2014 GHS Voice Issue 8

voice the

depression page 8

car of the month page 12 girls basketball showcase page 9

alum grabs big job page 10

A Fond Farewell to a Beloved Gretna Treasure Thomas Elementary Principal Retires After 24 Years

1990

Kahler / Reporter

2014

Submitted Photos

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April, 2013

Mrs. Patti Brownlee, principal at Thomas Elementary will be retiring at the end of this year after a long and fulfilling career. Seeing her leave will not be easy for students that have been a part of her teaching experience throughout the years. There have been many great memories shared that will not be forgotten.

“I remember one time when I got hurt on the playground and went into the nurse’s office,” said Lauryn Eby, freshman.

“I was waiting for the nurse and she came in and told me that I was brave because I didn’t have any tears in my eyes. It’s just something I’ve remembered.”

The memories of a first principal can impact how students feel about school for the rest of their education. Teachers are role models, and an awesome first experience is sure to stick.

“She’s always been so happy, and she knew everyone’s name,” said Kennedy Ayer, sophomore. “She impacted me because I never saw people of authority in a bad way because I was first exposed to her.”

It is not just the students that have been changed by Mrs. Brownlee, they have also had a great impact on her.

There are many experiences shared by both student and teacher that have enriched the lives of both.

“There have been overnight activities that have always been so much fun,” said Brownlee. “We did some outdoor ed, spent the night at the zoo and saw the Durham Museum. Bringing all the different experiences in for the children and they always seem to really embrace them.”

Mrs. Brownlee has been an example to look up to for a long time, having been a principal for a total of twenty four years. She was the principal of Gretna Elementary until Thomas Elementary was opened ten years ago.

“It’s been fun seeing the school evolve from the beginning,” said Brownlee.

“Fundraisers to put books on our shelves and working side by side to raise money for playgrounds and those experiences really bring people together.”

Most of her teaching career has been spent with the Gretna School District.

She did, however, spend some time in other states and cities, ranging from inner city schools to rural farm towns.

“I did change schools several times,” said Brownlee. “I think the beauty of the Gretna School District has been staying here for the length of time I have. With that becoming a part of the community myself, seeing families evolve and go through and having children of some of my students has been very rewarding to me. The people that come here value education and family. That’s a wonderful combination. You can come up to the school late at night, early in the morning, on the weekends and there is always someone here. Their dedication inspires you to be dedicated as well.”

Although Mrs. Brownlee has dedicated most of her time to the school in the past, she has extensive plans for her retirement. Such plans include things she has not been able to do before because of her work schedule.

“We hope to do a lot of traveling,” said Brownlee. “I became a grandmother this fall so that will be fun! I plan to get very involved with my church and I’m looking forward to volunteer activities.

I feel I need structure in my day and something that counts. I think that’s what I’ve enjoyed about this job so much, I’ve really felt like it mattered and counted and when you’re dealing with kid’s lives it counts! It’s been a real honor.”

Student’s lives and futures are shaped, not only by their peers and parents, but also by the guidance of influential teachers. The students of Gretna have been blessed with the opportunity to learn and be mentored by someone as dedicated as Mrs. Brownlee.

“I am looking back with no regrets.” said Brownlee. “I’m looking back with great memories, great friendships, I have just had the best job ever. That’s pretty wonderful. There’s a poster just outside the office near the cafeteria, and it says ‘Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.’ I’m going to be motivated by that and what a blessing it’s been to be here. It’s been hard work but it counts and it’s been so satisfying and fun.”

News

Thumping To A Different Beat Mr. Jon Swanson Triumphs Through Freezing of His Heart Minkler / Reporter Students around Gretna High School have been talking about Mr. Jon Swanson, History teacher not drinking his Coca Cola. There has to be a good reason, right? People have been guessing, but the real reason is his heart is beating irregularly.

“Basically, what I could tell, as strange as it was, I could feel my heartbeat,” said Swanson.

That was the beginning of Swanson’s journey with his heart. He soon figured out that his feeling of a beating heart would not go away.

“I was at home, I could feel It, I thought it was odd.” he explained.

“When I woke up the next morning, it was still there.”

Swanson then decided to finally figure out what was going on with his oddly beating heart. He went to the school nurse to see if maybe she could help him figure it out.

“The school nurse took my pulse,” said Swanson. “She could tell it was irregular.”

He then went to the hospital to see if he could get some explanation. To add onto all of this, it was the day before his birthday.

“They performed an EKG [Electrocardiogram],” explained Swanson “They figured out I had Afib [Atrial Fibrillation].” said Swanson.

Swanson then figured out was happening. It was the upper chambers of his heart that were beating different.

Swanson went back to continue research on his heart.

“On my birthday, I went to the cardiologist,” said Swanson. “I did a stress test, which is where I went on a treadmill to get my heart rate up. I had an Echocardiogram done. It was an X-ray of my heart.

I could see my heart beating. There was no structural damage. It just needed to get back on rhythm.”.

Medicine was one option. They could also wait for his heart to go back on its own. He soon found that his heart was not going to do that.

“I had to get a cardioversion on Thursday, February 6th. It was a shock to my heart to get it back into rhythm,” he explained. “I wasn’t awake, but I went home and took it easy. I think I even went to the girls basketball practice that night.”

It was not over for him or his heart. That night at 8:30 PM, his heart went back into Afib. Then, he was right back at the cardiologist.

“It was like a flutter,” said Swanson. “I went to meet another specialist, then Friday, that same day at the game, it went back to regular.”

Even though his heart went back into regular beating rhythms, he still had to have the procedure. He was gone for three days in the preparation and recovery for the procedure.

“On Wednesday [March 12th], I will go in for the pre-work, like a scoping to look at everything,” explained Swanson. “Then, I went in on Thursday for the procedure, it took a couple hours and I stayed overnight in the hospital, I went home on Friday and, I was back on Monday.”

The procedure is an ablation. What it entails is the doctors going in and freezing some of the synapses in the top of his heart so it will beat regular again. Along with an irregular heartbeat, Swanson had to give up his beloved Coca Cola “They basically said I had to cut down on caffeine in general,” said Swanson. “Before this I probably drank 70 oz. of Coke a day.”

So in the end, his heart was just drumming to a different beat. If there is anything else or anything unclear, to find more information go to the American Heart Association website.

“I have been Coke free since my birthday.”

-Mr. Swanson News

Art by Annie Sullivan

April, 2013

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Where Are Our Priorities?

Cartoon by Annie Sullivan

Why Am I Tempted?

W.A.I.T. Needs to Go More In-Depth Staley/Reporter According to DoSomething. org, about 750,000 girls from ages 15-19 become pregnant each year.

Also, approximately 19 million young people get an STD every year. Schools nationwide have been encouraging teens to practice abstinence due to the rising STD and unplanned pregnancy rates. Many decided the best way to do this is to provide classes that students are required to take about resisting sex before marriage. There is a class, called W.A.I.T., at Gretna High School, that all freshmen must take. This class’ name stands for “Why Am I Tempted?”

During third-quarter, I was required to take W.A.I.T. This class is a quarter long and instructed by Mrs. O’Neill, GHS Counselor. I went every other day, instead of my gym class. In W.A.I.T, students are learning about why practicing abstinence is so important. Mrs. O’Neill once lead an activity in class, in which she gave everyone candy. She told us that we could eat if we wanted, but the choice was ours. There were two rounds to this.

The first time she gave us conversation hearts, and the second time was M&M’s.

Some people ate the candy as soon as they got it, some held out until the M&M’s came, and some did not even touch their candy. The people that did not eat their candy got to pick out another piece of candy that was much more desirable.

This symbolized how waiting to have sex until marriage is more rewarding than taking whatever comes first. That was probably my favorite part of W.A.I.T. because it really showed what the class was all about.

There are other things that students learn about in W.A.I.T. too. Classes took personality quizzes to see who was a lion, otter, beaver, or golden retriever. I though this activity was kind of a waste of time because it had just been taught at the middle school, in eighth grade.

There were also many trust exercises at first to get to know everyone better such as, elbow tag, students answering basic questions about themselves, and talking about our strengths and weaknesses.

I understood why we did this because we were going to be talking about a few personal things, so it we build some trust

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and get to know each other better. We discussed what men and women want in a relationship, too. Men wanted trust, and women wanted respect. That lesson was enjoyable because it was nice to see the perspective of the opposite gender in a relationship. Classes planned out their futures, where they wanted to be in ten years, twenty years, fifty years, etc. We did a few worksheets on STD’s, and talked about many other different topics that all had to do with building relationships.

Mrs. O’Neill does a wonderful job of teaching W.A.I.T., but I was a little disappointed after I had taken the class. If students went to middle school in Gretna, like I did, then they most likely had to take health class for three years. I learned about many things in health, including why abstinence is important. That is why I felt as though I did not get much information out of W.A.I.T. I already knew about many things we discussed in class, and that left me bored at times. I think we could have talked more about sex after marriage, and what we are supposed to be waiting for. Instead of learning about our personality traits, we should have been more focused on the effects and benefits of practicing abstinence. That is what the class is supposed to be about, yet I felt like the subject was only briefly taught. This class should definitely be required for students at GHS because I think its important that young people learn about these things. I think that if the class actually went more in-depth about abstinence, though, more students would not mind taking this class.

Even though schools in Nebraska do not have to provide abstinence classes, the Nebraska Department of Education strongly recommends that schools emphasize on the importance of abstinence. They want to approach this by telling students that sexual activity outside of marriage can have harmful effects on the mind and body.

It is a good idea that schools have these classes because it could will lead to fewer problems with STD’s or unplanned pregnancies if people knew what they were getting out of practicing abstinence.

I think classes like W.A.I.T. can be a success as long as the class is taught to its full potential and gets the right messages across.

Opinion & Editorial

Q: “How is your March Madness Bracket going?”

“I dont think it’s doing horrible, but I definitely missed some games.”

-Mr. Brendan Raybourn

“It’s okay I guess; only half of my teams are doing well.”

-Madison Halinski, 12th Grade

“It’s not doing well, horrible.

Creighton, Iowa and Kansas lost.”

-Mr. Pat Ribar

“Going good for first round, all of my teams are winning.”

-Sarah Harder, 9th Grade

April, 2014

Staff Editorial:

The Popularity Paradox Does the Traditional Idea of Popularity Still Hold Meaning?

The scene has been written, filmed, and produced thousands of different times; the main character, a quirky, down-to-earth kind of kid, is walking down the hallway minding their own business when suddenly - bam. The door opens and there, walking through the hallways like they own the place, come the top dogs. The popular kids. It’s an age-old scene; the jocks with varsity jackets and the blonde girls smacking gum walk right past the main character without a second glance. They are out of everyone’s league, and everybody knows it.

This scene has become something of a cliché in fictional depictions of high school. The “popular kids” have been a force of awe, fear, and jealousy in television shows and movies alike.

However, as people begin moving away from traditional stereotypes, many have begun to wonder whether or not the image of popularity is still a legitimate idea.

This traditional image of a popular student has started to become obsolete.

Nowadays, some of the most well-liked people in the school are not involved in sports or are very studious. This is not to say that athletes cannot be popular; it is obvious that many sports stars have great reputations throughout the school.

However, it can be debated whether the term popular has any meaning whatsoever.

Everyone is popular within their own group of friends. It is easy to observe this when walking through the hallways. For a vast majority of people, there is little, if any, desire to have different friends because they are content with the company they already have. This does not mean that people do not make new friends, but it simply means the age-old idea of an elite group of popular students is basically obsolete.

In the past, making friends with the popular kids has meant an instant boost up the “social ladder”. Nowadays, this idea of wanting to discard current friends to make better ones is generally considered ridiculous. People can change friends groups if they feel it is time for a change,

but this switch is hardly noticed by anyone other than those involved. There is no “elite” lunch table or study group.

There are many people who are wellknown and well-liked by other people, but this is where today’s definition of popularity ends.

This switch in mentality can be perceived as both negative and positive, but in the end, the death of the idea of popularity is not a bad thing. Desperately longing to be in different company simply because they are perceived as being “popular” leads to nothing but unhappiness and discontentment. Now more than ever, students have learned to find people they truly enjoy being around and stick with those people. They are less and less likely to attempt to fit in with a different crowd just because of the alleged boost in social standings.

While labels and stereotypes certainly do exist and can still be very damaging, the weight of the specific label of “popular” seems to have diminished, if not completely disappeared, from the walls of high school life.

The Voice Advisor: Gretchen Baijnauth Editor in Chief: Jeff Glassburner Copy Editor: Liz Schmidt Editors: Lindsey LaMountain/News Editor Kylie Holman/OpEd Editor Amanda Nelson/In-Depth Editor Jade Naber/Features Editor Samantha Hannigan/Sports Editor Charlie Ames/A&E Editor

April, 2014

Reporters: Haley Booze Hope Cudly Jacob Dart Becca Human Nick Mefford Amanda Minckler Angel Perina Olivia Kahler-Gilloon Jake Keyes Layne Staley Brenna Zollman

Opinion & Editorial

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Humans of Gretna

A look into the daily lives of students at GHS

What’s a good quote to live by?

Tell us something interesting about you.

“In the Junior Olympics, in 8th grade, at Burke High school, I got 14th in Javelin.”

Jeremy Grundmayer, 11th grade

“If you want something right done, do it yourself.”

Are there any cool tricks you can do?

Madi Hubert, 9th grade

“I can do the splits, because I’ve done dance for 12 years.”

What is one of the most interesting things you’ve done?

What’s the best part of your day so far?

Shelby Arp, 9th grade

“It is warm outside.”

Abby Ames, 9th grade

Who’s your favorite superhero?

“I got to ride an ox in Iraq. We were visiting a village, and the mayor had an ox, and he allowed us to ride it.”

“Green Lantern because he can do lots of things with his ring like make weapons.”

Deputy Dale

Joey Lagemann, 9th grade

What are you painting for art, and what inspired you to paint it?

“I am painting a pheasant. I like hunting them, and I also like the way that they look.”

If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be and why?

“Leonardo Dicaprio because he’s hot.”

Brandon Randone, 12th grade

Ashley Peterson, 10th grade

How long did it take to pick your outfit this morning?

What is good advice to live by?

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. When bad things happen, they make you a stronger person.”

“Two minutes- I woke up this morning and didn’t care.”

Danny Krupski, 12th grade

Brooke Berube, 10th grade Why do you think everyone is reading Thirteen Reasons Why?

Has high school been different than what you thought it was going to be in middle school?

“Yes, I have made a lot of new friends, and a lot of teachers like me.”

“It has a good message; it teaches people about life.”

Hunter Horseman, 9th grade

Maddy Mathews, 10th grade

What advice would you give your high school self?

“Do as much as you can and enjoy all four years.“

Best thing that’s happened today?

“No homework because it’s Wednesday!”

Best part of freshman year?

Lauryn Eby, 9th grade

“Making Show Choir and getting to compete.

The upperclassmen were really cool, and I’ve got some great friendships.”

Mr. Bob Richards

Mila Serefko, 9th grade

What’s a personality trait that you would like to have?

“Being able to remember things by looking at them. You wouldn’t have to study!“

“No one will remember my name, so I’ll do what I want.”

Lexy Polivanov, 10th grade

Joy Cotton, 11th grade

Best part of your day?

“Eating waffles.”

Worst part of your day?

“Participating in class.”

What is one thing you’d tell your 8th grade self about high school?

Drew Farrell, 9th grade

“I always say there’s no other place to go but up.”

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If you had to say something in front of a crwod, what would you say?

“To know where something is, you need to know where it’s not.”

Megan Klabunde, 9th grade

What fictional story would you want to live inside?

Shannan Slattery, 10th grade

“It’s basically the same thing as middle school.”

Any inspirational quotes that you live by?

What quote do you live by?

Patrick Arnold, 9th grade

What makes you smile?

“When good pal Shannan cracks a joke.”

What are you most excited for this week?

Hannah Brandon, 10th grade

“This week, I’m most excited for state basketball.”

Lauren Foss, 10th grade

“Divergent. It’d be cool to be in factions.“ What faction would you be in?

“Dauntless because I’m brave.”

Kacie Scharf, 9th grade

Compiled by Voice Staff

April 2014

In-Depth

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The Heavy Weight of Living

A Survivor’s Story of Her Internal Battle Nelson / In-Depth Editor The bright sun is shining, emitting its warmth on people that roam the Earth.

Some people that walk through the glass doors, wearing shorts and tank tops, are ready for another day at school. However, some people walk in school with no shorts in sight. They dress in pants that cover the ankles and shirt sleeves enveloping the arm up to the very last finger. For them, the sun may as well be covered by dark clouds that allow rain to pour down.

Maybe, one person will roll their sleeve up and let the downpour try to wash their scars away, let the drizzle hide their tears streaming down. Depression can consume a person like a flame does with a log. For those afflicted with depression, there is a way out. Someone who chose to stay anonymous fought depression and won. For her privacy, she will be known as Betty.

“I have mild depression or depression reaction,” said Betty. “It means that it changed my life. I understand how sad people can get, and they’re not just doing it for attention. They actually feel that way.

It made me understand you shouldn’t judge a person by who they are during the daytime, because when they go home, they’re a completely different person.”

There are different forms of depression. Depression reaction is also known as an adjustment disorder.

It is a mild to moderate depression.

It occurs as a result of a particular event as stated on WebMD. Usually,

symptoms of a reactive depression will not last longer than a few months. When symptoms are prolonged, the reaction is considered abnormal, and a person should seek professional help as stated on Psychological Care and Treatment Healing Center.

“Depression is a mental illness that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain,” said Mrs. Katie Craig, Psychology teacher. “It can make someone lose interest in things that they once enjoyed doing and cause longer periods of time not wanting to get out of bed.”

Betty’s depression progressed. She, reluctantly, left her bed every morning to go to school where she would have to put on a smile that led her friends to believe that she was okay.

“I would have to literally drag myself out of bed in the mornings,” said Betty.

“Because I didn’t feel like I deserved to be there, to pretend to be someone I’m not. I would have to put on a fake smile and fake laughter. My friends didn’t even notice, and that kind of hurt. I just felt distanced from everyone and everything.”

Soon, Betty turned to self-harm.

Betty would slit herself open in hidden places like the thighs, knees, and wrists. She used a razor and a pencil sharpener blade as her cutting tools.

Altogether, Betty abused herself about fifty to seventy-five times. Some of the scars have faded with time. Although never attempted, she did have roughly five to fifteen thoughts of suicide.

photo illustration

by Hope Cudly

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April, 2014

“At the end of the day, I would just go home and cry,” said Betty.

“It was a relief to be home by myself away from everyone. I would be able to cut then, and no one would know. It wouldn’t even hurt. I’d cut deeper and deeper until I felt like I was going to pass out. Then I’d have to get the bleeding to stop, and that was a problem in itself.”

Betty could not hide her scars from her mother forever. At the time, it may not have seemed good for her mother to find out, but that night could have been the reason she is still in this world today.

“I remember it like yesterday,” said Betty. “I had cut around six times on my knees. She [Betty’s mother] saw them and freaked out. She got rid of everything sharp, like my blades, razors, everything.”

Not too long after Betty’s mother found out about her self-injuries, Betty was escorted to a therapist.. It was there that Betty took the depression test, which is a series of questions asked by the therapist, and sometimes, it can also involve a physical test. The results came in, and Betty was officially diagnosed with reactive depression.

“My therapist makes me talk about everything and write all my feelings in a notebook that I keep with me at all times,” said Betty. “I go every other weekend, and we just talk about my situation.”

Once Betty hit rock bottom, there was no where for her to go but up. That is exactly what she has been doing since she was diagnosed. She had to talk to people and relive things she had

done. Betty has had to deal with people who judge her based on her past.

“It seems dumb to someone who’s never had it that they [people who are depressed] can’t open up,” said Mrs. Craig.

“This is a lonely disorder and people pass judgment when they’ve never had it, and that just makes it all worse.”

Betty has come through, though. Her fight with depression is nearing at its end.

Betty smiles and laughs in the halls, but it is not fake anymore; it is real and sincere.

“I’m happier and have something to look forward to everyday,” said Betty. “I get up, read an inspirational quote, and carry on my day as usual. I don’t have as many suicidal thoughts or actions. I haven’t written in my journal as much lately. I’m just all around happier and more positive. When I get home and find a blade, sometimes I think of using it, but then I know I can’t, so I throw it away.”

Betty has struggled with reactive depression for as long as she can remember. She does not think it will ever fully go away, but she is learning to overcome it. Betty wants people to know that we should not judge people from the way they are on the outside, because when they are at home alone, it might not be the same person we saw smiling in the halls.

“Depression is like drowning,” said Betty. “Except, you can see everyone around you breathing. Just know that it took a lot of hard work to get where I am today.”

Feature

Congratulations Basketball and Wrestling on Great Seasons

Top photo: The team lines up at the beginning of the game ready to play their hearts out at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. “I’m proud of how our team did and I will miss our seniors,” said Maddie Meadows, sophomore.

Botton left photo: Senior, Audra Keehn said that she

could not imagine her senior year with out playing with her teammates. Keehn plans on attending Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas to play soccer.

Top Photo: Dan Zeleny, sophomore wrestles his opponent to the ground

hoping to pin him quickly.

Left Photo: Senior, Trent Boyer takes his wrestling opponent for two points at the home match against South Sioux City.

Bottom Photo: Logan Radik, sophomore takes his competitor down for two.

Winning his match against the South Sioucx City wrestler.

Top photo: Maren Soupir shoots the ball

from the three point line. “Playing in the Pinnacle Bank Arena was wonderful to experience with all of my teamates,” said Soupir.

Top Photo: Senior, Quinten Dawes placed 3rd in his weight group at state wrestling this year. “It was

cool seeing everybody that you’ve developed realtionships with over the past four years since I’ve been to state ever since my freshman year,” said Dawes.

Top Photo: Although senior, Mary Janovich’s high school basketball career is over, she looks forward to playing basketball at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.

Basketball photos taken by Senior, Jeff Glassburner Wrestling photos taken by Sophomore, Roy Thompson Top photo: As senior, Jamie Schuetz thinks back on the game and her season, she says, “It was hard losing to Norris the third thime we played them since we had played them two times before and beat them. I am really proud of my team though and how far we have come this season.” Schuetz plans on playing basketball in college for Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa.

April, 2014

Sports

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Hey Batter Batter Batter, Hey Batta Batta, Don’t Swing Alex Kramer Misses Out on Playing His Last Season of Baseball Due to Injury Hannigan/ Sports Editor

Playing a sport takes strength, hard work and a positive attitude. Although, to play a sport for thirteen years, it takes dedication and determination. Senior Alex Kramer has been playing baseball for as long as he can remember. He has played for Frozen Ropes and Gretna.

“I love the sport in general,” said Kramer. “Also, I love the camaraderie between teammates.”

Kramer dislocated his shoulder last year and tore his labrum without knowing causing him to continue to play all of last year.

He then re-dislocated his shoulder and figured out it was torn because it relocated in the wrong spot. Kramer received this news in the beginning of February along with finding out he will not be able to play his senior and final year of baseball.

“I will miss not being able to

play my about year. p l a y fo r

senior season,” said Kramer. “ I was shocked and upset missing my senior I will not be able to with my teammates the last time but I still will be there to support them.”

The

coaches have had to have the younger p l aye r s step up earlier than expected as Kramer has been one of

their lead off hitters for two years now.

“Alex shows up to practices even when he is not needed,” said Jeff Depue, Assistant Varsity Coach. “I found out about his injury a week before tryouts and I felt bad. He had put in so much extra time and he can not see it pay off this spring.”

Now that Kramer has a free season, he will work out even though it might be limited, and when summer comes, he will hold a job while being a coach for a summer team. Not being able to play has allowed Kramer to look on the brighter side of situations rather than what he is missing and has been extremely optimistic about every situation. Kramer is excited to play for Augustana in the future.

“It is better for him in the long run,” said Depue. “We will miss him this season.”

Right Photo: Senior, Alex Kramer plays second base and throws the ball from second to first during districts. The team ended up loosing their game.

Photography Can Take A Person Anywhere in Their Life GHS Alumnus, Nathan Olsen Receives Incredible Opportunities from Huskers.com

Photos credit: Scott Bruhn/ NU Media Relations Left Photo: Shooting photos at the Nebraska Huskers vs Northern Colorado baseball game, GHS alumnus Nathan

Olsen takes on great opprotunities from his job with Huskers.com. Olsen’s majoring in Advertising and Public Relations.

Top Photo: With Olsen’s job at Huskers.com and his personal photography business, Olsen Photography, flourishing, he has encountered different challenges, gained knowledge from the support of others and learning experiences.

Schmidt/ Copy Editor First, he was a fourth grader snapping pictures of objects that filled his childhood, now, he photographs major sporting events of the Nebraska Husker athletic events. This man is GHS Alumnus, Nathan Olsen. Many know Olsen as an exceptional student, some know him as a friend, but the majority know him as a fantastic photographer.

Olsen’s love for photography and career really began toward the end of his junior year by simply picking up a camera and shooting pictures. To gain more knowledge about this hobby, Olsen researched different photos online, read books on photography, articles and looked at photographer’s websites. He applied all the information he learned to his work, began to ask himself questions and strive to be the best photographer he could be.

As a freshman at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, Olsen does not have loads of time on his hands, but still manages to have a job at Huskers. com alongside his studies. Huskers.com is a website of UNL used for athlete biographies, coach biographies, statistics, resources and much more. Olsen works for the Media Relations office within the Athletic Department of Huskers.com. When incoming teams from other universities come to play against the Huskers, Olsen

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Sports

and his co-workers collaborate all the media with them, talking to them one on one if they have everything they need to get the story they want to accomplish.

Olsen also serves as one of Huskers.com’s photographers, documenting events and gathering data with athletics that needs to have photos taken.

Olsen shoots everything when it come to Husker athletics including football, basketball, tennis, swimming, soccer. He also knows some of the athletes and coaches on some team very well.

“It’s unique because I have the opportunity and equipment available,” said Olsen. “It’s nice to walk in, pick up three different cameras and lenses in order to document everything as a whole. Some days, I have 30,000-40,000 dollars on my shoulder which is really fun.”

Travelling is also within this opportunity for Olsen and many students do not get that advantage to travel with the teams. He plans on travelling over spring break, and will work wherever the team goes. Olsen mainly covers events at home games and his office is a cubicle on the north side of Memorial Stadium right above the Tom Osborne Athletic Complex.

“Yes, I get to go to work everyday at the Memorial Stadium which is so cool,” said Olsen. “I also have met a lot of other photographers which is really neat. I know some people from local publications like the Omaha World Herald, Lincoln Journal Star and it is nice to have those connections when you need them. My boss,

Scott is great resource as well. Some of his work is published in Sports Illustrated, ESPN and I can go to him whenever and ask questions. He’s always there.”

Olsen has had numerous enjoyable experiences within his job, but his all time favorite was the Nebraska vs. Northwestern game when Ron Kellogg III threw the ball to Jordan Westerkamp for a Hail Mary pass and caught it.

“The amount of emotion during that game and after that pass was incredible,” said Olsen. “I was down on the field, so I got to experience the extreme amounts

Photo of Nathan Olsen

of emotion and everything was so channeled. I didn’t get the shot of him catching it because everyone swarmed in front of me but its an experience I’ll never forget and was so much fun.”

Alongside Olsen’s job at Huskers. com, Olsen also has his own photography business called Olsen Photography. It is surprising to him that it is doing so well, but has had extreme amounts of support through it all. Olsen also challenged himself by taking senior pictures as part of his business. Senior, Jamie Schuetz encouraged Olsen to take her senior pictures this year because she was extremely fond of his photography. She became his first senior model and a great learning tool for Olsen’s photography business.

Since this was Olsen’s first senior session, it was a challenge for him, because he was used to taking more action photos and sporting events rather than posed photos and portraits. Although may have been difficult early on, Olsen is thankful that Schuetz was so willing, patient and nice. From August to November of 2013, the amount of progress he gained was outstanding because many people were calling him to give him the opportunity to practice. He then called Schuetz back to take more pictures to improve his skill.

“Olsen Photography has really opened my eyes,” said Olsen. “It has given me great business, but I want people to know that when I’m taking pictures of them, they are not my client, they are my friend. I want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to get better and do what I love.”

April, 2014

Eat: Big Cheese/Burger Star Review of New Gretna Restaurants Lindsey LaMountain/ News Editor

I

n the wake of the spring weather, Nebraska Crossing Outlets has been busy with shoppers from everywhere. With more than just retail, the outlets are also able to fulfill their customers’ appetites by offering multiple restaurants like Subway, Voodoo Taco, Scooters, Auntie Annie’s, and The Big Cheese/Burger Star.

The Big Cheese and Burger Star share the same space on the corner.

The restaurant is arranged in a chic, yet effective way, to allow both dining options. I have tried both sides and loved them both for different reasons.

At the Burger Star, I ordered just a regular ⅓ pound cheeseburger. There were options for just about every topping you can think of adding. It was only $6.99 for a single or $8.99 for a double or “Rock Star.” After giving my order to the cheery woman across the counter, I begin to watch the cook make my burger in plain view, which was far more entertaining than just making it in the back. They even use a fancy machine that slides the buttered buns through a toaster that was nifty. The food arrived at decent speed and was scrumptious. However, $7 for just a hamburger seemed a little steep because you had to order fries extra.

This was not the case at The Big Cheese. For $6.95 I got a sandwich, chips, and a cookie. Now, I had the idea that

it was just going to be a little piece of bread out of a bag but I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived. The Big Cheese offers specialty grilled cheeses, soups, and salads. I ordered the “Mac&Pig” which was macaroni and cheese and pork sandwich. The woman in front of me who says she comes out there about once a week to get one recommended it. The chip, as well as the fries for Burger Star, had original spices added that made them stand out that much more.

The service at these two restaurants varies greatly. The time I had a burger, the cashier was polite and cordial, however, at the Big Cheese it was a different story. The middle-aged man behind the counter did not know the menu off the top of his head and seemed to struggle typing in the order. We order two smoothies as well as the sandwich and he did not make them until 10 minutes after the food arrived. He openly admitted after we had already drank some that they were missing the ingredients for the mocha smoothie so he just made it up.

No dining experience is perfect, but if you stick solely to the quality of the food, when made with the right ingredients, The Big Cheese and Burger Star are definitely a place to check out.

So after an afternoon of weaving through a few stores, quench your hunger in this relaxed atmosphere.

Gourmet & Fresh: The Big Cheese and Burger Star offer a delicious variety of sandwiches, one of which is shown: the “Mac & Pig”.

See: Captain America

Read: NYPD Red 2

Captain America is back on the silver screen in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”, out April 4th. In this sequel, Steve Rogers struggles with living in present day, after being frozen in ice for 65 years. He also battles an old enemy, The Winter Soldier. Alongside Chris Evans as the title character, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson reprise their roles as Black Widow and Nick Fury. There will be multiple advanced showings of the movie at theatres on the day before all across the metro, including Twin Creek in Bellevue and AMC Oakview, for all those Marvel fans that are just too excited to wait.

BRENNA ZOLLMAN

If you are looking for a new and exciting read, then pick up the new James Patterson book called NYPD Red 2. This is the second book in the series, the first is NYPD Red. The story continues the journey of detective partners Zach Jordan and his ex-girlfriend Kylie MacDonald.

They are searching for a famous actor’s murderer, who has began killing more and more people. NYPD Red 2 was released on March 24.

LAYNE STALEY

Do: Poseidon

Poseidon and The Sea: Myth, Cult, and Daily Life is at exhibit at the Joslyn museum until May 11, 2014. It shows about the mysteries of Ancient Greece and the ocean that includes essays and artwork.

Admission is ten dollars for adults but free for people 17 and under.

AMANDA MINCKLER

Hear: Shakira

For the first time in four years, Shakira will be releasing a new album.

It Is scheduled to be available on March 25, and will include a Rihanna mash-up entitled “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” also a single. This will be Shakira’s only all English album since “She Wolf” debuted in 2009. The album, also self-titled, is expected to share nothing less than the usual Latin-American vibe, but also a little reggae to keep up with modern style.

OLIVIA KAHLER Art by Annie Sullivan

Arts & Entertainment

March, 2014

V11

Art by Annie Sullivan

Jeff Glassburner/ Editor-in-Chief

A

pps and games come in and out of extreme popularity rapidly, and the latest game to take the halls of GHS is Clash of Clans. An app on the iTunes App Store and Google Play, it originally released in August of 2012 but only recently hit the top of the charts. Many here at GHS have played it for a substantial amount of time, while many have just started the Clan craze.

In the game, you start out as a small meager clan, without many

builders or resources. You play out a tutorial teaching the basics of attacking using free troops, which help the gamer to understand the strategy. This tutorial turns into an extensive single-player campaign, where you attack goblin outposts to rob them of their resources, Gold and Elixir. From there, you’re free to start building your village empire.

Upgrading your buildings brings in more advantages, such as more troops from a barracks or better troops from a research lab. Once you are able to upgrade the “Clan Castle”

you get to start the most entertaining part of the game, being in a clan with your friends.

Through these clans, you can donate troops to your fellow clanmates to help them out in their own clan journey. To get a higher rank worldwide, you obtain trophies.

Trophies are received based on how well you can defend your village or attack others. The higher the trophy count, the higher you appear on the leaderboards. There is also a level system, which marks the progress of one’s village based on buildings and units.

There are many different troops you can train, all of which deal out different kind of damages. The lowest level is the barbarian, then archer, goblin, giant, wall breaker, balloon, wizard, healer, dragon, and the P.E.K.K.A. There are more devastating uints as well, including hog riders and barbarian kings. All

these units, if used strategically, can be useful to a person of any level if used correctly.

To pay for these items, the ingame currency is Gold and Elixir. Gold helps to pay for many of the building upgrades, while Elixir is mostly used to train new troops. Both are extremely valuable, and must be kept safe from other attacking player across the world. The most valuable resource however is the almighty Gem. The Gems can speed up processes of building and training troops, but most importantly can pay for a new builder to help out your village. As you only start with two builders, the more you can get the quicker you can help your village and clan ascend to greatness.

Clash of Clans overall is an extremely entertaining game, and as it is free is 100% worth the download.

While it is not a game you will just sit down and play without stopping (Flappy Bird), it is one where you can come back and play for a minute in your free time, and not have to pick up again for however long you like, as your clan is somewhat self-sufficient.

The ability to play a game with your friends that is still individualized makes this attractive as well. Overall it gets the stamp of approval and a wonderful fun game to play.

Car of the Month

Jacob Dart/ Reporter

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fter four issues, Car of the Month has been brought back. This car here is a 2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP owned

by Dylan Vieth, junior. Vieth has owned this car for two years now, first purchasing it in 2012.

“I paid for this car [and its insurance] myself,” said Vieth. “It’s all mine, and my sister won’t be getting it anytime soon.”

Along with 260 horsepower, he has a five speed manual transmission on this baby, as well as 30,000 miles. For being six years old, since 2008, as well as being cared for two years, Vieth has kept his car in great condition.

“There is very few scratches from driving,” said Vieth.

He drives this expensive car to school every single day; catch him with it parked in the back parking lot.

Vieth values his car tremendously, being sure to drive safely and washing his car thoroughly.

Vieth is lucky to own such a valued car like this, and paying for it and its insurance is a big responsibility. You better believe that wherever Vieth goes, his car is sure to follow.

V12

March, 2014

Award Winning: In its prime, the 2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP was nominated for North American Car of the Year, and won the Design of the Year award.

Photos by Jacob Dart

Arts & Entertainment