The Stampede Staff (2010-2011)

Caitlyn Aakre
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Hola patrons! My name is Caitlyn. I’m a junior (GO class of 2012!) and I like long walks on beach. Just kidding! I actually hate sun because I’m a ginger with super fair skin. I’m in Pep Band – flute is what I toot. In Symphonic Band, I play bassoon, but I’m just starting. I say a lot of stupid things, but I say a lot of smart things, too. As a writer this year, I hope to take the voice of the Rustler and put it out to the world. Peace and love is what I’m about.

Beth Britton
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Beth Britton is the journalism teacher at C.M. Russell High School in Great Falls, Mont., where she teaches journalism and advises the Stampede newspaper and Russellog yearbook staffs. Britton is a graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., and earned her B.A. in English from Barnard College in New York City. She earned her M.A. in journalism at the University of Montana and worked as a reporter at The Bulletin in Bend, Ore., and The Tribune in Great Falls. She grew up in Great Falls and attended Roosevelt Elementary School and East Junior High. This marks her eighth year at CMR, where she also has taught English.

 Lindsey Buck
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I was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, and moved to Great Falls when I was about four years old. Some hobbies of mine are writing, playing basketball, and skiing. Writing has been an interest of mine for many years, and I am really enjoying working on the newspaper staff so far. I am a sophomore this year and going to C.M.R. is and has been a great experience for me.

 

Christina Christianson
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Hello, I’m Christina and new to stampede. It’s my senior year, but I’ve been to three high schools in the last four years. I’ve been a Princeton Tiger (Princeton MN), a Vista Golden Eagle (Highlands Ranch Colorado) and this is year I’m a CMR Rustler.  In the free time you can find me doodling, messing with graphics in Photoshop, or chatting on the phone.  Free time being anytime I’m not swamped by AP (curse the College Board). I hope to bring a unique view to this paper.

 

 

 

Kristi Gange
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My name is Kristi Gange and I am a junior at CMR this year. At this point, I do whatever needs to be done on staff. So far, I have written stories and taken photos. The Stampede staff would blow your mind. They are all the coolest people you will ever meet. I would encourage anyone to join so that you could spend more time with us. We are winners!

 

Nick Green
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Hey CMR! My name is Nick Green and I am the Visual Content Editor or VCE of the Stampede. I joined Stampede last year because I was interested in journalistic writing and I thought creating a product was really interesting. Outside of newspaper I partake in Cross-Country and I was recently sworn in as French Club President. I like lots of stuff, especially if it’s cool. I also like camping, hiking, listening and attempting to play music. I am not from Great Falls, I lived in Bozeman but it’s all good, because I don’t like it there anymore, hence I will be attending U of M. I think this will be an obviously awesome year with many opportunities for excellent editorials, awesome articles, and picturesque photo spreads.

 

Katie Hodges
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Hi, my name is Katie Hodges, and I am the News/Opinion editor for the Stampede. While not writing and obsessively editing by-lines, I enjoy studying for English. Occasionally, when I am feeling especially crazy, I enjoy swinging at Gibson Park, jumping in rain puddles, playing lacrosse, and haunting Barnes and Noble while sipping hot chocolate with too much whipped cream.

 

 

 Austin Lahr
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My name is Austin Lahr; I am currently a writer for the Stampede. I LOVE music! I listen to a wide variety but I am a huge metalhead. As a writer for this publication, I like to write about music, whether it is a simple review or a feature story of a musician.  I am also a huge photographer. 

 

 
Shayna Leonard
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Bonjour! I am the features editor of the Stampede Newspaper. This is my third year on staff. I am taking some hard classes this year on top of newspaper and working around 5-6 hours a day, so I live a pretty hectic but very fulfilling life! I enjoy camping and just hanging out with my friends. My favorite class in school besides journalism is French, and I got to visit France last year, woo! I have one pet, a vivacious water bug by the name of Amelia, who feeds on 28 cent goldfish. My life consists of crazy times, hard hitting news, and lots of great writing.

 

 

Josh Philyaw
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I am a senior and this is my third year on the Stampede. I am mostly a sports writer, but I’ll write for any sections. I am also joining yearbook in the spring. I love to take photos; my best are usually for the sports section. I am planning on attending the University of Nevada, Reno for journalism next fall. My dream is to work for the New York Times. I believe in expressing my opinion and think that you should too, so if you want to express your come guest write for us.

 

 

 Tim Seery
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This year marks my third year on the Stampede staff. Serving as editor in chief, I enjoy the challenges of journalism, the writing and editing process, and the role of the Stampede in spotlighting pertinent issues the lives of CMR students. I also serve as Student Body President and the Student Representative on the Montana Board of Public Education. I enjoy playing the cello in the Chamber Orchestra and Great Falls Youth Symphony, painting in my local studio, and competing at the state and national level in extemporaneous and impromptu speaking. I plan on a college major in Comparative Religion and English with a possible minor in German.

 

 

 

 Meg Smith
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Hola! Hello! Hi! Howdy! Bonjour! Wherever you come from, my name is Meg Smith (sometimes Betty) and I just wanted to say hi! You’ll mostly see me under the sports section because I’m the sports editor. Sure, sports aren’t my passion, but it pays the bills right? No, no, I really do love to write, despite my groans every month. So let’s get out and win some championships!

 
Jennifer Verzuh
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I’m Jennifer Verzuh, I have two brothers and a dog, I’m a sophomore here at CMR, and a staff member on the school newspaper, the Stampede. I enjoy writing, reading, watching television, going to the movies, acting, singing, and am currently a red belt in taekwondo. My favorite shows are Glee, The Office, 30 Rock, Modern Family, Criminal Minds, Lost, Psych, and CSI: Miami.