The French Press

March/April 2021

Frenchtown High School's student newspaper.

Learning to Listen

Liv Peters

Keep it light and positive. Everything is going to be okay. These were the thoughts whizzing through my head as the silver Honda CRV skidded across I-90 towards Missoula. It was January of 2021, and twenty minutes before we had hopped into the car, my sister had entered my room crying, saying our ten-year-old sister was being life flighted to the Spokane Sacred Hearts Hospital. Just hours before, she had fallen off a six foot playground structure and hit her head on the concrete. Now, her brain was bleeding, and if the injury got any worse, she could die. With the help of my dad, we frantically packed a bag for my injured sibling and mom and fled the house with urgency. Now, I just had to survive the thirty minute drive to the hospital. Thirty minutes stuck in a mental frenzy of memories and emotions that could come crashing to the floor at any moment. Breathe, Liv. Just breathe.

It’s a month later now, and my sister is back home, her cheerful and cuddly self. But, something is still off.

I watched my sister’s life become a statistic, a blip on a patient monitoring machine, and yet, I walk the halls of the school like nothing happened.

It’s one of those things that you simultaneously want to broadcast to the world while keeping it to yourself as merely a traumatic experience wedged in an inescapable nook of your mind for safekeeping.

These are the types of thoughts, experiences, and memories that people all around you are replaying in their heads daily. We think that greeting people in the halls and asking how they are doing shows that we care. But, that is not enough. For many of us, saying that we are “good” is a preprogrammed response we have developed to conceal our true feelings.

So, it is time we stop expecting “good” to be the end of the conversation and instead allow it to be the beginning of one. Instead of brushing off small talk with a wave of indifference, try to pick up on body language and emotional undertones to get an accurate reading on the individual’s emotions. Take the time to listen not only with your ears but with your mind and your heart. It is only then that we can begin to understand one another.

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The Saddest Thing

Caitlyn McIver

My Sunday routine has consisted of driving to Jacob’s Island Dog Park with Juniper, my Australian Shepherd. She is a total dog’s dog with social skills far surpassing those of my own. As soon as I pull into the parking lot, I just open the door and let Juniper out of the car. She runs clear to the park’s entrance and waits for my slow-self to catch up. Once inside, she does her thing, and I do mine. She attempts to herd anything with fur, while I sip tea and converse with any friend I’ve convinced to meet me. I stay until Juniper starts hovering, letting me know it’s time to run our weekly errands. This has become our habit for the past few weeks, and I’ve really enjoyed it. 

Until this past weekend, when I witnessed the saddest thing. Two dogs ran down to the ice covered river, while their owners pleaded for them to come back. Both dogs fell into the water and couldn’t get out. It was like all movies where the main character falls through the ice and their efforts to get out are halted by their own weight repeatedly breaking the ice before them. Those on shore are left helplessly watching, knowing if they went to help, they’d suffer the same fate. I watched a dog scramble to pull himself out of the fast, flowing channel, while the owner and bystanders could do nothing but shout encouraging words. Fortunately, this dog managed to pull itself out and return to his owner, but that wasn’t the case for the other dog as it was nowhere to be seen.  

Hauntingly, the dog’s name was echoed throughout the Clark Fork by its owner. The few people at the park scrambled up and down the bank in a vain attempt to spot the dog. From the pedestrian bridge over the river, what I saw was harrowing. Just down river from where the dogs fell in, the river hosted a 40 foot ice dam that was sucking water and ice chunks underneath it. The dog’s owner came to this same realization, shouting: “she must be under there.” We all watched from separate parts of the river for the dog to emerge from under the ice. Even the fire department was stationed along the river with throw ropes and binoculars, but there was nothing to see, and after a while there was nothing to do. People wandered off in different directions back to their lives, but I can’t stop thinking of that poor woman who left the park without her dog.

Montana certainly is a choose-your-own-adventure and an enter-at-your-own-risk type of a place. There aren’t signs or people stopping you from doing what you want to do. It is one of the things I love about the state. You can float rivers, ski backcountry slopes, climb peaks, and spend weeks in the wilderness--all at your own risk. A lot of states, like New Jersey where I grew up, prevent people from taking such risks by creating rules and regulations. The result is a society that is statistically safer, but one that feels constricting. For example, a few summers ago, I wanted to walk on the beach, but there was lightning in the area, so the beach patrol drove over, said the beaches were closed, and escorted me to the boardwalk. I was incredibly frustrated thinking I grew up on the coast and could make my own decision about being on the beach. As humans, we are constantly using previous knowledge to calculate risk and make decisions, but sometimes we don’t have the information to calculate the risk; therefore, we can’t make the right decisions. That’s what happened at the dog park that day

After the incident at Jacob’s Island, I drove home, stunned. I kept thinking about how easy it would have been for my dog to make the same tragic mistake, and how lucky I was to be driving home with Juniper asleep on my back seat. Entering the dog park, it never crossed my mind that I was entering a place with a risk as high as my dog dying. I wanted to write about the incident so that others have this information to calculate the risk for themselves. After what I witnessed, I’ve since decided that Jacob’s Island Dog Park is a place reserved for summer, and Juniper and I will find new routines for winter’s frozen rivers and spring’s high waters.

Winter Perspective

Abigail Sherwood

The white winter sky was bright on this cold February day. The trees were frosted with fresh snowflakes. As the young girl walked, her legs were covered up to her knees by the white banks. She held out her hand to catch a snowflake that fell from the sky. As she held it close to her face to examine it, it melted before her eyes were able to fixate. Her hand reached out one more time and was met once again with a flake. She waited until two accumulated before holding it up. The same result occurred. The weightless forms of ice transformed into a liquid that slid off her hand as it returned to the sides of her body. This girl liked winter, the bright part of it. Each time she went outside late in the evening, the sky was still bright, providing light to those that were still outside to see it. It thoroughly impressed her each time she looked up into the atmosphere. Although the summer was much warmer, and sometimes seemed more comforting, the sky was not bright in the evening the same way. Winter was not that bad, especially when she wore appropriate clothing to keep her warm. Although the heavy clothes weighed her down, forcing her to trudge slightly with each step, she was grateful they allowed her to have experiences, such as this one. The factory workers probably didn’t think of yielding experiences like these as they tirelessly worked to earn barely livable wages while constructing the same garments that made the seasons of life bearable. 

What is your Zodiac Personality?

Maddi Yocum

Aries (March 21- April 19):  Passionate, motivated, and confident leader who builds community with their cheerful disposition and relentless determination. They often get frustrated by exhaustive details and unnecessary nuances

Taurus (April 20- May 20): Enjoy relaxing in serene, bucolic environments, surrounded by soft sounds, soothing aromas, and succulent flavors.

Cancer (June 20- July 22): Highly intuitive and their psychic abilities manifest in tangible spaces: Can effortlessly pick up the energies in a room. Highly sensitive to their environments, as well as extremely self-protective.

Leo (July 23- August 22): Warm, passionate, and dynamic. They delight in opportunities to let their charismatic, inclusive personality shine. Strong, brave, and ready to dominate everything they set out to do.

Virgo (August 23- September 22):  Logical, practical, and systematic in their approach to life. This earth sign is a perfectionist at heart and isn't afraid to improve skills through diligent and consistent practice

Scorpio (October 23- November 21): Often misunderstood due to their intensity and their tendency to be harsh. Extremely emotional, and crave intimacy. They have a powerful presence and demanding personalities, and are very mysterious.

Gemini (May 21- June 20): Playful and intellectually curious, Constantly juggling a variety of passions, hobbies, careers, and friend groups. Social butterflies of the zodiac.

Libra (September 23- October 22): charming, beautiful, and well-balanced. Thrive on making things orderly and aesthetically pleasing. Crave balance, can be equally as self-indulgent as they are generous. Like making peace between others.

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21):  Optimistic, lovers of freedom, hilarious, fair-minded, honest and intellectual. Spontaneous and fun, usually with a lot of friends, and are perhaps the best conversationalists.

Capricorn (December 22- January 19): Ambitious, organized, practical, goal-oriented, and they don't mind the hustle. Love making their own rules, they strive to reach high career positions. 

Pisces (February 19- March 20): Effortlessly adapts to their surroundings. Make incredible artists and creatives. Kind and gentle, they're invigorated by shared experiences of music and romance.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18): Rebel at heart: Despise authority. Free-spirited and eccentric, Often identified by their offbeat fashion sensibilities, unusual hobbies, and nonconformist attitude.

Spice up COVID Dating

Grace Bintz

If you are lucky enough to have a significant other during this unfortunate time, you might feel like you are in a rut in your dating life. Although there are many places that are closed--including some popular date sites--here are some cheap and safe options for COVID dating! 

If you are film lovers, the AMC Dine-In Theater is still open at the Southgate Mall with limited seating. They are playing previously released movies; which means cheaper tickets! 

If you are foodies, go on a “Tik Tok Picnic Date”! This includes creating your own charcuterie board with whatever treats or snacks you like, and finding a beautiful spot to set up a blanket to sit on and listen to some jams. 

Another idea from Tik Tok (Cupid Column tested!), is a “Four Course Meal Night”. This is where you and your date, or other date night friends, choose a different restaurant or drive-thru for each course. The courses are drinks, appetizers, dinner, and dessert. This option can be as cheap or expensive as you want, and you can make it a game by doing a rock-paper-scissors competition to choose each course. 

For an active date option, visit the Glacier Ice Rink for some indoor or outdoor public skating. This is a date under $20 and is the coolest of them all! An ice skating date is especially fun if neither you or your date are avid skaters because you can help teach each other how to be ice skating masters. 

Road Trippin’ with Elena Garrard

Goodbye Texas, hello Louisiana! More specifically, we will be spending our time in the infamous New Orleans. We can check Mardi Gras off of our bucket list, because we arrived right in time to experience the exquisite parades, parties, food, and culture. Cajun food is one of my favorite foods! The seafood boils, jamalia, and gumbo will be sure to bless your pallet. Of course, we’ll have to take a swamp tour down the bayou and see some gators. Next, we’ll see the City Park, laced with themed gardens and beautiful trees. We’ll visit the heart and soul of the city, the French quarter, the New Orleans art museum, and listen to some smooth jazz. Lastly, we’ll stop by the St. Louis Cathedral to see some beautiful architecture and murals. After experiencing some amazing Cajun culture, we’ll head to Florida!

Kodi's Best Books:

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Kodi White

World War II, 1986

A young Henry Lee faces his all-white school all alone, shunned by both his parents and his white classmates. His father forbade him speak Catonese, their native language, in hopes of become “more American.” With no one else to talk to, this young Chinese-American boy stops everyday on his walk to school to give his lunch to Sheldon, a street jazz musician. There’s nothing that Henry loves more in the world than jazz, except perhaps Keiko. Keiko and Henry quickly find safety in each other, connected in some way. There’s only one small problem… she’s Japanese.

The war separates the young lovers, leaving them devastated. Will Henry successfully sneak in and out of a concentration camp to be with Keiko? Will adult Henry ever find his childhood love once again? What secrets and history does the Panama Hotel hold on the corner of bitter and sweet?  Delve into Henry Lee’s timeline to find out what lies beneath the Hotel next to Henry and Keiko’s secret limited-edition jazz records.

Happy Reading,

Kodi White

Japanese Culture

Sakura Sakai

I’m going to introduce some Japanese culture or  lifestyle that is different from American culture.

1. We take off our shoes before entering our homes.

      We have an entrance hall in our homes called “genkan(玄関).” At genkan, we

      definitely remove our shoes.

2. It is normal in Japan to lift your plate or bowl when you are eating.

       People put their hand on their lap in America, but it’s a bad behavior in 

       Japan. Also, we use chopsticks to eat, so it’s normal to touch the 

       bowl with a mouth when we eat soup and make sounds to eat soup and

       noodles.

3. We wash our bodies and hair every day. 

        It made me surprised and confused at first in America that people in

        America don’t do that every day. Also, people take a bath every day. 

4. A bathtub and a toilet are in different rooms in a Japanese house.

        This difference made me confused at first honestly. Also, a house in Japan 

        has one bathtub and one toilet unlike American houses.

5. There are strict hierarchical relationships.

         This starts from junior high school basically. We must use polite words and 

          behaviors to older people. For example, we must greet older grade   

          students with bowing when we pass in a school. Also, we must use Mr. or 

          Ms. when we call their names. So in Japan, another grade students are not 

          friends, just our seniors or juniors. I felt that this culture was kind of sad. 

          America is very different and I like the American culture so much.

The French Press

January/February 2021

Frenchtown High School's student newspaper.

Food for Thought: Get Paid to Read

Caitlyn McIver

Reading a book is like eating your veggies; they might not be exciting to consume, but they improve your quality life. Think of all those battles fought at the dinner table over a piece of broccoli--do you think your parents enjoyed negotiating with a five-year-old? 

Dad: “I don’t care if you don’t like it--you have to eat it.”

Child: Searchers for the smallest piece of lettuce. "Done.” 

Mom: “We said three full bites.”

Child: Finishes the task in a manner that suggests it belongs on a list of crimes against humanity.  

No, your parents didn’t enjoy those drawn out, illogical duels, but they knew how important it was for you to eat your vegetables, so they selflessly endured until compliance was met because healthy eating is the antidote to the number one killer in America: heart disease. Developing healthy habits, young, ensures a better quality of life. This is true of eating your vegetables, and it is true of reading your books.  

In 2007, The National Endowment for the Arts published a detailed study called “To Read or Not To Read: A Question of National Consequence,” which illustrated that Americans from nearly all demographics--especially young adults--were reading at significantly lower rates than just 20 years prior. Who cares, you think? Well, the study revealed three startling things: 

1. Employers now rank reading and writing as top deficiencies in new hires. 

2. Good readers have more financially rewarding jobs.

3. Less advanced readers report fewer opportunities for career growth. 

There it is--a direct correlation between reading and prosperity. If you want a higher paying career, you need to read.  

So why isn’t everyone reading now to be more prosperous later? Sadly, books can’t compete with smartphones, video games, or Youtube, just like broccoli can’t compete with Crispy Cream, cheese fries, or chips because such technology and foods are engineered to deliver instant gratification in the form of addictive dopamine hits. 

However, since reading is an antidote to economic stagnation, I implore you to find some gumption and do the hard thing: develop a reading habit just as you would a healthy eating habit. At first, reading may not be as enjoyable as some of the easier to consume options, like social media, but over time, you’ll physiologically adjust. The more you read the easier it becomes and you’ll come to enjoy it--if you have the right books.  

Maybe you’re thinking: easy for her to say, she’s an English teacher, but I wasn’t always a good or avid reader. In fact, when I was in elementary and middle school, I was in remedial reading groups and even had to be pulled out of my regular classes to get extra help with reading skills. Then, the summer going into 9th grade I discovered Nicholas Sparks, the man behind the romance novels of The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle and dozens of other cheesy, unlikely tales. I am embarrassed to admit this, but as a hopeless romantic, I devoured those books. I read eight of them that summer, and by the time I started high school that fall, I was a good reader, much improved writer, and English became my favorite (and easiest) subject. 

I want every student to undergo that same transformation, but I fear the classics aren’t catalyzing the cathartic reading experiences necessary to counteract the civic, social, cultural, and economic ramifications of a nation with deteriorating reading comprehension skills.   

For this reason, I’ve been actively applying for grants to bring contemporary and engaging books into my classroom with narrators that understand the issues of my students' time. Thus far, I’ve received five grants and over 200 books because I desperately want to help students find pleasure in reading, so they regularly choose a book over their phone and improve their quality of life.  

To better your future, it doesn’t matter what you read, so long as you read and read often. This alone will make you a better reader, and down the road, it will make you a more desirable employee with more career options. Who doesn’t want to get paid more? So, find something you like to read and make the effort to develop a habit of reading. As the research shows, reading will change your life.   

The COVID Vaccines

Ellie Datsopoulos

In the past few months the question over whether or not we will get a vaccine for the corona virus has finally been answered. Currently there are 2 different versions of the vaccine. There is the Moderna and the Pfizer. The difference between them is that the Moderna vaccine is about 3 times the dose as the Pfizer vaccine. However, there have been a few adverse reactions to the Moderna. People who have previously had or have facial fillers should be aware that there is a possibility of swelling in the area the fillers were placed. The Pfizer vaccine may offer less adverse side effects however, with any vaccine there is a chance of side effects.  With the covid vaccines the side effects are minimal. Some of the most common side effects are muscle tenderness near the injection site, headache, or fatigue. All of these symptoms were temporary and the positives the vaccines have heavily outweigh the harms. Currently, the covid Vaccine has a 95% effectiveness. If you receive either of the covid vaccines your immunity to the virus will last about a year. Lets kick covid to the curb and get vaccinated!

Sports Spotlight

Kayla Bodkin

Hello Frenchtown High School sports enthusiasts! My name is Kayla Botkin, and I have the privilege to sit down with athletes from our school to discuss their team, season, and overall interests. In this edition, I sat down with seniors Lauren Demmons and Brandon Finley to talk about Frenchtown basketball this year! 

Q: With all of the restrictions due to COVID-19, what has been the biggest adjustment the team had to make this season? 

A:  Lauren: “We’ve had one game canceled so far due to COVID, but thankfully that’s the only damage it’s caused to the season so far. It’s obviously a change to be separated and have to wear masks on the bench, plus there’s the limit on fans, but we’re just happy to be on the court at all.”

A: Brandon: “The biggest adjustment is the fact that we have to play with less fans so we have to bring our own energy and uphold that.”

Q: What has the team atmosphere been like this year, and how does it affect different aspects of the team? 

A: Lauren: “The team atmosphere each year has been super positive. A lot of the girls haven’t had a chance to play together before this season so we’re still learning how to really connect in games and practices, but we’ve all become close both on and off the court so that’s made the transition a lot easier.”

A: Brandon: “The atmosphere of the team is always phenomenal, upbeat, and exciting. It helps the game stay rolling and helps us play better.

Q: As a senior, do you have plans for your near future? What colleges are you looking at, and what do you plan on pursuing as a career?

A: Lauren: “I think I’ll either go to Montana Tech or the University of Montana to continue my education. I want to major in either biology or exercise science and then go to graduate school to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy. It would be nice to play basketball at the next level but I’m not exactly set on that.”

A: Brandon: “Currently my only career path I have set out is that I want to attend college, play ball, and further my education.

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d like to leave the rest of the team with for the next couple of years? 

A: Lauren: “First of all, I want to thank all my teammates. They’ve really challenged and pushed me these past four years which has helped me grow as a player. I’m excited to see what lies ahead of them. They’re hard workers and l have faith that they’ll go far next season. They need to continue to get on each other in practices and games but always be there to pick each other back up. They should keep a positive mindset always and have a short memory. As coach Yeager always says, “Don’t get too high on the highs and too low on the lows.” Best of luck to them all next year!”

A: Brandon: “My biggest piece of advice would be to play your game and don’t let any pressure get to you.”

Q: And finally, what is one unknown fact about you or the team that Frenchtown High School should know? 

A: Lauren:  “Some people at FHS may not know that last year our team had a practice from 11 PM to 1 AM during winter break so we could count it as two practices.”

A: Brandon: “After every game, win or lose... we play Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo, it currently is our team song.”

A big thank you to Brandon and Lauren for letting me interview them! I wish the best of luck to both Lauren and Brandon for the rest of their seasons, as well as for their future! You guys will do great things! And thank YOU for reading! Make sure to pick up a hot-off-the-press newspaper next time to read about your fellow students in the Sports Spotlight!

Road Trippin’ With Elena: Texas

Elena Garrard

Now that we have seen the infamous Golden state, it’s time to head south. First, we’ll be cruising through Texas, beginning with the San Antonio’s River Walk. It flows through the heart of the city for fifteen miles and is filled with beautiful sights and numerous places to eat. Next, we’ll see the big bend national park. Since everything is bigger in Texas, you can expect this bend in the Rio Grande to be no exception. Of course we will have to hit up the Galveston beaches because I cannot stay away! If you are an art lover like me, then you will love Houston's Museum District. In the district, there are nineteen museums full of beautiful art and most of them are free. Lastly, we will visit the music capital of the world, Austin. On some nights, there are over 100 performances in the same night! After jamming out, we’ll say goodbye to the lone star state. We’ll be going to somewhere I’ve always wanted to see, Louisiana! We’ll experience not just the delicious cajun food and culture, but also Mardi Gras, on February 16. 

RELATIONSHIP ADVICE 

Grace Bintz

Question: How can I find a boyfriend that won’t be toxic in our relationship?

Answer: In my experience, to find a person who will want to be in a healthy and successful relationship, they need to have a good relationship with their parents--especially their mom. To be clear, NOT A MAMA’S BOY. Boys who have a quality relationship with their mothers typically gain advice from them on how to treat girls justly. Another perk, is that these moms will help their sons with fantastic gifts for their girlfriends for birthdays and holidays. However, the most valuable aspect of having a boyfriend with a good relationship with their mom, is that once you and you have a significant connection with his family, you will gain another mother to help guide you and be your friend.

Creative Writing

Abigail Sherwood

The bright blue irises appeared as the eyelids fluttered open. His dream occupied his mind so drastically that he forgot where he awoke to. The light shined through the ventana, warming the wooden floor. He placed his feet consecutively, one after another onto the hardened surface. He walked up the window, to peer through the transparent glass, and felt the heat of the solar energy rise up from his heals and up into his body, leaving him with a warm fuzzy feeling. Outside he could see two little girls climbing a tree. They carefully chose branches, tested their weight, and then placed their bodies on each branch as they rose higher into the sky. One of the young girls did not choose carefully enough. As she moved onto the weight placement step, the branch gently encompassed by her hand snapped and her young body soared to the ground. Her arm hit first. The man did not even think before his legs were carrying him out the door, bounding step by step, until his head leaned over her injured body. The girl was okay. Her arm was broken and her arms cut, blood leaching onto the leaves embedding the tree’s trunk. She was going to recover. He could take a deep breath. The light girl was easy to guide into his small home. He sat her down in his short, wooden chair and began to clean the cuts. The girl screeched when the alcohol protruded the skin. He knew it was necessary. He made a makeshift sling and instructed the girl to rest. While she slept, he brewed a pot of oolong teas to nourish her when her brown eyes opened. She would see that the fall had not broken her.

Where Does Fashion Week Stand with the Global Pandemic?

Danica Fyant

There are many uncertainties as to whether or not fashion week in Paris, London, Milan, and New York will continue on as per usual. Many designers are opting for digital shows in London, Paris, and Milan. Some larger designer brands are using a combination of in person and digitally formatted shows. Those brands that have in person shows are following strict social distancing and COVID precautions. The upside to these options is that there are more slots available to smaller designers. The pandemic has caused major obstacles within the fashion industry, but the industry is adapting, just as the world is.

Valentines Day Riddles

Cassidy Bagnell

What did the pickle say to his valentine?

You mean a great dill to me

What did the squirrel say to his valentine?

I’m nuts about you!!

What did one volcano say to the other?

I lava you

What did the hamburger buy his sweetheart?

An onion ring

Two Truths and a Lie: Baylor Duke

Chloe Long 

1. I broke a 27 year old mile record in junior high track 

2. I have a tattoo 

3. I’ve been running cross country for 2 years

Two Truths and a Lie: Answer is C

WINNER: If you are the first to see this message and report it to Ms. McIver, then you'll win a free ticket to the Snowball Dance!

The French Press

November/December 2020

Frenchtown High School's student run newspaper.

Under Your Nose? You’re Exposed!

Liv Peters

On Thursday, October 29, my 91-year-old great-grandpa passed away. What was his cause of death you may ask? He died of the same thing that is taking the lives of hundreds of loved ones these days: coronavirus.

My great-grandpa wasn’t as COVID-cautious as he should have been, nor did he surround himself with people that were, and frankly, that got him killed. I don’t want the same thing to happen to a student, staff, or community member in Frenchtown. So, if your mask slips below your nose, please pull it back up so you are not exposed.

This isn’t a problem that we can wish away with a wave of a magical wand; we are in the middle of a global pandemic, and it is real. So, we need to act accordingly. If you are sick, stay at home. If you are a close contact of someone who is infected, you need to be quarantined for 14 days. And, most importantly, if you are in public, you NEED to wear a mask.

I understand that they are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time; but, they ARE protecting you. In fact, a study conducted by the University of California San Francisco provides evidence that a damp washcloth prohibits hundreds of droplets of up to 500 micrometers in length from becoming airborne. If you still aren’t convinced, consider the Health Affairs study, in which the rate of COVID-19 exposure declined by two percentage points in 15 states,  just after three weeks of wearing masks.

So, now I implore you to ask yourself this question: which is more important, the well-being of all those you associate with, or your personal comfort? I think we all know what the right answer to that question is, but it is time we start acting it.

Sports Spotlight: Shelby Smith

Kayla Botkin

Hello Frenchtown High School sports enthusiasts! My name is Kayla Botkin, and I have the privilege to sit down with athletes from our school to discuss their team, season, and overall interests. In this edition, I sat down with senior Shelby Smith to talk about Frenchtown volleyball this year! 

Q: With all of the restrictions, due to COVID-19, what has been the biggest adjustment the team had to make this season? 

A: “I would say the biggest adjustment the team had to make this season, due to COVID-19, would be playing every game with the uncertainty of if we were going to be able to continue playing games.” 

Q: With only four seniors, how did having a younger team affect the team atmosphere?

A: “With only four seniors, the underclassmen really had to step it up; and, they surely did. They also developed roles as leaders, and handled any pressure very well. With such a young team, these underclassmen are going to be so prepared for the next season; and, I believe they will really go far with these skills.”

Q: Congrats on such an amazing season this year! What do you feel was the key to these successes? 

A: “I think we can credit the successes to a great coaching staff, a good team bond, and the hours put in during the offseason.” 

Q: As a senior, do you have plans for your near future? What colleges are you looking at, and what do you plan on pursuing as a career?

A: Currently I plan on attending Montana State University in Bozeman, where I will pursue a degree in food science and dietetics.” 

Q: With the team being decently young this year, what is one piece of advice you’d give to them for the next few years to come? 

A: “ A piece I would give to next year’s team would be to continue doing the great things they have all worked so hard to achieve, and always maintain a positive attitude. Because, in the end, it’s just a game.” 

Q: And finally, what is one unknown fact about you or the team that Frenchtown High School should know? 

A: “Frenchtown High School should know that the Frenchtown volleyball team has built such a great program over the past few years, and the upcoming girls are going to do great in the near future.” 

A big thank you to Shelby for letting me interview her! I wish the best of luck to Shelby in everything she does in the future, and congratulate her on the amazing senior volleyball season! And thank YOU for reading! Make sure to pick up a hot-off-the-press newspaper next time to read about your fellow students in the Sports Spotlight!