Attended 130 Drills

Had Approximately 73 Teachers

Taken 28 Credits to Graduate

Donated 9 Pints of Blood in High School

Taken 7 PAWS Tests

Spent 6.35 Full Years at School

Attended 3 Homecoming Rallies

Received 2 P.E. Credits

Received 1 Diploma

Hanna Huus, Introduction to Journalism

At one point in time, parents and teenagers butt heads and have casual disagreements. Sometimes, it’s not always parents and teenagers either; teen relationships have struggles too.  Trust is the keyword; without trust, your freedom is limited.

            “I was staying at a friend’s house and we were playing ding-dong ditch,” sophomore Cole Simonson said. “The cops came to my friend’s house and we all got in trouble. My parents weren’t happy and don’t trust me with that friend as much anymore.”

            “I wrecked my dad’s car two years ago,” junior Robert Sternberger said. “My dad didn’t trust me for a little while.”

            Car wrecks and late-night pranks aren’t the only things that jeopardize a parent’s trust. Lying and sneaking around is another.

            “I got caught partying in September. The cops came to the party and gave me a ticket,” senior Dylan Brannan said. “I was only grounded for two weeks, but I lost a lot of my mom’s trust in me.”

“When I was three years old, I cut off all my hair with a pair a children’s scissors. Once my mom caught me, I told her that the remains on the floor were grape juice,” sophomore Mary Solaas said. “Obviously, I know hair doesn’t look like grape juice, but I was little and looking for the easiest way out of getting in trouble.”

“I lied to my parents about where I was going and what I was going to be doing,” sophomore Jaden George said. “Once they found out, I was in huge trouble. I’ve regretted it ever since.”

            “I was going to a birthday party that my parents didn’t want me at because they didn’t know the kid’s parents,” sophomore Tierney Hofmeister said. “I went anyway behind their back and I got in a huge amount of trouble.”

            “I bought a television show that I liked, but my parents despised and disapproved of,” sophomore Brandon Casteel said. “They eventually found out I bought a whole season package and they were beyond furious at me.”

            “Two weeks ago, Steven Riley and I painted our airsoft guns black,” sophomore Kaige Bowles said. “The spray paint went off in my closet, causing a massive mess of black paint on my carpet. My dad doesn’t dare trust me with paint or airsoft guns anymore.”

            Parents may be your guardians whom you need to obey and respect, but being in a relationship has the same faith issues. Losing hope in a relationship can be as tricky too.

            “A boyfriend of mine lost trust in me when I kissed another guy,” sophomore Darion Lasslett said. “I know it was wrong, but I believe it’s in the past.”

            “When I don’t want to hang out or even talk to my girlfriends, I tell them I’m busy,” sophomore Robert Perry said. “Once they find out or realize I’m ignoring them, they don’t trust me anymore.”

            “I made my girlfriend not trust me by having pictures of another girl on my phone,” sophomore Daniel Merrit said. “She wasn’t happy with me at all and we had a huge fight that almost ended our relationship.”

            Trust issues occur more to some than others. A huge town high school can be tougher to get along with friends, but a small town high school may be a different story.

            “I had issues with friends,” Spanish II teacher Jaime Basham said. “They used me a lot. Whenever they needed something, they’d pretend to be my friend to get it.”

            “I had no trust issues,” sports training teacher Erik Shepherd said. “Living in a small town was great, everyone knew everyone and we all got along.”

            “I went to the same school with Mr. Shepherd,” English teacher Jeri Anderson said. “I had no trust issues with friends and there was rarely any fighting. However, my parents were separated and that was hard.”

            Trust is fragile, but worth getting. It’s hard to get but easy to lose. With loyalty, comes respect and freedom.

Amanda Kinsolving, Introduction to Journalism

At some point in a child’s life, the brutal reality of Santa is eventually discovered.

“I found out that Santa was just imaginary at nine,” sophomore Chance Galleagos  “My dad just came straight out with the truth!”

“I saw my mom in the store shopping for our Christmas gifts when I was about six or seven” Senior Hailee Jayne said, “ I seemed really spiteful. Actually, I had to make the point that I had already known even though she didn’t tell me”

“When I was ten years old, I heard a sound downstairs. Hoping it was Santa clause I went to check it out,I caught my mom stuffing my stocking with toys and candy.” Junior Taylor Blankenstein said. “ When she told me the truth I started crying and throwing a tantrum, I don’t think I talked to her for a week!”

“ Seventh Grade is when I found out snooping around I found my Christmas gifts from Santa. I wasn’t quite sure what to think I was just completely shocked,” Junior Daniel Whelchel said.

“ I never stopped believing in Santa” English teacher Kisa Kron said. “ I believe that it’s human nature for us to believe in something because it reminds us of being little and the spirit of believing. Secrets and surprises that come with Christmas make us feel magical, so I’ll always believe in the jolly old elf”

Siblings can also be the spoiler.

“ I was probably about nine, I overheard my older brothers talking about it and even though I was sad at first and didn’t want to believe them I decided to say oh well because I got the toys anyways” Algebra teacher Donovan Voight said.

“Santa lived on in our house because it’s a fun tradition and no harm done”

“When I give a gift, I feel like an element of Santa. I, too, can be Santa,” added Kron.

Myranda West, Introduction to Journalism

Snow is falling; CCHS students get what make the season bright.

“The time I got a puppy for Christmas.” “This was my favorite because I really wanted a puppy and my parents surprised me by getting me one.” Math teacher Tonya Keith said.

“Jumping off a house into a huge drift of snow is my favorite memory.”  “This was the most fun I have had.” junior Ernie Preston said.

“Every Christmas cause Christmas is Awesome and fun.” Said senior Zack Hallcroft

“My favorite Christmas memory was last year because my dad didn’t have to work.”  sophomore Amanda Parsons said. “We finally got a Christmas as a family.”

“ The time I got to see my all cousins from Idaho.” sophomore Madison Strickland said. “ This is my favorite because I got to see my cousins who only come down once a year.”

“My favorite Christmas memory is waking up in the morning with all of my siblings. After we wake up we would run and jump on my parents. We would have a big pancake and sausage breakfast, than we would open our presents.” sophomore Sara Lunberg said with a smile. “Also on Christmas eve my siblings and I would open one present and our stalking. Then we would sleep in the living room.”

“When I was in third grade and my whole family went to rapid to celebrate it with everyone at my grandparents house. And all my cousins, sisters and I put on a little singing act and sang and danced to walking around the Christmas tree.”  sophomore Faith Archuleta said.

As the snow falls your Christmas memories just began.

excided because their favorite time of the year is finally here.

Amanda Johnson, Introduction to Journalism

“Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, with a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal.”

  Have these lyrics been replaying in your head since September? Especially if you have been to Wal-Mart or K-Mart. You probably have had your season’s dose of holiday music.

“I have two Christmas songs that I like,” said Student Assistant Coordinator Charlotte Carr. “The first one is Low How a Rose E’re Blooming when Cindi Lauper sings it, and the second one is Carol of the Bells because it is beautiful in every way.”

“The classics still reign supreme.

“My favorite Christmas song would have to be Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer because it is catchy,” said junior Bailee Burch.

 “Jingle Bells would be my favorite Christmas song because it reminds me of Christmas,” said sophomore Erica Morgan.

“White Christmas gets me in the Christmas mood the most,” sophomore Nicole White said.

Then there are some who love the modern.

“Under the Mistletoe by Justin Bieber would be my favorite because I have Bieber fever,” senior James Martinson said with a smile.

Not every one enjoys hearing Christmas tunes every where they go.

“I don’t like any Christmas songs because I don’t like their jingles and rhymes,” sophomore Matt Rodriguez said.

“The most annoying Christmas song would have to be Jingle Bells because it just keeps repeating its self,” said junior Kyler Robichaud.  

“I don’t like Grandma got ran over by a reindeer,” said Shawntel Obridgewitch. “Because it has no point to it.”

“I dislike the song We Wish You a Merry Christmas because every time I listen to it gives me a headache and it’s annoying,” said sophomore Zane Steeg.

Whether its the radio, your parents car or just walking around in Home Depot, your Christmas music wont be hard to find this season.

Kenzie Edmundson, Introduction to Journalism

The best Christmas gifts of all are the memories made throughout the years.

“When I was little I always wanted a GI Joe toy,” junior Matt Fogle said. “That Christmas was the most memorable for me.”

“My most memorable Christmas was a few years ago when my dad took my brother, my sister, and me to a playoff hockey game in Denver,” senior Austin Tennant said.

“It is hard to say what Christmas was most memorable for me because when I was in first grade, my sister told me Santa wasn’t real,” junior English teacher Nathan DeMonja said.

DeMonja isn’t the only one whose Christmas memories involve the truth about Santa.

“I found out Santa wasn’t real in fourth grade because my parents did a bad job of hiding the Santa gifts,” sophomore Katie Wilson said

“I never wanted to stop believing in Santa because my mom always told me that Santa wouldn’t come if I didn’t believe,” senior Josh Long said. “She finally told me in third grade after everyone else already had.”

“I thought I heard Santa in my living room,” senior Sean Kelley said. “I got up and went to see but it was only my parents pretending to be Santa.”

Some think the food is the best part of Christmas.

“Cookies at Christmas are my weakness,” Chemistry teacher Barb Eckhardt said.

“My favorite food around Christmas time are caramel rolls,” junior Katie Wilson said. “We only make them on Christmas eve.”

“Sweet Potatoes are the best food around Christmas time, because they are delicious,” Fogle added. “They have marshmallows on top too.

Whether it’s the gifts, Santa, or the food, the memories you make will last forever.

Amanda Wood, Introduction to Journalism

Christmas can be the best time of the year, but sometimes CCHS student don’t get what they’ve always wanted.

“I asked for a Burton snowboard last Christmas,” said sophomore Charlie Wille. “My parents said that I wouldn’t use it enough to buy it for me.”

“I always wanted a puppy,” said sophomore Triston Harvey. “When I was eight years old, I begged my parents for hours a day.”

“I love playing guitar, so I asked my parents if they would buy me one,” sophomore Isaac Lucero said. “My dad said maybe because they already had a present in mind for me.”

“Every year I ask for jewelry, specifically diamonds,” campus supervisor Linda Settelmeyer said.  “But I know that nobody will get them for me.”

A car seems to be the ideal gift for many.

“Last year I wanted a car,” said sophomore Jade Black. I begged my parents every night. Instead they got me a bunch of little toy play cars.

“I wanted a 2011 Camaro,” said junior TR Benson, I wanted one right when they came out, but my parents never got one for me.” Benson never got his dream vehicle.

“I’ve always wanted a street bike, specifically a Kawasaki Ninja 1600,” said junior Dalton Young.

“Having a black Mustang was always a big dream of mine,” said sophomore Kiara Lucero. My parents said it was too expensive to buy one for me.

Although you might not get everything you want from your parents, doesn’t mean you can’t always ask Santa. It’s not too late!

Taylor Snider, Introduction to Journalism

Leaping over tall buildings or even diving through the air, you never have the same feelings as having a super power.

“To fly.” Senior Taylor Blankenstein said.

Blankenstein isn’t the only student t CCSD who would enjoy the pleasure of flying.

Junior Collin Cane said “I wish to have the ability to fly, but only because I am just really lazy at doing everything. That includes walking.”
Cane would agree on the same thing that Blankenstein states.
“I could get to places faster with no speed limit.” Blankenstein finishes off.

Faith Rudland, Introduction to Journalism

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go. You better bring a good credit card this time with gas prices at $3.78 and diesel at $3.89 per gallon.

“I don’t go anywhere for the holidays,” senior Hannah Kleiner said. “Gas prices are unreasonable these days. I fill up my Ford Taurus once every two weeks. It’s $50 each time”

“I travel during the holidays I have to fill up my gas tank all the time but depends on where I’m going.  I probably have to fill up my gas tank once when we do travel,” junior Daniel Whelchel said. “I probably have to fill up my gas tank 3 times a month. It’s about $80.00 each time.”

“Sometimes we travel to Texas during the holidays,” junior Bailey Burch said. “We don’t drive; we fly”

“I go to Washington with my family during the holidays. We have to fill up the tank around three times on our way there,” sophomore Kendal Mager said. “It’s usually $78.00 to fill up the tank each time”

“We travel to Nebraska,” principal’s assistant Annette Sloggett said. “It usually takes about two tanks of gas to get us there. It’s around $45.00 to fill up my gas tank. I get 23 mpg.”

“I have to fill up twice a week, and it costs $150.00 each time,” said Burch. “I drive a F350 v10.”

It’s getting more expensive to travel to Grandma’s house during the holidays this year. Gas prices are $0.65 higher than it was last year and diesel prices are $0.83 higher.

Emily Ransone, Introduction to Journalism

Once you pull on your favorite pair of jeans and wrestle with the top button for fifteen minutes, you know that you’ve had one too many cups of eggnog over the holidays. Many Campbell County High School students are coming up with New Year’s resolutions for 2012 and losing weight is one of them.

 Junior Lindsey Pierce said, “Usually I try to lose weight for my New Year’s resolution.”

“My New Year’s resolution is to lose weight,” junior Josee Arguello said, “My dad said I would get a new pair of Harley Davidson boots if I did.”

“This past year I’ve been working on running and reading three times a week,” Math teacher Donavon Voight said. “I always do them back to back.”

“Last year I wanted to keep up my grades, but I didn’t. Resolutions are really hard to follow through with,” said senior Hailee Jayne. “It’s not something that you have to do, it’s just something you want to do,” added Jayne. “I think it just makes it harder to stick to them.”

Many students at CCHS try to do New Years’ resolutions, but it turns out its a lot harder to stick to the resolution than many people think.

“I think it’s hard to push yourself into sticking to something you are not used to doing,” said sophomore Hailee Steele.

“The test is to see if you can make it past the first month then you will see if you are able to stick to the resolution,” said Voight.

The new year is heading our way and many CCHS students and staff are spouting ideas for resolutions. What’s yours?

Hanna Huus, Introduction to Journalism

Whether it is chewing on non-edible objects, or running around insane for no apparent reason, all pets have some odd behavior.

“Squeezer is a Collie and Shar Pei mix,” sophomore Mercedes Stilson said. “Squeezer constantly runs into our house walls all by herself.  She is still more adorable than ever, but she’s an oddball dog.”

“My Terrier and Pomeranian mix, Mator runs in circles all the time,” senior Logan Wambeke said. “He will run into something and then run in circles again.”

Running around wildly and being psycho is most common with bizarre, unique pets. However, give them something to chase and they get even more wild.

“Annie is a Terrier and German Shepherd mix and she is definitely not like most dogs,” junior Chris Frye said. “Annie will chase red laser lights all over the place and won’t stop until the light is out of her sight. She gets so into it and makes it fun.”

Age doesn’t seem to calm them down either.

“My dog Kitna is a Pit-bull and Retriever mix. She’s seventeen years old and has seven tumors,” sophomore Kendal Mager said. “But that doesn’t stop her from chasing mice around.”

Some animals may surprise you when you see what they’re putting in their mouths.

“My Black Lab will eat sparkled crayons and tin foil,” librarian Sasha Davidson said. “We will laugh and cannot punish her for it. Gill is just too cute.”

“My Dachshund eats underwear on my bedroom floor,” sophomore Damon Groh said. “Oscar’s really gross.”

“Raisin is a Black Lab,” sophomore Daniel Merritt said. “She eats socks and towels. My mom can never fold laundry when Raisin is around.”

Dogs aren’t the only wild pets.

“My Flaming Point Siamese cat seriously plays tag,” junior Karissa Bowling said. “Bentley will run to touch you and once he does, he’ll run away.”

Odd behaviors vary from pet to pet. Even though a pet has crazy behaviors, you love them anyway.

Jordan Engdahl, Introduction to Journalism

“Wearing boots doesn’t make you a cowboy,” junior Bailey Birch said.

In the eyes of many, cowboys may be no different than an everyday hick.  However, many disagree.

            “I’m not a hick,” Birch said, “I’m a cowgirl. Hicks aren’t real cowboys, just wanna-be’s.”

            Ag teacher Troy Gladson walks the talk, “I’m a cowboy, but the stereotype that comes with that doesn’t bother me. Stereotypes are what you make of them.”

            Sophomore Lexi Hamm believes a “true” cowboy is someone who does what work needs to be done while using those country manners.

            “Cowboys are almost of a different breed,” Hamm said. “No one else does what we do; we’re just good-hearted, hard-working country people.”

            Living this hard working life style has its ups and downs.

            “The horses, hands down, have to be the best part,” senior Garrett Ford said.

            “Rodeo is my favorite thing about being a cowgirl,” Hamm said,” Being a team with your horse and winning; it’s like nothing else.”

            “The best part is just getting away from everything, like students,” Gladson said with a smile.

        “I hate fixing things on the ranch. “Ford said. “There’s always something new that has to be done.”

            “If there is one thing I can’t stand, it is ‘Buckle Bunnies’.” Hamm added. “The girls who dress like they’re ‘country’ just to get cowboys, they drive me nuts. They’re worse than moving cows on a snowy morning.”

            Ranching is more than just work and dress. It’s a family affair.

            “The ranch has been in the family for 60 years, but our family has lived in Campbell County for over a hundred and fifty years,” Hamm said.

            “It’s a tradition,” Gladson said. “I was born and raised working on the ranch. It has been in my family for 85 years.”

            Regardless if they’re running the barrels, scaring away coyotes on the ranch or chasing the Buckle Bunnies from their cowboy, you know the ways of the American cowboys are still a way of life for teens at CCHS.

Julieanne Reum, Junior Staff Writer

Every morning at Campbell County High School, students trudge in with coffee in hand. Whether it is Starbucks, Mountain Mudd, or Espresso Lube, caffeine is necessary for many ready to take on the day.

“I drink Starbucks two-three times a week,” junior Taryn Juby said. “I drink Espresso Lube too, but Starbucks would probably have to be my favorite.”

Of all coffee shops, Starbucks reigns best among CCHS students.

“I get the same thing every time I go to Starbucks,” junior Thomas Bush said. “I get the Double Chocolate Chip frappucino.”

“Starbucks is my favorite,” junior Taylor Chaulk agreed. “However, I don’t drink coffee, so I usually just get hot chocolate.”

“I always get a White Chocolate Mocha every time I go to Starbucks,” senior Miranda Nygaard said.  “I go about five times a week, but only once a day.”

Starbucks isn’t the only place students find easy to get their fix.

“I drink coffee every morning,” senior Jakob Pletcher said. “I go to Loaf ‘N’ Jug and get coffee with French vanilla creamer every time. I probably spend about 10 dollars a week.”