Fighting, violence cause problems at FHS

by Blake Thompson

According to Scholastic Update magazine, every 22 seconds, there is at least one random act of violence going on somewhere in the United States. Every 28 seconds there is an aggravated assault somewhere in America. And the students of Flathead High are not spared that violence — on and off campus.

“From what I understand, there (are) about fights three fights a week, which hasn’t really changed since last year,” said sophomore Ryan Micklewright. “That is good that there isn’t an increase, simply because I think fights are stupid.”

 But while the number of quarrels draws criticism, it also draws crowds.

“Fights are fun to watch and to be in, even if your opponent is bigger than you,” said sophomore Shandi Boydston.

Some students go across the street to rumble, but most fights are broken up by teachers or monitors. Sometimes students don’t wait and just go at it on campus.

“I’ve had to break up some pushing and shoving a lot,” said Vice Principal Peter Fusaro. “Most of it’s just childish.”

According to students, most fights occur off-campus.

“There’s about two, three at the most off-campus,” said sophomore Sandi Goulet.

Some students believe that fighting is just a simple result of the demands of school.

“Fights are a result of tension built up between the students and the pressures from their teachers,” said junior Einar Offerdahl.

The administration and some students agree the student body needs to grow up and find other ways to solve their problems.

“Some kids just need to think a little bit about what they are doing,” said Fusaro. “Students should start acting their age if they want to be treated like a high school student.”

“I think that students should find a better way to solve their problems,” said junior Bekah Hyslip. “I think they’re immature.”