2014 GHS Voice Issue 2

VOICE

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Omaha’s Music Scene Page 8

GHS Students Play for Team Nebraska Page 7 The Voice

Volume XI, Issue I

October, 2013

ghsthevoice.webs.com

Well This is Embarrassing Server Malfunctions Interfere in Student’s Everyday School Life Cudly/Reporter

plagiarism, as a part of their assignments.

“It makes it really difficult to turn in assignments on time into turnitin.com, and I am never able to print when I have to. It’s stupid,” said Kelsey Jackson, senior.

Another problem is that most teachers require students to use Google Drive to do homework, so papers and other work that need to be finished can be taken home and worked on by the students, and the only email that students are allowed to use to communicate with teachers is their school Gmail account, which neither the students or teachers can use if the internet is down. These students are not able to rely on the schools computers, not knowing whether the

internet will be working or not. Students are not happy with all of the problems caused by the server.

“Every time I have to do a homework assignment or an essay I like to do it on Google Docs and when it doesn’t work it’s very inconvenient especially when I’m running low on time and it rarely ever works right away for me,” said Alyssa Kozak, senior. “I always have to get a new computer or have the teacher come mess with it.” Kozak is not the only student unhappy with the problems happening with the Internet.

“I hate it because teachers give us class time to work on projects, and if the internet doesn’t work, we have to

Courtyard Causes Confusion

With the plentiful additions to the new school, none might be quite so interesting--and confusing--as the new courtyard. Sitting in the center of the school, the courtyard seems open, spacious, fascinating and strangely unused.

Contrary to what many students had imagined, the newly built courtyard is not available in between class hours, during study hall, or at lunch. In fact, the courtyard seems to generally sit in a state of disuse. This seems to confuse several students.

“It would make things a lot easier if we could use it,” said Hailey Grudzinski sophomore. “They spent money on it, so why not?”

Numerous students have the same idea. Using the courtyard as an alternative cafeteria, a study hall escape, or even a shortcut during passing periods seems like a fantastic idea. However, as Mr. Todd Mueller, vice principal, said, it is more complicated than that.

“Students can’t use the courtyard without direct supervision,” said Mr.

Mueller. “Ninety-nine percent of our students would be fine using it for alternative purposes, but the small percentage who can’t ruin it for everyone else.”

This is understandable, considering the courtyard could be an easy target for vandalism or trashing if left unsupervised.

Anything can happen in an unsupervised area, so students going alone could prove to be harmful or dangerous.

However, the courtyard has many other uses that can still be utilized by teachers and students alike.

“We call the courtyard the ‘outdoor classroom’,” said Mr. Mueller. “It was meant to be used exactly how it sounds… to teach outside - whether it be giving a speech that needs to be outdoors, during a science class, or even during art class to put shading techniques into practical use.”

The hope is that classes will eventually be able to be taught outside, whether for a science class demonstration or to serve a lecture’s purpose. As of yet, the courtyard has not been used extensively

The Gretna Public School district, like every other school district in Nebraska, uses the Internet as a part of lesson plans and homework assignments. Using computers and websites is one of the ways GPS has started to make the school “greener”, helping to save paper and making information easier for faculty and students to attain. This idea sounds wonderful until one takes into account all of problems with the server GPS seems to be having. Students and teachers are not able to access it, making homework more difficult to be finished and turned in on time. Many students are expected to use turnitin.com, a website that will detect

Usage Amount of the New Courtyard in Question by Students Human/Reporter

do it as homework,” said Kassidy Vavra, sophomore. “It’s really annoying. Or if the teachers’ lessons are online, they have to give us homework instead of giving a lesson. It’s a nuisance.”

“The problem with the GPS server is being fixed as we speak,” said Mr. Jerome Skrdla. “We had to redo all of the servers over the summer to keep up with new software updates, but not everything worked as expected.” With over eight hundred students, those fixing server problems had to repair dilemma one by one. The server and internet problems are just bumps along the road at the start of the new school year, and there should no longer be any major problems.

in this way. However, the courtyard has already proved helpful for extra-curricular activities. The marching band drumline utilizes it for close-by outdoor rehearsals.

The choir used it as a new environment and to experiment with different acoustics. The drama club has used it for a new stage. “[Using it for drama club] was beneficial because we had more room to do what we wanted,” said Sarah Harder freshman. “Plus, the different levels worked like stages.”

Regardless of how exactly they used it, all of these clubs utilized the courtyard with approved teacher supervision and found it extremely beneficial. The drama club gained a new experience, and the drumline did not have to walk all the way to the soccer field to get outdoor practice. The choir gained a new and interesting acoustic outlook. Although students might not see the courtyard being used on a day-to-day basis, definite steps are being taken towards it being utilized more completely.

Photos by Becca Human

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October, 2013

News

Remembering First Grade Human Nature Makes Us Stereotype Ames/A&E Editor

All Americans are obese. Every atheist hates religion. Every Justin Bieber fan is crazy. Two of these statements are stereotypes, and the third is a pure truth added for emphasis.

To stereotype is to put someone in a category, to make them a piece in the giant Monopoly game we call life. This is not right! Stereotyping is the first step leading to social and racial prejudices, a problem that I would argue has occurred forever. Racism cannot be stood for, and neither should stereotyping.

Whether you are Christian or not, the motto to “love thy neighbor as yourself” is an essential. It is mankind’s nature to be selfish and arrogant, but it does not have to be that way. This community, this country, and this world would be a better place if stereotyping was not such a big problem.

Probably the biggest problem I have with people who stereotype is the fact that they are judging people who do not have beliefs that are equivalent with their own. This nation, and I would again argue this world, is built upon the belief that everyone has the right to be his or her own person. Being unique is what makes human beings different from apes- it is what gives our life purpose.

Personality and originality makes this life worth living, and stereotyping only shoots that down.

The only memory I have from first grade is being taught the “golden rule” repeatedly, and now that I am older, I can understand why. Stereotyping destroys confidence and self-esteem; treat others the way you would want to be treated. It is the only way to truly get along with others in this world- it’s that important.

Snoozing Instead of Studying We Should Be Able to Sleep in Study Hall LaMountain/News Editor “Are you with us?” “Keep your head up.” “Stay awake!”

These are familiar sayings teachers have used countless times. In classes, they use questions directed toward the slumbering students to keep them keyed into the current lesson. However, when awakening a sleeping study hall, it may be more difficult to reason with them as to why they aren’t allowed to get some shuteye.

One of the many arguments could be that they did not receive enough sleep the night before. It is proven that teenagers need at least eight hours of sleep per night and with homework, friends, and other activities bedtime gets delayed.

Allowing a quick thirty-minute nap will replenish the body and mind, giving students greater opportunity to pay attention and learn in their other classes.

Another point would be that some kids do not have any homework to do.

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There are days where each and every teacher decides to pile as much assignments and tests as possible. This is when those study halls are lifesavers. Luckily, to counteract, there are days where nothing is due. These turn into fifty-five minutes of counting ceiling tiles, doodling in a notebook, or daydreaming about unicorns and rainbows. This time could be much more efficiently spent with catching a couple Z’s.

Lastly and probably the most beneficial for the faculty, they would not have to work as hard. A complaint I hear around school is how loud their study hall is or how much their teacher has to be stern to keep the room silent. This is due to those students who, instead of counting ceiling tiles, look to that class period as social hour. By deleting the sleep rule, the decibel levels and stress levels would be dropped immensely. No talking is possible when everyone is unconscious.

All this to show, I would like to hear the arguments against a nap in our free

Opinion & Editorial

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Viral Videos Sweeping GHS

Catbug

Catbug is a creation from the makers of Adventure Time. It follows the life of a cat/ladybug mix. He will overload your cute capacities with his innocent and hilarious nature.

2 Million Views

How Animals Eat Their Food

This informative “nature” video shows two guys displaying the way a multitude of animals eat their food. With a cardboard box as a table and a sippy cup as a glass, this video is the epitome of educational.

82 Million Views

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Marcel is not your average shell. She has one eye and a pair of sneakers.

Our everyday objects are giant to her. She hanglides on a Dorito for adventure. She shows us her innovative world within our own. It is a small world after all.

21 Million Views

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (Part 2)

Marcel is back with her lint companion and she shows us how she continues to survive in this big, dangerous world of ours. Shells do have to look out for giant canines and jagged hairbrushes.

7 Million Views

Tonight You Belong With Me (Cover)

In this dad win, fireworks kept 4 y.o. Adelaide awake late at night. He sings a song with her, pausing for her continuous shushing. The soothing tone of the ukelele chases away her fears in this sweet rendition.

The man/child duet are related to GHS’s Charlie and Abby Ames.

2 Million Views

The Fox 21,437,753

Brittany Furlan Best of 2013 Compilation

Brittany Furlan is a typical girl. She helps us through the struggles of girl world. Her Vines range from “How to Hit On Guys the Way Guys Hit On Girls” to “Awkward Public Encounters”.

15 Million Views

What does the fox say? It is the question that has stumped generations and this catchy music video finally provides us with an answer. The YouTube sensation has spread through social media and the halls of GHS. It features noises never before made by human-kind and colorful animal costumes. It is a song that will be stuck in students minds all day with it’s catchy tunes and philsophical question.

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October, 2013

William Sasso Vine Compilation

William Sasso has been popular on Vine by regurgitating lemons and water. When life gives you lemons, make legendary vines.

281,000 Views

In-Depth

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Cotton Encourages Safety Reality Check for Helmet Users Schmidt / Copy Editor

Submitted photos The road to recovery After over two weeks of hospitalization, Cotton was released.

Student

Receives

There are times in life when occurrences can change a person; circumstances that lead one to events they never think would happen. Lessons are learned, but unfortunately, a poor decision can be faced with severe consequences. Some of these effects could change one’s entire life.

On June 8th, 2013, Joy Cotton, junior was enjoying a summer day with her friend Hayley Quade, junior. As Cotton grabbed the long board she planned to ride down the hill, she sighted a helmet beside it, but chose not to put the helmet on. Losing control and having no source of protection on her head, she fell hard and fractured her skull leaving her brain bleeding internally.

“If Hayley were to have picked me up instead of calling 911, I would have had a seizure and died instantly,” said Cotton.

Cotton was rushed to the hospital and in a medically induced coma for ten days. Because of the bleeding around her brain, Cotton has numerous longterm effects following the accident.

Pneumonia began developing in her lungs and blood clots in her arm that took months to heal. Cotton can no longer taste or smell and sometimes has trouble hearing out of her right ear. It is difficult for Cotton to memorize information, but all the doctors said that she is very lucky to be living, walking, talking and remembering as much as she did.

“I’m very happy that those are the only problems I have,” said Cotton. “I

Esteemed

LGBTQ

was supposed to be mute and disabled and not even able to walk. People were actually thinking I was going to die.”

Ever since a young age, parents have stressed the idea of wearing protective gear to their children. As kids grow older, some do not think it is necessary and do not even think twice about it. Freshman, Jackson Burmeister was skateboarding down a hill without a helmet on. He suffered from a concussion and could not go to school for a week. He was unable to take tests or do homework for another week as a result to the damage of the brain. Both Cotton and Burmeister strongly agree on wearing protective gear while doing an extreme activity.

“I don’t care if you think it’s [helmet] dumb, ugly or you are too young to wear a helmet,” said Cotton. “Just remember you cannot long board or skateboard tomorrow if you are dead today.”

Cotton has had tremendous support throughout her accident and recovery. To help her through it, she enjoys people’s smiles and knowing she had made an impact on people. She also knows that she can show her stitches and pictures of her accident to remind others to stay safe. Cotton wants to pursue a helmet fashion trend someday and design helmets that go along with outfits. She hopes her story can push students to begin wearing helmets when they are faced with the decision during an extreme activity.

“I’m so happy I am alive today,” said Cotton. “It is very easy to die and you don’t realize it until you have to be revived.”

Recognition

GSA President Lindekugel Finalizes for a National GLSEN Award Human / Reporter Every day, numerous people receive recognition in various areas.

Whether it be an outstanding athlete or an accomplished scholar, we hear about awards and accolades constantly.

Recently, a GHS student has been given outstanding national recognition in an area many people may not think about - contribution towards the LGBTQ community. Tristan Lindekugel, junior and President of the Gay-Straight Alliance, placed in the top five students in the nation for the GLSEN Student of the Year award.

“GLSEN stands for the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network,” said Lindekugel. “The Student of the Year award was basically recognition of work done in the LGBTQ community, such as advocacy, working with gay/trans rights groups, running GSA, and other things.”

Unlike some smaller awards, winning the GLSEN Student of the Year is an enormous accomplishment. Winning would have meant taking a trip to Beverly Hills, receiving a large GLSEN award, meeting several celebrities such as Tyler Oakley and Matt Bomer, and giving a speech in front of crowds of people.

Although Lindekugel did not win, he was placed in the top five finalists in the country. Hundreds of nominations were sent in.

“They were looking for people who were very involved in the community,” said Lindekugel. “They wanted someone who worked very hard in their advocacy to provide a safe space for everyone,

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regardless of sexual orientation.”

Lindekugel fit the bill. To apply, he sent in a short biography and, after being chosen as a finalist, had an interview to determine the winner. Although he was not chosen as the winner, he says that being placed in the top five will change much about his future.

“Beyond making it easier to apply for LGBTQ scholarships, it puts me in a larger place of influence within the local gay community,” Lindekugel said. “The Gretna GSA is already among the most recognized in the Omaha area because of the work we all put in in the past few years. Now that influence will grow.”

Throughout his involvement, Lindekugel has kept a positive and optimistic attitude. Now, with the whole experience under his belt, he has a lot of big ideas for himself and the Gretna GSA. “We have plenty of events scheduled, including our Day of Silence and other events,” Lindekugel said. “I’ve also created two educational programs called ‘Just Like You’, a comprehensive look at straight culture vs. gay culture and a way to bridge the two, and another one called ‘Alphabet Soup’, which looks at the entire LGBTQ acronym, LGBTQQIAUP2, and what each letter means.”

To advance so far in the standings for such a prestigious award is an enormous accomplishment. Lindekugel looks forward to continuing his advocacy, through both the GSA and his numerous other involvements. The GSA meets every other Thursday. For more information, contact either Tristan Lindekugel or the GSA’s sponsor, Mrs. Kiley Luchsinger.

October, 2013

Getting down to buisness Lindekugel addresses the GSA meeting priorities.

Photos by Megan Monosmith

Feature

GHS Boys Tennis Team Rapidly Takes Off in a Swing Boys Tennis Team is Introduced for the First Time this Year as a New Sport Glassburner/ Editor in chief At GHS this year some new sports have been added to the lineup. One of these is the boy and girl swim team that will be competing this winter. However, for the first time, GHS has fielded a boys tennis team. GHS has had a girls tennis team for a number of years, and has now added a boys team to the mix.

The team has two coaches, Coach Kohles, who is a teacher at the high school, and Coach Jordan Barrett, who is a teacher at Thomas Elementary.

Coach Kohles is the head varsity coach, and Coach Barrett is the head JV coach.

The first year for this sport, there are no returning players or starters, so it leaves a new team in a difficult position.

To have to compete against perennial Class B powers who have been playing for years is a tough situation to have.

They had to start from the beginning and teach the sport to prospective players.

“First we started off with the basic mechanics of the forehand, backhand, and overhand swings,” said Ben Karloff, senior. “Then we worked on strategy and tactics for our match. Now we work on specific skills like splitting the team in a doubles match.”

Two seniors decided to go out this year as their first time playing the sport.

Seniors Ben Karloff and Jacob Becker have to lead a brand new team to compete in several matches this year.

“It feels great that I have an influence over the younger players in a positive way,” said Karloff.

Tennis is a physically demanding game, and it takes great conditioning to play a match. The team not only had to learn brand new skills in a new game, but also had to get their bodies in pristine conditioning so they can compete with the other schools.

“It is lots of running and it has put us all in great shape,” said Karloff. “Its put me in great shape for my main sport, soccer, and the amount of footwork we do helps to keep me light on my feet which will help with my soccer skills.”

Tennis is a game with much popularity worldwide. While it isn’t as big of a sport here in the U.S., you can find tennis courts in just about every city. It is a game that will follow them around for the rest of their lives.

“It’s a game that you can play no matter of age for the rest of your life,” said Karloff.

The tennis team would love to see students supporting them in their inaugural season, so go catch a match!

Submitted photo

Top photo: Ben Karloff gets ready to serve the ball. Bottom photo: Travis Hurd and Ben Karloff pose for a photo.

Blitz, Hand Off, Flanker, Scrum, Advantage, Biff, Goal Students Had the Chance to Play for a National Rugby League this Summer Hannigan/ Sports Editor Sinking a basket, scoring a touchdown, or scoring a goal all seem like natural things to do. What about grounding a ball? Students at GHS got the chance to play rugby for a national team this summer. They participated in the National High School Rugby Championship. There were twenty-four people on their team and eight teams total.

“We played two games each day for three days,” said Quinten Dawes, senior. “We played one game in the morning and then one game around noon. In between games, we got food and hung out at the hotel. Also, it was cool to hang out with new people.”

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Traveling to Denver, Colorado took quite toll on the team with the altitude change. To help the team get use to playing, the coach scheduled extra practices for them. The team had practices three times a day.

“I knew we needed to have the practices,” said Dawes. “We were all from different teams and so we needed to get on the same page.”

Only winning one of their games might be disappointing for the team, but to the boys from GHS they got special recognition by the officials. The boys won “Man of the Match”. Tyler Ballard and Dawes believe it was the best experience of the trip. To improve on his game, Dawes has planned to work on his speed and footwork for this upcoming season.

Submitted photos

Top photo: The team gets in a hudle talking about their next play. Bottom photo: Full team.

Quinten Dawes is bottom row fourth from the left. Top Row: Jared Brugmann is thrid from the left. Nick Kwasniewski is foruth from the left and Tyler Ballard is sixth from the right.

Sports

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Rockin’ the Suburbs What the Omaha Music Scene has Become Today Dart/ Reporter The Omaha Music scene was an outstanding phenomenon throughout the nineties: jazz was very big at the time.

Bands from all around performed at these very places that include the likes of the Pizza Shoppe, Louis’ Bar and Grill, Barley Street Tavern, the Waiting Room Lounge, Sokol Underground, Village Pointe, the Quest Center, Slowdown, and more. GHS has had many students perform at these venues, giving them the honor of experiencing the scene.

“The Waiting Room lounge was one of my main stables,” said Michael Minckler, senior. “I’ve also been able to play at Sokol Underground, and some hideouts down by Sydney.”

The Omaha music scene holds all kinds of versions of music. Examples include rock, jazz, funk, hip hop, name it, they got it. The Waiting Room has a variety of musical performances almost every night. Slowdown was Esquire’s 2007 Club of the Year, and it happens to feature nationally known indie rock bands. The Holland Performing Arts Center is one of Omaha’s newer cultural landmarks, and it can seat around two thousand people at a time.

It has transformed from a jazzy, upbeat performance center from the nineties to a city wide, grand performing arts phenomenon.

“My band, the Beat Seekers, have played several places, but in terms of the biggest crowd, I’ve got to say the release show at the Waiting Room,”

said Minckler. “Also at our Ranch Bowl reunion show. I play guitar.”

With the variety of music coming to Omaha this year, we are in for a treat.

There are a variety of to attend, one of which is that it has amazing music, full of long, fun nights and great, interactive people.

“I saw a concert [at village pointe] once, but I haven’t graced my presence there yet,” said Minckler. “Soundwise, the best venue we’ve played was the Waiting Room. But it all depends on the crowd.”

So far, the Waiting Room Lounge has gotten the highest rating in reviews, followed closely by Slowdown. Lots of entertainment, great music, long funfilled nights. The Omaha Music Scene is an event that cannot be missed.

Omaha Music Scene Facts Saddle creek records was developed in omaha in 1993 livability.com ranked omaha at number 5 for the best upcoming music scenes bands like the faint, icky blossons, bright eyes, 311, and the desaparecidos are all orginally from omaha Photo By Danny Kruspki

Local band, “Vintage”, plays their first show at the Sokol Underground. The band played with several other bands, and was excited to play at such a reconizable venue.

Michael Minckler plays with his band, The Beat Seekers at The Waiting Room Lounge.

Submitted Photo Sokol Auditorium and Sokol Underground are both venues that are used locally and nationally for touring acts and bands.

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They May Be Giants (band) plays at The Slowdown, a venue in Omaha that is attached to Saddle Creek Records.

October, 2013

Arts & Entertainment