FBLA AND SKILLS USA PAGE 2 SUPERLATIVES PAGE 5 MENTAL HEALTH PAGE 13 STAGE CRAFT PAGE 17
VOICE
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ISSUE 8
SPANISH IV SMASHES EGGS ON HEADS
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our dedicated years spent immersed in Spanish have built up to this moment. In a classroom for most of the day, teachers find reason to take their classes outside, and for Spanish teachers at this time of the year, the Cascarones event was one of those reasons. Cascarones is the name of the event that Señora Amy Muhs is credited with starting according to Señora Melissa Ryan, who started actively participating in this event with Señora Muhs and her classes in 2004. Spanish IV students on May 4 had the privilege to decorate eggs. Aside from sounding like an Easter project, the eggs were filled with biodegradable confetti in order to create a lasting, explosive effect once more. “Cascarones have been a tradition for years and years and years and years.” Señora Ryan said. “Cascarón means shell. It is also
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FIESTA DE CASCARONES By Jessica Blum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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the name of these confetti-filled eggs. Señora Muhs taught me to do it, so that was our Cinco de Mayo tradition was to fill eggs with confetti, paint them with our students and then on the day of our party, we crack them on each other’s heads.” This event built up emotion and anticipation for the final act. Even on the day of the party, students had to wait until the last ten minutes of class to go outside. Additionally, some of the traditions that come with this party have deeper meanings than just an egg cracked on the head. There is a meaning to the madness. “You are supposed to crack them on the person who you have a crush on, that is whose head you are supposed to crack them on,” Señora Ryan said. “It is a cultural craft, and these crafts are very memorable, fun and kinesthetic.” Taking this event outside of the classroom and learning about a cultural activity like cascarones meant more to the students as
well. It brought students closer together with their teacher while also adding some lastminute memories to their senior year. “Being able to be active and a part of the celebration made it more memorable than just being in a classroom,” senior Broderick Diez said. “My favorite part was watching Landon (Watson) run down Mrs. Ryan and crack an egg on her head.” Transitioning the class to the front lawn, students picked their target and fired away as soon as Señora Ryan’s countdown commenced. Spanish IV students regarded this feeling as a feeling like no other. “I was super scared,” senior Lindsey Johnson said. “I was wincing and closing my eyes, waiting for them to crack it on my head. Honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect. I didn’t know if it was going to hurt or not. I think it hurt a little bit, but only because the person who cracked it on my head cracked it really hard. I cracked mine on Laurel’s head, and it was fun to see all the confetti dump all over her head and to see her reaction to it.” It is a very selective group of students that got to participate in Cascarones. They had to be a part of Spanish for three prior years and make it almost all the way through Spanish IV. With their accomplishments, the
VOLUME 4
event suits its purpose: it is a celebration, not only of the ending of Spanish in high school, but also for making it this far in the year altogether. Senior Andrea Atkinson explained what the event feels like for those who have not had the opportunity to experience it yet. “It’s not like anything you’ve ever done before,” Atkinson said. “It’s very celebratory, and it seems very festive. It’s super fun and funny. It opened my eyes to different cultural traditions.” With rain becoming a factor for more activities than sports, Spanish teachers carefully regarded the weather outlook for the week of Cascarones. It did end up raining the day before May 4, but in all good fortune, the sun came to the party as well that day. “Occasionally the rain makes us delay it, but rain would never stop me from doing it two days later, maybe that day,” Señora Ryan said. “I love this tradition so, so, so, so, so, so, so much.” Señora Ryan enjoys this event because her former students will come back and still remember Cascarones. With all the emotions coursing through the brain and body that day, a lasting memory was born for this year’s Spanish IV classes as well.
FINGER SCAN USED TO PAY FOR LUNCHES SAFE, EASY WAY OF GOING THROUGH LUNCH LINE FASTER By Jacey Hammer NEWS EDITOR
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here are nearly 1,400 students attending GHS, and almost half of those students order hot lunch every day. The routine is the same every day: each student goes through the lunch line, and then, the students punch in their fourdigit lunch number. The administration has become aware of the issue of students using other people’s lunch numbers. The finger scan is meant to resolve that. “They’ve had some situations at the high school and middle school where kids find out other kids numbers,” Tech Coordinator Mr. Jerome Skrdla said. “We’ve gotten big enough where the lunch ladies used to know who everyone was who came through was, so they knew if the right person came up or not. Now we are so big we’ve had some complaints about people using
other people’s numbers and people not catching them.” Another reason this change is happening is because elementary school kids cannot remember their code. The fingerprint scan will make going through the lunch line more efficient. “For elementary kids, it’s hard for them to remember a four-digit code everyday when you think of first and second graders, and so for them, the fingerprint scan is much easier, and it is a much easier way of looking at going to it,”Mr. Skrdla said. “It was a decision, and they were looking at options, and this kinda came about at the start of the year.” The finger scan will be more efficient going through the lunch line. It will take away the stresses of remembering a number and secure lunch accounts. “I think that having the finger scan at lunch is a good idea,” junior Jadyn Makovicka said. “It’s easier for both
students and staff.” Students were given the option to not do the fingerprint scan. Those students will get their name written down, and they will be able to continue using their four-digit code. “Some people do not want anything to do with a fingerprint or any information, and so they will do the numbers if they want to,” Mr. Skrdla said. “We didn’t want to force anyone to do it if they don’t feel comfortable getting a fingerprint scan. That was kinda the reason we have the option. We just need to have those students sign up so we know who missed.” Overall, the finger scan is meant to help prevent students from using another student’s lunch number, and it will prevent students from having to memorize a four-digit code. Students will begin scanning their fingers to receive lunches near the end of the current school year and in the future.
Getting Scanned After scanning a majority of student’s fingers during their study halls, some have to get theirs scanned during their lunch. Hannah Dudrey (21) got hers scanned during lunch. “ As of Monday (April 23), we still have 500 students that we need to get,” Mr. Skrdla said. “We started with study halls and at lunches.” photo by Jacey Hammer
2 News
May 2018
Volume 4 Issue 8
QUIZ BOWL TEAM GAINS BIG WIN AT TOURNAMENT
TEAM TRAVELED TO COMPETE FOR THE TITLE OF BEST IN THE STATE By Mara Hjermstad STAFF WRITER
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ntering State Quiz Bowl, there were four teams to watch out for: Kearney, Norris, Creighton Prep and Gretna. Gretna eventually reigned supreme after a long day of battling other teams to get to the top. As they were approaching the end of the tournament, their only competition proved to be Creighton Prep. They were the last two teams undefeated heading into the championship round, so one of the teams would have to beat the other one twice to win. “It was amazing,” junior Jordyn Kuzel said. “We had to beat Creighton Prep twice and both matches were close. Honestly, I was so happy I couldn’t stop grinning for nearly 2 hours after.” Kuzel is the only junior on the team. She was one of the only juniors available to compete at regionals with the five seniors and Mr. Jason Larsen let the same team that competed at regionals compete at state. They brought six students to the state tournament: Kuzel, senior Carlie Saline, senior Colton Prince, senior Gregory Matya, senior Matthew Brown and team captain, senior Harrison Kallman. “Winning was such elation and relief,” Saline said. “All our tension from wanting the state title just collapsed into giant hugs. It felt almost poetic to win state with the people who have become some of my best friends these three years; they’ve challenged me to ever grow and amaze me regularly as to how much the human mind can hold.” The team has been competing at Quiz Bowl with each other for three years. They were all fairly confident they were going to win state going into the tournament. “I believed we were gonna win the tournament,” Prince said. “We played very well throughout the season and had a lot of chemistry as we approached the state
tournament. We had won the Wesleyan University Quiz Bowl earlier in March and had beat the last team we were not sure of, and after that, I kind of knew our chances were high.” The tournament was held in Holdrege, Nebraska at the Nebraska Prairie Museum, which is four hours from Gretna. Quiz Bowl matches last about 15 to 20 minutes, and the only way to end a game is to mercy rule the other team by scoring so many points that they cannot get more to win, or occasionally, if the reader runs out of questions to ask. “A toss up (question) is read and both teams may answer,” Prince said. “If the question is answered correctly you are awarded five points. Another question is then asked to the team who had answered the question correctly. If this is answered correctly, the team is awarded 10 points for a grand total of 15 points if all answers are correct.” The questions could be anything: any category, any subject, everything is free game for the reader to ask. Instead of every member knowing everything, each member has their strengths. For example, Brown specializes in geography and politics, Saline excels in literature and science and Prince helps with the history questions and the bonus questions. “It is a lot of random information that is for a certain type of person,” Brown said. “You don’t necessarily need to be super smart, it is more about knowing other information to guess those questions on.” All of their strengths and knowledge led them to the state triumph. Even though they had tough competition, they prevailed. While this is not the first time the GHS quiz bowl team had won state, the seniors of the team will graduate knowing that they won state Quiz Bowl their final year, as well as paving the path more for future Quiz Bowlers.
Educated Individuals The quiz bowl team pictured left to right is Carlie Saline, Harrison Kallman, Colton Prince and Gregory Matya. This was taken at one of the tournaments leading up to the state tournament. “Normally, each team has four members, but six played at a time at state,” Saline said. photo by Ella Weaver
Taking Stage The team is competing on a bonus question after they had won a toss-up. Toss-ups are worth five points and bonuses are worth ten. “After you win a toss up, your team has a chance at a bonus question and you have twenty seconds to answer that question together,” Brown said. photo by Ella Weaver
DANCING THROUGH THE COLD
PROM GOERS FACED THREATENING SNOWSTORM By Jamison Karas IN-DEPTH/FEATURE EDITOR
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Slick Situation Girls who sported heels found themselves in the midst of a challenging run across the ice-covered pavement. Dates tried to save the day with a helping hand. The icy weather made for a very interesting prom night. Submitted photo
pril 14, 2018 had an ominous gray overcast as boys and girls were getting ready for prom night. Storm clouds rolled in on the 31 degree Fahrenheit Saturday. Small rain, flurries, and hail occured from around 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This eventually led to snowfall and ice patches that hit around 7:30 p.m. that day. Senior Caloway Soucek along with other students were faced with hail in the beginning of the evening. “It was hailing on our way into pictures,” Soucek said. “It was really cold and I didn’t want to be there.” Prom planner, Mrs. Kari Bulgrin, explained the decision process regarding the snow potentially requiring a cancellation for the dance. Arriving home from a trip out of the country on the Wednesday before the dance, Bulgrin heard the storm threats and decided to call the SAC Museum. They decided on the date May 4 if it needed to be rescheduled. Luckily, it never came to that. “Me and Mr. Miller talked about the reschedule date and decided to wait and watch the weather,” Mrs. Bulgrin said. “Hours and hours were spent by students getting ready: we did not want
to cancel.” The snowy day was not completely ruined. Some students made light of the situation, such as senior Sami Zeleny, who used the cold event as a chance to whip out an old glamorous fur coat. “Walking into prom was freezing and the roads were bad, but I found a fur coat that I wore which I thought was kind of extra, but it helped and kept me warm and fashionable,” Zeleny said. Many men were seen helping out their dates in the chilly conditions. Senior Max Speir, helped his date junior Lauren Zych, into the event. “I had to hold Lauren’s dress up in the air for the walk and I was just freezing outside with the wind blowing in my face and all that,” Speir said. “It was rough.” Post prom lightened the gloomy mood, but arriving in that event brought another challenge for students like senior Sam Hansen. “It was really cold going into post prom,” Hansen said. “I really wish we would have rescheduled it.” At the end of the night, the magical Harry Potter themed post prom event melted away the chills within the students. Smiles replaced shivers and laughs replaced teeth chattering. The night started with facing an obstacle of bearing the snow but quickly became a memorable moment for all.
Volume 4 Issue 8
News
May 2018
STEPPING OFF ON RIGHT COUNT
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BAND PROGRAM REVEALS NEXT SEASON’S SHOW By Bridget Christensen STAFF WRITER
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very spring, a show theme is selected by the band directors and is developed until the last performance of the marching season. The band recently committed to the concept of light for next year’s show. This theme was inspired through an idea for pre-show music, that was suggested by the assistant band director Mr. Landon Barada. “The idea is that there is light within all of us representing life or positivity and throughout the show there is a central point that is spreading light amongst everybody,” head band director Mr. Andrew Norris said. “And then, by the end of the show, everyone’s light is showing.” Students were introduced to the theme a few weeks ago. Several members had a positive reaction to the revelation of the 2018 show concept. “It’s going to be really cool,” junior Cassandra VanOeveren said. “It has a lot of potential, and there is a lot of things we can do with it. I think it’s different and we haven’t really seen anything like this before, but there are so many things and effects that can go with it.” Another new edition to the marching band program is the uniforms. They will arrive in time to be utilized during next year’s season. Uniforms must be replaced every eight to ten years, due to wearand-tear and rigorous use during band competitions. Many student are ecstatic about the new design, including the future drum majors. “I think they’ll make us look a lot newer and modern,”drum major junior Kayla Martin said. “The judge will start judging a band as soon as they walk on the field, so it gives a more professional appearance.” The top portion of the uniform will be cut at the thigh, versus at the hip. Traditional hats are flat, but the new design suggests that they will be cut diagonally. Even though the band has received a sample uniform, the design will change
before the final ones arrive. “The pattern on the front looks like someone sneezed a dragon, but other than that, they’re cool,” junior Maddie Baird said. New drum majors are selected every year to lead the band through the marching season. Next year’s choices are: junior Emily Austin, Baird and Martin. The marching band program has never had all three drum majors be all senior girls. Martin was a drum major during this year’s show “Angels Among Us”. “There’s three girls this year, and all three seniors, and that’s very new for Gretna,” Martin said. “I think it presents new challenges in itself for all of leadership to be single-gendered, but also it opens up different strengths. It’s a different dynamic.” The band staff, as a whole, selected the 2018-2019 season drum majors for several reasons. Overall, the band staff agrees that the three seniors will be an excellent fit due to their compatible strengths. “Kayla was a drum major before, and I think she proved herself, so having that experience to carry over for the two new ones is a big deal,” Mr. Norris said. “Maddie was a really good section leader last year. She had some things that she needed to deal with, and I thought she handled it really well. Emily’s personality is different than those two, and she is bubbly and really positive disposition, and I think that together it rounds out everything.” The directors believe that the band will have a successful season next year, and that the band’s main obstacles will be psychological. This year’s season was the first year that the band achieved a state championship title.The primary concern will be keeping the group motivated. “The band knows how to do well, and it’s just a matter of doing those same type of things that made them successful,” Mr. Norris said. Towards the end of this school year, the band students will start to rehearse and learn the music for next years program. Over the summer, they will all participate in band camp and various exercises to prepare them for the upcoming season.
LEADING THE WAY
FBLA TAKES ON NATIONALS By Kjerstin Critchfield PHOTO EDITOR
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BLA or Future Business Leaders of America is a business centered club that invites students who have an interest in business to come together and compete at various competitions. This group, advised by business instructor Ms. Carrie Smith, has over 50 members. They compete at state and national levels for titles in their respective categories. “We had seven students recognized at state,” Ms. Smith said. “(Senior) Jessica Swanson, (senior) Parker Jahn and (senior) Chris Zagurski took first in Digital Video Production, (senior) Carter Doering placed 6th in Business Calculations, (freshman) Kaden Urzendowski placed eighth in Business math and financial literacy, pretty impressive for a freshman competing for his first time, (senior) Justin Dyke got an honorable mention in Business Calculations and (senior) Braden Kanne got an honorable mention in Accounting I.” Each student carries a passion for business and for the group. The members are supportive of each other and themselves. Through this club new friendships have
been created between members. Not only is it socially beneficial, it gives competitors chances for recognition. “FBLA is a group for people who would like to further their future in business,” junior Serena Wilson said. “It gives many opportunities for recognitions and you can get very good references from people like Ms. Smith. It is just a good group of people that want to do something in life. FBLA is definitely a welcome family friendly atmosphere.” Being involved with FBLA has numerous additional benefits. It not only benefits college, but also finding a job and other resume related activities. “FBLA is a club that not only competes in business events but also provides social events as well as community service projects,” Ms. Smith said. “FBLA provides college scholarship opportunities, networking opportunities to meet future employers, job shadowing to explore career interests and if you are planning to attend a competitive or private college, FBLA involvement looks great on a resume.” To join FBLA, a business class has to be taken first. Questions about FBLA can be directed to Ms. Smith.
Looking Sharp The marching band program is getting a uniform upgrade. “I’m really excited to have new uniforms and visually it will put us up a step,” Cassandra VanOeveren (19) said. This is a vague sample of what the final uniforms will look like. submitted photo
SKILLS USA: WHO’S GOT THE SKILLS TO PAY THE BILLS? By Kjerstin Critchfield PHOTO EDITOR
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ith just a group of six people, Skills USA went to their state competition in Grand Island and managed to take second several times in various categories. Each member successfully placed within their respective category. Senior Colin Stalley placed second in plumbing, senior Christian Hoy was fifth in masonry, junior Nathan Schulte received second in power equipment, sophomore Taylor Schnell was sixth in power equipment, junior Andie Coshow was sixth in welding sculpture and sophomore Alyson Boettger competed in medical assistance and claimed second. This group gathers students to compete in various trades, learn new abilities and offers opportunities to meet new people. “It has given me a job,” Schulte said. “It has really helped me understand what is expected of me; it really helps to learn how to be a leader. It kind of helps you grow up. It is really fun to see other
people succeed and knowing that there is going to be a workforce in the next generation.” Around 1800 students from 90 Skills USA chapters competed in the state competition which offered over 100 trades. This club has an extensive reach that includes technical trades to culinary arts, medical and welding. With this vast variety and high competition nerves can run high, but that was not the case for senior Christian Hoy. “It was different and I was not prepared as I wish I was,” Hoy said. “I was nervous going into the competition, but as it started I was more confident than nervous.” Skills USA gathers high school and college students together and provides an environment for learning and a fun atmosphere.FBLA is a close knit group, but they are constantly looking for more participants. The Gretna chapter meets every Thursday morning in Mr. Jason Novotny’s shop.
4 NEWS
Volume 4 Issue 8
May 2018 JAMES COMEY- he reopened the investigation on Hillary
Clinton’s email server. No incriminating evidence was found, but news sources have given Comey’s investigation partial credit for Clinton’s loss. On March 20, 2017, Comey confirmed that the investigation on Trump was researching potential Russian collusion and the obstruction of justice. On May 9, 2017, President Donald Trump fired Comey. In April 2018, Comey published A Higher Loyalty and underwent an interview on April 15. He called Trump a “serial liar” and “morally unfit” for the presidency on ABC News.
ROBERT MUELLER- He was appointed on May 17, 2017, by the Deputy Attorney General (overseer of the Justice Department’s daily operations) to began his probe then. On June 14, his investigation expanded to investigate Trump for the possible obstruction of justice as well. Over the course of the next year, Paul Manafort, George Papadopoulos, Michael Flynn, 16 Russians, a Dutch lawyer named der Zwaan, and Rick Gates were all indicted or arrested. On April 9, 2018, the office of Trump’s personal attorney Michael Cohen was raided, and Trump lashed out At Mueller in a White House meeting. It is feared that Mueller could be fired by Trump, which could be considered another crime.
GEORGE PAPADOPOULOS- he was reported to be a member of trump’s
foreign policy team on March 21, 2016. He was introduced to a russian national three days later. At the end of March, Papadopoulos told President Trump, current Attornery General Jeff sessions, and other campaign members that he could arrange a meeting between Trump and Putin. The next month, the same professor that introduced Papadopoulos to the Russisan national promises the ability to gather “dirt” on Hillary Clinton in the form of emails. Papdopoulos pleaded guilty to speaking to moscow and lying to the FBI on October 5, 2017. The House Intelligence committee credited the beginning of the investigation to information attained through Papadopoulos.
Paul Manafort- He was given the position of Trump’s campaign manager
on March 29, 2016. Twelve days later, he, Trump Jr., and Jared Kushner met with a Russian national in Trump Tower to allegedly gain damaging information on Hillary Clinton. In July, three days after the Republican National Congress, Manafort was quoted as having said that the claims of collusion were “absurd and there’s no basis to it.” That August, his name was found on the ledgers of an impeached Ukrainian president. He had illegally hid his time as a foreign agent from the federal government, and he resigned as Trump’s campaign manager the same month. On October 30, 2017, Manafort and his associate Rick Gates plead not guilty to nearly 12 felonies each.
Jeff sessions- Sessions was the first U.S. senator to endorse Trump
as a presidential candidate. On March 3 2016, he became the leader of Trump’s National Security Advisory Committee. At the Republican National Convention in July 2016, Sessions met with Russian diplomat Kislyak and others. Sessions met again with Kislyak on September 8. In a January confirmation hearing, he told Senator Franken that he did not communicate with Russia, but that he was “unable to comment on it.” Seven days later, on a written form, Sessions confirmed that he had never contacted anyone connected to the Russian government. On February 8, Jeff Sessions became the U.S. Attorney General. On March 1 of this year, Sessions is quoted as having said “I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign.” The next day, he recused himself from current and future investigations into Russian collusion.
Collusion
A BRIEF INVESTIGATION
By Ella Weaver Staff Writer
March 21, 2016- Carter Page and Papadopoulos are revealed to be part of the president’s foreign policy team. Three days later, Papadopolus meets with a Russian national believed to be a relative of Putin. Papadopolus tells President Trump and Jeff Sessions in the same month that he can use his connections to get Trump a meeting with Putin.
Sergey Kislyak is a Russian government official and ambassador to the U.S. from 2008 to 2017, and he says that he will not name the Trump officials he has met with because the list is “so long.” In September 2016, Jeff Sessions has a confirmed meetings with Kislyak in his office. In December 2016, Kislyak met with Kushner and Flynn in Trump Tower.
On March 20, 2017, FBI director James Comey publically confirmed that the FBI probe was invesitgating possible Russian collusion. 1.5 months later, Trump fired Comey. Two days later, Trump said that “this Russia thing” contributed to him firing the FBI director.
The story of Trump Jr., Manafort, and Kushner’s meeting with a Russian lawyer was reported by the New York Times on July 8, 2017. Trump Jr. claims to have discussed a program involving the adoption of russian children that was “active and popular with American families years ago.” He says he was not told the lawyer’s name beforehand.
via the washington post, cnbc, bbc, vox, cnn, nyt, the guardian, abc, + Axios
In July of 2015, attacks began on the computer system of the Democratic National Congress. Information was reported to Russia, including stolen information on Hillary’s campaign and opposition to President Donald Trump. The Kremlin denied involvement.
Carter Page traveled to Moscow in June of 2016. He met with the Russian deputy minister and an oil official. Page e-mailed the rest of Trump’s staff that the Russians were supportive of President Trump, and that he had gained “incredible insights and outreach” during his trip.
Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence officer, releases the Trump Dossier with Fusion GPS. The dossier claims that Russia has incriminating video of the president, Trump has collaborated with Russia for years, and that the Russian leaking of DNC e-mails was rewarded by policy change.
On May 17, 2017, Robert Mueller was appointed as special counsel by the Justice Department to find proof of Russian collusion. He was instructed to to investigate other things that “may arise directly from the investigation,” such as Trump’s accused obstruction of justice.
In October and November 2017, Papadopoulos and Flynn plead guilty to lying to the FBI about various matters. Manafort and Gates surrender to the FBI for false statements but plead not guilty. Page negates Sessions’ claims of denial regarding collusion knowledge in the House Intelligence Committee.
Volume 4 Issue 8
BEST LOOKING WRITER superlatives Continue to Please By Casey Downing STAFF WRITER
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May 2018
enior superlatives are engraved into the very essence of high school and will likely continue to be for generations to come. They are what have defined memories and become talking points. Everyone remembers the guy with “Best Hair” and “Best Smile” or wonders if the “Cutest Couple” lasted even after the glory days of high school were in the rearview mirror. With each year a new class of students graduates high school, and a student is bestowed with his or her title. These senior superlatives are as individual and endless as senior students themselves; they can be something
Submitted Photos
Young Love: (Left to right) Couples Chance Sterling (18) and Sammi Yates (18) , Emily Acker (18) and Jake Esssink (18), and Brady Netzle (18) and Katie Correll (18) pose with their significant others. All three couples were nominated for the senior superlative of “Cutest Couple.” “We’ve been together since July of 2016,” said Acker.
Out of 106 surveyed students, seniors reported what town they would be in next year, whether for schooling or otherwise. This map represents one or more person per marking for some cities.
as traditional as “Best Dressed” or as unique as “Most Likely To Own A Giraffe.” The possibilities are endless. Critics of senior superlatives are not hard to find. Many people see these titles as demeaning or disempowering to students. They also point to the fact that a senior superlative has absolutely no bearing on one’s life. Renowned and highly successful actors Tom Cruise and Robin Williams were both given the titles of “Least Likely To Succeed.” Even “The King Of Pop” himself, Michael Jackson, the man who played in front of millions, received the superlative of “Shyest” at Montclair College Preparatory School. Yet these notions are completely wrong. Senior superlatives are also empowering and encourage someone to break out of their shell by revealing to them how others feel. Other critics call out senior superlatives for becoming a popularity contest, but with limitless, quirky categories everyone can find one they love. Students of GHS love them and many enjoy the superlatives because of the fact that it is a peer vote, granting the students the power to choose. Yet, they have been absent from recent yearbooks because few students actually vote.
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Live, Laugh, Love: One of Reegan Salverson’s (18) best accessory at prom was her gorgeous smile and laugh. She was nominated for the senior superlative of “Best Laugh.” “Quite honestly, I never thought I’d be nominated for best laugh,” said Salverson. “But I thought it was pretty cool! I know I had a lot of friends who voted for me, and it was the icing on the cake for my senior year. It’s cool to have something unique about me be recognized.”
Photo by Ella Weaver
Senior superlatives have evolved over time to not describe physical attributes but instead personalities and ambitions. Superlatives of today are targeted at complimenting and uplifting a person. Some of these titles include “Kindest Person” or “Most Optimistic.” They offer an enjoyable way for students to become involved in school and bring out the joy of competition. Senior superlatives, as a whole, are much more than just a popularity contest.
6 OpEd
May 2018
KEEPING UP WITH FINALS SENIORITUS AFFECTS STUDENTS By Corban Critchfield STAFF WRITER
Last Minute Reagan Rediger (18) reads his book in the school library before school starts. Seniors’ English Composition projects are due before they graduate. Students had the option to pick a classic or notorious book to read in order to write an essay utilizing a literary criticism theory they learned this semester. Photo by Corban Critchfield
Juggling Tasks Sam Broderson (18) multitasks in the library before his week of senior finals. Working on final projects, essays, and tests can be stressful, but periods of cramming like this one can be incredibly productive. Computers in the library can be utilized by seniors in their last stressful high school moments. Photo by Corban Critchfield
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very child in America must spend thirteen years of their life waking up and spending a majority of their day gaining an education about science, English, math, history, art and music. They go through learning the basics of any subject and continue to spend time perfecting the subject they spend time on. When graduation comes up for any student, they experience the disease “senioritis.” “I think about graduating everyday,” senior Kelsey Petty said. “That causes me to not focus sometimes.” Although not a legal medical diagnosis, most seniors are able to diagnose themselves early on during
Volume 4 Issue 8
their senior year. It is a general lack of motivation due to burning out, already being accepted to a college, or feeling like their high school is already over. Senioritis is very distracting to a student. Victims of senioritis have trouble paying attention in class, are less motivated to work on homework along with other responsibilities, and feel more tired than usual. It is not possible to prevent senioritis, and there is no cure for it. Teachers have to deal with this when it comes. The students may not pay attention in class, and teachers have to work with them. “I don’t see it yet too much,” English instructor Mrs. Gaylia Ockander said. “I see it in a couple of students, but the weather has been so dreary and cold Gamer Girl Kaitlyn Ryan (18) spends her study hall with Mr. Larson productively. An important part of a student’s day is searching for the perfect game- with the new Run additions and restaurant games, it can be a difficult choice. She is not alone in her enjoyment of playing Cool Math Games.
Photo by Corban Critchfield
that students don’t want to be outside, and senioritis has been at a minimum.” Depending on when you get senioritis, it can affect how long and how much it affects the victim. Some people have senioritis as soon as the school year starts, while others have are affected by senioritis during the last month of school. Even some juniors claim to be afflicted during 11th grade. The after effects of senioritis can make them more productive and have more energy to work. This is good for seniors that are graduating soon. Ockander gives advice to any senior graduating. “Keep dreaming,” Mrs. Ockander said. “Never be satisfied with mediocre kind of work and strive to the best you can.” With the school year coming to a close, many seniors are excited to move on past school and onto real life. Even if they go onto college, an apprenticeship or work, senioritis has been left behind. There may be no way to cure it, but their last year of high school has prepared them for the next opportunities in life. No matter what, they are not stopping. “I’m ready to be done and go out into the world,” Petty said.
SUMMER DESTINATIONS WHERE WE’LL GO AND WHAT WE’LL SEE By MACY KEISER STAFF WRITER
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ebraska’s slogan “the good life” can be found throughout the state. This summer, Omaha will be where it is at. There are numerous places to venture to with friends and family. There should be no reason to be bored on a glorious, summer day in good ol’ Nebraska. At the heart of Omaha lies the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. It is ranked as the world’s best zoo. The Zoo is welcoming to all; tourists, friends and family. It contains diverse exhibits: the African Grasslands, the Desert Dome, the Lied Jungle, the Hubbard Gorilla Valley, the Hubbard Orangutan Forest, the Aquarium, and various others. They are in the process of adding a new exhibit, the Asian Highlands. Part of the Asian Highlands will be completed this May, which include Indian Rhino, Crane, Tufted Deer, Pére David’s Deer and Red Panda. The rest of the Asian Highlands exhibit will be completed in the spring of 2019. The animals include Amur Tiger, Snow Leopard and Sloth Bear. The Zoo continues to expand each year. One can take a full day to view the unique plants and animals from habitats all over the world. As the Henry Doorly Zoo says, “unleash your sense of wonder.” Another Omaha top
Satisfying a Sweet Tooth The Hollywood Candy store has candy galore. A wall full of jars is filled with hundreds of jelly bean flavors. There are also candies from out of the country. Take a trip to Hollywood Candy to experience nostalgic chocolate and new candy adventures.
Photo by Macy Keiser
attraction is the Lauritzen Gardens. Visit Omaha states that it has “100 acres of inspiring horticultural displays, including the rose garden, Victorian garden, children’s garden, model railroad garden and the all-new Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatoryfeaturing indoor tropical and temperate garden spaces.” It includes tours, gift shops, cafes, and meeting areas for friends and family to gather. The gardens contain beautiful statues filled with all sorts of colors, and flowers that are delicately arranged. The Lauritzen Gardens is an attraction that can not be missed. It encompasses and demonstrates the beauty of nature. The history and art of Omaha is on display in the Durham Museum. The Durham Museum is marked as a National Historic Landmark. It includes restored train cars, artifacts, the Byron Reed collection and so much more that shows the history of the region. It widens one’s eyes and broadens one’s knowledge of our homestate. For people who are babysitting or nannying during the summer, the perfect place to take children is to the Omaha Children’s Museum. Visitors learn new information and interesting facts through fun play and revolving exhibits. The museum focuses on art, science, simple math and much more. The children can even get a chance to see what it will be like to be a firefighter, along with other future occupations. The 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria made a huge hit in Omaha. The authentic pizza is placed in a one-thousand degree oven. The pizza is done in five minutes. It is the perfect restaurant to go to if someone is in a hurry. One’s mouth waters when he or she just slightly smells the pizza, which is made from a recipe from Naples, Italy. One bite into the hot margherita pizza, and it feels as if they are in Naples. If someone is in the mood for Chinese cuisine, P.F. Chang’s is the restaurant to go to. The wontons, lettuce wraps, crispy honey chicken
and sushi are to die for. They also serve family style so that many people can try various Chinese foods at once. Anyone can travel halfway across the world and can still be in Omaha, only at P.F. Chang’s. Mai Thai (7) is an Omahaonly restaurant. The recipes come straight from Thailand. The Pad Thai Noodles, Mango Crab Rangoon, Drunken Noodles, Yellow Curry and Sticky Rice Mango are all authentic and savory. A real taste of Thailand can be found at Mai Thai. Omaha’s top seafood restaurant is Plank Seafood Provisions(8, behind •). It has the best Lobster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, Diver Scallops, Gulf Shrimp en Brochette and Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos. When the shrimp is served, one can still hear the sizzling and popping, fresh off the stove. Any plate at Planks is cooked with a variety of spices that give quality flavor. It’s seafood, glorious seafood. What is a hot summer day without a cold scoop of ice cream? Ted and Wally’s Premium Ice Cream is a small ice cream shop located near the Old Market. They churn a variety of homemade ice cream flavors each day. They make ice cream flavors for all people, even vegan flavors. They serve the ice
Authentic Cuisine An enormous gilded elephant adorns the walls of Mai Thai. Mai Thai is an Omaha area restaurant with both authentic food and decoration. Located in Aksarben, it is only a few minutes away from UNO and close to PF Chang’s. Photo by Macy Keiser
cream in many different cup sizes or in large waffle cones. This is one of the top ice cream shops in Omaha. Another little shop is found in the Old Market. It is a place for sweet treats known as the Hollywood Candy Store. The store sells original soda fountains, retro candies, homemade fudge and housemade chocolates. Elvis Presley also may appear intimately around every corner. Nebraska is known as “the good life” for a reason. These are some of the few must-see attractions in Omaha that are definitely worth visiting this summer.
Something’s Fishy Plank’s Seafood in Omaha boasts stylish decór to accompany their food. Patrons can find the restaurant less than a block away from Ted & Wally’s ice cream. Ted & Wally’s is yet another Omaha icon.
Photo by Macy Keiser
May 2018
Volume 4 issue 8
OpEd
7
TIME TO GET PROM READY BOYS GETTING READY VERSUS GIRLS
By Colin Kitson STAFF WRITER
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hen it comes to prom, junior and senior students are ready to look their best and have a good time. People show up to the dance and look absolutely stunning, but people just do not get ready like any other school day for this huge event. There is a big difference in the way boys get ready for prom compared to girls. Boys can get ready in under an hour no problem, but for girls, they are little more complex. Let us start gentle with the boys: on the day of prom, a tuxedo is usually already at their house because it has already been picked up. Prom starts at 7:30 P.M., but there are pictures before, and usually, people will go out to eat after that. Let us say pictures are at four: boys will think at three, “I can get in the shower and get ready from there.” Boys will get out of the shower, do their hair, which takes anywhere from a couple seconds to maybe a maximum of five minutes, then apply deodorant. The whole outfit is the next step, drenching the body in cologne to make the smell way too unpleasant for anyone but themselves. If it is not a bowtie or clip-on tie, a parent is notified, and they will assist the helpless son out with the necessary tie to “tie” everything together. By that time, the boy is already fully ready to go, and the realization comes that it has only been 30 minutes. Now, they have to sit around all uncomfortable and stall time until it is time to leave or like every single boy in the school fortnite may be played. Here we go, ladies: they wake up earlier than their normal time of two in the afternoon, usually sometime fairly early like
anywhere from eight to ten in the morning. The girls have to get their hair done, which can take hours, for they want to make sure they look perfect with no flaws. The next thing they do is get their makeup, which also has to be perfect. Not nearly as much time as the hair, though. Girls really want to make sure they look perfect for a three hour dance that they will probably end up leaving early. A dress is going to be put on before pictures, and that dress, keep in mind also has to be perfect and was more than likely tough to find. The dress can sometimes cause stress, but more importantly, the hair and makeup has to look perfect. The shoes are always very good looking, but they can cause so many problems. For starters the girls do not even wear them the whole time, they are taken off at prom and stored with all the other shoes and belongings people are not using. Just the process of getting them on is like a math problem that even math teachers cannot solve; they have straps with little holes in them for a pin, like a belt, and those are impossible to work with. Then comes the part where they are on and standing up, but girls’ feet are in so much pain after a very short amount of time. After all those “quick” things, it is now around 3:30 P.M. and pictures are at four, so time to get out the door. All in all, I am just a boy, so I do not know much about girls when it comes to prom, but this is an accurate representation of what it is like. It is shown that boys do care about the event, but it obvious that girls are more concerned. The time difference, care in appearance and investments made for one night are on separate spectrums. Boys, we have it good.
ULTIMATE BATTLE OF SUPER HEROES
WHICH IS BETTER: MARVEL OR DC?
By Mara Hjermstad STAFF WRITER
A
vengers versus Justice League, Iron Man versus Batman: the ultimate rivalry between Marvel and Detective Comic (DC) movies. The feud started in comic books, and then it entered the cinematic universe. So the question remains: which is better? Marvel, obviously. Was that even a question? Do people really debate that? Have they seen DC movies? Marvel movies reign supreme because of their impressive special effects that make the movies look realistic. Plus, their story lines and backgrounds on how the characters became superheroes are more clear. Capitan America was a science experiment which automatically makes him a superhero, for any person altered in a lab is instantly super. Also, if someone is exposed to large amounts of radiation, like the Hulk, they are super. The Black Widow is not technically a superhero, she is a master assassin,
but she is extremely cool and adds a powerful woman role to the movies. Even though I show favoritism to Marvel, there are still characters that I do not like. For example, Hawkeye is a useless character. First of all, his weapon of choice is a bow and arrow, and that is fault number one. The bow and arrow is not a compatible weapon of choice for battle because of the limits that exist in the number of wearable arrows. In “The Avengers,” Hawkeye runs out of arrows while they are fighting an alien species, so he just starts hitting them with his bow. This renders him basically useless in battle. I also do not like the original Spiderman movies; I prefer “The Amazing Spiderman” over the original. I am not a huge fan of “Spiderman: Homecoming” or the actor who plays Peter Parker, but he will be making a second appearance in Marvel’s “Infinity Wars.” Now, on the DC side, the only thing
they have going for them is that they are the original superheroes, including Wonder Woman. “Wonder Woman” was an amazing movie, and I fall in love with it every time I watch it. The characters are so lovable. Although it is an action movie, the perfect amount of comedy is mixed in. It was one of the few DC movies that held my attention. One of the DC movies I did not care for was “Suicide Squad.” The plot of the movie was so scattered. I had to force myself to watch it twice to see if I could figure it out because I fell asleep my first time watching it. I went to the movie when it was in the theaters, and I got so bored that I fell asleep in my seat. That was the only time I fell asleep in a theater. However, I did enjoy the character of Harley Quinn, and Will Smith is good in any movie he is in. Just like Hawkeye is my least favorite Marvel superhero, Batman is my
least favorite DC superhero. I do not think that a qualifying trait of being a superhero is being rich. He does not fly, he does not read minds or have super strength or speed and he does not possess qualities of a superhero. DC fans will argue that Iron Man is also powerful because he is rich, but he is smart and produces complex inventions, like his suit, to help him in action. Marvel has better quality movies and graphics with more fluid effects. DC movies usually end up looking like video games. If they go in slow motion every time one superhero hits another person, it is obvious that they are not making contact and that it is a staged hit. Marvel does an excellent job of making the action scenes feel and look surreal. The characters have their own unique personalities and are not like stereotypical superheroes. Marvel versus DC? Marvel all the way.
8OpEd
May 2018
Volume 4 issue 8
NFL’S SILENT PROTEST
Players Kneel During Anthem By Ben Bickel STAFF WRITER
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very year, 512 games of football are played during the NFL regular season. The national anthem occurs before each game. Some players hold their hands over their hearts while others take a knee and protest peacefully how they feel about the American flag. This movement began in 2016 when quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, Colin Kaepernick, decided to take a knee during the national anthem. They have decided to do this to silently protest african americans being abused by law enforcement. I do not think kneeling during the national anthem is the way to go with this protest, but if it gets attention and the players are getting their point across, all power to them. Since then, many other players have followed his lead and have also taken a knee during the anthem. Teammate Eric Reid, who is a Pro Bowl safety for the 49ers, took a knee with him. Now, both players are free agents in the NFL, and teams are hesitant about signing them. There are two perspectives to this action: one as a player and one as a team owner. As a player, I can see the frustration. In America, people are given the right to peacefully protest something that they believe in. Even though I do not agree with kneeling during the national anthem, I do believe that it is wrong to not sign a player just for something they believe in. For example, Reid is a Pro Bowl safety who has yet to be signed to a team because of his protests. The same goes for Kaepernick as he is rolling into his second year as a free agent. I do not think that a player’s opinion on a controversial
topic should be a deciding factor in whether or not they are signed. But, if I am a team owner, I think I see the logic behind it. If I were a team owner, I would want to have zero drama and zero controversy. All of the drama is a distraction from football and the team. To not sign these players would bring less problems and more focus for the team and the organization. Although they may be good players, I would much rather have players that do not bring negative energy to the team than a player who is very talented that does draw attention away from the team. Now, some of these issues could definitely be worked out. Reid has come out and stated he will stop kneeling during the national anthem if that means he can play for a football team. It shows how much he cares about his career; I respect him for going out and standing up for something he believes in, even though I do not agree with it. It takes guts to kneel in front of millions of people every Sunday, with the criticism from millions of Americans on social media and in person. For a protest that is as peaceful as this, I feel that it should not affect a player’s career. I think that it would be tragic if Reid’s career was be ruined because of something he believes in. It is in our rights as an American to protest peacefully, and Reid has done that. Unfortunately, the team owners in the NFL do not agree with his course of action, and he may not get a chance to play in this upcoming 2018-2019 season. I hope that this situation does not last, and Reid finds a team because he is a premier safety in the NFL. He deserves a spot on the team. Now matter how distracting his protest is, Reid and other players definetly still deserve to play in the NFL.
Teams That Have Protested
Ravens vs. Titans Chiefs vs. Cowboys 49ers vs. Cowboys Raiders vs. Bills Rams vs. Giants Jets vs. Falcons Broncos vs. Eagles 49ers vs. Eagles Falcons vs. Panthers Titans vs. Browns Bengals vs. Jaguars Saints vs. Packers Colts vs. Texans Jaguars vs. Colts Cardinals vs. 49ers Ravens vs. Vikings
Volume 4 Issue 8
May 2018
Feature
9
IT’S MORE THAN JUST SELLING COOKIES
BREDENSTEINER EARNS TOP GIRL SCOUT AWARD By Samantha Chase STAFF WRITER
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Starting Young On the far left in the top row wearing the yellow shirt stands Bredensteiner (19) after completing her first journey. Bredensteiner’s (19) first journey was building a cross walk by Gretna Middle School. After several more journeys like this one, Bredensteiner (19) earned her gold award. Submitted photo
irl scouts are a troop of girls grades K-12 that participate in activities to benefit their community in exchange for badges and awards. The top award a girl scout can receive is the gold award which was recently earned by junior Sophie Bredensteiner. There are several steps to be taken before earning the gold award including going on a journey to benefit the community and earning the bronze and silver award. To earn a gold award, it takes perseverance and patience, “To receive the gold award, you must complete the last part of your journey and you must do a project to benefit your community by observing a problem in your community.” Bredensteiner said. Girl scouts do projects to help their community and make their town a better place to live in. These projects include building shelters, working at soup kitchens, planting trees and dozens of other activities to make cities a greater place to be. “On one of our first journeys, we created a
crosswalk near Gretna Middle School because we saw many kids getting injured on that crosswalk,” Bredensteiner said. “We have also helped the community with the many other journeys we have been on.” Receiving the gold award is huge accomplishment for girl scouts because according to girlscouts.org, fewer than six percent of girl scouts receive the gold award. Earning the top girl scout award means all of the hard work put into being a girl scout has paid off. “Receiving the gold award for me is a sense of accomplishment, not just for me but for my community and everyone who has been with me on my journey and has helped me through school and through girl scouts,” Bredensteiner said. Without being a girl scout member, Bredensteiner’s life would be completely different. Girl scouts not only teaches positive life lessons but it also takes up a lot of time and allows kids to make friends they would not have made otherwise. “My life would be different if I were not in girl scouts, I would have a lot less friends and not be as confident as I am now. I would feel kind of empty without girl scouts because it really
PROLIFERATING PROROK PROSPERITY Naysayers Told Her She Could Not, Yet She Did
I
By Jessica Blum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
n the last two quarters of a student’s high school career, it is the official time to worry about the coming years. Parents and students alike spend hours conjuring any money to pay for college, usually in the form of scholarships. Senior Kara Prorok did her research during this time, and she put her mind to her work to apply for a full ride scholarship. With that and the outcome of the story, she earned the full ride and is well on her was to a successful start, beginning at Wayne State College next fall. “Everything I do, I give 100 percent,” senior Kara Prorok said. “Ever since I was a little kid on the soccer team, about seven or so years old, my coach said ‘you are going to start this game, and you are going to finish it with tenacity,’ and we are all like, what is this word we are like seven we don’t even know what awesome is, like what is this? He was just like ‘tenacity is the feeling that you keep on going and you persevere no matter what the situation is,’ and so throughout my life, I have always tried to embody that ideal, and everything I do, whether it be academics, the environment or the area around me, I just always try to give everything at least 100 percent, if not more.” For Prorok, her gears whirred once her future was clear: she was set on a mission to become a family physician. The idea came into fruition through the many classes and hours she has spent with forensics and biology instructor Ms. Debra Childs. “If it were not for Ms. Childs, I would not be going into the medical field,” Prorok said. “Before high school, I hated science with all my soul. She pushed me to try my best and would not accept anything less. The way she taught was better for me to retain information. For the subject matter, she made it entertaining and made me see potential.” As prepared as Prorok is for her future,
she also has a distinct image of her dream job. To examine the extent to which Prorok can be labeled as ‘prepared,’ she has a detailed list and spreadsheet that displays the classes she will be taking for at least the next four years as well as next year’s daily hour-by-hour class schedule. “I would love the small-town feel, for I am a people person and would enjoy interacting with them,” Prorok said. “I love the medical field; I excel in that field. I have job shadowed my childhood physician, inspiring me and giving me tips.” When a job such as this is in the future, several years of schooling will be required. With school, an abundance of loans and debt tend to follow. However, this student has taken enough pride and confidence to contend for a full ride scholarship; she will not have to worry about paying for college through the effort she put forth to earn this scholarship. “I want to get a full ride to med school, too,” Prorok said. “I could get a full ride because of my passion for working in a rural community.” As some of her support faltered growing up, she found solace in thinking about her comeback phrase, “watch me.” “Watch her” many have, and they never regret their findings afterwards. What some college board saw in her was not just one major talent, but it was her ability to manage her time while still developing her personality and relationships through it all. Aside from forming her core beliefs to know and hold on to, she has been involved in book club, Spanish club, two jobs with Gretna Kids Connection and Pitch in Village Pointe and volunteering at HETRA for two years now, as well as becoming an author. With these involvements, come great experiences. “At HETRA, which is therapeutic horseback riding for kids with special needs, I find so much joy and accomplishment in doing that and having that connection with these kids, who a lot of times are ostracized from society but are some of the most sweet, lovable, playful kids ever,” Prorok said. “I always leave with the biggest smile. The most scary, yet rewarding
experience was about six months or so ago there was this little boy riding on the horse, and it was time for him to get off and his mom was waiting and talking to the overall instructor. The other person let go of his leg and I was still holding on to his leg, and he had a seizure and fell off the horse, only being about 40 pounds and four or five years old. He did not have much arm mobility at all, so he wouldn’t have been able to catch himself; his head was heading straight for the ground, and somehow, I was able to reach out and save him.” Not only do reality stories like this come easy, but fantasy stories unfold effortlessly as well. The past year or so, she has attempted to submit one of her books to a publishing company. Giving a rough estimate, she has fancied three different works with 97,000 word, 64,000 word and 57,000 word totals for now. If it be an adventure or vacation, she dedicates much of that time to her books, writing and rewriting sometimes every single word. “We went backpacking for a week straight, going about 10 to 12 miles a day, gaining 3000 feet,” Prorok said. “During that vacation, I still made time to rewrite the entire book to weigh the meaning of each word. In the end, I rewrote the entire book and added 200 additional pages.” Between the end of senior year and the thrills of college, Prorok will be involved with Partners in the Park over the summer to fulfill her passion for environmental conservatism and the national parks. Going forward from these prosperities, Prorok as a senior had a bit of advice for students going forward. “Get your study habits down now,” Prorok said. “You need to realize, regardless of who you are and regardless of your IQ, it is crucial that you value the learning because there are people in the world who don’t have the same opportunities you have. Solely by having this opportunity, you are already a step up. Not only will it help you in college, but it will allow you to have opportunities in which to help those who don’t.”
defines who I am as a person,” Bredensteiner said. Earning the gold award means that a girl scout member has gone through years of hard work and has helped their community in many ways. A high number of badges and other awards must be earned before being eligible for the gold award. “I’ve received about twenty badges and I have earned about five awards of so,” Bredensteiner said. “We all work together with the journeys we have been on before will all of our awards and badges and we all kind of help eachother out with that.” Along with learning about survival and communal skills, girl scouts teach kids valuable life lessons. Being a girl scout member teaches you communication and participation to benefit a town or city. “Girl scouts has taught me to be more confident and has taught me to be me cooperative with other people,” Bredensteiner said. “I know that girl scouts has taught me to be a better person in every way I can imagine.” Receiving the gold award takes years of hard work and dedication. Bredensteiner demonstrates this and shows that in the end, hard work truly does pay off.
10 InDepth
May 2018
Volume 4 Issue 8
MENTAL STORMS understanding, evaluating and coping with mental health
BENEATH THE SURFACE
STUDENTS WITH MENTAL DISORDERS SPEAK OUT By Emily Shurtliff STAFF WRITER
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ental disorders in teens are incredibly common, and mental disorder cases seem to be growing. Teens are struggling with mental disorders such as PTSD, ADHD, anxiety and depression across the world. Guidance counselor Dr. Melissa Hansen deals with mental health daily, and has been working with students for 19 yea rs. “Generally, we at the school deal with them (mental disorders) in those earlier stages where it’s just minor depression, minor anxiety and things like that,” Dr. Hansen said. Dr. Hansen believes that the most common mental disorders that she sees are anxiety and depression. Both of these can get in the way of school work. “Generally, it’s one thing that builds on another and another,” Dr. Hansen said. “Maybe mom and dad are putting pressure on them (a student) to do something, get good grades. They are trying hard; they’re coming in early and meeting with a teacher every day after school. They have the intellectual capability, but they’re just so overwhelmed and stressed by these other factors that they are struggling to be focused, and they can’t focus because they are so worried and anxious and things like that. Anxiety and depression don’t allow you to do your best work because you’re stressing out, essentially, about other things.” A common misconception about anxiety is that it is the same as the normal stress that a student encounters. However, it is much more than that, but sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between normal stress and anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Agency of
America, 1 in 8 children are affected by any type of anxiety disorder. Some students may experience anxious thoughts but not know if they actually have the disorder. It is something that only people who have it can truly understand. “People tend to think of anxiety as just being nervous about a test or a speech, but it comes in so many forms, and that’s what is so hard to understand,” Anonymous said. “For me, my anxiety is constantly a part of me. I tend to get very anxious at very random times about what would seem like the simplest of things. Sometimes there’s not even a reason. It feels like a pain in my stomach, and my arms don’t stop shaking. It keeps me from doing a lot of things I’d enjoy like talking to people, participating in class and even staying focused on an episode on Netflix I’m watching. I think people have a hard time separating the feeling anxious from actually suffering from the constant nagging of this illness.” Dr. Hansen suggests that anybody who believes that someone else is struggling with a mental illness should help them in any way possible. Sometimes all people need is for someone to reach out for them and offer help. “Encourage them to seek help,” Dr. Hansen said. “Sometimes they just need to take that little timeout and calm down.” ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a mental disorder that makes it hard for people to focus on different tasks. According to the National Survey of Children’s health, 6.1 million children were reported to have ever ADHD in 2016. Special education paraprofessional Mrs. Tasha Soby believes that people often mistake energetic students for students with ADHD. Mrs. Tasha Soby is finishing her fourth year as a paraprofessional at GHS and has plenty of experience dealing with ADHD in her students.
Photo by Emily Shurtliff
“Those with ADHD are unable to focus on one activity even if they enjoy it,” Mrs. Soby said. “They’re unable to complete activities because everything distracts them. Even while playing their favorite game with their best friend, concentration is impossible. They forget a lot and organizing their activities is extremely difficult.” Jordyn K. was diagnosed with ADHD when she was six years old. She accepts her ADHD as a part of who she is, even if that makes her different from everybody else. “I’ll talk nonstop, have almost unlimited energy, bouncing around and stuff,” Jordyn said. “I’m also super impulsive, and so, and say stuff without thinking, even if those things go against social norms.” Another mental disorder that affects many people is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). According to the National Center for PTSD, 7-8% of the population will experience PTSD in their lives. While PTSD is commonly known for affecting
people in the military, that is not always the case. Sarah T. has the condition PTSD from being hit near the eye by a soccer ball. She lost vision in her right eye from fear, which makes it harder for her to play sports now. “A couple minutes before the game ended a ball came flying at my face, it barely hit the side of my face,” Sarah said. “But it was enough to do some damage. My body hit the ground after the blow. As I sat back up and tried to regain my composure, I realized I couldn’t see out of my right eye at all. After seeing almost 10 doctors, the neuro-opthamologist said I had functional vision loss. He said it was pretty much PTSD from a soccer ball.” Although mental disorders are sometimes portrayed as abnormal or weird, they are a part of life. Dr. Hansen stresses that it is incredibly important that people accept and understand mental illnesses. “Sometimes people feel alone,” Dr. Hansen said. “Students need to know it is a normal part of life.”
1 in 5 Americans struggle with mental health Calming Down Holding up her arms, senior Kenadie Janulewicz shows a breathing technique that helps relieve anxiety. Breathing in for four seconds, holding it in for seven seconds and exhaling for eight. Repeating this will help someone calm down and focus on their breathing, rather than the attack. Photo by Allie Janulewicz
Volume 4 Issue 8
May 2018
InDepth
11
HAHA WHAT NOT TO SAY YOU’’ RE S O THE OVERUSE OF SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH PHRASES OCD By Ruthie Isaacson COPY EDITOR
“I
’m going to kill myself,” is a harsh phrase, often used in times of a poor test grade or something equally as horrendous. According to The Telegraph, 49% of people are misusing mental health terms. “I’m so OCD,” “I’m having such bad anxiety right now” and “kys” are phrases thrown around in GHS’ hallways all too often. While these terms are strictly medical, teens have began to use them as expressions of their frustration, stress or mood. “I think when people say that they have anxiety and they’re so used to hearing people make little comments about it when they don’t really know what it is and it makes it seem like its not that big of a deal and its just something that they should get over and not complain about,” Hannah said. Those suffering from mental illnesses truly relate to these phrases; however, teenagers have begun to integrate them into their daily vocabulary. In a situation where something goes wrong for a student, they may spit out “I’m going to kill myself”. These toxic words are no joke, yet they are laughed at in the cafeteria. “People that use mental illnesses as a joke, no matter how funny or not serious the issue may seem to them, need to stop,” Anonymous said. “I don’t know if they’re just misinformed or they don’t care, but I do and the joking can become intolerable after a while. I definitely think the general view of anxiety is altered by people’s constant belittlement of it. It may seem like something that’s not hard to deal with, but I can assure everyone that it is, and now since everyone is suddenly saying they deal with this illness because they got a little nervous before a date, anxiety can often just be pushed
aside by friends, teachers, and even parents because ‘everyone has to go through this.’” These constant insincere references to mental illnesses have glamorized having one, and almost any student can be heard muttering about how ‘OCD’, ‘bipolar’, or ‘depressed’ someone is. This has put the teens that truly suffer from one in a tough spot. “Often, statements of suicidal thought or plans are the reason someone is taken to the hospital to be evaluated for admission to the Psychiatric unit,” Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Matthew Dobbertin said. “The reason is risk of actually completing suicide. Normalizing those kinds of statements could make it harder to recognize when someone is actually at risk of doing it. Also, it is INCREDIBLY insensitive and even re-traumatizing to other kids or adults who have lost a loved one to suicide.” Because many students are not truly aware of these illnesses in depth, and gained knowledge from known stereotypes, it is easy to use them in a lackadaisical way. Those who are constantly facing trials due to their condition were forced to unmask the cliches of their mental illness and see it as a part of them. “My anxiety is a constant weight on my shoulders but I do feel that it has made me more disciplined in my thoughts in a way,” said Anonymous. “I wish it didn’t exist for me every day, but it is something I have learned to live with. As a population we have moved on from a fear of mentioning these things, but it it’s only a small step forward. Instead, all of the terms describing mental illness have come to mean the same thing. It should never be made fun of. You never hear about it in relation to a physical...condition. You wouldn’t hear someone being described as “a bit diabetic” and it’s the same thing for these other disabilities.”
OVERCOMING ATTACKS
G N I O G “IM L TO KIL F” MYSEL
‘‘TRIGGERED ’’ “THIS IS GIVING ME ” N O I S S E DEPR
The uneducated face a risky task of gaining knowledge on the conditions that send others into severe suffering. Until realizing what those diagnosed are going through, teens are going to continue to joke and laugh at the unbelievable pain these illnesses caused. “It’s not right for any age group to speak or reference things they have limited knowledge about, but it is what it is,” Special Education para Mrs. Tasha Soby said. “Think about it, we allow lots of things to be said mostly because we truly are not informed with the subject. When we hear, ‘Oh Mother Nature is is ADHD or so bipolar,’ and we
THE CAUSES, DIFFERENCES AND CURES FOR ATTACKS By Allie Janulewicz STAFF WRITER
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nable to speak, feeling as if all sense of control is taken away and feeling breathless are a few of many symptoms that occur when someone is experiencing an anxiety or panic attack. Although these attacks bring similar symptoms, panic and anxiety attacks are two different conditions. Panic attacks have more intense physical symptoms such as nausea, shaking, shortness of breath and chest pain. Anyone can get a panic attack, but having more than one can be a sign of a panic disorder. Symptoms of an anxiety attack are usually involved with anticipation of a situation and include distress, restlessness, worry and apprehension. These symptoms can sometimes be uncontrollable or difficult to relieve. “I think the main trigger is probably stress,” Alex E. said. “It’s like I just can’t handle stress very well. It’s really easy for me to hide any anxiety. It’s really hard to get work done with it. I try to breath when I get anxiety, mostly I take a deep breath and then let it out in short little breaths and try to focus on that to calm myself down.” About 25 percent of teens are affected by an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and panic attacks can happen anywhere, including school. Usually, panic attacks come without a cause. Some are expected and happen once a stressor, such as a phobia, comes into play. During a panic attack, the body’s fight or flight response takes over, increasing the intensity of the attack. Anxiety attacks occur when something is seen as stressful or there is anticipation in a situation. These attacks
can build up gradually. The best thing to do when an attack transpires is to take deep and slow breaths, to accept what is happening, to be aware of surroundings, relax and say, “I am in control.” Removing oneself from the situation is another effective way to help decompress the attack. “Sometimes two to three people come in a day for attacks, sometimes none,” Dr. Melissa Hansen said.“If a student is having a panic attack in my office, I’ll usually turn off the lights and put on meditation music to reduce the stimulus and have them do breathing such as deep breathing or slow breathing. I’ll try and get students distracted away from the attack. Times where the attack is severe, it helps to take a sheet, wrap themselves in it and pull tight. It makes them feel secure and this is something we try. But not all techniques work for everybody. There’s a variety of things we try and do. In comparison to last year there has been an increase of students coming in. It might be that they are aware I provide things or it’s truely that anxiety is amped up.” Although panic attacks can be diagnosed, doctors cannot diagnose anxiety attacks. Anxiety symptoms are conditions that can be diagnosed. Self care, treatments, therapies and medications are some ways to relieve an attack. It is best to talk to someone that is trusted if an anxiety or panic attack occurs. Persistent anxiety and panic disorders can develop if attacks are left untreated. People who have anxiety have an increased chance of getting a panic attack, though having anxiety does not automatically mean someone will have an attack. If a student is experiencing an attack at school, it is advised to go to the counselors office or talk to a trustworthy adult.
st e t s i g H n T i v i G IS PAnic me A TACK AT
laugh because to us it’s funny as we don’t know what it truly means to have ADHD or be bipolar. We have the ‘cliff’s notes’ version of it and that’s why we laugh.” These phrases are losing significance because of the casually way teens throw them around. To respeCt those suffering, their disorder should not be treated as a joke. “When I hear students talk, I hear phrases like, “I’m so OCD” or “I’m so depressed” it gets on my nerves,” anonymous said. “The use of these words as metaphors are tremendously damaging to those who deal with them, and it’s part of the process for creating a stigma around mental illness.”
Remember.... YOU ARE IN CONTROL
PANIC Ner vou s Desperate ain d P e r Sca overwhelmed
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older
12 InDepth
May 2018
Volume 4 Issue 8
SCHOOL TAKES A STAND STAFF HELPS REACH STUDENTS IN NEED By Samantha Chase STAFF WRITER
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ental disorders are endured by a number of high school kids. Whether that be anxiety, depression or a number of others, mental disorders are more common than most people realize. Our school does have programs available for students dealing with mental health issues, though. One club that offers support for mental health issues and a place to relax is Zen Zone, which is run by choir instructor Mr. Brandon Shostak. This club gives students an opportunity to take time to focus on their mental health and give them a chance to clear their minds and meditate. “Meditation was the one thing I kind of always gravitated towards,” Shostak said. “So, ever since then, I’ve kind of had this approach
to everything that I do with a Mindful Eye, and felt the need that the anxiety levels within students these days and people in general needed space. I threw out the idea to people and it bounced off Dr. Hansen’s head in a good way, and we started the Zen Zone, or Mindfulness Club, shortly after.” More Americans deal with mental health issues than most people realize. When looking at someone, it is hard to tell if they suffer from a mental disorder, but these feelings are present in about 20 percent of Americans. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” senior Spencer said. “I didn’t try at anything, and I always felt like my brothers were better than me. It got worse through middle school: I didn’t really try at all. Freshman year came around and things got a little better, and sophomore year was when I finally told my parents how I felt. My mom was upset, and she took me to the emergency
room. I met with psychiatrists and therapists and learned I had OCD. After that, things slowly, but surely, got better.” Nobody should ever have to battle a mental disorder alone. There are several ways to get through a hard time rather that be talking to a therapist, or even just friends and family: difficult times never last forever. “What got me through it was a lot of support from everyone who I love,” Spencer said. “My brothers were there for me, my friends had my back: without them I would have never had made it through.” To be able to get through a mental health issue, letting a parent, counselor or a therapist know what is going on is always a good decision. Beating a mental health problem is already difficult, but it is near impossible to beat it alone. “In so many cases, I think communication is the best thing to do,” guidance counselor Mr. Curt Mace said. “We tend to think we
are the only one with a problem, and we are going through it alone, but not being afraid to tell someone is a great start to recovery.” After conquering the long and painful battle that fighting a mental disorder is, a stronger person will emerge. After being at a low point, it is significant to see how amazing life is. “This has made me a stronger person, when you deal with a mental disorder, you learn a lot about yourself and how other people think,” Spencer said. “I learned that I can overcome my battles and how to help people going through the same thing I did.” Overcoming a mental disorder is a long journey, but in the end, it is worthwhile for the opportunity of experiencing life. Going to a counselor can be a difficult, but also a lifechanging decision. No matter what someone is going through, there are always people willing to help others through a mental disorder.
Show Time The starter of Zen Zone choir instructor Mr. Brandon Shostack demonstrates what the students should do to calm down. He does all of the relaxation techniques along with the students. Shostack also talks about what the students are to focus on while using relaxation methods. Photo by Samantha Chase
Clear Minds While at zen zone, Zoey Schultz (21) focuses on her breathing while closing her eyes and relaxing. Music plays to allow students to relax and forget to about the stress of everyday life for a little while. Zen zone regulars say that it is a safe place and has helped a lot with stress and anxiety. Photo by Samantha Chase
STRUGGLE BETWEEN MIND AND ACADEMICS MENTAL DISORDERS AFFECT SCHOOL LIFE By Tristan Duin STAFF WRITER
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ur minds are like pools. Every drop of water symbolizes a thought. Sometimes, our minds get extremely overwhelmed with too many thoughts, and the pool floods like after a fresh spring rain. The world around is a continuous rainstorm where no one gets a breath in between. High school is a place filled with people, social interactions, activities, responsibilities, etc. Mental disorders such as ADHD and depression can affect school life for teenagers. Mental disorder is like any physical disorder: it can negatively impact the way one acts, performs and even learns. “During school, I find myself daydreaming a lot,” Payton said. “A characteristic of my disorder is that I obsess over small things and make them a bigger deal in my head than they are. When this happens, it distracts me from my classes and classwork, and sometimes, I try to use my classes as a distraction from these things.” Mental disorders can take the focus away from student’s attention, and they can become less concentrated. A student’s mental disorder does not define their intelligence or their knowledge, but it may affect how they learn new information in life. “My mental disorder affects me every day during school,” Carmel said. “I have always, as early into my childhood as I can remember, struggled with my focus. In elementary school, teachers knew me as the incredibly smart kid, kindhearted, the best reader in my second grade classroom, always aced the spelling tests but disruptive, the class clown, never on task, always
fiddling and had a hard time turning in my homework in at the due date. I never had a problem with my efforts however, I always tried my absolute best. I just had a very hard time paying attention and remembering. It was only until freshman year that I was diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type, which was pretty unfortunate for me because I never knew why I struggled so much in school, even being a smart kid, until then. I can’t stay focused into a subject like math for more than two minutes without getting side tracked. It’s like this every day, every single class, which really has affected the amount of learning I’m actually getting. This plays into the quality of my homework scores, my test scores, and my reputation as a student.” Mental disorders can affect how students work in their classroom. Symptoms of mental disorders such as anxiety disorders and depression can leave students with lower grades from lack of being able to concentrate. It is difficult to work on an assignment, take a test or quiz, or learn a new subject when a student’s mind is thinking about random such as grades, family, television, food, music, etc. “Sometimes, a small thing will happen that will put me in a bad mood and make me spiral into a depressive or anxious mood,” Payton said. “This could be someone making a joke that hurts my feelings, or a teacher getting upset at my class. When these things happen, I start to feel sick: physically nauseated and that only makes me more anxious.” To anyone at GHS suffering from a mental disorder, there is help for anyone within the walls of this high school. Dr. Melissa Hansen, Ms. Carole Carraher and Mr. Curt Mace are trained counselors that are here to help students talk about their problems.
Under Pressure The seven hour school day can prove difficult in many ways. For some students, concentration comes natural, but for Carmel, it is not easy. “I dislike to learn at school because I have trouble paying attention and I get bored easily,” Carmel said. Photo by Tristan Duin
Helpful Hacks During school, Payton likes to do small, yet helpful tasks to make the hours go by easier. “Making lists of things I need to do and when they need to be done helps me a lot,” Payton said. “Venting to my friends and talking to my mom is also really helpful. This is super cheesy, but watching a good comedy or just hanging out with friends and laughing is really helpful too.” Photo by Tristan Duin
Volume 4 Issue 8
May 2018
peace, love and
self care
TAKING CARE OF ONESELF IS IMPORTANT
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By Ella Weaver STAFF WRITER
he latest trend in Twitter threads, among others, is selfcare. These tweets are full of tips on good fruit to eat, how much water to drink and good face masks for relieving stress. Each of these tips falls under the term “self-care.” Self-care is a broad term, and the phrase holds slightly different meanings for every person. No matter the method of self-care, however, there are numerous valid and beneficial methods. “I think self-care ties itself too closely with the word ‘selfish,’ which people think is a bad thing,” Zen Zone founder Mr. Brandon Shostak said. “It’s good to be of service to others and be aware of other people, but I’ve put the metaphor to a styrofoam cup. If you always give of yourself to other people and your cup is always empty, and there’s nothing left for you, so first take care of you. So then, whatever is left over, or if you have way too much, now start giving that away because you can’t even hold it any more. But make sure you have at least half or more than half for yourself so you can operate.” Self-care serves many purposes. As Mr. Shostak believes, it can serve as a way to replenish our energy. Another helpful
purpose of self-care is the prevention of larger problems and breakdowns. “I practice self-care (because) I know that it’s important to take care of things before things get bad,” Carlie S. said. “I know because things have gotten really bad before. I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in eighth grade, but looking back, my family can see the patterns since I was three.” There are numerous types of selfcare. Some therapists separate these types of self-care into distraction, soothing and improvement of the moment. Other separations include small and large forms of self-care, and 76.6 percent of surveyed GHS students found both forms of healing to be valid. The different senses are another separation. Counselor Dr. Melissa Hansen uses different senses in her office to help students. “Sometimes, the lotion works because ...scents help to balance them (the students),” Dr. Hansen said. “The zen garden really just... they (students in her office) rake the sand, move the things around, bury things, take things out and it just really helps to take a moment to focus inward and focus on something. I usually have a little bit of music playing in my office. Sometimes its Christian music, sometimes it is just meditation music, depending on where the person is.
Beauty Time Taking time for oneself is an important part of self-care, including physical self-care. Makeup, skincare, and trying on outfits can help boost one’s confidence. Although they are simply fun hobbies, they can all make a stressful day a little more fun. Photo by Ella Weaver
Plant Power Taking care of plants, like the budding Echeveria and Haworthia shown (below/above/to the left), can be soothing. They serve to remove toxins from the air, improve concentration, and boost your mood, according to a 2017 NBC article. Succulents and houseplants are available at stores and greenhouses across the metro. Photo by Ella Weaver
13
DO NOT HESITATE... BOYSTOWN HOTLINE (for mental health) : 800-448-3000
Sometimes it’s music that helps the person! It’s either scents, distraction, music- we try all kinds of things in here.” Students have their own methods of self-care. Of surveyed students, 80 percent of students listed sleep as their main method of unwinding, with 60 percent of students additionally selecting watching Netflix. Other tips from students included talking with friends, relying on faith and spending time with family. Carlie is a firm believer in exercise as a method of selfcare, and she encourages more students to become active. “I know that’s like hearing your parents say “don’t do drugs” for the 80 trillionth time, but so many of my friends who say that they seem depressed, or I know they just have a negative outlook on life or just feel (mentally) heavy a lot, they don’t exercise,” Carlie said. “That’s biologically going against you. The body doesn’t want to exercise, but it does. The body wants efficiency, so we don’t want to run or lift weights if we don’t have to, because that’s the survival aspect. But when we start doing those things, physically we become more efficient, and mentally, because of endorphins. We just feel so much better.” Not every form of self-care works for people. Dr. Hansen believes that different tools work for everyone, and Carlie even has various forms of self-care for different
situations. Distraction, improvement, and other methods can all be used in different scenarios for different people. While a majority of students stated that relaxing helped them feel better, others said that being productive or exercising helped them. “The self-care tips like ‘taking bubble baths’ and ‘spending money’ and doing nothing and relaxing would drive me insane, because that would only be sitting and letting my mind do whatever it wants and driving me into a corner with worry,” Carlie said. “I need to always be busy with something, but sometimes alter what kind of busy. Sometimes it’s busy with watching a TV show,and sometimes its reading something that’s not for school. I have to remind myself to not do school pretty often.” Everyone has their own valid methods of self-care that help them with school, stress, or mental health. As long as a method is safe, there is no reason for it to be looked down upon. One important way to feel healthier is therapy. Out of 206 surveyed students, 85 had attended therapy in their life. Still, another 58 stated that they would not even ask to attend therapy because of the negative social stigma. Therapy is a useful, normal way to understand oneself and take care of stress or unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Move It Saline is only one proponent of the power of exercise, whether it be running or sports such as basketball. A 2017 Huffington Post article touts the benefits of exercising, including reducing stress, increasing productivity, and improving self-confidence. Even a few minutes a day can be a healthy habit, both for physical fitness and mental health. Photo by Ella Weaver
Self-Care the
SELF-SOOTHING
InDepth
IMPROVEMENT
FAMILY TREE
VISION
IMAGERY
HEARING
•make one space in your room or house aesthetically pleasing
DISTRACTING
•Listen to soothing/ invigorating music.
•light a candle and watch the flame
•Burn a CD with nostalgic music. •Listen to nature.
•take a walk through nature
TOUCH •Tightly wrap yourself up in a blanket or sheet. •Put a cold compress on your forehead. •Take a long bath or shower.
•Picture the thing you’re most looking forward to in the week.
SENSATIONS
ACTIVITIES •Focus on a task you need to complete. •Go out with a friend.
•Listen to loud music
•Hold
•Encourage yourself with motivational and positive phrases.
•Visualize all your dreams coming true. •Remember your happiest memory.
•Take a cold shower.
•Exercise.
RETHINKING
ice.
RELAXING
EMOTIONS
•Drink hot milk or uncaffeinated tea.
•Listen to stand-up comedy routines.
•Massage your neck and scalp.
•Lisen to exciting or angry music. •Watch a scary movie. All tips are taken from the DBT Skill Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition
•Breathe deeply.
•Cheerlead yourself with motivating phrases. •Repeat a mantra to yourself.
14 Feature
May 2018
deep dive into learning
Volume 4 Issue 8
FISH TANK COMING TO GHS LIBRARY By Bayleigh Koch STAFF WRITER
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fter a project that was only supposed to take two months and ended up taking two years, the fish tank should be done before the end of the school year. A former student brought the 55 gallon fish tank to the highschool, sparking the idea. Student Michelle Weber, senior, began the fish tank project her sophomore year, but due to funding and other setbacks it wasn’t until this year that her and three other girls got the project up and running again. “It also can calm people down. That’s why they have fish tanks in hospitals is because it can kinda like make people a little less anxious and hopefully it can help people if they need to zone out a little bit. “ Ellie Birdwell, senior said. All of the girls have an interest with fish, but Maya is the expert. Burns works at a pet store in Omaha and has not only had to learn about fish but has taken the job to her advantage. Making connections
for the fish tank project Burns uses her knowledge about the fish to find the best types for the school. “We are in discussion about what fish to put into the tank, the original stocking plan was to use bigger fish. But now we’re thinking about using smaller, more peaceful fish.” Burns said. The girls have learned how to problem solve after running into many complications. From needing a cycle, then the cycle broke, causing yet another hitch in their plan. To rocks that were releasing deadly chemicals to the fish. The girls had to work together to fix the issues and find other ways on what to do next. “We had to make a google docs slide and list everything that we wanted and list the price range and give them a final total and then we gave it to our sponsor, Mr. Johnson.” Nicole Martindale, senior said. The school board is funding the girls for the project, along with Mr. Johnson as their sponsor. All of the girls are looking forward to the project being done and they are grateful for getting this experience.
Finishing Up The science club is hoping to have the fish project finished before the end of the year. Maya Burns (20) was able to get the project started up again after it was delayed for several months. “We learned a lot of new skills from working on this,” Burns said. photo by Bayleigh Koch
SECRET SECRETARY
MRS. M’S JOB WORKING GUIDANCE OFFICE By Corban Critchfield STAFF WRITER
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Work Space The Counseling Office is where the counselors and Mrs. M work during the school day. “There is absolutely nothing that I dislike about my job,” Mrs.Maliszewski said. Her job is crucial the counseling office. photo by Corban Critchfield
Friendly Faces Mrs. M is very a close friend with Ms. Granger. “We are best buddies,” Mrs. M said. Mrs. M is kind to everyone in the building. Submitted photo
hether it is problems with scholarships or changing classes over semester, students from GHS visit the guidance office to resolve any problem that they have. They either see the counselors Mr. Curt Mace, Dr. Melissa Hansen, or Mrs. Carole Carrahar in their personal, designated work space. However, when they first walk into the guidance office, they are greeted by secretary Mrs. Sue Maliszewski. Most people do not know her name when they first walk in, but they come to know who she is. “For my job here at Gretna High School as a secretary in the guidance office, the most important thing is whoever comes in our door, I want to greet them. I want everyone to feel welcome in the guidance office whether it be a student, a teacher or a parent.” Counselors are working busily on meeting with parents and students for schedule signups this time of year. Students often ask for help when they are stuck
finishing up local scholarships. Mrs. M. helps in the guidance office as well. She works on things that the other counselors do not. “I do a lot that you wouldn’t even know,” Mrs. Maliszewski said. “For seniors, I just finished cleaning their cumulative files and making sure that everything is in there so when they have their senior meeting in May, they will get their cumulative file to keep. I’m the one who makes sure that all of your grades are posted to the portal (the website to see personal grades). If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be able to see your grades.” Mrs. Maliszewski has a passion for her job and for the people she works with. She is not well known, but works in the guidance office to make sure everyone feels welcome and does work that not many people know about. With her love for the job, she describes the definition of a great secretary. “I am forever changed by working here at Gretna High School. These kids have come into my heart like I never, ever thought. I love the kids here at Gretna. I would do anything for them. I get to hug, cry with kids, laugh with kids; I love them.”
Reciprocating Love Mrs. M loves to spend time with her family. “I love them,” Mrs. M said. She visited a Stormchasers baseball game with her grandson. Submitted photo
Volume 4 Issue 8
May 2018
15
Feature
LOUDER THAN A BOMB MANY POWERFUL POETS
LTAB POETS HEAD TO SEMI-FINALS By Kaitie Correll STAFF WRITER
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embers of the Louder Than a Bomb Great Plains poetry program joined this organization to express themselves. They do this through writing their feelings in their own words in a powerful, poetic piece. “I joined because I really like writing poetry, and I kinda wanted to put myself out there more,” senior Elli Birdwell said. “I put myself out of my comfort zone because I am not used to performing in front of people or talking in front of people, and that made me come out of my shell a little bit because I got the opportunity to perform, and even just sharing it in front of the other people in LTAB made me more open in front of people and sharing those types of things.” Louder Than a Bomb is a poetry slam competition where four schools come together to share four individual pieces along with a group piece. Each poem is approximately two to three minutes long and varies over numerous topics that pertain to the poet’s personal life or political concerns. “I’ve always loved reading, writing, poetry,” co-captain of LTAB senior Nick Harmon said. “I love performing. Being able to have another aspect of performance
that is not musical or show choir is cool. Mrs. Long made us watch a documentary on how LTAB started, and it was super cool. She made us write some slam poems, and I really enjoyed it.” Judges grade the poems on a scale of 1-10. The group has competed at two competitions, called bouts, this year. The first bout was held at UNO and the other at UNL. Due to their hard work and high scores, the LTAB team advanced to semifinals. This third bout was hosted at the Joslyn Art Museum. Members have gained experience and valuable lessons from these fun, supportive events. “I’ve learned basically not being afraid of putting myself out there and letting my guard down and emotions out a little bit because they’re not going to judge how you write your poem or what you write about,” Birdwell said. “They know poetry is supposed to be emotional, and they understand that because they write poems, too.” Individual pieces at semifinals were performed by co-captain and senior Hannah Morrison, senior Emelia Rau, junior Emily Austin, and junior Cecily Jones. The group piece was performed by Harmon, Morrison, Austin, and junior Regan Pearson on April 17. The group received third place in the competition. As the season comes to a close, members continue to share their passion of poetry and writing with others.
Proud Poet During competitions, four individual pieces are performed by each school. Cecily Jones (19) shares a poem she wrote dedicated to her little sister. “It is very nerve-racking to share an emotional poem in front of a large audience, but I know that the LTAB community is very accepting so it makes it easy to share this personal piece about my sister,” Jones said. photo by Kaitie Correll
Swipe Left One group poem is performed at the end of every bout. Emily Austin (19), Regan Pearson (19), Hannah Morrison (18) and Nick Harmon (18) worked together to write and develop a group piece called Swipe Left. “I love working on group pieces because it gives me a chance to collaborate with other writers and use the platform to express a mutual perspective,” said Morrison. photo by Kaitie Correll
BEHIND THE SCENES OF SLAM POETRY
PATRICK MCEVOY COACHES YOUNG POEM WRITERS By Macy Keiser STAFF WRITER
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ords surround all of us all day, every day. Words have meaning and power. Louder Than a Bomb is the “largest youth poetry festival in the world,” according to Young Chicago Authors. The program first started in Chicago in the early 2000s. According to Young Chicago Authors, “Young Chicago Authors helps young people from all backgrounds to understand the importance of their own stories and those of others, so that they can pursue the path they choose and work to make their communities more just and equitable.” A documentary was made about Louder Than a Bomb, and it came to Film Streams in 2011. Film Streams is a nonprofit organization in Omaha which strives to present and discuss film as a form of art. A few people from Omaha were very interested in the documentary and wanted Louder Than a Bomb to come to Omaha. They contacted the director of Nebraska’s Writer Collective, Mr. Mat Mason, to see if this was possible. In 2011-2012, their first season in Omaha, they had about sixteen teams. Now, Louder Than a Bomb has grown to more than fifty teams. Core Teaching Artist Patrick McEvoy works with the Nebraska Writers Collective. Mr. McEvoy studied creative writing in college. He now teaches and coaches creative writing and poetry. He has competed on many teams, including Omaha’s National Slam Poetry Team, for a combined total of about eight or nine different times. He has always competed on the national level. The first year that Louder
Than a Bomb came to Omaha, Mr. McEvoy was asked to coach for them. He accepted and has coached poetry ever since. Mr. McEvoy has coached at Creighton Prep for three years and at Gretna for about five or six years. The Gretna team for Louder Than a Bomb began the first semester with writing. They generated creative ideas and wrote their own stories. Mr. McEvoy brought in different prompts and taught the students to try to write different kinds of poetry, all from different topics. In the second semester, Mr. McEvoy coached the students on the performance aspect of poetry. This is required for competition. Louder Than a Bomb calls for each school to have four individual poems and one group piece. During a competition, five judges are chosen randomly from the audience. They may have extensive poetry backgrounds, or they may have never read poetry in their life. The poems must speak to an audience member who may not be familiar with any poetic devices at all. The students need to perform it well: well enough for the audience to obtain a sense of what they were feeling when they wrote the poem. That is the beauty of slam poetry; the poetry is appealing to any audience. “It takes a lot of work to get to a point where you’re willing to share intimate stories with a bunch of random people, but luckily, the community that we’ve built is so strong that the students feel comfortable doing that, and that’s a really cool thing to watch,” Mr. McEvoy said. Mr. McEvoy is involved in numerous different aspects of the Nebraska’s Writer Collective. He teaches poetry at the Fremont
Middle School, the Douglas County Youth Corrections, the Fontenelle Forest and the Zoo. Mr. McEvoy is also involved with another program called Writer’s Block. This is where he teaches creative writing at the Nebraska’s Prison System. Louder Than a Bomb, the competitive poetry performance, is just one feature of the Nebraska’s Writer Collective. “This program is a lot more than just sharing your stories,” Mr. McEvoy said. “Everybody is still high-fiving each other afterwards, and giving each other hugs and becoming friends based solely on their poetry. Our students will talk to students from Omaha North that wrote poems, from West Side, from Lincoln High, from Omaha South, from all these schools that they have never interacted with, and they are getting a chance to interact with them because of the poetry. That’s why I teach. That’s why I decided to coach because it’s cool to see that process unfold, its cool to see that connection made.” Delivering a poem is exhilarating and satisfying. Mr. McEvoy enjoys seeing the progress that his students make as they create and deliver their own work. Going through Louder Than a Bomb is a learning process that each student goes through, but they go through it together. Anyone can share a story about anything, and everyone is supportive of each other. “They found a home in Louder Than a Bomb, and that’s a cool thing to watch,” Mr. McEvoy said. “My favorite part of it is just seeing students learn how to tell their stories and being brave enough to tell their stories and find acceptance in telling their stories.”
Speaking Loud Emelia Rau (18) is part of the Gretna Louder Than a Bomb Team. She has been involved in speech, drama club, plays and One Act. “Louder Than a Bomb is a great experience because it lets you express your emotions and yourself to an adience,” Rau said. photo by Macy Keiser
Intensely Involved Emily Austin (19) is also a member of the Gretna Louder Than a Bomb team. She is involved in band and show choir. “Louder Than A Bomb is really wonderful and I have a blast every time I go,” Austin said. photo by Macy Keiser
16 Sports
Volume 4 Issue 8
May 2018
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY... SNOW STORMS? BATTLE BETWEEN SPORTS AND WEATHER By Casey Downing STAFF WRITER
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or students and athletic directors alike, weather and the ramifications it brings can wreak havoc on spring sports. According to athletic director Mr. Chad Jepsen, the weather is the single most chaotic aspect of scheduling spring sports. “Weather plays a huge role,” Mr. Jepsen said. “Especially in spring sports with them being outdoors in Nebraska weather.” With the combination of both rain and snow that the state has seen recently, activities that rely heavily on safe surface conditions, like track, tennis and baseball, have been forced to adapt. With rescheduling and makeups, teams have faced weeks where they compete up to four times, and this puts a strain on the athletes’ bodies. A measure teams have taken as an unwritten rule to protect their players is a “cold rule” for baseball games. Teams have unofficially agreed to reschedule games where the temperature drops below forty degrees. “We always want to protect our players,” Mr. Jepsen said. “Obviously that’s our number one priority when deciding what we are going to do.” Playing conditions are not just a priority of athletic directors and the administration but also a priority of the players, too.
Varsity soccer players junior Zac Voss and sophomore Gino Zocco agree that the field they play on plays a huge role in the outcome of the game. “With the grass fields, they get soggy and muddy even days after it has rained,” Zocco said. “I believe that the weather can force the field to become a safety issue, and that’s why our games get called.” Voss and Zocco, like many other soccer players at GHS, believe a turf field would be a viable solution to help improve playing conditions. With a turf soccer field, they think that fewer games would be canceled due to unsafe field conditions. “Turf all around is so much better because of the playing surface,” Voss said. “The footing is better and more even compared to a grass field like the one we have now.” Spring sports are more affected by weather than any other activity season. Winter sports are mostly inside and fall in Nebraska is fairly consistent. Tennis and golf are some other spring sports that must adapt to Mother Nature. “In the sport of tennis, for example, the playing surface is crucial,” Mr. Jepsen said. “With rain and snow, the courts are not playable because the bounce of the ball is thrown off.” Golf, much like tennis, has the ball play differently because of a wet ground and therefore is subject to rescheduling when the weather flares up. Every golfer has different
Bundling Up Wearing layers for warmth varsity soccer players, Judd Leuck (20), Patrick Long (21), Carter Hinman (21), Rylen Penke (21), Alaina Ryan (20), Ross Thompson (20) and James Anderson (18) watch on from the sideline. “The climate and temperature are another factor in our process of cancellations,” Mr. Chad Jepsen said.
conditions that they prefer, but most agree that they want the surface relatively dry. “I like to play on greens that aren’t super dry,” junior Zach Weber said. “But, the absolute worst for me is when the grounds are too damp and muddy.” Even with the cancellations that the activities have had so far this spring, Gretna has fared better than other Nebraska
schools. With heavy snow in western Nebraska, some schools have seen inches of snow pile up on their track and have gone weeks without seeing their fields. With great coordination and hard work by both Mr. Jepsen and the tremendous members of the ground crew, GHS has stayed on schedule and has had fewer cancellations than other area schools.
ADMIRING TOP ATHLETES PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES INFLUENCE STUDENTS By Colin Kitson STAFF WRITER
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Back Swing stareing down his tee, Weber (19) shot in the Ashland Championship tournament in the summer of 2017. He played frequently in the summer to prepare himself for the season and get his game to where he would like it. He also watched professional golf to help his game that summer. submitted photo
Mid- Tackle During a game, Chilton (19) plows through a Mount Michael defensive player during the cold, rainy game. Chilton watched professional football during his season every sunday to get himself in the right mindset and to perform his best. He focuses a large amount of time on his game to get himself better. submitted photo
thletes in the school work very hard at the sport they play, and for some of these students, professional sports players can affect the way students perform and compete. It can motivate the student athlete to push harder to try and be like that pro athlete. Junior Zach Weber is a golfer and enjoys watching professional golf. He watches tournaments in his free time, and it helps him think more about his game and how to improve. “I watch the pro golf tournaments when I can, but I pay more attention to one player when watching, Rickie Fowler,” Weber said. “He has never won a major and is in the top five just about every time, so it strives me to never give up when playing and always go for the top spot.” Varsity fullback junior Hunter Chilton was a large impact for the football team this year by gaining yards when the team needed him. He is inspired to also play well by watching a professional sport: for him, it is football. “I like watching football on TV, whether it is college or NFL,” Chilton said. “I prefer NFL more because I get
to watch my favorite fullback Andy Janovich. He is from our school, so it shows that anyone can make it to the big stage and that makes me think anything is possible.” Sophomore Hanna Spearman played on the girls basketball team last year and worked hard on and off the court to get the result she wanted. It was her first season playing for the varsity team, and she proved herself as being a big player coming off the bench. She is inspired by a player from the past, and she enjoys watching his old games to see how he played. “I like watching Tim Duncan play,” Spearman said. “He is a retired player but he made his team very successful. He lead them to several championships and he was a good player on and off the court. When he wasn’t playing, he would cheer on his teammates and was happy for them which made them play good. He also had good morals and wanted what was best for the team and always stayed out of trouble.” All in all, athletes in school can be inspired greatly by professional athletes, and it can change the way someone competes. It does not matter from what era they played, it can still change the mindset of today and the way the game is played.
Volume 4 Issue 8
May 2018
Sports
17
Sibilings playing on same teams BRIGANTI SISTERS WILL BE ON DANCE TEAM By Emily Shurtliff STAFF WRITER
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he dance team recently had their tryouts for the 2018-2019 season, and next season there will be two sisters dancing together on it: sophomore Carlyn Briganti and current eighth-grader Nicole Briganti. C. Briganti has been dancing since she was four. She has had plenty of experience on the GHS dance team, is ready for her third season to begin. “I think the dance team will be different as a junior because I now have my sister on the team and four other new people,” C. Briganti said. “I feel that next year we will make it to the finals at nationals.” Next season, C. Briganti will be joined with her little sister, Nicole Briganti, on the dance team. N. Briganti will be a freshman, so it will be her first experience on a school dance team. “I’m mostly excited because I get to dance for a school,” N. Briganti said. The Briganti sisters have never danced together before, but they are both eager to see what the season will bring. They will be spending a large amount of time together, both at home and at dance. Carlyn hopes that dance will give them a way to get along better. “I’m excited that we can practice at home together,” C. Briganti said. “It will give us a way to not fight as much at home.” N. Briganti is excited for next season to start for many reasons, but she is the most excited for dancing at football games and attending nationals in Florida. Like C. Briganti, she also hopes that dance will strengthen her relationship with her sister. “I’m excited to get closer with her other than just at home,” N. Briganti said. There are many aspects that go into being
a member of the dance team. The dance team has numerous different performances and competitions to attend. C. Briganti’s favorite parts include performing at sporting events and out of town competitions, like nationals. “I really like performing at football games and basketball games,” C. Briganti said. “And, it’s fun to go out of town and compete with my friends.” N. Briganti has been dancing on and off since she was little, but she started competition dancing about three years ago. The dance team will be an adjustment for her, but she is not nervous. Instead, she is looking forward to dancing with her sister and is anxious to see what the season will bring. She has seen her sister, C. Briganti make amazing memories and will get to experience that herself next year. “My favorite memory from dance team so far was being in Florida with my best friends,” C. Briganti said. “And, placing in the semi finals at nationals in Florida.” Although she is not entirely sure what next season will bring for the dance team, C. Briganti has high hopes. One of her goals is to make it to finals at nationals. “I think we have a good team this year,” C. Briganti said. “I think we are going to do really good. Because the sisters have never danced together before, it will take some adjusting for the both of them. However, Carlyn believes that it will be a spectacular experience for them both. “I think dance team will bring my sister and I closer because we will travel together and do what we both love,” C. Briganti said. The dance team begins their practices and training for next season as soon as summer starts. The girls will work hard all summer to prepare performances for competitions and sporting events.
Try Outs N. Briganti (22) and C. Briganti (20) are holding their signs from when they found out they made the dance team. The sisters will be dancing together for the 2018-2019 season. They are both incredibly excited to see what the season will hold. submitted photo.
On Stage N. Briganti (22) dances at a competition with her dance studio. She has plenty of experience with competition dancing. The 2018-2019 season will be her first time dancing with a school. submitted photo.
Leg Hold C. Briganti (20) is going into her third season on the GHS dance team next year. She will be an upperclassman next year, so the younger dancers will look up to her. She believes that the 2018-2019 GHS dance team is going to do exceptionally well. submitted photo.
FRANKE BROTHERS PUSH FOR SUCCESS
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Brother Bonding The Franke brothers are wrapping up K. Franke’s final year on the team as the season winds down. B Franke is finishing up his sophomore year. They are still hoping to reach their goal of a state title. submitted photo.
Goalkeeper B. Franke(20) is the starting goalie for the dragons. This is his second year on varsity. He is looking forward to more years on the team photo by Lydia Yost
Playing Field K. Franke(18) is running for the ball. He is an offensive midfielder for the dragons. This is his third year on the team. photo by Lydia Yost
By Lydia Yost STAFF WRITER
or most high school athletes, teammates are seen as family. The players that make up the team have a bond like a brother or sister. For the Franke brothers, they really do get the chance to play with each other as brothers. Two of the eleven starters for the Dragons’ Varsity Soccer Team are senior Kortlan and sophomore Brendan Franke. The two brothers have grown up playing soccer and are very dedicated to the sport. “I have been playing for as long as I can remember,” K. Franke said. “I started playing soccer when I turned three years old and never stopped. It is something that I do year round.” This is their second season competing together, and the team is hoping for a strong finish to the season with state right around the corner. For B. Franke, being able to play with his older brother is a once-in-alifetime opportunity. “I enjoy playing soccer with my brother,” B. Franke said. “He is one of the only people that will be 100 percent honest with me on the field.” Older siblings always have a different outlook than younger siblings. Sharing the field with close friends or family can be difficult. “Sometimes I do not like playing on the same team together because he is the person I am hardest on,” K. Franke said. “I expect so much of him because he is my brother, and sometimes that can get between us.” Although brotherly love can bring drama to the field, it allows the two to make
memories that will last a lifetime. Sharing a sport helps the two boys further their bond. “I do enjoy playing with Brendan because it brings him and I closer,” K. Franke said. “Soccer gives us something more to talk about. I really enjoy seeing him grow on and off the field. Soccer is something we will always share and bond over.” The overall goal of the season, like most teams, is to win a state title. This goal for the season is a hard, yet achievable one. “The goal of a state championship will be tested in the upcoming weeks,” K. Franke said. “If I was going to bet on any team, it would be this one. I am very proud of the team and happy with how far we have come. I can’t wait to finish the season out with this group of boys by my side.” As for college, the brothers both intend to further their soccer career. B. Franke, who is uncommitted, still has the pressure of picking the perfect school. “I plan to attend a division one or division two school on a full-ride scholarship,” B. Franke said. “The most ideal school is Penn State.” K. Franke has recently committed to the University of Bellevue. He is hoping to pursue a career in the medical field. “I am majoring in healthcare management,” K. Franke said. “A nurse anesthetist is one occupation that I have had my eye on for quite a while as well as a traveling nurse. After Bellevue, I am looking into a couple different nursing schools. My main focus is on Clarkson.” Getting to share the field of a beloved sport with a beloved person can be a blessing in disguise. For the Franke brothers, soccer allows the two to push each other to their limits. Playing high school soccer together will be a unforgettable memory that will last them a lifetime.
18 Sports
May 2018
Volume 4 Issue 8
TWO WINNING GIRLS STUDENTS BREAK TRACK RECORDS By Bayleigh Koch STAFF WRITER
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Effort and Payoff Payton Harter (19) is one of the few girls who broke a track record this season. This was a huge deal for her. “Breaking a track record is really exciting and rewarding because you know that you put a lot of effort and work into your training to get to the point that you are now, breaking records.” Harter said. submitted photo
unior Payton Harter and sophomore Kayla Adams are two of the girls that recently broke track records at a meet in Columbus. The girls’ hard work in track finally paid off. “Breaking a track record is really exciting and rewarding because you know that you put a lot of effort and work into your training to get to the point that you are now, breaking records,” Harter said. Harter has been in track since seventh grade: now five years later, all of her hard work paid off. Harter’s best times are 2:44 for a 800m run and 6:06 for a 1600m run. “Eighth grade year I was running the four hundred, and I was running and a fly got stuck in my throat,” Adams said. “I didn’t know what it was at first, so I was just coughing a bunch of air and I couldn’t talk or anything. I couldn’t run my four by four at the end because I was just chocking on this fly.” Adams has been in track since her seventh grade year as well, but due to an injury, she was not able to run her freshman year. This year, she is back in track and has already broken records. Throughout her years, Adams has made many memories with the help of her friends and coaches. “I feel happy for the girls and guys
that got a chance to be a part of the relays to break those records,” track coach Brunswig said. “Anytime you’re working at something and have a big pay off like that, it obviously feels great.” The runners start their season off with a goal of building their endurance and somespeed. To maintain their stamina, they practice every day. As the season goes by, they work more and more on speed. From floor work to running form drills, they are constantly getting ready for their next race. “At first it didn’t really hit me,” Adams said. “It wasn’t until after we broke it. It was cool to break it because it’s something that not a lot of people do.” Although they’ve been running for years, both girls get nervous before their meets. For Adams when she does her stretches, it helps calm her nerves. Harter, even after running several races, still gets nervous. “Track has impacted me greatly as a person,” Harter said. “I believe track and running has made me who I am because the people I am around are so good and influence me in a great way, and being an athlete less to a lot of good things like hard work, determination and drive. The effort that both girls have put into their running has paid off and shown that their work was worth it. Through the sweat, pain and determination, they have attained a great accomplishment.
Unique Accomplishment Kayla Adams (20) is another girl in track who broke a record. For her, it is a unique accomplishment. “It’s something that not a lot of people do.” Adams said. This is Adams first official year in track after being unable to last season because of an injury. photo by Allison Kibby
RUNNING THE RACE CORRELL PUSHES FORWARD By Kaitie Correll STAFF WRITER
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s the track season progresses, athletes continue to push themselves as they work to improve their times and paces at the meets. Senior Drew Correll strives to exceed his best. As a member of the varsity team, his ultimate goal is to reach his full potential. “Before I compete, I will listen to music and visualize the race before I start,” Correll said. “I warm up 15 to 30 minutes prior to my race. I usually warm up with my teammates that are running the same events I am. During the race, I like to start out fast, and then I see where I am at from there. I compare my pace to other athletes that run the same time as me so that I know where I am at. After each lap I run, I tell myself to reset, and I think to myself that this next lap will be better. I try to tune out of everything around me so that the race goes by faster.” Correll was injured with a stress fracture this season. Despite the injury, he continued to run, switching from long distance to mid-distance. He currently runs the 4x8 and the 800-meter run. He set personal records in his 800-meter time at 2:05, his mile time of 4:48 and his twomile time of 10:18. “My best times help me look at where
I am now and what I have accomplished,” Correll said. “I want to know how much more I can push myself to improve my time even more. Running is something I love to do. I want to continue to pursue it because it is something I am proud of.” Correll has placed in the top runners for multiple competitions. He has helped his teammates break the all-time school and meet record for the 6400-meter relay by coming in first place at 19:11. He competed at the conference meet at Elkhorn High School where he placed sixth in the 800-meter and second in the 4x8. He will be headed to districts on Wednesday, May 9 at Burke High School. “I love running with my teammates,” Correll said. “It’s great because I get to spend time with a lot of my friends and do something that I enjoy and am passionate about. We do a lot of difficult workouts to help us improve, and we do a range of practices from agilities to longer distance runs to help increase our pace time. It gets better because teammates encourage one another and push each other to the max so that we are challenged and prepared to compete.” With only a few weeks left of the spring sport season, Correll continues his push to improve his times as the conference, district and state meets quickly approach. He strives to do his best in competition and looks forward to enhancing his running skills and abilities in the future.
Radiant Runner After running his first event, Drew Correll (18) takes a short break before preparing for his next event. “I love trying to get in tough workouts because it helps prepare me for races ahead,” Correll said. photo by Kaitie Correll
Perfect Pace Coaches help the runners set a pace time for each race they compete in. “I love getting my times. When I do well at a meet I feel proud of what I have accomplished and l know that I can do better the next time,” Correll said. photo by Kaitie Correll
Triumphant Team During training, team events practice handoffs before the race. The 6400 meter relay team placed 1st and broke the school and meet record. “I love pushing myself and my teammates to help us both get better,” Correll said. photo by Kaitie Correll
Volume 4 Issue 8
May 2018
Sports
19
SERVING IN FROM SPAIN RUBIO TACKLES VARSITY TENNIS By Allie Janulewicz STAFF WRITER
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oming all the way from Spain, sophomore Elena Rubio has achieved many goals in her year being a foreign exchange student at GHS. Rubio is on the girls’ varsity tennis team and competes on the number one doubles team with senior Chayna Davison. Not only has she had accomplishments in the United States, Rubio played a sport similar to tennis in Spain, called padel. “I’ve been playing padel since fifth grade,” Rubio said. “I think tennis is more fun, because it’s really fast and you can bond more with your team. You’re closer and also you bond with your partner. My sister Silvia and I were on a team, competing in a state championship, and we got eighth in the state of Catalonia in 2015. But in padel, the court is smaller and has walls and a fence. But the game is the same style, you play with a racket. My favorite memory of tennis was the ride home from Skutt, that ride was so fun, we couldn’t stop laughing. The team is awesome and really funny.” Padel is a racket sport that is the most popular and most played sport in Spain. Like tennis, the sport is played with a racket, a ball and a net. In tennis, though, someone can play doubles, or two people on a team, rather than just single and padel is usually played with doubles. Both sports play with doubles and singles. Tennis courts are three times the size of padel courts, and a padel court is enclosed with walls. The ball can be played off of these walls and stringless rackets are used in padel. In padel, the balls that are used to play contain less pressure than the standard tennis ball and are served at or below the waistline. Scoring is the same in both sports. Minus any differences, Rubio plays both sports with a strong attitude.
submitted photo
“We love her,” head coach Mr. Curt Mace said. “She’s just awesome, her attitude and work ethic. She’s very skilled though she’s never played tennis until this year. She’s athletic and understands how to contact the ball. Her attitude supports it, and when we’re talking as a team she has her eye on me, ready to take in feedback. All her teammates like her and her personality is very fun and cool. I love that she’s out for tennis. She’s also competing very well on varsity, she is on the number one doubles team.” Along with playing on the tennis team, Rubio also played girls basketball during the winter season. She ran cross country during the fall season. As well as enjoying each sport, another thing she loves about basketball, cross country and tennis is the teamwork. “The girls, all of them are super nice,” Rubio said. “And some things I have to work on because padel isn’t the exact same, so they help me with that. They helped when I first started with my serve because they don’t serve the same way. They were really supportive and really awesome.” Before a meet, Rubio focuses on what she wants to accomplish. Tennis requires concentration and a player should always keep their eye on the ball. For Rubio, she does not do too much before a meet, not wanting to be overwhelmed. She prepares herself for the game at hand. “I just listen to music before a meet,” Rubio said. “I kinda like mentally prepare, think about things I’m going to do like try to get my serves in and don’t race every ball, just play.” With being on the number one doubles team and her goal of winning state, Rubio has taken on multitudes at her year in Gretna. She appreciates being a part of school sports and getting to meet people doing what she loves.
Feeling accomplished Elena Rubio (20) and Jillian Brion (18) collaborate. Sharing their love for the sport, they both practice with their minds focused on tennis. “Winning state was my greatest achievement,” Rubio said. “I used to play with my sister.” photo by Ruthie Isaacson
Jump Shot Jumping for the ball, Elena Rubio (20) makes contact. She is attentive and is concentrated on the game. “I love the team,” Rubio said. “I have a great time playing with the girls.” photo by Ruthie Isaacson
Tennis Time As Elena Rubio (20) stands in ready position, she eyes the ball, never losing eye contact. Rubio played a sport similar to tennis in Spain, called Padel. “You play with a racket,” Rubio said. “But the game is the same style.” photo by Ruthie Isaacson
20 A&E
May 2018
Volume 4 Issue 8
CASTING FIRST PLACE
OID EARNS ON STATE PERFORMANCE By Tristan Duin STAFF WRITER
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n Thursday, March 22, one of Gretna’s OID teams received the first place finish for their performance of “The Women of Lockerbie.” The state speech judges ranked performances based on a 50-point rating scale. The team ranked two perfect 50’s and a 49 from three judges in three seperate prelim rounds, and then, the performance scored perfect 50’s from all three judges in finals. The last time an OID team from Gretna received first place was 2012, which also competed in class A. The day of state speech was a magical moment for the team and the coaches, for they had success crawling up on them. The OID, which stands for Oral Interpretation of Drama, adapted their script from a play about the Pan American World Airways 103 plane crash that happened in 1988. The main conflict of the play is the people of the village trying to get the clothing of the victims returned to the families. This was the first OID that the four students have ever participated in, and it was certainly a success, but that does not mean the coaches and performers did not put in any effort. Actors make a great sacrifice to take the time, effort and patience to become the character they are playing. “I had to try to empathize and become an older woman that had lost her son and was driven nearly mad by it,” junior Nicole Carraher said. “I’ve played a part like this before, but this was definitely the most challenging to get there emotionally. Every performance we did, I had to get myself worked up
enough to cry.” From the beginning, the team knew they needed to have strong commitment to their parts. “The Women of Lockerbie” is an sorrowful tragedy about the dead and the survivors of a plane crash, whose sanity and emotions are extremely and vividly powerful. Speech coaches Ms. Gabby Montemarano and Mr. Patrick White had built an ambiguous goal for the performers to achieve excellence. Practices for the team went for about six to eight hours a week to focus on the bits and parts of their performance. “It was important that they present authentic characters, not only through their dialect but also through how they presented themselves: their vocal patterns, their hand gestures or movements,” Mr. White said. “We wanted to be one hundred percent authentic to the original script, but more importantly than that, authentic to the original events and the individuals that were affected by the events.” The roles were given to four talented actors and actresses. Nicole Carraher played Maddie, a mother dealing with the loss of her son to the plane crash. Trystan Nord played Bill, the husband of Maddie. Sophia Montemarano played Olive, a woman of the village trying to return the clothing to the families of the victims and Jed Merriman was George, the American agent assigned to the case whose job was to burn the clothing of the victims. “We gave the best performance we’d ever done and got quite a few tears out of the audience, but we were still surprised when we won, mostly because none of us are seniors and none of us had ever been in OID before,” Carraher said. “To have a state-winning success given; that was incredible.”
First Experience For their first time participating in an OID, Sophia Montemarano (19) and the rest of the group worked extremely hard to make the performance flawless. “We were a very hardworking group we had a goal that we had to achieve,” Montemarano said. This was Montemarano’s third year in speech. photo by ________
Team Player While working with a team can sometimes be stressful, there are many perks to being in such a fun group. “My favorite part of the OID experience was working with my teammates and getting and building up to the moment of winning OID eventually and the friendship that we all shared,” sophomore Trystan Nord said. This was Nord’s first year as a member of the speech team. photo by ________
Building Character Like many actresses, Nicole Carraher (18) was motivated to make her character believable to the audience. “The biggest struggle for me throughout the season was really capturing the emotion of my character in a genuine and not melodramatic way,” Carraher said. “The Women of Lockerbie is based on a true story, and we wanted to show respect to that.” This was Carraher’s third year as a speech team member. photo by ________
“WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MAN’S BEST FRIEND?” ISLE OF DOGS PROVES TO BE CREATIVE,THOUGHTFUL FILM By Abigail Leasure STAFF WRITER “Fantastic Mr Fox”, released in 2009, is a movie that I have practically grown up on. Directed by Wes Anderson, this movie is a light-hearted and sometimes even comedic movie, telling the tale of forest animals who live out their lives almost as if they are humans. Naturally, I was excited to hear that Anderson had come out with a new movie, similar in style, called “Isle of Dogs”. After its release on March 23, 2018, I came into the theaters eagerly, hoping for a movie so similar to the one I was used to watching. This, however, is not what I saw. “Isle of Dogs” is rated PG-13 for violence as well as the dark thematic elements––something I did not know until I reached the theater. The plot was nothing like any other movie I have seen. In short, the movie tells the tale of increasingly disturbing events following the decision of a fictional Japanese mayor to banish all dogs populating the already crowded city to a place called Trash Island––in other words, a dump.
There are a variety of plotlines going on throughout the movie, each of them tied in intricately with one another. I was honestly surprised. The movie was nothing like I expected, yet it was everything I could ever hope for. One of my absolute favorite parts was the amazing use of Japanese culture. Rather than having some vaguely Asian characters thrown carelessly into a crowded city, Anderson makes it clear how much research has gone into the creation of the movie. They have samurai, kabuki theater, and even sushi. One of the best parts, though, is the use of the Japanese language itself. Many movies just have characters speaking English, which in itself is not wrong, but in this movie, the human Japanese characters speak in Japanese for the majority of their screen time. A few exceptions are made, like when they are around an American foreign exchange student for example, but otherwise, everything is left to translators. By translators, I mean actual characters who
act as translators, speaking in English as the other characters talk. When having a translator is illogical, the characters still speak in Japanese, and the meaning of their dialogue is conveyed through their body language and the reaction of characters around them. The majority of the English in the movie is spoken by the dogs, actually. The care with which Anderson incorporated these details is amazing. Even now, I am in awe. This movie was seemingly built around Japanese culture, rather than it being some fact the writers threw in last minute. The film shows much research and respect for Japanese culture. “Isle of Dogs”, though certainly not intended for a young audience, gave off the same sort of comforting nostalgia that comes from rewatching old children’s movies. This, added to the exciting new plot, makes “Isle of Dogs” surpass any movie I have seen before. With all the reboots and sequels flying around, it was refreshing to see something new coming out of the
theaters. There is very little in this world that can move me to tears, but I found myself dangerously close to crying several times throughout the movie––to say nothing of other audience movies. Most notably, however, is my favorite quote from the movie, the title of this piece, “Whatever happened to man’s best friend?” This line is almost a punch to the gut, and I swear I could hear gasps from the audience the first time it was said. The movie is not all doom and gloom, though. Humor is slipped into the movie at just the right times, bringing light into dark situations as if to calm the viewers before something else happens. Though I may seem biased due to my excitement before even watching the movie, I can say with confidence that all of the carefully placed elements in the film make it nothing short of a masterpiece. “Isle of Dogs” is a true testament to Anderson’s skill and attention to detail; I am sure this movie will stand the test of time.
May 2018
Volume 4 Issue 8
By Allison Kibby STAFF WRITER
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or those individuals who love movies packed with action, allure and suspense, I would definitely recommend “Ready Player One” (PG-13), directed by Steven Spielberg. From the beginning, I was hooked on this movie. It starts off by introducing the audience to the main character Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) and giving an in-depth background story that really set up the remainder of the movie and kept any confusion from slipping in. Because of this, I found myself intrigued the entire time. Set in a futuristic society (roughly 2035-2045) were overpopulation is evident, Wade’s only escape from the hardships of reality is the Oasis, a simulated universe created by James Halliday (Mark Rylance) and his partner Ogden Morrow (Simon Pegg). In this reality, anyone can be anything they want: tall, skinny, the opposite sex or even a cartoon character. Years after the Oasis was created, Halliday died but left a challenge behind. Throughout each task to complete the challenge, I found myself handing on the edge of my seat, wanting to know how it was going to end and whether or not the characters would make it through each task. Naturally, everyone became obsessed with completing the challenge for a short while; Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn), a shady businessman who hoped to take control of the Oasis through the challenge, more than most. To keep this world of release out of Sorrento’s hands, Wade and his friends set to complete the challenge before him. During each scene, my mind was trying to work through each obstacle that the protagonists faced, trying to outmaneuver Sorrento and by doing so, kept me engaged the entire time. Laughing, crying and sweating through the movie gave it a sense of reality, as though it was really happening (for a short time). With its intriguing plot, engaging scenes and charming characters, “Ready Player One” captured my attention immediately and the audiences as well. Regarding these characteristics of the movie, I would absolutely (still) recommend this movie and would give it 10/10 “voices”.
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Volume 4 Issue 8
HOW TO CRUSH COOKING IN COLLEGE COOKBOOK PROVIDES EASY AND DELICIOUS RECIPES By Kjerstin Critchfield STAFF WRITER
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ooking in college can be hard without knowing basic skills and having basic recipes. The book “College Cooking: Feed Yourself and Your Friends” is perfect to help solve all these problems. I made three of the plethora of recipes and fell in love with all of them. These simple dishes were appetizing and will continue to be a staple in my life. Out with the fast food and into the homemade mood!
MAC & CHEESE
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absolutely loved this recipe. To fit what I had in my kitchen at home, I adapted the recipe and used Velveeta cheese instead of the cheese listed. This was made with noodles, butter, flour, milk and cheese. The required utensils included a saucepan, a whisk or something to stir with, a nine-by-thirteen-inch pan or baking dish, a strainer, stove top and oven. A concern I had with this recipe was burning the cheese sauce because if is left on the heat too long, it will brown and not taste fantastic like it ended up being. The main problem I had was not thickening the cheese enough. Once I combined the noodles and cheese I thought it would be fine, but when I took it out of the oven and tried it, I discovered that a majority of the sauce was at the bottom of the dish, instead of evenly covering all noodles. That could have been caused by the cheese choice or a lack of proper thickening. However, the plus side of it was that the noodles at the bottom were extra delicious. This was probably the most time consuming of all the recipes, but it was well worth it. The longest parts were boiling the noodles and then waiting for it to bake in the oven, especially when you could smell the aroma. The instructions were extremely clear and concise and left nothing to error. I will definitely continue to use this recipe.
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PIZZA
his, by far, was the easiest recipe to make. With just three basic ingredients, it was not intricate and did its job. The pizza was made with Rhodes dinner rolls, a choice of pizza sauce and cheese and then whatever desired toppings. All that was needed in terms of utensils was a baking sheet and an oven. To make this, take a roll and either stretch it out with your hands or roll it out with a rolling pin. Then, spoon some sauce onto the flattened dough and sprinkle cheese and toppings. They baked in the oven at 400 degrees for ten minutes or until golden brown. It was nice because they were individually sized, so it was easy to watch portion control. The only problem that I had was that the dough rose too much. It was too fluffy compared to the amount of sauce and toppings. It was fairly filling, but it does not compare to store bought or restaurant pizza. Because the rolls come in such large quantities, they can be refrigerated and saved for the rest of the week.
CHICKEN & NOODLE
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he ingredients and instructions were probably the most complicated on this recipe. It had the most ingredients, but I changed the recipe again to fit our supplies. The instructions ended up not being as complicated as when I first started. This was super easy because everything can be thrown into the pot and left to boil. For this, I used a chicken breast, noodles, carrots, celery, nutmeg, chicken bouillon, salt, pepper and water. Utensils included a soup pot, knife for cutting vegetables, a stirring spoon and a cutting board. This was super delicious and reminded me of my mom’s own recipe, even though her soup is still better. It is a good recipe for cold days or when feeling under the weather.
May 2018
Volume 4 Issue 8
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ASPIRING ARTISTS:STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ART CONFERENCE By Kaitie Correll STAFF WRITER
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rt takes time, patience and commitment. For advanced art students, these are all qualities they must obtain, especially while working on their art pieces that are displayed at the Hot Shops Art Conference located in downtown Omaha. This is an event that gives high school students the opportunity to show off their art publicly. “I put a lot of time into my artwork, whether it is something small for a class, or a project for my advanced art class,” senior Sami Zeleny said. “Having the opportunity to show off this work is really neat.”
The art conference gathers teacherselected pieces from Nebraska schools within the district. Art teachers encouraged students to submit their artwork to the program for a chance to have their piece viewed and appreciated by the community. “I’m thrilled to have artwork on display,” senior Carlie Saline said. “Especially since my piece has meaning beyond appearance to me. It’s a portrait of Niels Bohr, an atomic physicist of the early twentieth century. He sort of broke the world from considering atoms as bound to classical physics, the ‘normal’ physics we deal with that involves velocity, force, all those terms. I appreciate him because he was both brilliant and, to scientists, kind of absurd: he leapt to
Physicist Portrait Atomic Physicist Niels Bohr is interpreted through vivid detail in the artwork of Carlie Saline (18). The drawing was created using colored pencils. “I wanted to create a portrait of someone meaningful to me, not just because of how they looked,” Saline said.
the ideas of quantum theory without any evidence.” The artwork will be displayed at Hot Shops throughout the month of April. Students that participated in this event will be attending a field trip on April 25 to view their artwork that is displayed at the art center. “The two pieces I have displayed I feel are the best work I have done in my four years,” senior Mason Clobes said. “I think the show itself is very exciting and I can’t wait to actually go and see it all. Both of my pieces were on black canvas. The first was a Heath Ledger type Joker and the second was a Two Face.” The studio will be hosting an open
Valued Villain Two Face is creatively captured on a black canvas created by Mason Clobes (18). The portrait was made with acrylic paint. “My Joker painting really just led me into the Two Face one. I liked the darkness and wanted paintings that connected to each other,” Clobes
house the day of the conference. Students will have the opportunity to see the work of other students as well as more professional artists. “I am proud of my work, and although others may ‘judge’ it, I still find it rewarding to have it displayed,” Zeleny said. “It is also pretty neat that the conference is held at the Hot Shops. I have always gone there as a kid to view the artists and their art, so to have mine displayed there today is a big accomplishment for me.” These students continue to strive for perfection within their art. Their talents grow and their creative minds expand, opening endless opportunities for passionate careers in the future.
Artistic Ape Artwork of a black-and-white gorilla was submitted by Sami Zeleny (18). The drawing was created using pen-and-ink. “I chose to draw a gorilla because it reminded me of my dad. He loves everything gorilla and ape related: The Planet of the Apes, King Kong, and even Bigfoot,” Zeleny said.
CHINESE FOOD TRADITION FOR MY FAMILY LOCALLY OWNED CHINESE RESTURANT ON CENTER ROAD
By Emily Acker STAFF WRITER For as long as I can remember, my family has eaten at the local Chinese restaurant called Panda House. It is located in a strip mall with multiple other shops and restaurants on West Center Road right next to Shopko, which is about 15 minutes from Gretna. They have a spacious area that is large enough to fit all their customers comfortably. The restaurant also has a steady take-out business. Panda House has been open since 1991, and it has been thriving ever since. My mom and I went to Panda House on a Sunday evening; we started by ordering soups and crab rangoons. I ordered the egg drop soup, and my mom got the hot and sour. They each cost $1.65. I have tried egg drop soup from other places; however, nothing compares to Panda House. It is not too salty, and it always tastes fresh, unlike other places I have been to. They gave us the crab rangoons for free since we have been going there regularly for so
long, but they normally cost $5.25 for 6. I could tell they had just come out of the fryer because they were warm and crispy. Despite the 150 dishes on the menu, we order the sesame chicken with all white meat every time we go. It is sweet and loaded in sauce. It cost $11.95. The serving size is huge, so it can feed my mom and I with a little for leftovers. We decided to change it up and also order the sweet and sour chicken which cost $9.45. It was a regular serving size and included carrots, pineapple and onions. The chicken was heavily breaded and delicious. Our meals came with rice, so I got it steamed, and my mom got it fried. Every time we go, I am impressed with the service and the friendliness of all the workers. We finished and had enough leftovers for two more meals. Not counting the tip, our meal cost $27.09. I feel that it is very reasonable for the amount of food we received. I love going to Panda House with my family. I will continue to come back even after I go off to college. I always recommend it to everyone that asks because of the delicious food and good service.
Egg Drop Before our meals, we got soup. I decided to get the egg drop. It cost $1.65. It is my favorite egg drop soup that I have ever tried from a restaurant. It is salty and flavorful. photo by Emily Acker
The Regular For as long as I can remember, my family and I split the sesame chicken. We request it with all white meat. It cost $11.95, but is enough to feed two people with leftovers. photo by Emily Acker
Crab Rangoon For an appetizer we ordered crab rangoons. They were fresh and crispy. My family has been going to Panda House so long that they give us crab rangoons for free. photo by Emily Acker
Sweet and Sour One of the entrees we ordered was the sweet and sour chicken. It cost $9.45. It was heavily breaded and included pineapple, onions, carrots and bell peppers. photo by Emily Acker
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Volume 4 Issue 8
BEHIND THE SCENES:STAGECRAFT SETS UP MUSICAL
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By Lydia Yost STAFF WRITER
usicals are all about the “wow factor” of the show. However, an audience does not think about how much work goes into the set for a show. Behind the scenes, many people have to work in order for the cast to have a successful show. In this year’s musical “Peter Pan,” three sets must be created to show the setting of the play. The sets are a bedroom, a jungle and a pirate ship. “The jungle scene is filled with bright, flashy colors,” senior Sammi Yates said. “It was complex to build because in the jungle, there is a hidden room.” GHS offers an elective, known as stagecraft, that helps the performing arts set up and build sets. Stagecraft is offered to juniors and seniors who are passionate about helping the school, handy for building and artistic. Putting a musical set together can be very time-consuming, so it takes all the help that is available. “Making the set takes about eight weeks,” music instructor Mr. Pat Ribar said. “The stagecraft students help design and build the set along with several props. The most stressful part of putting the set together is getting it working and running in the space we have.” Every day stagecraft students are assigned a part of the set or a prop to work on. The projects are fun to most students, but they can be very tedious. Because class periods are so short, stress is put on the students to finish the set in time. “Right now my daily task is working on
a dog house,” senior PJ Weigel said. “I am trying to complete that as fast as I can.” Sets are not just easily completed and forgotten about. Getting a part of the set or prop perfect can take multiple tries. While the boys work on the heavy duty stuff, the girls touch up, paint and add detail to the pieces to make everything a solid color. “We paint the backs of sets black so that it blends into the ground,” senior Abbie Huffman said. “The goal is so the audience thinks it is one solid piece on the stage.” The whole purpose of the school musical is to entertain an audience and put on a good show. While some only think of the actors who are front and center, a portion of success is handed to all of the stagecraft students who work hard daily to finish the set for “Peter Pan.”
Set Painting Shanie Brichacek (18), Olivia Leathers (18), Jordan Foss (18) and Abbie Huffman (18) are painting the set for the bedroom scene. They had to add multiple colors to the wall and be very precise. photo by Lydia Yost
Hefty Knots Ady Watts (18) and Lexi Burkhardt (18) tie knots a rope in 5th period stagecraft class. The rope was on the set of the pirate ship. photo by Lydia Yost
The Jungle The jungle set was the first to be completed in this years musical. Not only is the piece a pop of color, it also contains a hidden room. With its unique shape and extreme detail, it will tie the 3 sets together. photo by Lydia Yost
DECISIONS CAN BE DEADLY
STUDENTS FACED WITH HARSH REALITY By Bridget Christensen STAFF WRITER
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Facing Death Bystanders watched while senior Keana Hollendieck acted as if she had died, prior to being thrown from a vehicle. Gretna County emergency services tended to her body after she was declared dead. Hollendieck was placed in a hearse and removed from the scene after the audience saw her mother’s reaction to her death. photo by Jessica Blum
Flight Life During the mock accident, junior Jed Merriman was transported from the scene via helicopter. Merriman was acting as though he had been thrown from one of the cars during the accident and was severely hurt. Gretna first responders placed him on a stretcher and proceeded to load him into the aircraft. photo by Jessica Blum
t is estimated by Roberts Wesleyan College that the average human makes 35,000 decisions a day. Unless doing life-saving heart surgery is a regular activity, one may not think that he or she makes multiple life or death decisions in a twenty-four hour period. However, it is blatant that even the simple choice to glance at a text or change the radio station can not only end your life, but the life of individuals as well. Allowing distractions while driving increases the risk of causing an accident and choosing Snapchat over someone’s life can lead to a deadly mistake. Faculty, students and members of Sarpy County police, fire, and medical emergency services spent the morning of March 26 modeling a fatal car crash for the student body. This event is commonly called a “mock accident” and was set to depict the reality of the decision to drive irresponsibly. “The purpose is to educate students on the dangers that can be associated with driving,” school counselor Ms. Carole Carraher said. “They will talk about driving under the influence, distracted driving, reckless driving, speeding, all of the perils of what can happen when a person is behind the wheel.” Actors for the accident were primarily selected by their participation in the One Act program and their high school class. This year’s participants included: seniors Landon Watson, Brady Netzel, Danny Ott, Nicholas Schickert, Emelia Rau, Mazie Larsen, Kaitie Correll, Angela Gahan and Keana Hollendieck and juniors Jed Merriman and Serena Wilson. Prior to the mock accident, Netzel and Rau had some pre-performance thoughts. They both expressed enthusiasm accompanied by a blanket of nerves. “I am very excited to have been selected for the mock accident,” Netzel said. “It is a great honor because I will be performing for the entire school, and it’s a great responsibility
to make this mock accident seem as real as possible for everyone watching.” Both students were deeply impacted by a mock accident that occurred during their sophomore year of high school. They wished to make the same experience genuine for those who have never been through this type of tragedy. “I, for sure, have nerves about being a part of the mock accident, and I like to think everyone else does too,” Netzel said. “I remember when I first saw the mock accident my sophomore year and seeing how scary and surreal it was. I’m nervous because I want to make it seem as real as possible to everyone who will be watching.” Ms. Carraher and the students agree on the importance and purpose of the mock accident. They all share in the same passion for the vitality of the message that the event send to the student body. “I believe the main purpose of the mock accident is to shock the students into realizing that this can happen to anyone,” Rau said. “They need to know to be smart when they get into the car because this staged accident can turn into reality, and they or their friends could be the ones in the ambulance.” Netzel and Rau have been a part of the One Act team for several years, but this was a bit uncharted acting territory for them both. They had similar views on how the performance was perceived by their peers. “I feel like the event was well received but sadly not as strongly impactful as we would’ve hoped,” Rau said. “Kids will be kids and most tend to be in denial, believing that something as horrific as the mock accident would ever happen to them.” The mock accident takes place every two years, and the storyline remains the same, but the actors are normally chosen from the senior class. After the mock accident, the students were ushered into the main gymnasium for a video and short speech given by Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis. Law enforcement encourages students to think of their family, friends and strangers when driving and to not make a choice that could end a life.