Feature

Limited positive representation of Black characters is often confined to rude stereotypes, and systemic biases and power dynamics in the industry can affect storytelling choices. 

Aviation has existed for over two millennia since the Chinese built kites in 200 B.C. Manned flight was invented in 1783 with the hot air balloon. Traditional aviation began with the invention of the first airplane by the Wright brothers in 1903. Only 17 years later, the first automobile was invented. 

How can new teachers build a foundation of respect from students? The easiest way to earn respect from students early on is...

In an interview with CHS sophomore, Ashlyn Ramey was asked what it was like for her and her family when she first got diagnosed with cancer.

What are some past pranks? Having completed my 30th year in education, I have seen several different “pranks”. Some have been extremely witty, and others have been...

Just over an hour away from Bismarck, in Garrison on the edge of Lake Sakakawea, lies a summer camp that has been enjoyed by Century’s own students. Triangle Y Camp (TYC) Director Mallory Gray, 33, started her time working at camp as a Leader-in-Training (LIT) back in 2007. She has been in her role...

What is Pride of Dakota? 

Kent Jones, then Commissioner of Agriculture, created Pride of Dakota in 1985.

Seniors Ashley Bahmiller and Taylor Thueson share their advice for the incoming freshmen.

After six years in the National Guard, Lexi Schafer now serves students with the same dedication as an educator at Century. Schafer started working as a school facilitator at the Patriot Success Center within the school this year. She enlisted in the Guard right after...

Many high school students are looking for ways to get involved and start building their future careers in medical fields...

This year’s Science Bowl was on February 8 and was hosted at the University of Mary. All North Dakota high schools were invited to compete. 

A lot of television shows glorify psychic detectives, but is it just for the dramatic effect?

Roosevelt Elementary, a long-standing feeder school to Century High, is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2025. Roosevelt is a cornerstone of education in Bismarck, which has shaped generations of students. However, the school’s establishment in...

Recent development in Jack the Ripper case has fascinated people with serial killers once more.

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, many students notice shifts in their moods, energy levels, and motivations. With spring in the air, some wonder whether the season provides a much-needed boost to their mental health or if it serves as...

Social media websites and applications are regular features in our lives, especially among teenagers and young people. While social media offers the platform for interaction and information sharing, there has been growing evidence that...

Imagine scrolling on your phone and stopping on an ad for a dog bed. As you keep scrolling, you see more and more ads for dog beds, dog food, and even dogs themselves. This is one of the many ways people are manipulated by advertising. Every day consumers are manipulated into their purchases.

Recently author, Colleen Hoover has been facing huge controversy for her new movie "It Ends With Us". Several books have fans claiming Hoover is normalizing...

Between May 28 and June 8, Century and Legacy singers will be taking the trip of a lifetime by traveling across the sea to explore European culture and connect to it through music. The two-week excursion allows for exploration of four of Italy and Switzerland’s most... 

The student newspaper's publication process

Aubrey Eckroth | January 2025

It might seem like the school newspaper just magically appears overnight, but behind the scenes, each issue has to go through a step-by-step process before it is published. From brainstorming to hitting the website’s publish button, the Century Star’s Editor-in-Chief Lizzie LaDuke and Adviser Mary Van discuss what goes into making a student newspaper run efficiently.

Student leaders and advisors demonstrate how leadership and student connection excel at Century

Elizabeth LaDuke l January 2025

The North Dakota Association of Student Councils (NDASC) held its annual winter conference on December 8-10 with over 1000 students and advisors in attendance. Luckily for the Century Student Council, it was held in their hometown at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center. The three-day event included...

In-depth interview and insight into content creation

Mercedes Vanover l December 2024

50 Dates 50 States started back in 2020 during Covid-19 times. Matt Wurnig, a former Bismarck resident, started this concept by downloading the dating app Tinder...

WAA teaches respect of fallen veterans by placing wreaths

Brody Evert l December 2024

Wreath Across America’s (WAA) website states they are an organization dedicated to “teaching all generations about the value of their freedoms, and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms” by placing wreaths on the....

Background of the second-in-command of the North Dakota National Guard with a familial history of service

Elizabeth LaDuke l November 2024

In October 2019, Jackie Huber achieved success in the North Dakota Army National Guard after being appointed as the state’s Deputy Adjutant General. She is the first woman to hold this position in the state. “I was appointed to this position because I was the most qualified. I have held every command position and completed every military education requirement to serve in the position,” Huber said. “It is not a matter of gender.” Huber enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard (NDARNG) in January...

Student Council’s perspective on Patriot Pride, members having to decide and come up with a theme for spirit weeks, and football game themes

Keeley McCrory l November 2024

Many students have a different perspective on the decisions the Student Council makes. Either way members of Student Council’s goal is to try their hardest to make everyone happy and meet everyone's standards. 

Celebrating the 50th anniversary with student insights and recap of the weeks events

Elizabeth LaDuke l September 2024

Century High School kicked off its homecoming week, with lots of support from students and staff. Student Council plans the homecoming and anniversary events. Senior and Co-President of Student Council, Haley Mezger said students take a month to plan events and "[separated] the council into different committees and [sold] t-shirts all week” with the several other aspects that went into the event. "We have such a large group of devoted students and there was...

Dancers, cheerleaders, and Mentahnas show their school spirit. 

Bristol Petryszyn l September 2024

On Friday, September 27, Century High School held their 50th homecoming pep rally. Dancers, cheerleaders, and the Mentahnas performed at the pep rally to show their school spirit. The band performed, homecoming court was crowned, and recognition videos were placed. There were also dancing, school-organized games, cheers, and peer socialization. Many students and staff look forward to pep rallies to recognize their school and academic hard work. Students were ecstatic for homecoming and were ready...

Century lost their historical football winning streak to Legacy on their 50th anniversary

Patton Swenson l September 2024

On September 27, the Patriots had their hearts crushed after their first loss to the Legacy Sabers. To make matters worse, it was a 42-13 beating on their homecoming anniversary.  Legacy quarterback Easton Bergrud had a field day dicing up Century’s defense. He broke Legacy’s school record for most passing yards in a single game with 300 yards and three touchdowns. This is shocking because the expectation was that a majority of the talent would come from the running backs with Legacy’s junior Yusuf Jama...

America's education is failing, and it has more to do than just money

Izabella Rash l April 2024

America’s public education is affecting everyone and not for the better. Students are falling behind in classes, and scores are dropping. Fortune magazine reports that about a third of students in younger grades are behind on reading while only 36% of fourth graders are proficient at...

Saying goodbye to Century teacher

Mercedes Vanover l April 2024

A bittersweet air envelops the halls of Century as another chapter in the school's history is coming to an end, and teachers say goodbye to CHS. The impending retirements of several dedicated teachers who have served with passion, commitment, and unwavering dedication...

Walter Cronkite’s influence on the Vietnam war and the future of broadcast journalism

Aubree Wood l March 2024

The year is 1968, chaos and confusion engulf the country. Assassinations plague hope, the Tet Offensive causes support for the war to dwindle, and American morale is low. In this time of uncertainty, America looked to one man in particular...

Advisor Ryan Kaufman advises students interested in this advanced course.

Bailey Kocis l February 2024

"The student should have a passion for history. You must truly love learning the material because there is much more of it, and we go further in-depth compared to U.S. history. In order to succeed, a student should be a strong reader and writer. I strongly recommend..."

Advisor Jesse Armstrong gives advice and answers clarifying questions for students who are interested in enrolling

Bailey Kocis l January 2024

My best tips are to work hard and ask for help when needed. AP English teachers are always willing (and frequently do) to meet individually with students to conference about their...

Learn more about the Editor of Game and Fish, and journalistic advice 

Izabella Rash l January 2024

Ron Wilson is the Editor of the North Dakota Outdoors, the Game and Fish Department’s monthly magazine. Wilson is originally from Oregon where he developed a passion for hunting and fishing. Throughout his childhood, he dreamed of...

Peer to Peer class build relationships through events 

Kennedy Petryszyn l December 2023

Century’s Peer to Peer class is a way for students with disabilities to connect with other students in the school, form relationships, learn about...

Students' and teachers' customs

Elizabeth LaDuke| December 2023

Many Americans celebrate by putting up an evergreen tree or hanging a stocking above the fireplace, but there are many other unique or cultural options for celebrating this winter holiday. How do students and teachers at century celebrate and feel about Christmas...

Teacher Mary Gray gives advice and answers clarifying questions for students interested in enrolling 

Bailey Kocis| December 2023

You need to make sure you truly understand the concepts, deeply, not just superficially. That might mean reading the textbook and doing some extra practice problems. Keep reviewing the material. You often build on previous information for future concepts...

Interview with Annelise Klein

Elizabeth LaDuke| November 2023

Take classes that are not only challenging but also intrigue you. Don't always focus on grades. It is really important to push yourself. Century is an amazing place to make friends and build mentorships, but you have to try hard to...

CHS student Logan Morris given an inside look on starting a business

Aubree Wood| October 2023

Students typically do not create a professional presence for themselves until post college graduation. However, there are students who are already focused on life after high school. Many students...

Interview with freshman Connor Traynor and his written testimony

Prudence Miller | March 2023

On April 21, Connor Traynor holds his personal copy of Watchmen, one of his favorite graphic novels that would be affected by ND Bill 2360. The bill was passed by the floor...

Proximal50 Wellness Center CEO shares fitness and business tips

Annelise Klein | March 2023

Tana Trotter, CEO and Physical Therapist, discusses the inspiration and name behind Proximal50 to the wholistic fitness approach and the constant balancing act of...

The pros and cons of AP courses from the teachers

Bailey Kocis | March 2023

Advanced courses are available to students throughout their time at Century High School. While there are accelerated math courses offered for freshman...  

Remembering Suzie Brynjolfson-Meide

Annelise Klein | February 2023

After her courageous battle with cancer, Susie Brynjolfson passed away on January 17th, 2023. Brynjolfson joined the Century family in 1991 and has taught as a Spanish teacher...  

High school seniors on graduating, senioritis, advice, and more

Elizabeth LaDuke and Arriana Becker | February 2023

Crossing the halfway point of their senior year, the class of 2023 has shared some favorite memories so far and words of advice for incoming classes...

Reflecting on residential schools and exposing the mistreatment of students

Brynn Carson | December 2022

Throughout the late 1800s and most of the 1900s, boarding schools, also known as residential schools, were created to annihilate Native American culture. Indigenous children were forced out of their homes and sent to these institutions...

What is the Star Staff thankful for?

Mercedes Vanover | November 2022

Thanksgiving is the act of giving thanks. It is an annual US holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of November as a day of giving thanks and feasting; it commemorates the Pilgrims' celebration of the good harvest of 1621...

AVID students create memorial gardens 

Gina Phillips | November 2022

Hopefully, by now, you have noticed the beautiful hydroponic gardens that we have at CHS. These gardens are a service project of the AVID class of 2025 dedicated to the service of Mr. and Mrs. McMerty...

Her experience and advice regarding post-secondary education

Annelise Klein | October 2022

Cara Mund is a Century High School graduate who went on to attend Brown University and Harvard Law School. In 2018, she was named Miss America. Mund reflects on her experiences over the last decade and how Century made an impact in achieving her dreams...

Animals looking for a forever home this week

Brynn Carson | November 2022

Kittens and cats qualify for the 2-for-1 adoption fee. You can adopt Violet and her sister, Lily, for $80 and save two lives. Adopting two cats together, especially kittens, is great for their physical and mental well-being...

Laurie McMerty's memorable impact on CHS 

Brynn Carson| November 2022

In the three years I've attended Century, one of the many teachers who left a lasting impression on me was Laurie McMerty. He was a long-term substitute teacher and a sweet soul. He sparked joy from classroom to classroom and spread happiness...

Running as an Independent for a seat in the US Congress

Annelise Klein | September 2022

Cara Mund, known for being the first Miss North Dakota to win the Miss America competition, announced August 6, she will be running for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. The recent Harvard Law graduate has come back home to North Dakota to...

Tuli is looking for her forever home

Brynn Carson | September 2022

I am a sweet and well-behaved lady. As long as you understand that well-behaved ladies can rip it up, have fun, and make things happen...

Copper Dog describes starting a business 

Bailey Kocis | August 2022

Brittney Kennedy, a representative of The Copper Dog, a local waffle and coffee cafe in Mandan, North Dakota, shares the process of creating a business and advises those who have aspirations to start a company of their own...

Kobes Steakhouse describes the process in creating a community

Bailey Kocis | August 2022

Kobie Lin, the representative of Kobe’s Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar, a local restaurant in Bismarck, North Dakota, shares the process of creating a business and advises those who have aspirations to start a company of their own...

Q & A with the President of the University of North Dakota

Bailey Kocis | May 2022

President of the University of North Dakota, Andrew Armacost, gives advice on topics such as college application and networking advice as well as advice for upcoming graduates...