2014 GHS Voice Issue 1

VOICE

Top Ten Places to Hide at School Page 8

GHS Dancer Recieves National Recognition Page 6 Page 2

Martial Arts in GHS Page 7 The Voice

Volume XI, Issue I

Page 7 September, 2013

ghsthevoice.webs.com

Charitable Giving Policy Chagnes Coming to GPS Gretna Public Schools Puts Restrictions on School Sponsered Fundraisers Cudly / Reporter The Gretna Public School district has started to put more boundaries into the rules this year as the schools continue to grow. One of the new rules is that the school district is no longer doing charitable giving. Charitable giving is when the school agrees to hold a fundraiser for different events. Pink Out t-shirts are the action that is most recognized by students.

Normally, the school would sell shirts for different sports, football, volleyball, and basketball, then students were encouraged to wear them on different nights of the sports games and all of the proceeds go the different organizations. This year, however, there will be no selling of shirts to support and donate to different organizations. The Gretna community has always donated to different organizations and many people do not understand why the donations have stopped. While Gretna Public Schools would love to give to all of the different organizations, it is a financial impossibility; too many organizations were asking the school to donate money.

“The district needed to develop

guidelines because things were getting out of control.” said Mr. Todd Mueller.

The district knows that all of the causes that ask for the school to donate money are great causes, but there is a line that needed to be drawn. Many organizations ask for donations and the district cannot agree to some, but turn down others.

“Things that people do not understand,” said Mueller, “Is how many times different organizations ask for our students to donate money. When you start asking students for money, things get muddy.”

Some students who may not be able to afford to donate money may be looked down on by their fellow students.

The administration wants to keep all money donations within the faculty and the students. If a person within student or faculty develops a condition that warrants a charitable donation, then money would be raised to help that specific person, instead of the whole cause. There will no longer be shirts on sale for different donation organizations and money that is raised by the students will be only for the Gretna community.

Gretna Locks Down New Security System Brings Increased Safety

Dart / Reporter Safety is one of the top priorities at Gretna High School. The school just recently acquired some new, fancy technology made to monitor our every move.

In other words, the school is now funding the purchase of more security cameras. Also, the doors to the school have a new locking mechanism. And on top of all that, riding the bus has now required students to scan their pass in return for a ride home.

These new security cameras have made getting to class such an easier task.

Number one being to keep students out of trouble, monitoring their movements so there is no wandering off elsewhere.

The cameras are placed around the entire school, keeping the administration’s eyes on the hallways, classrooms,

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stairways, parking lots, both the gyms, both levels, and basically all around the school grounds.

“Safety is not convenient,” said Mr. Todd Mueller, vice principal. “Do I think it does [infringe on student rights] yes. You can either have convenience, or you can have safety. But you can not have both.”

Each evening, the school doors have been programmed automatically to lock, where only administration is allowed access inside. Alongside the cameras, these new locking mechanisms help to keep the students in or out of the school at the appropriate times. Only approved staff, such as teachers, principals, janitors, etc. have access to locking and unlocking these specially designed doors.

“Over 1800 kids are riding our buses this year.” said Mr. Roger Miller, principal.

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“This new system was designed especially for younger kids, so we can track when and where they get off their bus.”

Our school’s bus system now has a requirement where if a student would want to ride it, he/she would need to first acquire a pass for it. Once you board the bus, you are to ‘scan’ your pass on a scanning machine located at the front of the bus, and then you are allowed to ride.

When you arrive at your designated stop, you must scan it again to let the school know you are in the right place. Basically, it is to help the school help us to get home safely. They have full knowledge of where we are from the minute school starts, to the second you scan your pass to get off your bus.

“I just want kids to come to school and not worry about our safety.” said Mr. Miller.

News

Peace Instead of Problems Ames/A&E Editor

I’ve found myself bombarded with daunting facts dealing with war, drug abuse, abortion, gun outlaw, gay rights, and our national debt. Why is it that our society is able to so easily focus on the social issues, but can not focus on the social harmonies, or even natural harmonies, for that matter?

I understand that as humans, it is easier to look at the glass as half-empty, rather than half-full. It has almost come to the point to where pointing out the negative is more accepted than that of the positive. This bothers me; at what point in this generation, or any generation, did the bad become the good? I’ve found that no matter where one goes, constant complaining,

Dancing and Dozing Homecoming Aftermath: Zzz’s During the ACT’s Glassburner/Editor In Chief Two of the biggest events we have in high school are about to collide. On September 20, we have the homecoming football game and dance that lasts past midnight into the morning. On the 21, bright and early at 8 A.M., the ACT is being offered. This is a huge conflict of interest for high schoolers. The most meaningful college entrance exam we could possibly have is less than 8 hours after one of the important moments in high school.

One of the biggest moments in high school is the week of homecoming. The spirit is flowing through the school with the special spirit days which all lead up to the big Friday night football game, where past alums come back to celebrate their school. For us high schoolers, it is the night of the first dance of the year. It is an important moment in the time we have in high school.

However, college is one of the many things that go through high schoolers heads in their academic career. It is what sets us up to succeed for the rest of our lives, so we all have a right to care about it. We get into college by keeping a good

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GPA in high school and scoring well on one of the college placement exams. The most widely used exam in the Midwest is the ACT, and has been given at GHS multiple times.

ACT is a huge national organization that sets national test dates. While there is a test location at Elkhorn High, there are thousand of test locations that day. Having homecoming that day could be destructive to our future, as it is a missed opportunity to score high on an important college entrance exam. It is a forced decision between making memories or our future. While there are other test dates, taking the test as many times as possible is an advantage to test takers. This might have been the test where a student would have normally scored higher, but because they were tired from homecoming they didn’t score as well.

They can either not be prepared for the ACT by enjoying the night of homecoming, or miss the homecoming to be ready for the ACT. An Impossible choice. We should move homecoming to Saturday to accommodate or change the week of homecoming to another home game.

grumbling, and protesting are always there to bring mankind down.

Not to say that pointing out problems shouldn’t be done: complications need to be fixed. I truly believe that this does not have to be the case twenty-four-seven!

We, as human beings, need to accept the issues, work on fixing them, and then remember and celebrate why this Earth is such a great place. On a very broad spectrum, I believe that there are three major points to achieving such a goal.

One: be a good person. Be nice to people: there is nothing wrong with laughing at nothing and enjoying life. Being good makes life good.

Standard two stands with one: help

others out. Take some of someone else’s load; it will make both of you feel better.

There is more than just one of us on the planet for a reason: to make sure someone else is okay.

Finally, three: we were meant to make choices. Remember that making one bad choice does not limit one from making any good ones. Failing is meant to serve as a lesson towards success.

We are the creators of our world- filling it with complaints and criticisms destroys the virtue that we put originally put in. Focus on the good, remember the past, and try to fix the bad. “Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight” (Gordon B. Hinckley).

The Voice

Editors:

The Voice is a bi-monthly publication sponsored by Jeff Glassburner/Editor in Chief Gretna High School. The office of The Voice is located in room Liz Schmidt/Copy Editor 623. This year is the 12th year Lindsey LaMountain/News Editor of the publication’s existence.

Reader response is welcome.

Kylie Holman/Op/Ed Editor Any student or staff member Mallory Kraynik/Art Editor wishing to contribute materials Samantha Hannigan/Sports Editor will need to submit a letter to the editor within the deadline; Charlie Ames/A&E Editor however, final publication is at Jade Naber/Features Editor the discretion of the staff. Letters should be less than 400 words and signed. Editorials are solely the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily Jacob Dart reflect those of The Voice staff Becca Human or Gretna High School.

Advertising will not be acAngel Perina cepted for all products or for Hope Cudly any that are illegal for minors to possess. Potential advertisers can contact GHS’ office at (402) Advisor: 332-3936 or e-mail gretnameGretchen Baijnauth dia@gmail.com

Staff Writers:

Opinion & Editorial

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Back To School Study Tips Study throughout the week by setting a goal for yourself on what information you want to know.

If you reach that goal, reward yourself with junk food and Netflix.

Do not study nearby a television, computer, phone, loud music, or anything distracting.

Some classical or jazz music at a low volume can relieve the angsty silence.

Open the books as soon as you get home. When it gets late, the last thing you’ll want to do is study.

Chew gum while studying and [if your teacher allows] chew the same flavor while taking the test to jog your memory.

Make sure you understand the information. Writing a question down in your notebook is good until it’s worded differently on the test.

Have a parent, sibling, or friend test you and find out what material you need to focus on.

The night before the big test, quickly review the information before going to sleep. Your brain consolidates the information while you rest.

Place your alarm on the opposite side of the room from your bed. Set it 15 minutes early to calm music. A loud alarm will jolt you awake and you’ll want to hit snooze.

Eat a warm bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. It digests slowly so you have a sustained flow of glucose to your brain the entire school day.

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September, 2013

New Opportunities

Along with the new additions, GHS is simultaneously acquiring new curriculum and clubs. These changes will allow students to pursue fresh new interests and help the high school advance.

Jazz choir is not actually a new class; however, it has recently had the chance to return after a three year drought due to an opening in Mr. Pat Ribar’s, choir director, schedule. The class focuses on street-corner pop and modern a cappella, while learning upper level music strategies. The group of three women and seven men will ideally perform at homecoming, vocal concerts, library latte and district music contest.

“In the wake of shows like Glee, The Sing Off and Pitch Perfect, kids have become more excited and interested in this type of music,” said Mr. Ribar.

There is another course that is familiar, yet changing at GHS. The video production class is taking a big step this year by upgrading their pre-recorded shows to live broadcasts announcing during long homerooms. Mr. David Stastny decided to go live in order to provide opportunity for students who may pursue that area of journalism.

“I’ll be a news anchor, but we all also get to make our own music videos

and commercials, so it will be like you are actually watching it on TV,” said Bonnie Butler senior.

The curriculum continues to evolve with the addition of a Home Maintenance class taught by Mr. Jason Novotny, shop teacher. The class will learn techniques including drywalling, plumbing, electricity, and other key components everyone may need to know when owning a house.

In addition to new and progressing classes there is also a new club to become a part of. GHS has been known for the state champion One Act program, so the theater departments will only benefit from another dramatic outlet for students. Drama club will incorporate improvisation, acting development, stage makeup, and building sets. Anyone interested in performing, set, crew or tech is welcome to join.

“I hope for it to be a place where those kids who are nervous to audition for One Act or musical can go to learn a be themselves,” said Ms. Kylie Luchsinger.

With all of these new opportunities paired with the activities GHS is already offering, students have a chance to stay busy with what they want to do.

As Gretna continues to grow the motto stays as the head of progression: To create student successes by maximizing student achievements.

New Teachers Name: Mrs. Huber Teaches: English 9, English 12 CP College: UNK, College of Saint Mary Family: married with 3 sons and 1 daughter Fun Fact: Fitness professional/trainer Extra Activities: Assistant speech coach

Mr. Bill Heard Class: Psychology, World History, ISS Education: Doane Family: One daughter and one son Fun Fact: “I had hair at one time” Other Activities: Softball and Boys Basketball coach

Ms. Molly Connor Class: Spanish Education: Weslyan Family: No children Fun Fact: “I love to travel and have been to Spain” Other Activities: Spanish Club Sponsor

Ms. Jill Janke Class: Art College: UNK and Doane for masters degree Family: No children Fun Fact: “I have two bulldogs” Other Activities: None

Mrs. Liz Rhodes Class: Comp I and II, English 11 CP, Intro to Literature Education: Clarke University Family: Two boys and one girl Fun Fact: “I was a substitute teacher in the district for six years” Other Activities: None

Name: Mrs. Lottman Works: in the office College: University of Central Missouri Family: Married with 1 son and 1 daughter Fun Fact: Piano teacher Extra Activities: None

In-Depth

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Submitted photos

“There were about 200 dancers there. We were then divided into groups based on skill level”

Putting on a Show in NYC Thomson Dances in the Big Apple Hannigan / Sports Editor Whether it comes to traveling to another country or barely leaving the exciting hometown, summer is a chance to create memories. One student in particular had the opportunity of a lifetime this summer and created some of the best memories of all. Sophomore Kylie Thompson, was selected to take lessons at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City for ten days this summer.

“To get in, I had to submit different variations of ballet at the bar and a two minute solo piece,” said Thompson.

“Then waited for a letter to come in the mail.”

Thompson knew it was going to be a competitive process as there were many qualified candidates. However, once she received her letter, she was then off to the Big Apple.

“There were about 200 dancers there,” said Thompson. “We were then divided into groups based on skill level.”

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Thompson then had a busy day ahead of her. She took classes from eight thirty in the morning to four thirty in the afternoon.

“There were about sixty faculty members who are the most prestigious [in] New York City,” said Thompson.

While it might seem like it was all work and no play, Thompson still made time to tour the area. Meeting girls from all around made it easy to have a fun time.

“I walked around with my friends,” said Thompson. “We went to Times Square and did some shopping, also we toured the Radio City Music Hall and got to meet a Rockette and we went to the Empire State Building.”

While you might have sat at home all summer or even made some of the greatest memories, Thompson had an experience she will never forget.

Thompson continues to dance for her studio and is apart of the Gretna Dance Team.

Feature

Athlete of the Month: Mick Stoltenberg Cudly/ Reporter Gretna High School has seen it’s fair share of football stars, many have which have gotten division one scholarships.

But, to Mr. Todd Mueller and Mr. John Heckenlivley, Mick Stoltenberg senior, is the first person to get a division one scholarship while still in high school from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The second UNL made the offer, Stoltenberg accepted, committing himself to UNL. “Nine other colleges had offered to give me scholarships, but I want to go to UNL.” said Stoltenberg.

There was no question which team he was hoping to play for; “To be a Husker has been my dream since he was a kid.” said Stoltenberg Colleges like UNL are looking all over

for young stars that will make their teams successful and recruiters seem to be drawn to Stoltenburg like flies to a bright light. He is such a magnet to colleges because of his size and his speed, but there is more to Stoltenberg than footballs and muscles. He is extremely committed to academics.

“I have good grades and a good ACT score which would get me in line for academic scholarships that I could use to get into my prefered school if I did not have the football scholarship, but my dream is football.” said Stoltenberg.

He hopes to be able to be a professional football player for the Green Bay Packers, his favorite team since he was little. He knows that an education is important as well and is thinking about majoring in business. Stoltenberg still has his senior year to improve and the Gretna community is proud and expects greatness from him.

Top: Stoltenberg listens to coach after the game. Bottom left: Stoltenberg blocks opponent. Bottom right: Stoltenberg runs to his team mates rescue.

Photos by Hope Cudly

Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting, Fast As Lightning Students and teachers explain different forms of martial arts they practice

Top right: Rippe breaks board with his foot. Bottom: Rippe practices his form.

Human/ Reporter When sports are mentioned, images that come to mind might include a jerseyed player hurling a football, the crack of a bat against a baseball, or the swish of a basketball through a hoop. However, there are many less traditional sports that don’t get as much attention, but still take an intense amount of physical ability and commitment. The different styles of martial arts are a prime example.

“Taekwondo is about defending yourself, versus other sports where you compete,” said Jonathan Rippe, junior.

“It qualifies as a sport because you have to practice, train, and compete, and you have to have a lot of physical fitness. It’s definitely a challenging sport.”

Taekwondo, which Rippe has been involved in for 11 years, is only one style of martial arts. Others, such as karate, judo, or jujitsu, have different techniques, but share some of the same ideas. They

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all teach fighting techniques to use as self-defense. Members go to a dojo to train and compete.

“Taekwondo is the martial art of hand and foot,” said Rippe. It’s used for self-defense only, and never intended for attack - you can be kicked out [of the dojo] for using it to attack someone.”

Other forms of martial arts include karate, which focuses more on the use of hands, and judo, a style in which the opponent’s body is used against them using sweeps and flips.

Being involved with a dojo generally means committing to practices, sparrings, and competitions. It can take a large amount of time out of one’s day, with time commitments going from two to six hours weekly.

Martial art is not for only one age group. Nearly anyone can be involved at any time. Mrs. Mary McCaskill, Spanish teacher, is one example of an adult involved in martial arts.

“I practice a traditional okinawan style - like in Karate Kid!” Mrs. McCaskill said.

She went on to talk about a class she taught for young students five and under.

“I told them if they did well, I would let them practice their forms, or ‘kata’, outside,” said Mrs. McCaskill. “When I took them outside, they yelled at each motion like a herd of screaming chickens. It was so adorable and they were so proud.”

There is one common theme that seems to run throughout every type of martial art. Members agree that martial arts in any form teach great amounts of strength and control - both physically and mentally.

“I learned a lot of self-discipline,” said Michaela Owen, senior, who was involved with taekwondo for four years.

Mrs. McCaskill agreed, stating that “knowing how to be calm when your adrenaline is pumping is something I learned how to do very early on.”

Regardless of the style, any kind of martial art takes great amounts of physical fitness and mental focus. Through hours of training and practicing, students can work their way up from a white belt all the way to a black belt.

Those ready to devote hours of free time to a grueling sport like martial arts might want to investigate further!

Submitted photos

Sports

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Hide 'n Go Seek Doesn't Stop 5. at High School

In the air ducts: Everyone crawls around air ducts in the movies. Why not try it for yourself? It also serves as a fast alternative to hallway traffic.

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Top 10 Hiding Spots At Gretna High School

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Holman/ OpEd Editor

Em rooms pty classroo m h If you ave been fi s: Not all o lled in f the c get ca la th got los u t on yo ght you can e new addit ssion ur way al to the ways say y . ou bathro om.

g else, it closet: If nothin In the Janitor’s of toiks ac st n. Hide behind , like ay is probably clea aw h as worries w ur yo t le d an r let pape room stall. graffiti off a bath

High school is a stressful time.

Assignments are due, projects need to be worked on, and tests should be studied for. This is, after all, the hardest time in our lives. Sometimes you just need to get away for a while. The new additions to the school provide optimal places to cool down while that Comp paper still hasn’t been started.

I mean, you came up with a title; you deserve a break. Here are the top 10 hiding spots Gretna High School has to offer.

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2.

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a bit tight, but this In a locker: The space is y to learn how to sleep is the perfect opportunit k ensures a lack of instanding up. Plus, the loc bably be wise to know if terruptions. It would pro before attempting this claustrophobia is an issue one.

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MU Conjuring

46 32 29

Star Trek II 26

Iron Man 3 Man of Steel

10 4

Great Gatsby 1

Other

22 *Based on 228 votes

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10.

In the Courtyard: Don’t mind the fact that all the classrooms have windows that look into the courtyard. Who could blame you for wanting to get fresh air and a dark tan?

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Photo Credit: Hope Cudly Thanks Austin Hillman for being our model!

College Life is Now Scarier Than Ever Movie Poll & Review: Monsters University Perina/ Staff Writer

Fast & Furious 6

Epic

t In the dumpster: When odor is the leas a ides prov r pste of your worries, the dum s can spacious place to lie down. Trash bag shut be can lid the and ws, be used as pillo n ope left be can it Or, . ness dark for optimal read r if you need light to catch up on you ing.

Welcome back to school! For the first issue of the Voice our staff was wondering what the GHS student’s favorite movie of the summer was, so we sent out a survey to 244 students wanting answers. There were eight choices: Monsters University, Conjuring, Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness, Epic, Fast and Furious 6, Man of Steel, and other. The choice to win was Monsters University.

I personally enjoyed how the movie involves real life college scenarios into the movie. The movie brings all of the real drama that happens into college right into the screen. There is fraternity and sorority rivalries that go on in real life. Football games are huge in college and high school, but at MU the monsters could care less about football; all the monsters are pumped up for the scare

games. The movie brings the excitement to life and makes you feel like you just got done watching the first football game of the season.

Monsters University is a must see movie. I liked the original Monsters Inc. that came out 12 years ago and I loved MU. The producers, directors and movie designers did a perfect job to incorporate the fact that the kids who watch the first Monsters Inc. are now in high school and in college.

All in all, I believe that Monsters University is the movie to see of the summer. It helped me connect to my childhood again. It lets me see a positive outlook onto heading out of high school and into college. I encourage everyone to see this movie and to make a connection to this movie as did I. Now I get to graduate with Mike and Sully.

Arts & Entertainment