2018 GHS Voice Issue 2

ICE CREAM BROS PAGE 2

BACKPACKS PAGE 3

FooTBALL PAGE 9

VOICE

THE

ISSUE 2

SIMPLY SCIENCE PAGE 11

2 3 9 11

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7

VOLUME 1

GERMAN STUDENTS SPEND TIME IN AMERICA

By Kjerstin Critchfield PHOTO EDITOR

G

uest students are common at GHS, and this year we participated in a three-week exchange with a group of students from Kiel, Germany. The exchange happens every two years, and this year GHS students collectively hosted 20 students.

“I would definitely recommend being a host for exchange students because it has been such a fun experience,” junior Ben Randall said. “It really allows you to meet new people from across the world and interact, which is really cool.”

Students were given the opportunity to sign up to host a student last March.

Communication between the schools and the organization of events also began in March.

“We start about seven months in advance, so last March, I had to start planning and getting the homes for them to stay in,” German instructor and exchange coordinator Ms. Kellye Deane said. “I start planning some of the activities in April and May, but a majority of it is done when we start up school that August.”

As preparations were made, one problem was encountered that affected some hosts. In past years, short term

exchange students have been allowed to ride the buses, but this year that changed.

“The bus system is quite frustrating to me,” Randall said. “The administration basically told us and the teachers that there is no room on the buses for the students, even though multiple people I have talked to say there is room. It makes it challenging when you are involved in activities before and after school, like basketball and band for me.”

Because so many students are signed up to ride the bus, most buses are full depending on the day. Students do not ride every day, but the bus is still considered full.

“Our school has students who have signed up for the bus system but do not always ride the bus,” principal Mr. Roger Miller said. “We have let them ride the bus in the past, but this year, there was just not enough space. We have to make sure that the needs of all students are met, meaning that we have to provide the potential space for all signed up to ride the bus.”

Despite the problems that arose, they were solved and everything ran smoothly in the end. Because of flexible families and community members, all problems quickly disappeared.

“I am really grateful for the amount of support that the school actually gives to the program,” Ms. Deane said. “They see it as a good thing for the school to have and something they want to support. We have been very blessed that we have that and the school supports them coming in.”

With the cultural exposure that comes from the guest students, teachers and administrators believe it is beneficial for our students. Multiple sources have opened to share their opinion.

“I think exchange is great for students,” Mr. Miller said. “The benefits far outweigh the problems that can exist.”

Exchange is a learning experience but for some students it is a fear. Time away from home and family can cause anxiety in some participants.

“For a lot of kids, and probably like me, I do not know that I would have the courage to do that and say, ‘I am going to be an exchange student,’” Mr. Miller said. “My wife was an exchange student in Australia for a year. She said it freaked her out the first week but then she had the greatest time and met some great people. I admire the kids that have the courage to do that.”

GHS has had students come to Gretna

MAKE TIME FOR TEA DURING SCHOOL HOURS

and has also sent students to foreign countries. Ms. Deane is one person who has done exchange when she was a teenager and is still an advocate for it.

“I think everyone who has the ability should participate in exchange,” Ms. Deane said. “Being an exchange student can be very challenging and it can be very uncomfortable. When I went, I was very lonely and did not have a friend until I went out of my way to make that friendship start. But while doing exchange, you learn so much about yourself and learn to make new connections to other people.”

Whether short or long-term exchange, teachers and administrators are supportive of the growth and positive outcomes from exchange. The process provides new experiences for both cultures.

“I am glad we have kids come here that are willing to participate,” Mr. Miller said.

“I am glad our kids go over there in the summer. I think it is a great opportunity.”

Guest students were welcomed into classes and given passes to school activities. Although they were not granted bus passes, their experience was still special.

ADDITION OF SNAPPLE IN THE CAFETERIA BRINGS EXCITEMENT TO MANY

T

By Abby Leasure STAFF WRITER

he GHS cafeteria has always provided a wide variety of food, snacks and drinks for students and teachers alike. Those working in the cafeteria put time and hard work into creating a menu that remains both healthy and appealing. Recently, they have decided to add Snapple. This welcomed addition has quickly become a popular choice in the cafeteria.

“With the selection of drinks being mainly

juice, milk and water at the high school, I thought it would be nice to offer tea as well,” food services director Kathy King said. “Tea is a very popular drink that fits into our smart snack criteria.”

To handle all the excited customers, the cafeteria orders around seventy cases of Snapple every week. Flavors offered include diet teas, juices and Snapple’s Straight-Up Tea, which stays away from artificial flavors or coloring. With a variety of juices already on the menu, the tea has become more popular as a new, different drink. Mrs. King is always in search of new items to sell to students, but this is sometimes difficult as they must remain in a specific price range and fit into a smart

snack criteria set by the USDA. This requires food sold in cafeterias to be healthy for students and encourage healthy eating.

“It is always a good idea to introduce new products to any service you provide,” Mrs. King said. “It keeps customers satisfied and keeps them from being bored with the same products over and over. More customers are drawn with a bigger selection of choices.”

This addition proves her point. The new drinks generated tons of interest once it was first added and continue to remain popular even after the initial hype. The teas and juices provide great new flavors and come out on top of the other drinks that are offered in our school.

New Additions Several Snapple products are offered at the cafeteria. Green apple juice, orange juice, and grape juice are among these, as well as diet tea. Each drink costs $1.00. photo by Abby Leasure

2 News

November 2017

Volume 4 Issue 2

CLASSROOM HELPERS ARE SET BACK BY RULES

TEACHER’S ASSISTANTS ARE REMINDED OF SCHOOL POLICY AND POD USAGE

By Tristan Duin STAFF WRITER

H

ere in our school, students with study hall have the option to help out in a classroom with a teacher.

These students are commonly known as teacher’s assistants, which are also known as TA’s. Unfortunately, there has been less assistance and more talking with peers.

In early October, the fourth hour Spanish TA’s, who work in the pod outside Miss Granger, Mrs. Randall and Mrs. Ryan, were reminded of the rules because of the talkative and distracting behaviors.

“I’m sad we were kicked out of the spanish pod, but it’s not a huge deal,” senior Olivia Leathers said. “I wish we would have had more of a warning of being loud because I know we would have quieted down. Overall, it was our fault for being loud and getting removed.”

According to vice principal, Mr. Todd Mueller, being a teacher’s assistant used to actually involve assisting teachers.

They would do a wide variety of things until lawsuits changed. They used to take role, sometimes grade papers, take attendance, make copies, get the teacher’s mail, run errands, etc. While student privacy laws were changed, problems erupted as well. A TA would pick up copies, but one test would go missing, and it would wind up in the hands of another student. Unsupervised TA’s would leave the high school campus to run their own errands and then come back later. While they may or may not be distracting sometimes, Miss Granger does enjoy having TA’s to help out in her classroom.

“It’s the one time I have a choice in which students I get to have in my classroom,” said Ms. Granger. “My TA’s help eliminate tasks that take up my time

and allow me to focus on teaching and have time in my evenings to enjoy free time. They also have helped make my room beautiful with posters and helping me organize things. I will continue to have TA’s. Some TA’s will run errands for me, make posters for my classroom, fill in as a student in a class activity if they want to, or anything else that comes up that I need their help on.”

In the counseling office seventh hour, The TA’s, Kamryn Schuler, Abbie Huffman, and Sammi Yates, usually spend their hour working on homework and taking passes to students. Throughout the hour, other TA’s for other classes and study hall students would stop by and talk to the girls. This became a problem eventually when many students would leave their classroom and go spend time with the TA’s. Up to 10 students, including the counseling office TA’s, were in there at once. The kids had to be reminded of the rules that there cannot be other students hanging out in the counseling office, or any room, for that matter. Senior Abbie Huffman did not believe they were being disruptive as others say they were.

“I think we are fine,” Huffman said.

“When those extra kids came into the room, we were typically working on homework for classes or just sitting there and talking quietly about our day and just relaxing. At times, we were a bit loud because we were laughing, but we would just quiet down.”

Although students have a lot of freedom, there are still expectations for TA’s. The responsibilities are to follow the instructions the teacher gives you, report where you need to report, stay there unless you have permission to leave, and not disrupt classes. Whatever class a student helps out with, these golden rules are to be followed and never broken.

Couch Potato Anna Heck (19) and Creighton Atkins (19) prefer to work in the classroom rather than the pod. The two are TA’s for Ms. Shea Granger’s seventh hour spanish one class. “I feel more relaxed,” Atkins said. “The couch is more comfortable and it’s a chill environment.” photo by Tristan Duin

Helping Hand As counseling office TA’s, the duties of Kamryn Schuler (19), Sammi Yates (18) and Abbie Huffman (18) are to deliver passes, unplug the lights at the end of the day and water the office plants. In their free time, the girls talk amongst themselves and do their schoolwork. “I’d be very upset if we were sent back to our study hall because we wouldn’t have all the freedoms we do of being a TA,” Schuler said. photo by Tristan Duin

Spanish Clique Instead of the spanish pod, Karlie Kuhn (18), Olivia Leathers (18), Andrea Atkinson (18), and Anna Stoltenberg (18) spend their fourth hour in Ms. Shea Granger’s class. It is easier for them to do their schoolwork because Granger has a study hall fourth hour, so it is quieter. Other TA’s work in Granger with the girls, and some students eat their lunch with the four seniors. photo by Tristan Duin

YOU WANT ICE CREAM, BRO? STARTUP BUSINESS LEADS TO SUCCESS

By Casey Downing STAFF WRITER

F

or most students college is difficult enough, between exams, studying and working towards a degree.

Imagine on top of all that running a startup small business out of a dorm. Well, former Gretna Dragon, 2015 graduate Reid Gahan has done exactly that. His creation, Ice Cream Bro, is an on-campus, on-demand ice cream delivery company that caters to students at UNL. “I decided to start Ice Cream Bro because I was bored with classes,” Gahan said. “I love actually being able to apply what I’m learning, and Ice Cream Bro was the perfect opportunity to do so.”

Gahan is not the only former Dragon on staff. As the business expanded he recruited Chad Rohan and Austin Hillman 2017 & 2016 graduates.

“Reid came to me and asked if I wanted to join the team,” Hillman said.“ I saw it as an opportunity to get involved with a cool company in its early stages.”

Since then, Ice Cream Bro has grown largely due to its online presence. In the age of social media and technology, the startup company has taken advantage and promoted their product across media platforms.

Recently, Gahan had the opportunity of taking over the UNL Snapchat and they got the most out of the opportunity.

“It was insane, so many people ordered

because of it and we ended up selling our entire inventory that night,” Rohan said.

After managing both the business and technical sides of the company, Gahan believes that he has gained the knowledge he needs to run the company effectively. One of these skills he has used is his skill on the computer to create new opportunities such as their website icecreambro.com.

“I built our website from scratch, so I do upkeep on it, as well as build out new features,” Gahan said.

One thing that each member has taken away is the reality of how rigorous it is to run a small business. After a few months of working on the startup both Rohan and Hillman have learned how dedication and consistency pay off when operating a business.

“It has given me some exposure to what it is like to be an entrepreneur and run a business,” Rohan said. “It is a skill I can really use in life.”

Gahan attributes his company’s success to the basic fact that everybody loves ice cream and that they love it more at Ice Cream Bro because they don’t have to leave their room to get it. With great service and their variety of flavors, they have attracted the demand of new and regular customers. Ice Cream Bro is a company on the rise and Gahan believes that the future looks extremely bright for his company.

The Trio Wearing their Ice Cream Bro gear, employees Jenna Buckley and Austin Hillman pose around the man that made his idea a reality. Reid Gahan, founder of this growing ice cream startup, squats in the middle. “It was an idea that I had and it just came together,” Gahan said. submitted photo

Standing Proudly Smiling, Reid Gahan stands on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he started his small business. Gahan’s iconic beard has become synonymous with ice cream to the students of UNL. Gahan attributes his success to the convenience and quality of service provided at Ice Cream Bro. submitted photo

Volume 4 Issue 2

OpEd

November 2017

3

BURDENSOME BACKPACK E “SLUMPING” G T HBy Ruthie Isaacson ENERATION COPY EDITOR

W

pictured:

pictured Shelby Loberg (20)

Suffering Spine The majority of GHS students carry their personal backpacks around for seven hours a day.

Lauren Anderson (20) massages her aching back. School backpacks may contain an excessive amount of supplies, books and papers. This burden causes pain in students’ necks, shoulders and spines. photo by Ruth Isaacson

hether it is fashionably slung on one shoulder, lugged behind us with one hand, or held firmly secure on our collarbone, backpacks are a necessity. However, these bags we lug around for seven hours a day are a health hazard.

They are filled to the brim with assignments, books, and other school essentials, and the weight is harming students’ well being.

Walking through the halls of GHS, one can easily spot the struggles of our dreaded backpacks. I have witnessed numerous hunched over backs, teetering because of the strain their luggage places on their shoulders, spine and neck. Too heavy of a bag resting on one’s back can cause us to round our shoulders, unnaturally bending our spines and overcompensating for the weight placed on us. The average weight of a teen’s backpack is dependent on what is encompassed inside of it, including library books, assignments, and folders. One of the burdens commonly found in teens’ bags are textbooks. Many teachers require textbooks to be hauled to their class everyday and even with just those inside, my posture radically changes. Studies claim that no one should carry more than 15% of their body weight in a backpack. This means on average for a 16 year-old girl, only 18 pounds of materials should be stored in his/ her bag. Unfortunately, school textbooks can weigh up to ten pounds, and almost every core class demands them. Disregarding this guideline of body weight to backpack

ratio may result in chronic neck, back and shoulder pain. Although the pain most likely will not last throughout one’s life, the posture may. A study conducted by Medical Daily show that as a student advances through his/ her years, their hunching gets more extreme, accompanied by increased pain. By the time the teen has advanced to college, hunching may become a trained habit.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission study claims that over 14,000 injuries are reported annually because of backpacks. That is 14,000 preventable doctor’s appointments. By recognizing the signs of a catastrophic backpack, we can stop the struggle in its path. If a student appears to be teetering when moving, or complaining of neck, back, or shoulder pain, their backpack situation may need to be reevaluated.

About a month ago, I carried a bag that weighed around 25 pounds. This quickly brought upon extensive pain in my neck and back. After analyzing exactly what I needed at school each day, I was forced to cut down on a few helpful, but nonessential items. By leaving out my books for most of the day, unless asked to retrieve them, and keeping my personal computer at home, which was around 5.5 pounds, I was able to decrease my backpack’s weight immensely, now a little over 10 pounds. Although this solution is admittedly not the prime idea for all, it greatly impacted me.

For GHS in particular, our backs may receive a well-deserved rest when the

entire school switches to personal laptops in the near future. With those, books can be used online as well as assignments, lessening our load drastically. However, as we anxiously await that powerful change, minute alterations to how we carry and lift backpacks can create a radical difference.

When carrying a backpack through the halls for extensive amounts of time, it is crucial to know the best way to avoid chronic injuries. One of the most harmful movements is throwing our backpacks upon ones shoulder. Instead of flinging my luggage upon my already aching back, I grasp the bag with both hands and bend at the knees to raising it, and found my pain decreasing immensely. According to Teen’s Health, backpacks should always be worn upon both shoulders, and each strap should be tightened firmly. The bag should hang about two inches above your lower back. Another crucial point is to balance the weight in a backpack. When the load is spread out evenly, students are less likely to teeter because of the weight. By complying to these tips, students are going to experience less discomfort brought upon by backpacks.

Backpack are our lifelines in high school. We carry papers with the power to make or break our GPA and precious books that sum up our chapters. These necessary items are beginning to threaten teens’ wellbeing, and by stopping the cycle before it fully intensifies, we will be saving our backs, one vertebrae at a time.

The VOICE STAFF Advisor: 2 0 1 Gretchen 7 - 2Baijnauth 018 Jessica Blum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL EDITOR

Ruthie Isaacson COPY EDITOR

Kjerstin Critchfield PHOTO EDITOR

Parker Jahn VIDEO EDITOR

Ben Bickel STAFF WRITER

Casey Downing STAFF WRITER

Abby Leasure STAFF WRITER

Connor Fee STAFF WRITER

Mara Hjermstad STAFF WRITER

Tristan Duin STAFF WRITER

Jacey Hammer NEWS EDITOR

Jamison Karas FEATURE EDITOR IN-DEPTH EDITOR

Emily Acker SPORTS EDITOR

Emily Shurtliff STAFF WRITER

Colin Kitson STAFF WRITER

Allison Kibby ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Chayna Davidson STAFF WRITER

Payton Shoup STAFF WRITER

Mrs. Gretchen Baijnauth ADVISOR

The Voice is a monthly publication sponsored by Gretna High School, 11335 South 204th Street, Gretna, NE 68028. The office of The Voice is located in advisor Gretchen Baijnauth’s room, room 623. The phone number is (402) 332-3936.

Reader response is welcome in the form of suggestions and ideas. They can be dropped off in room 623 at any time.

Editorials are solely the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Voice staff or Gretna High School.

4 OpEd

November 2017

By Emily Shurtliff STAFF WRITER

BLA TAN T

By Mara Hjermstad STAFF WRITER

“I

P H RASES TO B

’m fat” and “I’m going to kill myself” are phrases I hear every day in the high school halls. I hear them so often that I do not even stop and look. I know this sounds horrible of me, but I know that the speakers are not actually going to kill themselves. Most students just say these phrases if they have a lot of homework or a bunch of things to do and no time to do them. I am a huge culprit of this because I say that I am going to kill myself all the time, and I would never actually do that. I believe this mindset is similar among other high school students.

In addition to saying that they are going to kill themselves, people make references to other people or objects killing them like turning to your friends and saying, “oh just shoot me already,” or “hit me with your car, go ahead do it” or even the classic Mean Girls joke, “I wish that bus would hit me.” We joke so much about dying that it almost becomes second nature for people to respond with a quick witty joke about it. Our society has become so comfortable around these phrases that it is depressing. I, myself, have had two uncles killed in car accidents by being hit, and it is not funny. I know that nobody means for it to be a joke, but that is just it: they do not think about the weight of their words.

IT Y

IL

STUD E

NTS USE

By Jessica Blum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I

have eaten hot lunch every day our school has let me. If it was available, I was eating it. One might say that eating the school lunch that many consecutive times makes one immune to the negative aspects of the food, but I would have to disagree. The steaming, molecule-filled aroma that our school’s lunches provide makes my stomach rumble each day.

El almuerzo de la escuela es el mejor. In other words, school lunch is the superior choice rather than packed lunch.

To provide a proper picture of how often I eat in this way, this year, for the first time ever, I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. Our trays come in colors of pink, tan, blue, speckled, and the taken-forgranted Red. It was Wednesday when I stepped up to grab some Chinese from our cafeteria when there, before me, sat Red. Red was calling my name that day. In all oddities, I

coveted whoever received the blessings of Red. Red takes any delectable food and puts it on a pedestal, causing mouths to water from the mere sight. In conclusion, I had a prodigious day all because of Red. I maintain a healthy portion of most of food groups without putting much thought into the process. Compared to packed lunches, I do not have to spend my precious, meaningful time attempting to throw together some form of a lunch. It takes preparation to put a quality lunch together; this is one decision I will pick again and again, so my valuable time is put to use. A fact that may hold more value is that most families live busy lives, bustling past the brim of their limitations. A hot lunch guaranteed for growing children is comforting to parents and guardians.

Not only does this choice provide all the food groups to our student body, our staff in the cafeteria works tirelessly to concoct meals for us. I am happy to take just a few moments of my time to extend a warm, gracious greeting when I snatch some of the delicious food they have prepared. It goes a long way as they endure afternoons witnessing countless teenagers and their exotic behaviors.

Contrary to “packed-luncher” beliefs, the cuisine bestowed by our school creates an ubiquitous influence, especially on Crispito Day. It is quite obdurate to refuse the holy grail of all lunches. Supporting our school and getting lunch is another way to complete the high school experience.

T U L LY ’ S

K E N N E L

int rpo nte cou

USED WORDS ING CRE R N I E RU

DI B

OV

Assessment Study, only 20% of schools met the saturated fat requirements in the 2004-2005 school year. This means that schools are serving food with more fat than is permitted. If students pack healthy, fresh food options in their lunch every day they can have more nutritious lunches than the ones that the school is offering.

Students can get more time to eat every day if they bring a cold lunch.

Our lunches only last thirty minutes, and waiting in line for a school lunch can take up a large portion of that time. It is hard to wait in line, eat an entire lunch, and socialize all in thirty minutes. I have gotten salad bar on occasion when I have forgotten to take my lunch, and that took away nearly 10 minutes of my lunch time!

Waiting in line for a hot lunch takes even longer than that. Since so many students have to go through the lunch line, waiting in that line can make a hot lunch buyer’s lunch 5-10 minutes shorter. If a student just bring a cold lunch they can go straight to their table right away, and use the full thirty minutes to eat lunch and talk to friends.

All students at GHS should bring cold lunches to school. Cold lunches can help families save money, help students eat healthier, and give students more time to eat their lunch.

-

A

ccording to a GHS twitter poll, consisting of 81 students, 44% of voters take their lunch to school every day, 31% buy a school lunch every day, and 25% do a mixture of both. By bringing a cold lunch to school every day students can save money, eat healthier, and have more time to eat at lunch.

Purchasing a school lunch can be really expensive. Buying from the salad bar and a hot lunch costs $2.85, and extras can cost as much as $0.85. This means that if a student buys a hot lunch every day it can cost $14.25 per week. That is just a hot lunch alone! Many students purchase extras in addition to a salad bar or hot lunch meal. Sure, a couple dollars for lunch does not seem like much, but buying a hot lunch every day for the entire school year can cost a family with one student over $500. My family has two students that go to GHS, so if my brother and I both bought a hot lunch every day my parents would be paying over $1,000 for this school year. By bringing a cold lunch to school every day, students can save their families hundreds of dollars.

Students can also eat healthier by bringing a lunch from home. Sure, a salad bar is healthy, but it seems like the majority of students who buy lunches buy a hot lunch rather than salad bar. Although some school lunches are healthy, it is easier to ensure a nutritious lunch every day by bringing a cold lunch. School lunches are supposed to be balanced, but students can actually eat a lot healthier by bringing a cold lunch.

That is why I chose to bring a lunch from home that includes a main dish, crackers, and a fruit or vegetable option. According to the third School Nutrition Dietary

SUBTLY SPECTACULAR, HOT LUNCHES ARE WAY TO GO

int po

SAVE MONEY, BRING COLD LUNCH!

Volume 4 Issue 2

ATIC M RA ED

Students do not only exaggerate the way they want to die at that moment but also how “fat” they are. What I have noticed is most of the girls that call themselves “fat” are really skinny. They say it to get attention or to get a laugh but they do not really mean it. To make it worse, after they say it they giggle because they do not even believe in it themselves. It is not only the girls that use these dramatic phrases: boys will order a whole bunch of food and turn to their friends and say they are “fat” and need a lot of food.

Students do not understand that these are significant problems that society faces on a daily basis, and they sit there and poke fun at it just to get a rise out of their friends.

This could turn into the “boy who cried wolf” situation if we do not keep ourselves in check. Students may feel this way in reality but are ignored, them to contemplate the irreversible acts. Someone could feel this way tomorrow, and students, myself included, could walk by without a second thought.

Overused words and phrases ruin the credibility of high school students I, along with many others, need to learn to turn and look at the student who says these things and decide whether they are being serious or not instead of ignoring them completely. We need to understand that these words do not just add dramatic effect to our lives.

By Payton Shoup STAFF WRITER

T

o put it simply, dogs are awesome.

They are the sound that echoes through your house when you get home from work or school and are the calm that settles when you are hurting. Breed’s from all over the world project different personalities that suit every person.

There are some more endearing reasons as to why dogs are and always will be man’s best friend. Tully’s Kennel is a well-known place to find a new puppy, but there is speculation that the dogs, do not get the attention they deserve.

Nebraska Department of Agriculture inspections show Tully’s has passed three inspections since last July. It was flagged for a few compliance matters, but none that have risen to what the agency deems a serious violation. The diverse opinions among the owners and general public haven’t stopped the establishment from continuing their everyday work. Although, most people can’t help but be upset by the worry of the dogs’ well beings.

Most of the time, that is because people’s emotions often lead them to make snap judgments, whether they’re right or wrong.

Not every cause gains popularity like the one against Tully’s in

Omaha, but the animals were shown to be very well taken care of though there were so many different breeds in one space. Tully’s operations manager, Tom Westman, disputes allegations that the pet shop does business with puppy mills and that it houses animals in subpar conditions. Subsequently, as I made my way around through all of the puppies I noticed minor problems, such as how the animals resided in their kennels and how the puppies were unable to keep themselves from slipping through the runs.

Seeing the all the little puppies jump around and become excited was very heartwarming in the sense that they were so friendly. I gladly held many little puppies and was able to observe the way they were handled by the staff, while understanding that some of the dogs were a little more rambunctious than others.

A dog is a lifetime of memories and love.

Omaha’s Tully’s Kennel, has its miniscule flaws, but overall, they take care of all the dogs equally, and make sure that the beautiful little souls make it to a good home with an ensured, family and healthy life for them and their owners.

Volume 4 Issue 2

October 2017

Feature

Without Vision

5

How Not Being Able to See Out of One Eye Affected Ross Thompson

By Colin Kitson STAFF WRITTER

No Sight Thompson sitting on a hospital bed with his his right eye patched up from the injury. He has been affected in many ways by this accident, but he will continue to stay strong and get through it. Photo by Colin Kitson

H

ammering nails is never a safe task, for it can lead to many problems, but a nail to the eye is rare. Sophomore Ross Thompson was hammering a nail into a piece of wood at a jobsite in June. While nailing, the nail broke in half and went into Thompson’s eye. He was immediately rushed to the ER and could not see out of his eye.

Thompson was worried about his fate as soon as he processed what had happened.

He went straight to the thought of if he could see again out of that eye.

“I just thought about not seeing out of my eye again and thought about what I would not be able to do,” Thompson said.

Thompson was anxious to find out what the verdict was on his eye. As soon as he received word, he was stunned.

“My cornea had a large hole, and the space behind my eye became infected, and I lost peripheral vision because my optic nerve was damaged,” Thompson said.

When he heard that news he was scared for what he maybe was restricted of doing.

He was frightened for what was going to be the outcome.

“I was not able to drive for a while, but now I am slowly being able to again, and at first it was lots of little things like steps and judging where things were because I did not have good depth perception, but now it is much easier,” Thompson said.

It was tough for Thompson at first to be

positive. His parents, Mr. Brian Thompson and Ms. Christi Thompson, have helped Thompson get through it.

“We have been supportive by keeping his spirits up and making sure he can do the things he could do before the accident,” Ms. Thompson said.

Thompson has received help from other people such as his friends. They have kept everything optimistic with him and make sure he can still enjoy his life.

“My friends have been helping me by being supportive and outgoing with me, they have stopped by after my surgeries and helping me with anything I need,” Thompson said.

Thompson underwent multiple surgeries so far and is preparing to see out of the other eye. He believes this upcoming surgery will fix his eye, and he will be able to see again.

“I am ready to see out of my eye again, I want everything to be back to normal, and I think that will happen after my next surgery,” Thompson said.

Although Thompson has had a bumpy road since the accident, he is remaining confident and hopes that he will be able to see out of his eye again. He is still receiving much assistance from his parents and friends.

Thompson is now assembling himself for his next surgery and cannot wait to see the outcome.

Love What You Do

Nurse Plathe Shares Her Favorite Stories

By Kjerstan Critchfield STAFF WRITTER

A

fter working as a nurse for 15 years, in multiple areas of the medical field, school nurse Mrs. Bridget Plathe sees just about everything. Working in the medical field is not always simple, and Mrs. Plathe has come to learn just that. Despite the challenges and stress that are a part of the job, she is willing to work through it to do what she loves and put her job first.

“I have kids and sometimes it is stressful, but I do not want to bring that here,” Mrs. Plathe said. “I have to mentally prepare myself and get over how I am feeling because I have to be here for the students.”

Ever since her youth, Mrs. Plathe desired to be a nurse. Her desire to provide service to others drove her to the medical field and nursing. She started planning when she was young to prepare for her future plans.

“I have always wanted to be a nurse,” Mrs. Plathe said. “I like helping people, so I started gearing my high school classes towards nursing, learned different medical things and I just have always enjoyed helping people.”

While she is doing what she loves, there are bad days on the job. When a difficult situation arises, Mrs. Plathe chooses to keep a sunny disposition not only for herself but for everyone who stops by.

“I have never disliked my job up to this point,” Mrs. Plathe said. “I have worked all areas (of the medical field) to find out this is where I want to be. There are always

negatives in any job, but I quickly remind myself, when I start to think about what is negative, of the positive things about my job.”

Mrs. Plathe is always open with students and is not grossed out by anything, except for eyeballs. Her love for wounds will send her running in aid at a moments notice, unless it involves the eye.

“I do not like eyeballs,” Mrs. Plathe said.

“I was at work and we used walkie-talkies so I heard, ‘Bridget, we need you outside.’ Well, a kid zipped his eyelid up in his coat. I said, ‘Yep, I am coming,’ but I did not move. He had zipped his eyelid up in his coat and the teacher called back saying they got it. I just thought, ‘Good, because I was not coming.’

Then they called right back saying they got it out and I didn’t have to go take care of it!

When he came in the next day, sure enough he had zipper imprint on his eyelid.”

Each job will have its ups and downs.

Mrs. Plathe is well aware of hers and the situations that can arise while working in a public school; she actually prefers working in a school to working elsewhere.

“I keep coming back to school,” Mrs. Plathe said. “This is my third school I have been in, and high school is my favorite. I have tried other areas, but I keep coming back to school.”

The fondness that she has for her job is endless and it always will be. Even when the job gets tough, it is still an important part of her life.

Disclaimer: These stories shared by Mrs. Plathe are not about any students from GHS. They happened within her past schools.

Insane Increase The nurse’s office is a popular stop in the school. This year daily visits have increased by almost 20 students. “The average this year is about 80 to 100,” Mrs. Plathe said.

“Last year, it was only 75 to 90.” Photo by Kjersten Critchfield

Student Sea Nurse Plathe has been working in the medical field for fifteen years. Within those years, she has seen numerous patients and students that she has formed relationships with. “It is a sea of a thousand kids and to know exactly who is who, it takes time,” Mrs. Plathe said. Photo by Kjersten Critchfield

6 Feature

Volume 4 Issue 2

October 2017

Hitting The Weights

How Kids At GHS Are Benefitting From Gyms Across Omaha

By Ben Bickel STAFF WRITTER

G

retna, NE has two gyms in town. Other options for Gretna students is to head into Omaha for places like Lifetime Fitness, YMCA, or Weset O Fitness.

Many GHS students also go to these gyms.

One gym in particular attracts many kids.

The YMCA. The Armbrust Family YMCA gym found off of S 168th Street, is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The YMCA gym contains a weight room, basketball courts, and even a swimming pool. There are also classes led at the YMCA. This gym has a lot to offer for everyone of all ages. The membership at the YMCA costs $15 dollars a month for high school age kids.

Junior Bennett Lorenz is one of these members at the Armbrust family YMCA. He has been attending the gym for four years now.

“I lift to get bigger,” Lorenz said. “I mainly use it to get stronger, so that I can be better at the sports I’m in.”

Lorenz takes part in football and track.

He has used the gym to better his fitness, and to help him stay in good shape. Even though it is a little harder for him to go to the gym during the school year, he still does what he can to fit in a workout.

“I go when I am not busy,” Lorenz said. “That usually means I just lift on the weekends, or whenever I don’t have homework.”

Even though Lorenz is a teenager, he is taking advantage of his membership and

Punt

attends the gym two-three times a week in hope that he can improve his overall performance in the weight room.

“I don’t only do weights either,” Lorenz said. “I also like to do ab workouts. It helps me be stronger and have better balance.”

Lorenz has been active his whole life.

Going to the gym has been very beneficial for him in all of his activities. When he was fifteen he really caught on to wanting to be more active, so Lorenz started lifting.

Another YMCA member is junior Thomas LaMountain. LaMountain has been going to the YMCA for two years now.

“I do my lifting with my dad,” LaMountain said. “I have to lift to stay in shape for my modeling deal.”

LaMountain has been modeling since his freshmen year. He models for an agency in Omaha and has travelled across the country for modeling.

“Lifting benefits me in so many ways,” LaMountain said. “It helps me not feel self conscious about my body and it gives me so much energy.”

LaMountain does not play any sports but has played baseball in the past. Now, he only participates in One Act and show choir.

“It is harder for me to get to the gym in the school year with all my extracurricular activites that I have going on,” LaMountain said. “But I find time whenever I can, to lift.”

LaMountain has kept himself busy for most of his life with extra curricular activites, but is now finding himself feeling even better during his time working out at the YMCA.

Pass

Pictured: Bennett Lorenz (11). Photo by Ben Bickel

Although LaMountain and Lorenz are not the only ones using gyms in Omaha, the YMCA has proven to be very useful for both of them. While the gym helps LaMountain stay in shape for modeling, it has also helped Lorenz stay fit and strong for football.

Without gyms like the YMCA kids like LaMountain and Lorenz would not be able to improve their personal health, or strength.

Kick!

Five Time Punt, Pass, and Kick Winner Lauren Anderson

By Connor Fee STAFF WRITTER

F

All Star Lauren Anderson (20) has won five Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions. She has been competing in it since the fourth grade. The NFL has since stopped sponsoring the competition. Photo by Connor Fee

ootball is widely known to be a game played by men across America from Pee Wee Football up and thru college and all the way to the NFL. Sophomore Lauren Anderson participates in an activity that involves a football. This game is known as Punt, Pass, and Kick. It began in 1961 and was sponsored by the National Football League. The highlights of the competition were shown on Television by CBS during the NFL playoffs.

Punt, Pass, and Kick is a competition where you punt, pass, and kick a football.

All over America kids from the ages of six to fifteen years old compete in the event. It is split between female and male competitors. The competition usually will start somewhere local like a school or a park, and as competitors win and place at the top of their bracket they move on to the next round at bigger venues. Local competitions throughout America move to a new NFL stadium every year for the final competition.

Many times the events are sponsored by local businesses so the event can be held.

In Gretna local booster clubs support the activity. Often times cities are supported by the community who support local events such as these.

“The Optimist Club sponsors the event,” Anderson said. “The first round is held at Gretna Middle School, the second round is held at Nebraska Wesleyan University, and the third round is held at the Kansas City Chiefs stadium. I started the competition in fourth grade and have been doing it a total of seven years. Out of the seven years that

I have competed in the competition I have won it a total of five times.”

To get better at anything especially a event such as this takes practice and concentration. Practicing technique and having repetition is important.

“I practiced sometimes in my front yard with my neighbor Bailey Sullivan,” Anderson said. “ She influenced me to compete in the event. In my first couple years at Gretna I would compete against about three or four girls, but as I got older I was the only one.

At state there was about ten girls, and at the next level there was four girls.”

Punt, Pass, and Kick took place during football season when it was still sponsored and running. Because of the popularity of College football and NFL football in America it was not getting as much viewership and respect as it once did. After fifty six years of PPK the NFL said that it will no longer operate the event. The NFL issued this statement as of May 2017. The plan is that the NFL will now be sponsoring flag football and teaching the fundamentals while encouraging participation at all levels instead.

“They stopped sponsoring it because of the numbers for participation in Punt, Pass, and Kick went down as years went on, they decided to make kids flag football a bigger thing,” Anderson said. “This year would have been my last year but because of them not sponsoring it, it is now over.”

Lauren may not have the same experience this year as she did in the past, however winning five titles isn’t a bad way to end on.

Volume 4 Issue 2

indepth

October 2017

7

Adjusting to America The Stories Of 7 Students Brought To GHS From Oceans Away

Guatamala

By: Payton Shoup STAFF WRITTER

T

Art by Abigail Leasure

Mexico

By: Allison Kibby A&E EDITOR

F

rom the beautiful sandy beaches in Campeche, Mexico, to the endless Great Plains of Nebraska, the differences between the United States and Mexico goes beyond just the land.

The diverse cultures, religions, and idealistic thinking of the two countries is immensely different, separating the two and making the trip across borders a difficult task, that is equally terrifying. Upon finding out that he would be making this journey, however, Jeisen Morales was anything but terrified. By moving to Nebraska not only would he be moving closer to his mom and dad but would also have the chance to explore a new country along with the cities and people within. But he would be leaving behind the place he called home.

Campeche, Mexico, is not only the home to Morales but also to limestone hills, endless rainforests, and sandy beaches populated by some 822,441 people. Compared to the sandy dunes of Nebraska, Campeche is an exotic paradise. Nonetheless, Morales could not wait to move to Gretna, Nebraska, to see his mother and father. He said that the move was tough but that he was “excited because of the new country, cities, and people”.

Compared to Campeche, Morales says that there are also differences between the school/students, the work, and the amount people are paid. He says that he enjoys school, specifically English class because he is learning a new language each day. Along with enjoying English, his time here is even more enjoyable because the “people are very nice and very polite”. Morales also says that there is a difference in the jobs and how much people are paid in these jobs. According to CNBC, the average middle-class person’s medium income, in the United States, is around $72,000 while the average middle-class person’s medium income in Mexico is only $2,529 per quarter (according to bajainsider.com).

Upon his arrival, he did face (and is still facing) a few bumps in the road, due to the many cultural and linguistic differences. Morales says that one of the trickiest aspects to wrap his head around was the (English) language and the slang that come along with it. But after nine months of observing, working hard in his classes and with some help from his family, Morales has begun to enjoy his time in Gretna.

City Where they are from

he incredibly small country of Guatemala is home to a great deal of important aspects and biodiversity. It ranks high on biological reserves and hot spots that cover the world. The flora and fauna of such a place, is known to be breathtaking and serene. Guatemala, in itself is known as a wonder of the world.

Guatemala’s wildlife is one giant mixing bowl of ecosystems throughout its presiding country. This ecosystem is home to more than 600 different types of bird species, 250 species of mammals and many more. “We moved to Gretna one year ago because my parents wanted to move here,” exchange student, Astrid Franco said.

Moving and living in a new palve can be incredibly scary and oddly unworldly. “Now that I’ve experienced it here, I know that there are new things to learn and see,” said Franco. Subsequently, as the flora and fauna increases and flourishes, the population growth rate mirrors on its own by increasing 2.2% more on an average year though currently the overall population is estimated around 12 million. Amongst the people, and culture, the wildlife is protected and loved by the natural homeland, as it contributes to the economic well-being.

“In my old city a lot smaller than here and there’s buildings along with dirt roads,” said Franco.

Economics is also a huge industrial need as it is in every continent in the world. The industries that Guatemala mass-produces are sugar, chemicals, petroleum and more, amongst the government’s trade. Though most of the Guatemalan government system is known as a constitutional democratic republic within the trade and commerce. Climate changes are not frequent as it is known to be hot and humid in the lowlands and cooler in the highlands.

“My life differences are really there, because in Guatemala I woke up late, and here early,” said Franco. Tourism has become one of the main drivers of the economy, with tourism worth $1.8 billion to the economy in 2008. Guatemala received about two million tourists annually. In recent years an increased number of cruise ships have visited Guatemalan seaports, leading to more tourists visiting the country.

“The hardest part about being here was learning english,” said Franco. While in the overall territory of Guatemala there are fascinating Mayan archaeological sites that reside in Guatemala city, which is the capital. Some attractions include the natural beauty destinations such as Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey and quite a few more. Meanwhile, a more historical tourism is the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, which is recognized by the categories of cultural heritage.

Though there seems to be a strong interest of the international community for archaeological sites, such as the city of Tikal that was built and inhabited in a period where the culture had its greatest literary and artistic expression, was ruled by a dynasty of 16 kings, though the current language spoken is 60% Spanish, there are about 40% Amerindian languages that partake as well.

“I have been able to fit in here kind of because of my parents and the love they give me,” said Franco.

A culturally laced heritage is shown to be internally nourishing for the soul. Though, for the small, Central American country, they see our vacation as home.

A beautiful place full of ruins and biodiversity, that makes an infinite differentiation between the rest.

Afghanistan

By Jamison Karas INDEPTH EDITOR

I

t was the result of a country in danger. The Rahmanzais and Yahyas lived peaceful and happy lives in their Afghan homes before the ominous conflicts within the country became too dangerous. Junior Mariam Yahya and her family were faced with these threats. The cousins of the Yahyas, the Rahmanzais were also affected.

This includes: Juniors Soraya and Meena and senior Abdul Rahim.

Their country had been corrupt with violence, there were many threats in the area. The Taliban was increasing in violence against the Afghan police and government. The Taliban have been leading a destructive political movement in Afghanistan for decades. Their brutality has caused many families like the Rahmanzais and Yahyas to move. Their parents had to make the decision to take their children to a safer place. That place would become their new home, Gretna, Nebraska.

“In our country there was fighting and we were in danger,” M. Rahmanzai said. “Our father was working with American companies, so it was easier to get here.”

It was two years ago that they made their 7,140 mile journey to Nebraska. An unbelievable adjustment was forced upon the families, but they found a way to overcome the many obstacles. The differences between Afghanistan and America brought major culture shock to the families.

All four kids had to find a way to ease into life at the new high school.

“The people are different… The people in my old country were very friendly,” M. Yahya said. “Here they are friendly too, but we don’t share a language, so it’s hard to talk to them.”

A common response to what they all miss most was their family and friends. Other members of their family were not as lucky and stayed behind. They reside in our safe town of Gretna with the scary thought that their friends back home still live amongst danger.

“I like it here in Gretna because we are safer here,” M. Yahya said.

The Rahmanzais did not like the change at first, but over time, they ended up loving it here. Freedom, American schooling, and American clothing were all things they listed as dramatic changes.

“I like it here because you wave freedom and nobody tells you what to do” M. Rahmanzai said.

They have had ups and downs along with their move.

They have shown bravery facing these new surroundings and a new language. Most of them came to GHS without any English speaking abilities.

“The hardest part has been the language,” S. Rahmanzai said. “It has been very hard. When I came here I knew zero english.”

In Afghanistan, a very small portion of the women actually further their education past high school. It is very hard for women attend college and achieve a career. They are expected to carry out duties at home and take care of a family. The Rahmanzai and Yahya women are very happy that now they have the opportunity to go to college and become whatever they want to be.

“If I were in my old country I don’t think I would have been able to go to college,” M. Rahmanzai said.

“My dad wanted us to be able to study in college and be in a better place,” M. Yahya said.

Both families made a courageous decision and moved all the way across the world in order to escape a dangerous situation. It has not been easy for the four teens at GHS, but they are finding ways to adjust to their new home.

8 Indepth

Volume 4 Issue 2

October 2017

Profile page Getting To Know Our New Friends From Afar Astrid Franco

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I like to listen to music and use my cell phone.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Gretna High School?

A: That there are people that can speak Spanish.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Fast and Furious.

Q: What is your biggest fear?

A: Snakes.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school?

And why?

A: Spanish because it’s Spanish.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: French fries.

Q: What music do you like to listen to?

A: Banda (a style of Mexican dance music featuring brass instruments and having a heavy beat).

Q: What is your favorite sport?

A: Soccer.

Q: Describe yourself.

A: I am mostly friendly.

Q: What do you want to do after high school?

A: I don’t know.

Meena Rahmanzai

M

eena Rahmanzai is many things. She is a sister, a student, a daughter, and much more. She has brightened up the halls of GHS since her arrival here two years ago.

Rahmanzai is 15 years old and currently a junior at GHS. Her favorite subject is history, but do not be fooled, she still gets scared every time she is handed a test.

Meena has a large family of 9, so she tries to find things to keep herself distracted from all of the commotion in her house. When it comes to entertainment, Fantastic Four is at the top of her list. She loves to play on her phone in her free time and also enjoys listening to many different genres of music.

“I listen to American, Mexican, and music from my own country,” Rahmanzai said. “I like it all.”

Rahmanzai has found many things she loves about Gretna. She enjoys the variety of food, especially pizza.

She also enjoys playing and watching volleyball whenever she can.

“I am very funny and sometimes I am crazy,” Rahmanzai said. “I am also very smart, but sometimes I am annoying.”

Rahmanzai shared her dreams and aspirations for her life after GHS and is confident in her approaching future at college.

“I want to go to college at UNO,” Rahmanzai said. “I want to become a doctor.”

She is determined and ready. Meena Rahmanzai has one of the brightest smiles in the halls of GHS, and her determination to become a doctor will lead her to a successful and impactful future.

T

Rahim Rahmanzai

MaRIAM YAYHA

he ways to describe different or unique ways you approach various aspects of your life are always a concept that nobody else seems to understand. Although sometimes, it takes coming from completely different circumstances to truly get a good understanding. Mariam Yahya has come all the way from Afghanistan, with her family to experience a day-to-day American life. Subsequently, she is known to definitely have her style down precisely.

“When I start laughing, I am not able to stop because I laugh so hard,” exchange student, Mariam Yahya said. A favorite aspect of the U.S. for Yahya is the excitement she has to go to college. “I want to do really well in school, so I can go to college and do engineering for a living and I think that is why I love Geometry so much,” Yahya said. Gretna has been able to leave a long-lasting imprint, especially for Yahya’s aspirations in life. Although there are specific things she’s never left behind, such as her favorite movies and celebrities. “I am used to, and really like the Bollywood movie franchise, as they are mainly Indian actors.”

Coming from such a diverse background to a completely new one is a definite transfer of normality.

Unsurprisingly, starting a new life, is always tough and life changing. Luckily, Mariam is loving her experiences here so far and is very excited to be here at GHS with all new

R

ahim Rahmanzai is a unique student amongst us. Despite the fact that he used to live in Afghanistan, he acquires characteristics that make him just like everyone else. He loves his sleep and often listens to music in his freetime.

“I am quiet and serious sometimes,” Rahmanzai said.

Rahmanzai lives an interesting life with his six younger siblings. In the free time that he gets to himself, he has found himself fascinated with Indian entertainment.

When he is bored he watches Indian movies or listens to fast paced Indian songs.

He has focused himself on school in many ways.

His adjustment to GHS has been great considering he loves how caring all of the students and teachers are.

Rahmanzai’s favorite subject is math because it is easy for him. After much thought, he has decided on some big plans after he is done with his schooling at GHS. “I think I want to go to the military,” Rahmanzai said.

“I want to protect my country.”

He is confident in what he wants. Rahmanzai is a unique student amongst us, but he has struggles, likes, dislikes, and aspirations just like everyone else. He is a quiet student in the halls of GHS with a big road ahead of him.

teachers, students and friends.

Soraya Rahmanzai

S

oraya Rahmanzai is a very unique and content girl that resides with us at GHS. She used to reside with her family in Afghanistan, though she’s gotten incredibly comfortable with where she lives now and the customs that come along with it. “I love pizza, and my favorite sport is basketball,” exchange student, Soraya Rahmanzai said. When she was asked what she enjoys most about GHS, she was more than happy to admit it. Being moved to a completely different place is always scary for a teenager but Rahmanzai seems to be getting the hang out it.“I love that I have new friends that I get to hang out with all the time,” Rahmanzai said.

In a certain area, Rahmanzai admitted with a huge smile, to presently loving being where she is. “I love to read, and I think that is why I love English class so much more than all of my other classes and since English is my thirdlanguage out of three, I was easily adjusted when I came here, ” Rahmanzai said, “ and since we’ve been here for awhile, I can say I like it here very much.”

There are always new things to see all over the world.

Although sometimes you become lucky enough to live in a completely new place with completely new people and surroundings. Soraya certainly seems to be fitting in quite nicely to her brand-new surroundings, that she can now call home.

Jason Morales Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I like to listen to music and play video games.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Gretna High

School?

A: How nice the people are?

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Fast and Furious.

Q:What is your biggest fear?

A: Nothing.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school? And why?

A: English is my favorite subject because I am learning a new language.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Pepperoni Pizza.

Q: What music do you like to listen to?

A: Country but I don’t have a favorite artist.

Q: What is your favorite sport?

A: Soccer.

Q: Describe yourself.

A: I am a hard worker and I like to have fun.

Q: What do you want to do after high school?

A: Hopefully work.

Q: What is something most people do not know about you?

A: I want to learn how to weld.

Volume 4 Issue 2

September 2017

Sports

WEATHERING THE STORM

9

DRAGONS TAKE THEIR OPPORTUNITIES HEAD ON

O

n e team had t o face a historic rival, to hold the running back to minimal yardage and score the most points. Defense needed to be on their “A” game. Offense needed to be on their “A” game. One team was ranked fourth overall when compared to all schools across the state. One streak lasted 34 games. Kicking off the ninth week of the season, Thursday Night Lights featured the Gretna Dragons hosting Elkhorn South Storm; they, the “one team”, fell to the Dragons after the goahead field goal with under a minute left in the fourth quarter.

Warm-ups commenced with handshakes of encouragement from head coach Mr. David Shrader. Gretna juked to the beat of the coaches, finding the right holes in the line and catching pigskins over left and right shoulders.

“It is important for everyone on the team to know we appreciate them being there because they are a part of the big family,” Coach Shrader said. “Every kid, no matter if he plays on the field or is on the sidelines scouting, is an integral part of our team, and they deserve to know that.”

This Green Army proudly stood side by side to end the pregame rituals; the flag waved for the national anthem, yet something was missing.

Elkhorn South left the field after a few pregame minutes elapsed, but as the band and color guard set out to start the game, Elkhorn South was not on the field. After a few notes rose above the crowd, players made an appearance down the sidewalk leading out of the stadium on the south end of the field. They ambled toward

By Jessica Blum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF the south end zone to mirror the Dragons, but the community noticed. This was one of several talking points about the game.

Elkhorn South won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball first. Strength was demonstrated after multiple key stops for both teams on both sides of the ball. The first score did not come until there were 54 seconds left in the first quarter. Hanafan tossed one up for Jennings for the touchdown to lead 7-0.

“They chunked the ball down the field, and I was happy we did not give up a big play,” Coach Shrader said. “If we did that all night, I knew we were going to be in good shape. It was all about decent defense and not giving up the long plays.”

Gretna managed to pin their opponent deep in their own territory for the duration of the second quarter. Then, the Dragons scored a tying touchdown with 39 seconds left in the half by leaping over the trenches and extending the ball to break the plane.

The score would remain tied going into halftime.

Highlights were reeling in the second half. A flaw that the Dragons succumbed to in the second half, as well as the first, was the story of the penalties. Down at about the three-inch line, three consecutive flags were tossed freely into the air to announce false starts or illegal procedures. If not for the penalties, the Dragons would have punched the ball in, over the goal line for another touchdown. Instead, senior Kortlan Franke drilled the football through the uprights for a field goal.

Aside from the penalties, the impact player of the night was senior Noah Burghardt. Burghardt had a total of 66 yards recieving and two touchdowns. The important events from the second half included junior Quinn Mason scrambling to avoid a sack, then throwing it downfield

to Burghardt who sprinted 42 yards for the touchdown.

“This was a big momentum shift for our team,” Coach Shrader said.

Following that, there was a miscommunication on Elkhorn South’s special teams, for they coughed up the ball at their own 12 yardline. As a result, the Dragons went up 21-7 a few plays later.

It did not take long for Elkhorn South to come back with an answer; they scored on their next drive, Hanafan to Knott for 38 yards and the touchdown with eight and a half minutes left in the game.

Moses Bryant was held to 91 total yards and no touchdowns.

“Our defense bottled up their team to not give up any big plays, and I was proud,” Coach Shrader said. “It was a great night, just awesome.”

Looking ahead, Dragons play Plattsmouth Blue Devils at home at 7 P.M. on Friday, October 27. The next forces to be faced after this game include McCook and Skutt.

“Both are good teams,” Coach Shrader said.

“McCook has a kid returning to their football team who has a scholarship to play at Colorado State. He is going to be a threat. York could also be challenging in the bracket, for I see them as a sleeper, a good team that is not always mentioned.”

A 34-game winning streak lie now in ruins. The Gretna Dragons beat the Elkhorn South Storm with a final score of 24-14. With number one fan, Mrs. Deb Andrews, in the stands, Gretna will be lead to victory with her motivation and enthusiasm now, and going forward. No matter what the rival schools may plaster on their posters for their student section, the Dragons are for real.

CONCUSSIONS, ROLLED ANKLES, STRESS FRACTURES INJURIES ARE COMMON THIS SEASON AMONGST HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

By Emily Shurtliff STAFF WRITER

A

sports injury can determine a high school athlete’s future career. GHS has Mr. Tom Pancoe, an athletic trainer, available to help injured athletes. Mr. Pancoe has worked here for ten years, and continues to help students every day.

“I have always had an interest in sports at all levels and an interest in helping with sports injuries,” Mr. Pancoe said.

From broken bones to rolled ankles, Mr. Pancoe sees a large variety of injuries. Junior Amber Szaro had to sit out of cross country due to a stress fracture in her leg. She had to wear a boot on her foot for quite some time.

“During summer running, I started feeling weak in my right foot but I thought nothing of it,” Szaro said. “We did, however, bump up the mileage from 3 miles to 7 miles a day in that week, and I guess my body couldn’t take it.”

Sophomore Hannah Fiala had to sit out of the entire track season last year as well as cross country season this year due to an extra bone in her foot being surgically removed.

She hopes to be back and running by track season in the spring. Fiala did not see Mr. Pancoe for her injury because it resulted in surgery and physical therapy.

“The worst part of being injured is not being able to do the thing that is my passion: running,” Fiala said. “Running is also my stress reliever which is very hard for me because when I need a break or to have some time to myself, I can’t run.”

Freshman Kloe Odermatt took a volleyball to the head in gym class a few weeks ago. She was diagnosed with a concussion that prevents her from participating in golf, but it also makes it harder for her to do normal educational activities.

“At school I cannot focus, and I get really behind because with a concussion you cannot do school work,” Odermatt said.

Students at GHS are offered many activities. Mr. Pancoe sees injuries from every sport but tends to see the most in contact sports.

“Often times, contact sports loan themselves to injuries, but you can pull a muscle or roll an ankle, for example, in almost any activity,” Mr. Pancoe said.

Sophomore Timothy Huber was one of the many injuries Mr. Pancoe has witnessed from a contact sport. He broke his fibula during a JV football game. He is in a boot until the October 23, and has to undergo physical therapy for an unknown amount of time. For now, he is stuck being the waterboy for the football team.

“It gets pretty boring at times and makes me wish I could still play,” Huber said. “I get to be the waterboy now.”

Because he sees so many people a day, Mr. Pancoe has to be prepared for a variety of injuries. He sees an average of two or three new injuries a day in addition to many students stopping by for treatments and ice.

“I see a variation with severity in injuries,” Mr. Pancoe said. “People also have different pain tolerances, so when students come in, I listen to what they say is hurting and treat the symptoms according(ly).”

Shoulder Surgery Abby McGargill (20) was in the hospital after getting her second surgery within one year. She had a surgery last school year on her back, and recently had one on her shoulder. “The worst part about being hurt is not being able to physically be on the court and not being able to do everything with the team,” McGargill said.

There is a large assortment of injuries that can happen while playing a sport.

Sophomore Abby McGargill has to sit out of volleyball for 6-8 months due to her shoulder injury that resulted in surgery. She has to stay on a regimented schedule with medication, and she has physical therapy exercises to do at home.

“At school I have to be careful when I pass classes so I don’t get bumped in my shoulder and I can’t reach for things quickly because I could hurt my shoulder again,” McGargill said.

Mr. Pancoe spends eight hours a day at GHS helping students like Szaro, Huber, Mcgargill, Odermatt and Fiala with their

injuries. He sees an average of fifteen people a day, and manages to help them all.

“Every day after school until my boot was off, he eased me into the treadmill, and practiced balance, and strengthened the muscles around my ankle,” Szaro said.

“It was a long process, but he helped me through it so I could get back to walking right again. I still had a slight limp in the boot, but the workouts on my leg that he taught me helped immensely.”

Mr. Pancoe is available after school almost every day for help with all kinds of injuries, no matter how big or small. His room is located right outside the main gym of the school.

10 Sports

November 2017

Volume 4 Issue 2

HELPING HAND FOR COACH

MANAGERS ASSIST TEAMS AND COACHES

By Jacey Hammer NEWS EDITOR

D

uring each sport, there are responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Athletes are busy trying to get better, and the coaches are trying to make their team the best they can be. There was only one solution of what could be done: team managers. Four of the six fall teams “The coaches have always been allowed to have a manager for their team if they would like,” Athletic Director Mr. Chad Jepsen said. “It really depends on the coach and what they would use the manager for.”

Managing the cross country requires time and commitment. Their managers are junior Marissa Ellingson, sophomore Payton Shoup and sophomore Lauren Rhodes. Senior Drew Correll and sophomore Hannah Fiala have helped out with team managing duties due to their injuries this season. During meets and practices, they have many jobs that include taking attendance practices, marking times of runners, handing out numbers to the runners at meets, getting ice for athletes and any other task the coaches need help with.

“I like being a cross country manager because I like being involved with my school and helping out where it’s needed,” Ellingson said. “I wanted to be on the cross country team, but I am not a distance runner, so I wouldn’t be very good. I would also have to miss a lot of practices and meets because of soccer practices.”

Volleyball is another team that has managers. The main purpose of volleyball managers include keeping statistics for the team and making sure that Coach Mike Brandon stays on time during each practice.

Junior Mayson Custer used to play on the team, but now she manages instead.

“I will continue to be a manager in the

future because I’m still able to be a part of the team in a different way,” Custer said. “Being a manager means that I get to continue to be apart of a team that is important to me.”

The four-time district champion softball team has two team managers. Their managers are junior Tyler Sedlak and senior Tyler Benham.

“We have two managers,” Coach Bill Heard said. “Tyler Sedlak and Tyler Benham do our score book.”

Freshman football is the only football team that has a manager. Their manager is freshman Kassidy Oliver. Her responsibilities include filling up water bottles and helping the team with whatever they need.

“Being a manager means that I’m helping out my classmates as they win every game,” freshman Kassidy Oliver said. “It’s fun to get to watch the football players excel as players.”

Among all of the six fall sports, only two of them do not have a team manager.

The boys’ tennis team is one of those teams.

There have been some in the past, but there was not an interest this season. Because of this, the coaches are occupied with more responsibilities.

“We do not have any managers,” tennis Coach Bret Kohles said. “All those duties get to fall on me!”

Along with the boys’ tennis team, the girls golf team does not have a manager.

Since they do not have a manager, girls who are not competing in the meet will go and keep scores.

“The golf team does not have managers,” junior Jayda Hammer said. “I have gone to a golf meet in the past to keep score.”

Team managers are very helpful to coaches and athletes. They make practices more efficient.

Keeping Score Throughout each game, the managers are required to record the statistics of the particular game.

Those statistics include each time a player gets an ace, kill, dig, etc. The managers are Mayson Custer (19), Abbie Huffman (18) and Abigail McGargill (20). Mcgargill is a player, but she is out for this season.

Helping Out Due to there being a lot of tasks to complete during cross country meets, the other members of the team help out during meets. It is difficult for three managers to be at each mile or meter marking. There are three

DRAGONS BEAT SKUTT FOR THE FIRST

By Colin Kitson TIME IN THREE YEARS STAFF WRITER

S

kutt has always been a rival for the Dragons, and it is always a game full of excitement. This year, the Dragons came out victorious after three years of suffering losses. The game was expected to be an even battle, but the Dragons came out on top as the clocked ticked down to zero in the fourth quarter.

For head coach Dave Shrader, the game was going to be like any other game.

Everyone was going to assemble themselves the same way and hope for a good outcome as the rest of the games in the season.

“We prepared pretty much the same as all games, coaches develop a game plan for both offense and defense, we plan for special teams, then we practice the plans and we have film sessions with players,” Coach Shrader said.

Coach Shrader has expectations before the game for the team, so they can perform well out on the gridiron. Coach Shrader wanted to make sure the team would come out successful and keep the solid season rolling.

“Expectations were to play the best we possibly could, limit the turnovers, play field position football, and we thought we would be in the game with a chance to win it,” Coach Shrader said.

The players wanted to do everything in their power to get the win. They would be unsatisfied if Skutt came out with the win.

“Expectations stay the same as any other game, keep high intensity on every play, play aggressive but smart, and the same as any other game, we expect to win,” junior Eli Spale said.

The team got ready themselves very well the week of the game and was ready to take on Skutt. They stuck to their plan and were very focused on the game come Friday night.

“We had a good week of practice leading up to game day, but our mentality was no different, it is the same every week, get a win,” junior Caden Opfer said.

The Dragons were the victors for a couple, significant reasons: they stuck to the game plan and gave it their all. In addition, a crucial factor that contributed to the win was trust amongst the team and players relying on teammates to get their jobs done.

“Players performed the game plans and in the second half took control of the line of scrimmage, defense played very well, players were disciplined in their assignments and trusted that their teammates would do their assignments,” Coach Shrader said.

The players have their own opinions on how they won the game. It would not have been done without the effort given and the hard work put in.

“Our defense really stepped up and got some turnovers and stops when we needed it, and our offense does what the offense does and played smash mouth football,” Opfer said.

The team felt very passionate about beating Skutt for the first time in a long time.

They showed emotion out on the field by getting hyped up the whole game. It is was a key win for the team, and it boosted their confidence for the rest of the season.

“It felt great to beat Skutt, the last time we beat them I was in eighth grade so it felt great to bring the win back to Gretna,” junior Hunter Chilton said.

To sum it up, the Dragons have had an exciting season full of wins, and it was thrilling for the players to beat the competition. Skutt for the first time in three years. The Dragons are guaranteed to go to the playoffs and hope to reach the memorial stadium.

Volume 4 Issue 2

November 2017

A&E

11

HEALTHY NEW TAKE OVER

VILLAGE POINTE USHERS IN JUICY ARRIVAL

By Chayna Davidson STAFF WRITER

S

Yummy Treats Simple Science Juice is located at Village Pointe sitting right by Coldstone Creamery. Buying an acai bowl and a fruit cleanse, is a perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon. Try Simple Sciences because it is well worth it and the nutrients level in the drinks and the bowls are amazing. photo by Chayna Davidson

imple Science Juices is a coldpressed juice store where they serve and make nothing but healthy organic drinks/foods.

Simple Science Juices was recently built in Omaha, Nebraska at Village Pointe and inside this juice store, it is very vintage looking. Simple Science Juices is an all organic smoothie, drink cleansings, and acai bowl store that consists of organic fruits lined up on the wall and anyone who walks in can actually watch them make the smoothies or the food bowls. Simple Science is what anyone would call a coldpressed smoothie place and cold-pressed stands for the hydraulic press used to extract juice from the fruit and the vegetables.

This juice has been around for decades but just recently started to gain popularity throughout the world since 2013 and the reason being is because more people are getting interested in the healthy life style and wondering what these things can do to your body.

The special thing about this juice place is you can have a smoothie that can sit for a while and not rot and at your house, the ingredients that you make it with, requires you to chill your smoothies or else they will go to waste. They do not just offer smoothies and cleansing drinks but also acai bowls.

With these bowls, you can add oats, fruit, yogurt, or even nuts to it. But the catch with these bowls are it makes a huge serving so my advice is you share the acai bowl. They also serve homemade peanut energy balls which are amazing and a great source of protein.

Simple Science received 4 ½ stars and to anyone who is really into health, might rate it at a 5. They have detox drinks that help growing your hair or fingernails, organic coffee and milk and much more.

These drinks show you a new healthy way to life your live and at the same time, nourishes each cell throughout your body.

The definition of a cleanse is a commitment to any drink, juice, or tea for a certain period of time. Drinking this fresh pressed juice will immediately flood your body with vitamins, phytonutrients, and minerals.

What my family and I discovered from going to Simple Science is these drinks help you sleep better, it helps your immune system, and it helps your digestion process.

The taste of these juices or smoothies can be really odd at first, but eventually, the more times you drink it, the more you get use to it. These drinks contain flax seeds in them which can be really grainy tasting, but add the fruit, the almond milk, and the ice, and in a second, a tasty smoothie will be in the cup waiting for a customer to buy it and consume it. Cold-press juicing uses a two-step process. What they do first is put the fruit into the ninja and it grinds the fruit until it is pulp. Then after it is grounded up into pulp, they add the healthy ingredients that make the smoothie. There are only four locations of this store spread across the Midwest and Omaha, Nebraska was lucky enough to buy a building right next to Coldstone and make such a fabulous cozy place to either eat or drink and just hangout. The environment inside the store that they have made matches the layout of the company. Economic friendly, healthy, loves the earth, and loves unique things and people.

When you walk into the store, you see green painted walls, a bulletin board where you can tack photos of you and your friends on, and facts about all the healthy ingredients that go into making these drinks/foods. It is very vintage and unique and it’s small and cute looking. It is a wellorganized store and has clothing items you can purchase as well. Go in and look at it and see it for yourself. You will be amazed by the looks of it.

If smoothies are not your thing, then try the acai bowls or the power balls which contain peanut butter, oats, honey and most importantly, protein. I would highly recommend trying Simple Science because even if you do not like healthy foods, the smoothies are a lot better for you then say Juice Stop and the cleansers are delicious and do many things for you and your body.

So take a step outside your comfort zone and try this 4 ½ star rated Simple Science Juices and enjoy it just as much as I do.

1000 DEGREE DISASTER

ONE STICKEY SITUATION WORKS OUT

By Emily Acker SPORTS EDITOR

T

here is a new pizza place that just opened on 180th and Q in Omaha. It is called 1000 Degrees Pizza. The pizzeria sets their brick ovens at 1000 degrees Fahrenheit so the pizzas are able to cook in under five minutes. Being a pizza lover, I was thrilled to give it a try. I found out that there was an opening night special where they were giving away a free pizza to every guest that came in. This increased my overwhelming excitement. I gathered some friends, and we made plans to try out a pie.

After talking about it all week, opening day had finally arrived. I sat through class all day envisioning the yummy, cheesy goodness that I would enjoy later that night.

We all met at the high school parking lot at 6:30 P.M. to carpool. The drive there was insignificant despite the pouring rain. I was ready. Once we got there, we could see that almost every parking spot was full, and the whole car let out an audible sigh. After driving up and down the lanes, we finally found a spot. Through the pouring rain, we sprinted to the restaurant. To our surprise, there was a line out the door going all the way to the parking lot. Regardless, we came to the conclusion that the pizza was worth it, and waited in the enormous line without an umbrella. We stood in line for about five minutes until an employee walked out and

told us that they would be closing at 7 P.M. due to how many people showed up; only a certain amount of people were going to be allowed in. The line began to disperse.

We looked at the clock and saw that it was only 6:50 P.M. Our group stood outside the restaurant with a couple other people who had also been in line, deciding what to do next. Our stomachs growled as we looked at the neighboring restaurants. We bounced ideas off each other and decided to go to Hy-Vee. I was disappointed because when I think of Hy-Vee, I do not think of quality food. We walked in and there was no line.

I walked right up and ordered the sesame chicken, lo mein and a crab rangoon.

It was only around $6. In addition, my friends ordered a pizza to share. We chose a booth with a large window in order to look at the other customers that were about to be denied pizza from 1000 Degrees. I began eating and was pleasantly surprised.

It was warm and tasted fresh, despite being from a buffet.

Even though we did not get to try 1000 Degrees Pizza, I am happy I got to give Hy-Vee a try. We ate delicious food and enjoyed each other’s company. I would definitely recommend going to Hy-Vee to eat. It was cheap, but the quality was astounding. I will definetly be returning soon.

Sticky situation After being declined at 1000 Degree Pizza, Jessica Blum (18) decides to get a pizza from Hyvee. It was only $7 and came out relatively fast. Blum split it was a friend and still had plenty of leftovers.(photo by Emiliy Acker)

12 A&E

November 2017

Volume 4 Issue 2

NO HAPPY ENDINGS IN THIS MUSICAL “LOVE STORY” MUSIC APPLICATIONS PROVE TO BE MORE FRUSTRATING THAN THEY SHOULD BE

By Tristan Duin STAFF WRITER

T

here are few things more frustrating than apps that lie about their services and a deadly slow internet connection.

Unfortunately, most music apps think that is what viewers want. It is extremely inconvenient to be in class, the gym, or my room and have to wait until my music finally begins. I was once a user of the renowned music apps such as Soundcloud, Pandora, Spotify and iHeartradio, but I forfeited all of them because of their poor characteristics.

I tested out the Pandora app and I was not impressed at all. I created my own Taylor Swift station and the first song that popped up was her 2008 hit, “Love Story.”

I was quite annoyed how I could not pick the specific song I wanted to hear in that moment. After the song was over, I assumed another one of Swift’s hits would begin, but I was wrong. I did not sign up to hear Carrie Underwood, clearly wanted to hear Taylor Swift. I kept skipping through until I would find one of Swift’s cringe-worthy songs, but I kept stumbling upon artists that were

irrelevant to her music. The Rascal Flatts? No thank you. I am sorry Pandora, but no one wants to use an app where they do not get the music they want.

Unlike Pandora, Spotify allowed me to create a playlist of songs that I love. I clicked on the shuffle mode, and heard, “the next 30 minutes are ad-free…”. The next 30 minutes were NOT ad-free. I believe I listened to three songs before another commercial popped. Also, I did not get to pick which song I wanted to hear. I could make a playlist of all my tunes, but I could only listen on shuffle mode. If I want to hear a specific song, I should be able to listen to that specific song. Also, this app took up a giant chunk of my storage space. Not Cool.

Before I was even five minutes into using the iHeartradio app, I was hysterical. Who wants to use an app that is just the radio?

Definitely not me. The only time I ever listen to the radio is in my car when I do not have my auxiliary cord or my phone. Whenever I do listen to the radio, I feel like 90% of it is just advertisements. I do not want to

listen to ads or listen to music I do not have control over. The only advantages to the app were the mute button for the Omaha’s Kat Country station and the 96.1 Kiss FM station.

Although the songs that 96.1 played were all songs on my Apple Music playlist, I still had to suffer through the radio hosts talking about nonsense and the constant advertisements.

IHeartradio was extremely irritating for me because of the continuous offers for their versions of the app where you have to pay extra money, just to hear the radio.

Due to a poor design, the SoundCloud app makes zero sense. To be honest, this app looks like it was designed in some guy’s basement. It is a nightmare trying to find the song you want to hear, and it took me three minutes to find the pause button.

After I finally found “Starboy” by The Weeknd, I was fifteen seconds into the song and a commercial about the Home Depot interrupted me! Once the commercial was over, a different song by the same artist begun playing. Excuse me SoundCloud, but I was not done with the first song. Most of

the music is a disarray of homemade remixes that are dreadful to my ears.

Seriously, why are these apps obsessed with commercials? It is not what viewers want to hear at all. It is bad enough when an ad pops up randomly, but it is 10 times worse when I am forced to listen to something I do not care about. Because of the many inconveniences, I gave up on music apps a long time ago and now I use Apple Music.

There are no ads, it is easy to use, there is no slow connection and it offers nearly every artist. Apple Music is not exactly an app because it comes with the iPhone, but it works the best by far.

If I had to pick out of the four apps, my choice would probably be Spotify. The commercials and the fact that you cannot pick the exact song you want to hear is annoying, but the setup is simple yet aesthetic, and it has the most options for songs. Plus, it offers the best deals on their premium version. Althought all four apps posed problem, the best out of the four was definitely Spotify.

FIFA“SQUAD BATTLES” ENJOYABLE NEW GAME FOR THE NEW YEAR

By Ben Bickel STAFF WRITER

O

n Sep. 29, 2017, EA Sports released FIFA 18. FIFA 18 is a video game that focuses on using professional soccer players on a video game console. EA has improved their game with a new graphics engine called Frostbite for their sports games.

Since its release, the game has looked more realistic and more interactive.

The first thing I played when I downloaded the game was Ultimate Team.

Ultimate Team is by far the most popular game mode on FIFA. This game mode allows players to create any team of their liking with any players. Ultimate Team is also a competitive game mode at a pro level. Many gamers across the world play this mode for the major cash reward. More extensively, EA has added a new mode within Ultimate Team called “Squad Battles”. In this new mode, players get to play other users’ teams, but instead of playing the actual user they play the computer for pack, and coin reward.

At the end of every week, their performance against their opponents will ultimately determine the reward. I personally feel that this game mode is annoying because it allows incompetent players to get superior

teams because they can beat the computer and not an actual human. FIFA has also brought back The Weekend League for its second year. The Weekend League is a “free for all” where users get to play with any team against anyone in the world. There are forty games that you can play every weekend, and depending on how you play, you are ranked worldwide. The higher ranks earn better rewards. The Weekend League, in my opinion, is the biggest headache on the planet. I have found that Ultimate Team is harder than past games. It is more challenging to pack useful players, harder to buy highquality players and more challenging to win games against the computer. Although all of these things make the game hard to play, I would still say that Ultimate Team is my favorite game mode by far in this season’s game.

The next game mode I played was The Journey. This is the second year for this game mode, and I absolutely LOVE IT. The Journey is the story of a young player named Alex Hunter. He starts off in the English Premier League. I chose Arsenal because they are my favorite club. Hunter ends up in some transfer rumors and is forced to leave Arsenal

and goes to the Los Angeles Galaxy. In Los Angeles, Hunter forgives his father and finds out about his half-sister that also plays soccer at a professional level. After Hunter’s spell in Los Angeles, he moves back to Europe to play for a big club. I, of course, joined Bayern Munich. They make Hunter the face of the club, and he goes off and scores many goals to help Bayern win the league. I would play this game about five more times if I had the time, for I enjoyed it that much. I give just this mode a 10/10, and I hope they bring this game mode back next year.

The last game mode and my favorite multiplayer game mode on FIFA 18 is Pro Clubs. In this mode, players have the ability to create a pro to play with their friends online. Players can only play the pro that they create; then, they create a club that their friends can play in. What my friends and I have always done in this mode is create ugly, funny-looking pro’s, given them ridiculous names and play as them in the game. Also in this mode, EA offers a large selection of customization for Pro Clubs characters such as soccer cleats, tape, the way a pro wears his jersey or even the way he wears his socks. In the end, I find this mode hilarious and way

too fun. Some of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen on FIFA happen in this game mode, and it never fails to make me laugh.

Although I enjoy all these game modes, this game does lack some things that I would have liked better. The gameplay is way too slow. EA tried to make the game more realistic by making players slower. For me, it is too slow and takes the fun out of the game.

If the gameplay was a little quicker and more game-like, I would definitely rate this game a little bit higher. But, unfortunately, it forces me to rate this game an 8.2/10. What I did like about this game that makes it so highly rated is Ultimate Team, The Journey, and Pro Clubs. I rate Ultimate Team very highly this year, even though it is harder to play than any other FIFA games. With The Journey, I feel that EA did a tremendous job of bringing a story to life and making it enjoyable for users. Finally, with Pro Clubs, I feel that EA has given my friends and me an opportunity to play with each other as our own players, and I think that it is a unique game mode, which makes me appreciate it that much more. I would definetly recommend this pastime for anyone who is fond of playing sports games.