MONEY PROBLEMSPAGE 3 AFTER HOURS PAGE 5 PREGAME RITUALs PAGE 7 CRISPITO MYSTERY PAGE 8
VOICE
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THE FROM ACC ROOM TO BOSTON MARATHON ISSUE 3
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7
VOLUME 4
WORKING IN THE ACC ROOM TO COMPLETE HER DREAM By Chayna Davidson STAFF WRITER
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lashing back to Monday, April 15, 2013, marked an awful day in America. Tragedy struck the marathon completely unexpected and anyone who was there would talk about the horrifying screams coming from the audience. The Boston Marathon was happening on that day, and as the race was wrapping up, two homemade bombs were thrown at the finish line, killing three and injuring several hundreds. Running in that race today may bring back memories, even if the people running in the race were not involved in the bombing. Many people still saw it on television. The bombing that happened four years ago, however, will not stop Mrs. Tammy True from running in the Boston Marathon on April 16, 2018 Mrs. True’s running career started when she knew she wanted to take part in marathons and eventually get to the big races. “I am not nervous because I cannot control other people’s actions, and I will not let fear stop me from my goals,” Mrs. True said. Running in the Boston Marathon is one of Mrs. True’s dreams, and she has worked incredibly hard to achieve it. True ran her first half marathon in June and placed second in her age group. She then began a 22-week training plan and raced in the Omaha Marathon in September, where she placed first in her age group, completing her final step to qualify for the Boston Marathon. “Running a marathon has always been on my ‘dream’ bucket list, but as I started my 22-week-training program, and was tracking my times, I knew that I had a good chance for qualifying Boston,” Mrs. True said. “So I set out to achieve that goal. I am a huge goal setter.” The most important thing in marathons
is training and dieting. A runner has to have dedication and determination to not break their diet. If one wants to succeed, he or she must stick to the meal plans, the workouts they do, the hours of running a day and not staying up late every night. “I have been a Paleo for almost a year and I eat a ton of meats, fruits and vegetables,” Mrs. True said. “I am also training on the daily along with the a 22-week- long training program because I love running, and that is because it is a great stress reliever.” True is most excited to see so much history and talent and to potentially break her personal record. Over 30,000 people are participating in this race and to be accepted to run in it is an honor. A race of this length and the hours of sweat and tears put into training, hopefully, will pay off in the end. In order to qualify for the Boston Marathon, one must have the acceptance of official race entrants and will be based on qualifying time, with the fastest qualifiers being accepted first until the race is full. There are many things to be considered of the person running the race; some qualifications include if there is a total amount of submissions that surpasses the size for qualified athletes, then the ones that are the fastest among everyone who has applied, will then be accepted. Then, judges may not accept indoor marathon times. “For my age group, I needed to have 3:45 to be qualified to run in the Boston Marathon, and I ran my last race in 3:21 and was qualified,” Mrs. True said. Because of dedication, dieting, training and discipline, she qualified for the Boston Marathon. Mrs. True has five months until the race and continuing training should be in her best interest. Come April 16, Mrs. True will be energized and ready to run her heart out and push through the pain, the sweat, and the long hours of this race. The Boston Marathon is one of the biggest races in America and participating in it is a big deal. Let us cheer on Mrs. True!
GHS POSSIBLY HOSTING FIRST ANNUAL WINTER DANCE ADMINISTRATION SEEKS MOST CONVENIENT DATE TO HOLD By Mara Hjermstad STAFF WRITER
New Experiences Throughout many years, GHS has not offered a winter dance. The 2017-2018 school year may be the first winter dance to occur. Due to the cooperation of students at other school events, it will be able to happen. art by Abby Leasure
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eep your calendars open for Friday, February 23, 2018. This is the projected date for the GHS Winter Dance. It will be held in the main gym of the high school. The dance will have some similarities to Homecoming and Prom but will be by no means the same. This will be more of a casual dance, meaning the attire is not fancy, so clothing such as jeans will be accepted. Clothing must still be school appropriate. “It will be a dance open to everyone,” student council advisor Mrs. Anita O’Neil said. “Kids can wear jeans and have fun. It is just a for fun dance where kids can get together and dance and not spend any more money than you have to.” February 23 is the date they found most convenient: the least amount of activities take place that night or the next day, which makes it a top prospect for the dance. There are still some events coinciding with the dance, so those activities are being checked to see if the
participants in the activities will be able to make it to the dance. It will be at the end of the winter sports season. In fact, it is the week of boys varsity basketball districts and state duels for wrestling, but state swimming and jazz band will be taking place the day of the dance. “We’ve tried it before [having a winter dance], but because of the weather we had to cancel it,” principal Mr. Roger Miller said. “But our biggest problem is finding a night that nobody else is doing any activities. I struggle when kids aren’t able to come to things like this.” Due to the fact that it is a school dance, students will be breathalyzed upon entering. Students wishing to bring an outside guest will have to fill out the necessary paperwork for their date to be allowed into the dance. Also, students will have to dance in a school approved manner, just like at Homecoming or Prom. “A couple of years ago we were struggling at the dances and the way
students were dancing,” Mr. Miller said. “During that time I thought to myself, I’m not going to open my building again and get other sponsors in here if kids struggle at the dances. We’ve differed with a small section of students in terms of what was appropriate for a school dance. I told the student council group if we can start handling it, and kids can handle themselves and do the right thing I’ll think about it, and we’ve done better the past couple of years, so I told them to pick a date that could work.” The dance may cost three dollars. Homecoming cost seven dollars to get in, and because of the good turnout, the student council made extra money in which they spent on our new water bottle fillers. With the extra proceeds from this dance, they hope to give to a family in need. The donation will be anonymous, meaning that the family will not be announced in order to keep their personal lives private, but they will know that the money came from the student council. Attending the dance would support a worthy cause. Do not forget, February 23. Save the date.
2 News
November 2017
Volume 4 Issue 3
THE POWERFUL SOUND OF LISTENING TO MUSIC
RACHEL’S CHALLENGE BRINGS BACK MUSIC IN THE GHS HALLS By Jamison Karas IN-DEPTH/FEATURE EDITOR
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oming soon, an exciting new sound to add warmth in this season of cold. The hallway music brought to us by the Rachel’s Challenge club will be brought back to our halls. The organization, along with the help of math instructor Mr. Ryan Garder and video production instructor Mr. David Stastny, is going to begin selecting music for Monday mornings. “It started when we began Friends of Rachel a few years ago,” Mr. Garder said. “We should be getting started on playing music once football season is over. I will just make sure every song submitted is good and clean, nothing bad.” Music does more than brighten the atmosphere on a gloomy morning at school; it carries a long list of benefits. According to an article by The Huffington Post, music prevents anxiety-induced increases in heart rate and systolic blood pressure. This information has inspired many other experiments, and scientists continue to gain knowledge of the power of music.
“Something about music helps shape us,” Mr. Garder said. “It’s hard not to be happy when you hear a good song. I like the upbeat songs that get everyone excited for school.” According to a study conducted by Ashford University, music experiences cause many positive interactions in the brain, including the release of dopamine. It can also stimulate immunity-boosting antibodies and cells that protect against bacteria and other invaders. These helpful effects are another item on the extensive list of reasons music is beneficial to us all. “With music, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from,” Mr. Garder said. “It is something that everyone has experienced, and there are not many things like that. It brings everyone together.” Music makes listeners happy, and it delivers a reminder of the collection of memories shared in the halls of our high school. So be aware, and keep your ears open when that happy tune is in the air. It may even add a little warmth in this undeniable season of cold.
Music Man With the help of Mr. Stastny and Rachel’s Challenge, Mr. Garder plans on music coming back to the halls soon. He is a music lover and is very excited about the tradition coming back. He will be making sure all of the songs played are happy and school appropriate. photo by Jamison Karas
Throw Back Music in the halls has been apart of GHS in the past. It will be a new addition to the 2017-18 school year. Many are pleased that it is coming back to our hallways. photo by Jamison Karas
LUNCHTIME ON DEMAND
TV’S ARE NOW BECOMING AVAILABLE By Payton Shoup STAFF WRITER
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Tv Time There is a new addition to the everyday cycle of lunch. “We want the kids to relax and have a good-time at lunch, and if they don’t want to, that’s completely alright as well,” principal Roger Miller said. The newfound use to the TV’s definitely will not go to waste. art by Payton Shoup
t some point in every kid’s adolescence, there was that one, long release before and after recess. Suddenly, as kids grew up, recess disappeared, and we were left with the only break we had left: lunch time. Every day, there is a glorious divider from the stress of the class periods, where kids get to see some of their friends, enjoy food and release that one thought that has been dying to be said for massive parts of the day. GHS seems to be making the relaxation a whole lot easier. Teenagers immensely enjoy their lunchtime, and sometimes, it is what gets them through the day. With that being said, it is definitely a concept to look forward to. Subsequently, the lunchtime suspense has just gotten a whole lot better. A group of administrators had the idea to combine two fan favorites: food and television. A new found idea was discovered by the administration for the satisfying combination. “The two main purposes of the TV’s being on during the lunch hours are to have a relaxing time for the students if they really want to, although the main purposes were to stream important events such as graduation and other performances throughout the year,” principal Mr. Roger Miller said.
A recent decision was made to keep up the relaxation for the students, although some kids could care less about watching anything at all as they talk to their friends. The idea was actually established quite some time ago, but it has some problems being followed through. “The delay was mainly because of the struggle to get the cable company to cooperate along with trying to list and find appropriate channels for the students to watch, such as ESPN and possibly the geography channels,” Mr. Miller said. As much as the teachers want the students to be involved, they also want there to be a responsible and clear reason for using the TV’s all together. There cannot be a complete disregard for the TV’s, as that would completely defeat the purpose to have them on at all, as well as being a waste of money. The complications that involved getting the TV’s to work were very delayed in the aspects that the cable company was hesitant to provide a stable service for their company. Subsequently, GHS was able to receive a solid router. However, lunchtime is a peaceful break from the stresses of the everyday classes as everyone gets to see friends, have great conversations and release all of the words everyone has been dying to say. The staff and administration have come together to make the experience of lunch more satisfying for every student at GHS.
Volume 4 Issue 3
November 2017
OpEd
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MAINTAINING A HEALTHY DIET STATUS MONEY GONE TEENS STRIVE FOR HEALTHIER LIVES
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By Jacey Hammer NEWS EDITOR
fter countless amounts of cavities and gut-clenching stomach aches, I decided to take a broader look at what I ate each day. I made it a priority to ditch my daily candy bar and make healthier options my new best friend. Watching what I eat does not mean that I decline every type of sweet or junk food that is offered to me. Because trust me, I am the type of girl that can eat an entire bag of family size chips by myself. However, I make sure that I am eating healthy for a majority of the week. This process started for me during the summer when I glanced at the amount of added sugars and sodium in the foods I was eating. It was rather staggering when I realized t h a t eating t h e whole bag of Sour Patch Kids contained over 90 grams of sugar, which explained my cavity problem. In addition, I noticed that what I ate each day affected more than just my weight and dental hygiene; it affected the mood I was in. Ever since I started paying closer attention to what food I consumed each day, I have become a much happier person than I was before. It was freaky to think that something as simple as my eating habits can change my attitude. A majority of high school students do not necessarily have a need to pay much attention to it at this age. Right now, we are blessed with a high metabolism, so we are
able to worry more about the newest Katy Perry song rather than what we are eating. Unfortunately, we will not always have a high metabolism. The reason this occurs, according to Healthyeating.sfgate.com, is because as teens, we are still growing. Our bodies are in need of the extra calories to support us. According to Brainfacts.org, poor diets can lead to various disorders and diseases, but so can good diets. Strictly eating healthy can lead to mental disorders due to low dopamine levels. Some foods that help with dopamine levels include bananas, chocolate, peanuts and watermelon. There are many other foods out there to assist with dopamine problems. Overeating is not the biggest problem that comes with maintaining a balanced diet. Under-eating is almost ten times worse. It is not healthy to not eat food. During lunch, I have become aware of students purposely not eating. That is why I k n o w teenagers do not watch what they eat. It is common that a student rushes out the door in the morning and completely skips breakfast, for I am one of those people. That is two skipped meals, so unless they are having a really grand dinner that night, that is basically no food. As teenagers, we need food in our systems. My family has always been supportive of my healthy eating habits. My friends on the other hand, think I am completely idiotic. As long as I am confident in my decision, that is all that matters to me. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is a key to fulfilling a happy life. So the next time a toothache or a horrible stomach ache
WHERE DOES IT GO By Colin Kitson STAFF WRITER
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tudents entering high school usually do not have a job, but when they turn 16, a job is more than likely obtained to make some money; that is what I did and am currently doing. I would always ask my mom for money when I needed some, and I could clearly tell she was getting frustrated, so something needed to change. I ended up getting a job and enjoyed the idea of making money of my own to spend. When I got my first paycheck, I did not spend it but after a couple, I started spending, and then I was broke. Where did all the hard earned money go? Students spend money on many things, but there are some main aspects that make their pockets empty. Students usually go out for food, and they use their money because it is unplanned sometimes, or their parents will make them pay because they have perfectly good food at home. While at the restaurant with friends, I was not even paying attention to the prices on the menu, so I went ahead and ordered more food than I knew I could handle. Next, the bill I received had a huge number on it, and I had to pay for it because dining and dashing is not a wise idea. Students also spend their money on unnecessary clothing and accessories. If they need new clothes, their parents would likely pay for it, but if they want new clothing, they will have to pay for it because they have clothes that are wearable. I was pumped for a shopping day with friends, and I tried to keep my spending to a minimum. Then, something nice came around, and I wanted it so bad that I just bought and put a dent in my money. Students have enough clothes and accessories, so they do not need to buy anything. Unfortunately, when they see something they really like, it is game over. Students tend to check the prices more on clothes because clothes are expensive and can jump around in price, but it is still a primetime spending spot. Some students have to pay for their car and gas, and that can be a hefty fee. Students may have to pay their car off monthly, or they had to help pay for it to begin with; either way, it is expensive and can ruin a bank account. Some families make students pay for gas when they get a job because it is their responsibility to manage money. My family makes me do this, and gas is not cheap: it can run anywhere from the twenties to the sixties depending on what you drive and whether you have an empty tank or not. My car costs about forty dollars to fill up, and that is not pocket change to me. Students also will sometimes buy parts and accessories to make their car look cool or sound good. Those parts and accessories are expensive, but students like to feel the bass in their vehicles, so they will purchase subwoofers to really maximize the bass: they are not cheap. All in all, students are spending money and do not think it is a big deal until they actually check and realize they have no money. Students need help managing their money, so they can be more successful in
By Payton Shoup CARTOONIST/STAFF WRITER
life and not end up completely broke.
Separate Checks Eli Spale (19) taking down scrambled eggs at a Village Inn. Students spend their money on food and that money is sometimes spent on breakfast with friends. Students like to get a plethora of food to satisfy their body, so the check just keeps running up. photo by Colin Kitson
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Indepth
Volume 4 Issue 3
November 2017
: n o i t a r Ope l o o h c s r Afte GHS AFTER HOURS By Jessica Blum EDITOR IN CHIEF
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he final bell signals to students that they are dismissed. That is the one thing they have in common. Other than that, their final destinations after leaving their 7th hour classrooms are unique to each individual, as are the reasons. Most students have cars, parents, a way of getting home; on the other hand, a sizeable amount of kids come to life after the hustle and bustle is no more. Gathering within our own high school hallways, cafeteria, and music rooms are the dedicated, sociable students who spend upwards of eight hours a day at the high school. While that span of time may seem extensive, to these students, it is when they make most of their high school memories. This time is when they act without limits, for no one but their supportive friends are watching. They laugh without bounds, and play hacky-sack until the sun goes down. Others take time out of their evenings
practicing for any type of choir, band or music-related event. These students are the select few that do not have jobs to scramble to get to, or a car to take them home; they also want to just live in each other’s presence, whether that be for entertainment or enjoyment or both. For instance, music is a popular form of entertainment among these groups. Guitars and pianos are among the mix of instruments that sing into the mid-afternoon at Gretna High School. As this and more takes place, people are unaware of these occurings, and the students do not mind. They share stories, and they create games with a plastic woven sack to pass the time. The simplicity of the situation is simple; they do not have a ride home, or they stay to perfect routines, dances, and performances. These students are known to be a part of clubs, or they have created their own groups through old clubs. Drama club and choir
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are a couple reasons that people stay after school as well. With new policies in place as of last year, they gather after school as global citizens, people who care about making a difference, to create better environments for our school and in their own lives. Clubs also have a lasting effect on resumes, benefitting the student as the future comes rushing forward. Underneath the surface-level observations of our school is a truth that resounds without much notice. As we experience high school, there is an overall purpose in our ways of life. Each student has a different component to bring to the table, such as king of hacky sack, or vocals, or comedy or a smile. No one is expected to meet any standards. Surviving high school is the acts of kindness and support. These kids have it figured out, and they are willing to share their creativity through their work and persona.
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Volume 4 Issue 3
InDepth
November 2017
The groups: MUSIC ROOM AFTER HOURS
SHOW CHOIR STUDENTS INVEST TIME BEYOND SCHOOL HOURS By Abby Leasure STAFF WRITER
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how choir regularly brings forth breathtaking performances with amazing songs and beautiful choreography. Hours of labor go into these shows, and with schedules during the school day being jam packed, many of these hours take place before or after school. Practices are mainly held before school, however several performers remain after schools on Tuesdays or Thursdays for student-led practices. These practices take place immediately after school sometimes running until six or even eight o’clock at night. Outside of the group, it can be difficult to see what would make someone spend extra time at the school when it is not even required. For those in show choir, though, this is seen as an opportunity to practice parts of their show as well as spend time with the group. “Some of the student-led ones, it’s more to hang out, but there definitely are a few good practices for actually working on dances and stuff like that,” sophomore Tristan Nord said. The amount of people that arrive to these practices show the dedication of GHS performers. Time invested into show choir is revealed in their stunning performances.
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THE ALL- NIGHTERS
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By Jessica Blum
COME
EDITOR IN CHEIF
ast year, students from drama club bonded over similar inte rests and personalities, forming relationships that would last at least for the duration of hig h school. Their final resting grounds becam e the cafeteria, an open, vibrant place to meet and spread out. What may have started out as just one get together turned into a trad ition and habit. “AJ (Anthony), Dana and I were in drama club last year, and we all met in the club and got close to eac h other,” senior Taylor Linsea said. “Our group just kept meeting in the same place every day. I also like the company, but it depends on the day now when we can get together and do something.” Most students do not nor mally hang around after school, but there are some exceptions to this cla im. Sophomore
Anthony Nelson, freshman Trey Leasure and Linsea spend favorable spans of time on school property. They each have their own reasons for being together. Their time spent at the sch ool is split between school activities, entertainment and fun and games. Withou t a ride, their time is optimized through hac ky sack rallies and musical performances with instruments. Most importantly, their dra ma is kept within the confines of the drama clu b, making it an enjoyable experience. “I stay because most of my friends stay after school,” Nelson said. For the sole purpose of com pany, these teenagers are comfortable wit hin the walls of our high school. Our student s have various talents and hobbies, ma king each one valuable. Some of these tale nts and hobbies just take place a bit later tha n most.
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Feature
Volume 4 Issue 3
November 2017
THE MOMS WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS The True Beauty of Our Mothers During the Holidays By Tristan Duin STAFF WRITER
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ur mothers do more than enough for us day by day. On top of all the responsibilities they have, the holidays can be an enormous burden for them. Gift shopping, decorating the house, making and baking the best foods and many other tasks that require numerous amounts of time and work, which moms are willing to put in. Whether it may be layering the house with twinkly Christmas lights or baking the tastiest gingerbread cookies, mothers are the ones who truly run the holidays. The key to a successful Christmas is festive decorations. There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to make the house look like a Hallmark card. Some moms truly celebrate Christmas like none other, such as Cyndi Wiseman, senior Grace Wiseman’s mom, whose home decor could make any mother jealous. Mrs. Wiseman decorates her roof with traditional white lights, a garland around her staircase, a vintage sled with many lanterns and candles on her front porch along with much more. “I have a Christmas tree in just about every room in the house,” Mrs. Wiseman said. “I also have special Christmas bedding in my master bedroom. Sheets, comforter, pillows, and a full-sized tree. Most of my decor comes from boutiques, Target, Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, TJ Maxx or Marshall’s.” What makes each family unique is their own traditions and collections. Whether they are writing letters to Santa or collecting an annual ornament, each family has its own story. Mrs. Karen Acker, senior Emily Acker’s mom, owns her own collection of Santas that she has been collecting for over 25 years with over 110 Santa dolls. “My Santa collection is my most prized of all my Christmas decorations,” Mrs.
Karen Acker said. “They range from tree ornaments, to stocking hooks, to figurines, to larger outdoor decorations. They started out on a small shelf, in the beginning, to now filling an entire hutch and spilling out all over the house, wherever I can find room. I also have the perfect corner in my living room for my Christmas tree where several of my Santas are displayed, and a front porch where I always have a Santa display with lights as well. My Santas have come from friends, family, I have made some, and I also buy them for myself from every vacation I’ve taken. I have Santas from Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, England, Paris, Mexico, as well as many different states including Alaska. I absolutely love putting all these Santas out each year. Each one brings back memories of either the people who gave them to me, where I was living when I got or made them or the places I have visited.” In the Holiday classic, “A Christmas Story,” the father in the movie wins a lamp that resembles a woman’s leg with fishnet stockings and black heels. There is a replica of the iconic lamp that can be found at the Heisler family household. Mrs. Heisler bought the lamp in November of 2016 and the family bought it to celebrate how they watch “A Christmas Story” all day on Christmas. “I think the lamp is really funny also because my family and myself all love ‘The Christmas Story’ and we watch it every year when it’s on,” freshman Ally Heisler said. While the holidays can be stressful sometimes, mothers are always there to run the show. They are the decorators, the bakers, the collectors, the gifters, and the tradition makers. From start to finish, Holiday mothers
Holy Night When that special time of year comes around, Mrs. Cyndi Wiseman replaces her normal bedroom decorations with her seasonal comforter and pillows. Mrs. Wiseman’s homemade sign hangs above the bed and reads “and to all a goodnight.” Mrs. Wiseman has no decoration limitations as she proudly boasts her Christmas tissues, poinsettias and throw-pillows. submitted photo
Holiday Sweets Grace Wiseman (18) decorates cookies to look like different elements of Christmas. The Wiseman family designs cookies every year for Santa on Christmas Eve. “I like making Christmas cookies because they taste great and I love spending time with my family and pets,” Wiseman said. submitted photo
will always stay on their A game.
‘RACING’ AWARENESS FOR BREAST CANCER GHS TEACHER DEEMED CHAMPION IN 5K By Ruthie Issacson COPY EDITOR
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All Smiles Ms. Tucker grins with the Chief Executive Producer of Susan G. Komen Great Plains. Tucker was presented with her medal in front of the GHS band, because of the immense amount of donations brought in by those involved in band.
ssistant GHS band instructor and breast cancer conqueror Ms. Chris Tucker received the title of Grand Champion in the Survivors division of the Komen Race for the Cure, a 5k run dedicated to raising awareness and money for breast cancer. To her, winning the gold means more than just a medal. “The medal is a symbolic representation of being victorious over breast cancer…not just myself, but everyone who is a Survivor,” Ms. Tucker said. “I also feel earning this medal was my way of slapping breast cancer in the face.” The category Ms. Tucker’s obtained first in is solely for those who have, in the past or present, been diagnosed with breast cancer. “I won Grand Champion of the Survivor’s Division with a Personal Record of 26:04,” Ms. Tucker said. In order to achieve such a time, Ms. Tucker trains for an hour each day, five to seven days a week. She combines her running with cross training to involve all different muscle groups. “I have taken a few classes on middledistance running, and I belong to a women’s running group that meets on Tuesdays from April through September,” Ms. Tucker said. “I also do a lot of cross training, weight lifting, strength classes, and yoga.”
Not only does Tucker compete in the Komen Race for the Cure, she also fundraises for breast cancer as well, and thanks to the many band parents and community members who donate, Ms. Tucker currently holds sixth place as a top donator for the Komen Race and has collected $4,000. “Many people have donated to my Komen fundraising account, but the Gretna Band Parents (past and present) have donated over $2000 of what I have collected thus far,” Ms. Tucker said. Ms. Tucker was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Although she was unable to compete for the first two years, she first began to participate in the Komen Race for the Cure in 2011. “It is actually breast cancer that got me into the sport of running,” Ms. Tucker said. “I can’t speak for others, but the idea of fighting to conquer breast cancer is what drives me to compete (both in the race itself and the competitive fundraising).” Ms. Tucker is now cancer free, and through racing and fundraising, she is actively raising consciousness for breast cancer. “It is my hope that through racing I can help heighten the awareness of this disease,” Ms. Tucker said. “And through fundraising make it possible that one day the Komen Race for the Cure would no longer be necessary.”
Sports
November 2017
Volume 4 Issue 3
BOWLING CLUB IS ON A ROLL
Sports Updates
GROUP PREPARES FOR STATE COMPETITION By Kjerstin Critchfield STAFF WRITER
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owling has been an after school program for several years, but the program almost met its end last year. When the previous coach decided to step down from his position, the program was left out to dry. When one parent saw this occur, he could not let his son’s passion die and made the decision to accept the role of head coach. “I have only been involved with the Gretna bowling team for this season,” head coach Doug Heimes said. “The prior coach quit and someone needed to step up and volunteer or else the program would have discontinued. My son (junior Riley Heimes) had so much fun with it last year that I just could not stand by and watch the program end.” Students are encouraged to participate in activities, not only for college recognition, but also to find a group to belong to. While bowling is not recognized as an official school sport, the group is extremely involved. They post information in the school and represent the group when they wear the team logo. “I didn’t join the team until sophomore year,” junior Kelsey Lowe said. “I learned of its existence when I was a freshman. I saw someone wearing a bowling club shirt and thought the whole concept of the bowling club was super fun and awesome. I went to the informative meeting with a friend last year, and then I thought I might back out because I had no idea how to bowl and didn’t really want to dedicate my time to bowling with a bunch of people I didn’t know. Also, we had to buy our own bowling balls and shoes, and I was terrified to commit before actually trying it.” Lowe’s dedication to bowling is shown through her actions and willingness to do something that was nerve-wracking for her. She and Parkinson were new to bowling but learned to enjoy it and improve. “Personally, I am proud because the very first practice that I went to when I had, known nothing about bowling and had no equipment or anything, I only went because my friends wanted me to,” freshman Miranda Parkinson said. “I was never that sure of joining, but now, I have done very well for
“When I do listen to music, I like to listen to hip hop or rap before meets” Tyler Cunningham(18) said.
it being my first year and have learned so much through my coaches and what works best for me. I am proud of the team for being so supportive of everyone else. We may not be the best high school bowling club, but we sure do have a good attitude about it.” The bowling club’s success this season placed them in a good position for state. Their hard work and positive attitude are a part of their continual triumph. Another beneficial factor is having an ending goal to shoot for. “We are six to four this season, but we feel we can play with anyone in Class B and a state title is well within our capabilities,” Coach Heimes said. “Our goal all season is to be playing on TV in the last day of the season, the state final on Dec 10. The thing that I am most proud of, personally, is that I was able to retain and recruit some very top notch coaches. Two of them have bowled professionally and have really helped the team improve.” The bowling club strives to improve just as most competitive teams do. With the additional help of the other coaches, team members have noticed an upward change in their performance. Their different tips and tricks provide a smoother and more exciting experience. “Learning how to bowl was really frustrating and actually caused a lot of tears on my part, and the first competition was just really tiring and scary so I wasn’t excited for much in the beginning,” Lowe said. “But then around winter break last year, I went to get my ball ‘fingertipped,’ which is when they close up the finger holes on your ball so you can only hold on to the ball up until your first knuckles instead of using your whole fingers. After that, I started to get some more curve on my ball and bowling became more exciting. This year, however, I was really excited because we actually have a JV team, and both boys and girls teams are a lot closer so bowling practice is full of inside jokes. I also got a second bowling ball this year and I was pumped to learn to use two balls because that just seemed so much more professional.” While they improve their skills for state, the bowling club is working hard and cannot wait for the next season to begin. Their new techniques, tricks, and friends carried them through to victory.
By Emily Shurtliff STAFF WRITER
CROSS-COUNTRY Both girls and boys cross-country teams were runners-up at districts, which took them both to state. Before that, they were also the winners of the EMC tournament. Senior Mazie Larsen finished her season on top with a state title. It was her third state title of her high school career. Senior Nate Harmon also had a fantastic end to his season by recieving ninth place at state.
SOFTBALL Their Season Girls Varsity softball finished the 2017 high school season with a record of 227. They lost to Seward in the semi-finals 1314. Seward pulled-off a grand slam to win the game. They ended their season by placing third at state.
GOLF The 2017 GHS girls golf team placed first at an invitational held at Blair High School in September. Individually, senior Olivia Allen got ninth place, senior Jamison Karas received seventh place, and senior Sami Zeleny achieved fifth place. All of the seniors who participated in golf attended districts, but none placed. Nobody went to state this year. High FiveThe group is constantly cheering each other on with their successes and failure. “As a team, I’m proud of us for getting so many new people this year,” Lowe (19) said. “Actually being friends with each other and having a group chat and team dinners and all that.” They teach and learn from each other and have build their team to what it is now. submitted photo
Like the other fall sports, boys tennis also had a magnificent end to their season. Senior Jacob Weber and junior Zach Weber placed first in doubles at state; senior Gage Gibson and junior Evan Beran received third place in doubles at state.
The GHS volleyball team’s season came to an end on Thursday November 9. Gretna lost to Elkhorn South in the first round of state. The game went to five sets with Gretna winning the first two and Elkhorn South winning the last three.
TYPES OF MUSIC FOR EACH GHS ATHLETE
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TENNIS
VOLLEYBALL
ATHLETE PRE-GAME TUNES By Connor Fee STAFF WRITER
aving the motivation to perform is vital in competing and being successful in life. This is especially true in sports. Competing in sports is a complete mental game, so it is best to get in the right mindset. Athletes can do this in a number of ways. One common practice is listening to inspiring music during their pregame time. Athletes tune in too many different genres of music: two of the most common styles before games are rock and rap. Some people are into soothing music and are looking to be calm before they play, and others want to be pumped with adrenaline. Different athletes from various sports weighed in on what they listen to pregame. Some do not even listen to music at all. “When I do listen to music, I like to listen to hip hop or rap before meets,” senior wrestler Tyler Cunningham said. “I like rap because it has a good beat and good bass. The lyrics don’t matter too much to me. I don’t have to listen to music, when a good song is playing in the background though, I will listen.” Unlike rap music, some people like to listen to hard rock before their games. They get a better feeling out of it rather than listening to rap. “Slipknot hypes me up before games,”
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senior football player Jack Zaner said. “I do listen to some rap occasionally like 21 Savage and A$AP Ferg but not usually.” Country music may not be what is typically thought of as something that produces adrenaline, but there is a possibility people might listen to it to calm their nerves. It can focus athletes and puts them in a good mood. It might even be a tradition to listen to a couple songs before games. “I don’t listen to any certain type of genre.” senior softball player Lexi Burkhardt said. “I just play certain songs that I like. I always have to listen to “Crazy Train” and Thomas Rhett before I go onto the field.” The apps that athletes get their music from also varies. Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music tend to be commonly downloaded apps. Or some just use their own music from the iTunes Store. “I use Apple Music,” Junior basketball player Tre’ Mikkelson said. “I listen to other people’s music also sometimes, but I don’t need to have it.” Listening to music can take an athlete to a different place, driving them to compete harder. The lyrics in a song can take that athlete to the next level, compelling them to compete at the level where they need to be in order to succeed.
“‘Slipknot’ hypes me up before games,” senior football player Jack Zaner (18) said.
8 A&E
November 2017
Volume 4 Issue 3
THAI GALORE
fast food pad thai By Emily Acker SPROTS EDITOR
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uring the past year, I have discovered my love for thai food. It all started when my mom came home with a takeout box filled with chicken pad thai and crunchy spring rolls. At first, I was wary and was not sure if it was something I would like. But since my two options consisted of that or go hungry, I decided to give it a try. After the first bite, I was hooked. My love for thai food has only grown since that day. I have eaten at almost every traditional thai restaurant in the Omaha area, loving them all. For a late Saturday lunch, I visited the popular chain restaurant, Noodles and Company with a friend. I scrolled through the menu and saw that pad thai was in the long list of options. I was intrigued on how a fast food chain would put a spin on it. Ordering the small pad thai without peanuts and a glass of ice water costed me $4.85. This meal is 620 calories, vegetarian and gluten free. It included rice noodles, bean sprouts, scrambled eggs, napa and red cabbage, green
onions and cilantro. It is painless to request the removal of any ingredients you do not like. Next, we settled into a comfy booth. We sat and conversed for a couple minutes and to my surprise, our food quickly arrived. The aroma made me ecstatic to start stuffing my face. The appearance of the dish gave the impression that I was dining at a high-class restaurant, not fast food. I took my first bite and was even more impressed. It was not like any thai dish I had ever tasted before. It was spicy and almost even sweet. This was the perfect combination. It is very difficult to cook rice noodles just right, but they did a wonderful job. The bean sprouts tasted very crunchy and fresh. I also enjoyed the amount of egg they included. I think that Noodles and Company made the perfect modern spin on the classic thai dish. The price of this fresh meal combined with the quality ingredients is unbeatable. I have returned multiple times since that day and plan to attend again on many more occasions.
Pad Thai- While at Noodles and Company I ordered pad thai. My whole meal only costed $4.85. It was very filling and I even had left overs. photo by Emily Acker
THE CRISPITO
A CHEESE MYSTERY SOLVED By Ben Bickel STAFF WRITER
Anticipation Builds As kids file in for lunch it looks more like a mob than a line to get crispitos. Then again, they do have to give out a crispito to almost everyone in the school. photo by Ben Bickel
Tasty Distribution During the first lunch that crispitos are handed out kids are only allowed to eat one at a time. After that, cooks allow them to come back and eat as many they want. photo by Ben Bickel
For the past twelve years the Gretna School District have been making and distributing crispitos to kids. As long as anyone can remember, the crispito lunch meal has been one of the most popular meals at the school. One of the people who gets to make the crispitos is Ms. Carole Lisiecki. Ms. Lisiecki has cooked meals at the high school for the past 25 years. “We have to order about 1,200 crispitos,” Lisiecki said. “We serve crispitos at least once a month.” Even with the FDA making new restrictions on school lunches these past couple years, the crispito has not changed. If anything, the FDA has only reduced the amount of sodium served in the meal. “The crispito is chicken chile,” Lisiecki said. “Personally, I do not like crispitos.” Crispitos take 15 minutes to make. The cooks manage to make all 1,200 for all the high school students to eat. I would say crispito and mandarin orange chicken are our most popular meals,” Ms. Lisiecki said. “My favorite lunch to make though is mandarin orange chicken.”
Mandarin orange chick and crispito are only two of the meals that the cooks order every week. These meals cost thousands of dollars a week to bring in and make for the student body. With all this money being spent on lunches every week, it actually evens out. Each hot lunch meal costs $2.75. But, GHS is a breakeven lunch program. A break-even lunch program means that the school is not making money profit off of lunches. The menu is also a project. The monthly school lunch menu is not created by any of the cooks at the school. The menu is fixed by the district manager. While the district manager decides what meals the schools will serve that month, the FDA sets fixed guidelines on what has to be served on those days. This system that the school district is using, is how students get their food. With the mystery of what is in a crispito being asked, the answer is chicken. It is just chicken and chile wrapped by a baked tortilla and topped with cheese. Even though there is still suspicion about what is actually in a crispito, for now, it is just chicken and chile.