2018 GHS Voice Issue 4

ENERGY DRINKS PAGE 3

PINK HOUSE PAGE 6

EQUIPMENT PAGE 10

StAR WARS PAGE 11

VOICE

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ISSUE 4

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

VOLUME 4

OCEANS AWAY, BUT CLOSE TO HER HEART EXCHANGE STUDENT’S HOMETOWN DECLARING INDEPENDENCE

By Ruthie Issacson COPY EDITOR

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our thousand seven hundred and ninety miles away. Across the entirety of the North Atlantic Pacific Ocean, foreign exchange student Elena Rubio Abah’s hometown abides. There resides her family, friends and the sole “vida” she has ever known. Abandoning all familiarity and giving in to the urge of wanderlust, Rubio ventured 4,790 miles from her ordinary surroundings, to the town of Gretna, Nebraska.

Although not there now, Rubio’s true dwelling is in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

Recently, her hometown has undergone trials that are unique and diverse from the tribulations often witnessed in the United States.

“Barcelona was in Catalonia, an autonomy (self-ruling country) inside of Spain,” Rubio said. “Over the last seven years we have been economically unstable and the government has been giving more economic help to other autonomies even though Catalonia has been giving a lot of profit to the government. So Catalans wanted the money to be spent and used in Catalonia.”

Catalonia began to establish its own identity beginning in the late 19th century.

Creating a new language, customs, architecture and much more, Catalonia’s independence surfaced through their one-of-a-kind culture.

The city organized a referendum, or vote for independence. This rapidly escalated tensions between the Spanish government and Catalonia.

“I wasn’t worried at all when, in June, the referendum was set up,” Rubio said. “But with time, the tension was massive. In September, people were crazy about it and the Spanish

government commanded 3/4 of the Spain police to go to Catalonia. Spain, knowing that they are going to lose a hugely powerful and economic autonomy want to force the people to not to vote.”

On a Sunday in early October, the illegal referendum was scheduled to take place. Police interference slowed the voting, but it did not cease altogether. The autonomy, longing for freedom, pushed on. While intervention from Spain policemen persisted, including snatching ballots, closing voting centers, and ensuing violence, the Catalans found ways to overcome each obstacle set in their way of freedom.

Dozens of schools were used as polling centers, and, because of threats from the police, teenagers spent the night inside the schools.

“My sister herself and people in our high school were sleeping in the schools because then the police couldn’t close them,” Rubio said. “Even in some of them, the people broke the door so the police couldn’t enter.”

Over 900 citizens were injured because of the violence that broke out between Spanish police and Catalans. This hostility, foretold through many years of tension, may be just the tip of the iceberg, as both feuding sides are fueled by passion and fury.

“My grandparents were born near the center of Spain, and they didn’t leave home the day of the election because they were scared of the Spanish police,” Rubio said.

“This broke my heart...my grandparents were never pro-independent, but they thought that the government was acting poorly and treating them very unfairly.”

Regardless of the disincentives conducted by the Spanish police, according to BBC News, over forty percent of Catalans voted. The ballot contained a single, simplistic question: “Do you want Catalonia to become an independent state

in the form of a republic?” Ninety percent of voters answered yes.

“In a democracy, you could not take away the right to vote for your citizens,” Rubio said.

“The worst part is that the European Union did nothing to prevent the police to hit and beat up people just because they wanted to vote peacefully. The Catalan police couldn’t care less about the Spanish commands and decided to protect the citizens and electoral schools peacefully creating a human barrier.”

Although the magnitude of declaring independence may be incomprehensible for students at GHS, families such as Rubio’s will be drastically affected. One of the effects reaching across oceans involves the players of the two prominent rival soccer teams in Spain.

“Essentially, people that are from Barcelona, that are playing on Madrid’s team, because there’s gonna be so much animosity between splitting into two countries...it’s going to cost some of those players their jobs,” Spanish instructor Mrs. Shea Granger said. “Because if they are from one country but playing for the other one….. it’s gonna split things up. Once they split it’s going to be a lot of hard feelings between what becomes Barcelona and what stays Spain.”

If Catalonia is successful in becoming independent, many questions beg answers, including “What currency will the independent country hold?” Using a different currency then Spain’s mainstream currency may prove to be more burdensome than an improvement. This is similar to California seceding from the United States. This drawback would create a hassle when the money is mixed in with out of state currency just as it may in Spain and Catalonia.

“The people only want a change, but the same political party has been running the country for way too many years,” Rubio said.

Fighting for Freedom Advocates for Catalan independence march for freedom. On December 25, the Catalans will be voting for new government leaders.

Many in electing positions are previous leaders who lost their jobs because of Catalonia declaring independence. photo by Jem Fade: Dead Aim Images

The Movement Catalans hold up flags and posters, sharing their goal for independence. The Catalans began to create their own identity from their culture. Without Catalonia, Spain’s economy will suffer. photo by Jem Fade: Dead Aim Images

Unwanted Voters Police create a barricade to scare Catalans from placing ballots. Police ripped ballots, closed voting stations and much more to end the idea of independence.

photo by Jem Fade: Dead Aim Images

LANE ADDED TO 204TH RESIDENTS ARE OUT OF LUCK

By Emily Acker SPORTS EDITOR

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ccording to gretnane.org, the city of Gretna is one of the fastest growing cities in Nebraska. A significant amount of this growth has happened along 204th Street. To manage this increase in traffic, the city of Gretna hired Olmsted and Perry Consulting Engineers Inc. to expand this street. Although overall, this will be a positive change, it may be an inconvenience for residents living on 204th street.

“We have been told the preliminary plan is to park on Devonshire Drive as 204th Street will be blocked off, and we will not have access to our driveway for approximately 1-2 months,” 204th Street resident Mrs. Judy Essink said. “We will have to cross neighboring yards to get to ours. This could be cumbersome carrying groceries and other items, especially if the weather is poor.”

The project is scheduled to begin in May 2018. It will be done in three phases. First is Glenmore Drive to East Westplains Road.

This should take about a month. Next will be East Westplains Road to Angus Street. This will be from July through August. Finally, they will work on Angus Street to Covington Boulevard which will take another month.

On top of the inconvenience of the construction, safety is a concern for these

residents. Many people driving down 204th Street exceed the speed limit and there is little to prevent this.

“Our greatest safety concern is the speed on the new roadway as it becomes three lanes,” Mrs. Essink said. “There are a number of front yards that will border this roadway with children playing and homeowners caring for their lawns. We are hoping the city comes up with a plan to deter speeding as this becomes a larger road. Additionally, the plan does not include additional stop signs or stop lights, especially where crosswalks will be placed and turning lanes added.

Drivers and pedestrians will need to be more vigilant to the movement of traffic at all the intersections of 204th, as well as, the driveways opening to 204th Street.”

Widening the road will help to ease the future increase in traffic. Even though this will be a positive change, it is unfortunate for the people living on 204th Street.

“I challenge the city to be proactive in regard to managing speed on the road,” Mrs. Essink said. “I’m hoping they will not settle for status quo, rather set a higher standard and be innovative. I have observed other parts of Omaha with similar roadways incorporate speed bumps, roundabouts, or increase stop signs to control the speed.

The inclusion of the above measures will still allow this road to be a direct road going North and South. It’s up to the city planners to decide how safe they would like it to be.”

Road Construction In May of 2018, construction on 204th street will begin. The widening of this road will cost the city of Gretna $2.5 million dollars. It is planned to take about three months to complete. submitted photo

2 News

December 2017

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ANOTHER STUDENT STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS VISIT OTHER EMC SCHOOLS

By Elizabeth Peters STAFF WRITER

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tudent council had the opportunity to visit and host different schools. The students had the privilege of traveling to schools in the conference to experience a day in another school. They had a meeting with the principals to explore the differences between GHS and the school that they were visiting.

“The student council exchange was a great opportunity for multiple reasons,” senior Sami Zeleny said. “It allows students from various schools to meet and possibly even form lifelong friendships with one another.”

The students had the chance to spend a day at another school, and they were able to witness what it is like. Their visit gave them the opportunity to bring positive ideas and

concepts back to Gretna that could greatly benefit our school to make student’s lives even better. The goal is for students to gain beneficial ideas from traveling to a new location and experiencing new ways of learning.

“My favorite part of the program is having students from every conference school together,” Zeleny said. “It is so fun conversing with people from further away!

Overall school is run pretty much the same everywhere, but I learned to love Gretna more than ever after visiting Bennington.”

Each school functions differently, and there is a broad range of students and staff within each school. Experiencing these changes can be beneficial to find answers to any problem and to better our school.

“My favorite part of the student council exchange program was getting to see what a day was like in a different school and being able to network with the teachers and

students there,” junior Grace Giebler said. “I enjoy participating because it allows me to take notes on other schools in hopes to bring those ideas back to better our school.”

Principal Mr. Roger Miller provided breakfast for the guests in the theater and refreshments before their departure. He was extremely beneficial in making this exchange possible; the exchanges happen every other year.

“I enjoy watching all of the students from all schools in the conference interact for the day,” Mr. Miller said.“It is a very successful program each year and will only progress and become more successful for each coming year.”

Overall the student council exchange was a very beneficial experience for all of student council who had the opportunity to participate. Throughout the years, this exchange will keep taking place to further benefit our school.

New Chances Throughout the years GHS has hosted student council exchanges. The exchanges take place every other year. Typically upper-classmen travel to other schools in the EMC conference. The under-classmen usually stay in Gretna and host other students. photo by Ruthie Issacson

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW SOCCER PLAYERS SAY GOODBYE TO THEIR FIELDS

By Kjerstin Critchfield PHOTO EDITOR

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ince GHS took up residence at our current location in 2005, the high school has used, played on and torn up our soccer field. In those twelve years, the soccer field has not been completely refurbished, but this winter and spring will mark its renovation.

“The reason for the renovation is to improve the playing field,” athletic director Mr. Chad Jepsen said. “When we moved over about 2005, when we moved here as a high school, that field was created to play soccer on. It has over the years needed attention.”

The construction of the new field began to take effect at the end of November and will continue through the winter. Project leaders Dr. Kevin Riley and the school board began preparations and discussion of the construction two months prior.

“They have been looking at it (the field) for a while now,” Mr. Jepsen said. “A lot has been done with phone calls to our school board and Dr. Riley within the last month or two, and probably discussed longer than that.”

Soccer coaches and teams share their field year round, and it is often in use.

During the renovation process, the teams and coaches have been kept up to date, but they are having to make changes for next year’s spring season.

“It is going to impact both soccer teams for this coming season because we will have to play on the football field now and

can no longer practice on the soccer field,” junior Brooke Downing said. “It may end up impacting the football team as well because their field will now be used in their offseason and may not have as much time to regrow the grass and fill the holes.”

While the football field stands as a temporary replacement, the soccer field will use the time to let the grass grow in the long process. Special steps of care and procedure have been taken to ensure a smooth and quick transition.

“They tore the whole field up and then took GPS instruments to survey the ground to make sure there were no high spots or low spots,” Mr. Jepsen said. “The field was then graded to make sure that it lies completely level. That will sit through the winter, frost, freeze and thaw. They will come out again in the spring and do a final grade to make sure it is where we want it to be. Then they will oversee it, let the grass grow and it should be good after that.”

Together the administration and athletic groups that use the field have worked around the construction to make their sports and activities safe and enjoyable. They meet together to discuss concerns, issues and updates.

“The coaches are involved as far as knowing the process and the conversations of that process,” Mr. Jepsen said. “They help with the things we need to do to make sure it is safe for our kids and we have given them the best opportunities to be successful on those surfaces.”

The renovation should be complete to use for a part of the season. The process is coming along smoothly and will be beneficial to all of the affected groups.

Soccer Field Construction on the new soccer field began at the beginning of November. After winter, it will be set to overseed and let the grass grow. The field is set to be in use towards the end pf next spring. photo by Kjerstin Critchfield

Volume 4 Issue 4 FIRING AND HIRING NEW CHAPTER FOR NEBRASKA

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By Connor Fee STAFF WRITER

ormer Nebraska Husker football coach Mike Riley was recently relieved of his head coaching position after having a terrible season. Nebraska finished 4-8 in the 2017 season, which is the worst season the Nebraska football has had since 1961, when the Huskers went 3-6-1. Riley has had coaching stops at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, San Diego Chargers, Oregon State, and his latest at Nebraska. The former coach will be replaced by new head coach Scott Frost out of the University of Central Florida. Frost’s reputation, background, and coaching career make his expectations for winning games high at Nebraska. He is most notably recognized for turning around Central Florida from a 2015 (0-12) record with the previous head coaching to two years later earning a (12-0) record.

The new coaching change has sparked conversation all over the state as to what Frost’s new era will be like. Current students at Lincoln, and teachers weigh in on what their opinion is about the head coaching change.

“The coaching switch had to happen,” math instructor Mr. Ryan Garder said.

“Going 4-8, the players never being fired up, there was no purpose to even watch the game. Mike Riley was a very nice guy, but it just wasn’t working for our program.”

The team this year was not the same as it has been in the past. Many fans knew that this coaching switch was bound to happen.

“I think the firing of Mike Riley was inevitable,” former Gretna student Dylan Roberts said. “I didn’t see him being here long, and with the team struggling mixed with the excellent season that new head coach Scott Frost had at UCF, it was good timing for us at Nebraska.”

Frost had been a high priority for the Huskers to get once they had released Mike Riley from their staff. The deal that has been made with Frost consists of a $35 million contract for seven years of being the head coach.

“I think Frost will have enough time to turn Nebraska around from their losing season this past year,” Mr. Garder said. “I trust he will set a culture for fans and players to look up to. Fans will get behind him. It is about working hard, and wins will come as they work harder and get better on the field.

The system he sets up will guide the way for him and his staff.”

Will Frost be able to keep his seven year contract, or will he end up like Riley and have it cut short. It all depends on how the team starts to play and what really gets them going.

“Frost will be given at least five years because of his contract and his ties to the state,” Roberts said. “I think he will have no trouble with job security in the future.”

The Huskers will be looking to make a new start in 2018 with a new era of Nebraska football. The new head coach, once a quarterback for the National Champion Husker football team in 1997, is looking to regain the spirit of the real Nebraska football team. With a brand new staff and outlook for 2018, anything is possible, and nothing is stopping Scott Frost.

New Beginnings Former Head Coach Mike Riley stands at a press conference after a game on Saturday. New Head Coach Scott Frost will now take Riley’s position.

Frost lead a team from having a losing record to an undefeated season. submitted photos

Volume 4 Issue 4

HO, HO, NO! TAKING CLOSER LOOK DURING HOLIDAYS

By Casey Downing STAFF WRITER/ARTIST

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ris Kringle, St. Nick, Father Christmas, or the more commonly used, Santa Claus. For the last millennium, each of these names has referred to the same being or idea that has mesmerized kids and adults alike. A recent study by the Pew Research Center revealed that 86 percent of children under the age of ten believe in Santa. Santa, typically viewed as a religious figure, has 20 percent more children believe in himself than a definitive god. The draw of this holiday figure is undeniable, but what is the appeal to a jolly, cookie-loving man who breaks into homes while their owners sleep?

From the outside looking in, Santa Claus is quite weird. To start, he resides at the North Pole, a place barren of life with temperatures far below freezing. It is here where he lives amongst elves, who have a knack for making kids’ toys, and with reindeer who can take flight at will. Another outlandish claim is his knowledge of every child’s acts

December 2017 for the year, good and bad, and then it is up to Father Christmas to determine whether they should receive presents under their tree.

As if his living conditions and his supernatural insight were not enough, this holiday figure traverses the entire world visiting each believer’s home in only a single night.

NORAD, t h e n a t i o n ’s aerospace defense company, shows the tracking data for S a n t a ’s journey e a c h year, but even they concede he travels at a magically impossible speed of thousands of miles per second.

For the believers, Santa is as ingrained in winter and the holiday

REAL MONSTERS

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onster, Rockstar, and Red Bull. That is just a few of the companies that produce and distribute energy drinks to people across the country. It is a huge industry that has grown more and more over the years. According to www.statista.com in 2016, the energy drink industry produced 2.8 billion dollars. 1.5 billion of that was Monster. I have contributed a good amount of money to the energy drink industry, and I can not say that I am very proud of myself. Red Bull is also a notorious name in the energy drink industry, and in 2016, it managed to pull in about 3 billion dollars. According to www.cnn.com, the energy drink industry is on track to be worth 61 billion dollars by 2021. Lately I have been thinking about this epidemic more, that energy drinks are tasty, but are destroying teenagers’ bodies.

Energy drinks are sold everywhere.

They can be found at local gas stations, convenience stores, Walmart, Target, basically any store. Depending on the size of the drink, each can is sold around $2.50.

However, to attract energy drink consumers, many convenience stores create deals so that people who buy energy drinks often can get more quantity for a better price. Such as the classic, 3 for $5 deal, or buy two get one free. I have seen these deals pretty much everywhere I go and have purchased these deals, too. However, these expenses add up. If someone purchases an energy drink

traditions as is the snow on the ground.

As a child, Santa Claus represents a magical yet elusive figure never seen, but felt in the stockings stuffed to the brim, the gifts

wrapped n e a t l y under the tree and the plate of cookies that has vanished b y morning.

Each year, millions of parents take their children to malls and shopping centers, then wait in line so their child can sit on a Santa’s lap and recite their Christmas list. Forbes magazine

ENERGY DRINKS ARE DETRIMENTAL TO HEALTH AND TEENAGER’S LIVES

everyday of the year, that person is spending about $920 to fuel their bodies with sugar, caffeine, and artificial flavors. I have been drinking Monster for two years and have always purchased at least three a week. That means I alone have spent close to $780 on energy drinks. After discovering this fact, I am actually sick with myself.

The fact is, energy drinks are not beneficial for the body. Each can of a basic energy drink usually contains between 70115 mg of caffeine. These drinks can also contain a large amount of sugar, but there are sugar-free options for those who feel they do not need more caffeine. Even though there is no sugar in these certain drinks, they contain harmful artificial sweeteners which are, trust me, very kind to the taste buds. However, artificial sweeteners are not natural like sugar and can still lead to health problems.

From experience, the more often I have consumed an energy drink, the less effective it is. So even if the consumer thinks it is helping them, it may have lost its effect after a month. Although people find energy drinks refreshing and energizing, it does take a toll on the human heart. According to www.cnn. com, energy drinks not only increase the bodies heart rate, it also increases the blood pressure, stress levels, and it even makes blood a little bit thicker. That is not it either; it also affects the metabolism in young teens. This can lead to child obesity if a kid’s metabolism is severely affected.

OpEd

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estimates that Santa’s branding is so iconic it rakes in billions each holiday season. He is the warm and friendly face promoting charity and donations outside stores during the holiday season. Most importantly of all, the idea of Santa Claus represents everything good about the holidays: the generosity of humanity, bringing people together and being thankful for what we have.

For all of these great concepts the idea of Father Christmas represents, it is worth examining just how strange but charming this holiday icon is. As a kid the world is a magic place where everything and anything is possible. Santa is the embodiment of this with his use of flying woodland creatures, entering homes through the chimney and making every delivery within a single night. All of these seem to defy reality, and to explain this to the skeptics, the answer is quite simply magic. Yet out of every creature or figment of the imagination that could have been possibly used to explain the Christmas joy, Santa is just the right person to do so. His grandpalike qualities - friendly beard and jolly spirit - make him comforting to people everywhere. His use of magic to bring joy to people everywhere is reflective of what the holidays are truly about.

By Ben Bickel STAFF WRITER

Energy drinks are crafted with a couple different ingredients that are key to providing the boost that people are searching for. The first ingredient is taurine. Taurine is found in most energy drinks and is found naturally in various meats. Another important component in an energy drink is L-carnitine.

This substance helps turn body fat into energy. Even though these substances are found naturally, too much taurine can be very harmful to the body and can even cause the heart to lock up if too much of it is consumed with caffeine. Caffeine is the renowned ingredient in these drinks that draws the most attention to the consumer.

A stimulant to the cardiac system, caffeine speeds everything up. Caffeine has also been found to be very addicting to people who drink it frequently. Consuming too much caffeine can lead to heart problems and even cardiac arrest. It is a serious problem and one of the reasons I have quit consuming energy drinks, because even teenagers can undergo cardiac arrest and die. It was reported between 2007 and 2011 that teenagers were taken to the emergency room twice as much because of energy drink consumption.

The reason that this industry is so successful is because of who is consuming it. According to www.nccih.nih.gov, most consumers are males that range from the ages of 18-34, and one third of the teenage population between the ages of 12-17 are drinking energy products regularly. I can

agree with this statistic as my friends and I usually buy a Monster or Red Bull every weekend. This is beneficial for the energy drink industry because the audience they are targeting is buying into their product.

This billion dollar industry that has been around since the late 90s has gone from an energy assistant to a daily morning beverage for teens across the country.

Over time, the industry has grown more and more. Lucozade energy started it in 1929 as a hospital drink. Since then they have progressed the drinks, and now there are over 15 companies selling and distributing energy beverages to people across the world. The industry is only going to grow larger, with younger people buying them more every year.

Energy drinks are refreshing and delicious. I have fallen victim to consuming these drinks as well. The problem is they are unhealthy for the body. I am actually trying to quit consuming these drinks for my own health. These drinks inflict consequences in the body that should not be, and over time, it can take a toll and harm the body.

The bottom line is the more it is consumed, the more the big name industries are going to sell to young kids who should not have their hands on that much caffeine in the first place. I think that one every once in awhile it is not going to kill anyone. But, teens like myself should be discouraged so that it does not affect them later on in their lives.

By Connor Fee CARTOONIST

4 InDepth

Volume 4 Issue 4

December 2017

The Tales of An Unescapeable Doom :: A Guide to The Terrifying Topic of Teen Acne

KICK ACNE TO THE CURB

THE BATTLES OF DEALING WITH ACNE AND SELF ESTEEM

By Jacey Hammer NEWS EDITOR

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ach day I hear a countless amount of complaints about acne. I have seen girls in the restrooms attempting at covering their worst nightmare. A zit. I do not blame them because I have been in that position before. It is hard on many people’s self-esteem, and it has always been a major insecurity of mine.

Freshman Bayleigh Koch is one of many who struggles with her self-esteem due to her acne. She has attempted various ways of covering it, including different pills and creams. But, she has yet to find a solution that anchored for her.

“Out of all my flaws, acne affects my self-esteem the most,” Koch said. “I constantly want to hide my face in any way possible, from wearing my hair down to pulling up my hood. At times, I’ve wanted to hide in my room all day and not show my face out of pure embarrassment.”

According to acneeinstein.com, 81% of acne cases are genetic. It develops from natural oils in the skin, and sophomore Jamie Stites is among that statistic. The other 19% is mostly due to stress and poor diets.

“Acne affects my self-esteem by making me self-consciousness because I feel like when people look at me, it is all they see, and that they think I am disgusting or don’t wash my face when I do,” Stites said. “It’s just some people are born with acne; I got my mother’s skin, so I break out easier than others.”

Feeling comfortable in one’s own skin is crucial;however, it is difficult when flaws are apparent. Judgement makes these situations unbearable, especially for teenage girls.

“The hardest part about acne is knowing that you have it all over your face and people are staring at it,” freshman Ella Romano said. “I also hate when you can’t fully cover it with makeup. I feel that acne lowers my self-esteem because it makes me feel gross and insecure that I have red gross bumps on my face.”

All skin types are different, so

treatments and medications vary among many. Some people are lucky enough to have clear skin, while others are not.

“For the most part, the creams and washes work the best with my skin,” Koch said. “But only for a limited time. My acne always seems to return no matter what I’m on. Almost all the products I’ve tried seem to stop working at one point.”

Insecurities take a toll on most people no matter their age or gender. It is a natural part of life, and acne appears to have a bigger effect on people. According to bustle.com, acne is at the top of the list when it comes to self-esteem.

“The hardest part about acne, in my opinion, is seeing everyone else with clear skin,” Koch said. “When you have acne, all you can really focus on is the same thing: are they staring at my skin? Is my skin red? Are they judging me? It makes me not want to talk to people, and when talking to a new person, I feel like they’re going to judge my looks over personality.

When I have a very bad breakout and if I’m lucky enough for it to be the weekend I won’t leave my house. My parents always say that I’ll grow out of it and that everyone deals with it, but when I’m the only one in my friend group it feels like a lie. It’s a struggle and I will always judge myself because of acne.”

For myself, I have tried everything. I have used about eight or nine different face washes, and never found the right one for my skin type. Recently, I have been using a cleanser and moisturizer from Cetaphil, and I have seen the results.

My dermatologist prescribed me with a tretinoin cream, which has worked. Koch and Romano have been prescribed with the same cream as well.

Throughout my many years of trips to the dermatologist and a countless amount of mental breakdowns, I finally found a solution to what I thought would be my lifelong problem. If I knew that a prescription cream and a better diet would have helped my acne, it would have been gone years ago.

Chance Sterling (18) was one of many that have gone through the Accutane process. He proves acne does not only affect females. Photo by Emily Shurtliff

New Results Lauren Zych (19) uses proactive and sees a dermatologist for her acne. Those treatments are beneficial to her skin type. Acne used to be a problem for her, but it has drastically improved. Photo by Jacey Hammer

Acne Oh No Acne is a common problem these days. Corban Critchfield (18) is one of many GHS students affected by acne. Critchfield goes to the dermatologist once a month to decrease the severity of his acne. Photo by Mara Hjermstad

Eating Habits

How What We Eat Affects How We Look

BY Jamison Karas INDEPTH EDITOR

Food:

A good healthy diet can completely transform skin and even help eliminate acne.

Carbohydrates, dairy, saturated fats, and sugars are the worst foods for your skin. These foods cause blood sugar to rise which leads to the body releasing the hormone, insulin. This hormone causes oil glands to produce more oil, which leads to acne. The best foods for the skin are those that contain either zinc, vitamins A & E, or antioxidants.

Water:

This is a very important tool to eliminate acne. Drinking more water hydrates skin cells, thus moisturizing and cleansing the skin. This does not change oil production, but helps remove built up waste on skin cells.

Don't

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Volume 4 Issue 4

December 2017

InDepth

ACNE'S WORST NIGHTMARE

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ACCUTANE, ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL ACNE MEDICINES OUT THERE

By Mara Hjermstad STAFF WRITER

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ittle red volcanos arising from the oily face of moody teens; those bumps that will not go away despite all efforts. Thinking of doing everything to return to the clear face of a young child. Acne is a common problem among teenagers that is continually mentioned in TV shows and movies.

After exhausting many options, a teen can try turning to a dermatologist. If the dermatologist determines that the acne is too widespread, they just can prescribe a medication called Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane.

“The first time I was on Accutane, it helped my acne for the last few months I was on it, but after I was fully off the medicine, my acne came back worse than it had ever been,” junior Olivia Thompson said. “After my acne came back, after what seemed like I tried everything at that point, I did not know what to do. I was put on more new lotions to help my face but it was very inconsistent on the results I was getting. My doctor told me that I had the option of going on it [Accutane] a second time since when I took it the first time I was one of the youngest patients my doctor had ever prescribed it to, the results for clear skin were not guaranteed because I was so young and my body was going through puberty. So I chose to go on it again and I have been off of it for nearly a year now.”

Thompson was a rare exception having to go through the process a second time. Thirtyfive percent of people who have already been on Accutane have to be on the medication a

second time and ten percent of people have to go through it a third time. She started her first round of Accutane at age 12 and executed her second session last year at the age of 16.

“I went from being called so many hurtful things about my acne that I never felt comfortable in my own skin, all the way from getting dms (direct messages) from people I barely even know about how my skin looks so perfect,” Thompson said.

Clear skin, like everything else, comes with a price. Accutane has many side effects that recur in almost every patient. Some of these include dry skin, chapped lips, sun-sensitivity, muscle aches and dehydration. In the winter, the dryness is worse because the air is already dry. However, in the summer, the sun is blazing down, causing severe sunburns without proper use of sunscreen.

“I recommend Accutane to anyone that is having a really hard time being comfortable in their own skin because of their acne,” Thompson said. “I think to go on Accutane you should have extremely bad acne and to have exhausted all other possibilities. The most important part in my opinion is always washing your face and taking your medicine and putting your lotion on the ones (acne) you may get after you get off the medication because it can come back so unbelievably fast.”

Accutane is not a miracle solution that will make acne go away forever. Thompson’s skin may be clear but she has little flare ups every

now and then during sports and other times that are regular to break out. The Accutane medication alone cannot get rid of acne problems forever; the user has to put in the work and time to reach their final goal.

Jamie Stites (20) is just beginning the process of Accutane. Acne has affected her self esteem for many years. Like others, her acne made her self conscious.

Simple Solutions

Student Tips

Clear Things Up With These Recommended Remedies

By Jamison Karas INDEPTH EDITOR

Toners This easy method is a water-based liquid, equiped with plant extracts and essential oils. The toning process is essential for cleansing the skin and evening out skin tones. It is recommended to use a toner after facial cleansing wash. Apply the toner with cotton pads gently on the face.

Cleansers Cleansing benefits the skin in many ways.

When done right, cleansing should remove dead skin, dirt and oil from the skin. This will clear pores and keep skin clean.

Face Masks Face masks are the calming and glamorous remedy for all acne victims. They come in a variety of different treatments. Helpful for hydrating skin, removing excess oils and improving the appearance of pores.

Serums Different face serums are made to target certain face impurities. They essentially all contain moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin hydrated, but do not leave a thick layer on the skin that moisturizers do. The ingredients in the serum are soaked into the face leaving it healthier and fresher.

Oliviq Leathers (18): "I use cetaphil facewash once in the morning and once at night. I also use cetaphil face lotion along with occasionally doing a facemask.”

Moisturizers

Karlie Kuhn (18): "I use cetaphil facewash 1-2 times a day along with a gold collagen facemask about once a week. I also use an oil free moisturizer after I wash my face.”

Moisturizers are composed of chemical agents that make skin softer and more pliable.

By adding hydration to the skin, moisturizers restore smoothness.

Exfoliaters This process involves the removal of the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This leaves skin smoother and helps combat acne. Buying a simple facial scrub at any store that sells beauty products may be just what you need!

Sami Zeleny (18): "I like to use Mary Kay's Clearproof Face Wash Set! I also use a charcol face mask about once a week. I love love love using the facemask because it makes me feel so relaxed while I have it on and so refreshed after I wash it off! I would use it every day if I could.”

6 feature

December 2017

Volume 4 Issue 4

POWERFUL INK

ENGLISH TEACHER TELLS STORY OF INTERESTING TATTOO

By Abby Leasure STAFF WRITER

T

attoos are a popular way for adults to express themselves.

As they are permanent, deep meanings and long stories are often at the center of these ink markings.

English and creative writing teacher Mrs. Jenny Long has a creative tattoo of a unicorn on her forearm. The story is one she had told several times, and one she was glad to share once more.

A birthday gift from three years ago, the tattoo is the protagonist of both a movie and

a book called The Last Unicorn. It is a fantasy that tells the story of a unicorn who believes she is the last one in the world only to find that the rest are hiding in fear. The message of the film is the importance of expressing one’s own individuality. There will always be people out there like you and who will support you.

“Be what you are,” Mrs. Long said. “If you’re different than other people, or you see the world in a different way, it’s okay. There are more like you; you just need to seek them out.”

Art by Abby Leasure

“I’M A BARBIE, IN A BARBIE WORLD”

ROSS HOUSE “DRESSED UP” FOR HALLOWEEN, PERMANENTLY

By Allison Kibby A&E EDITOR

C

hildren are running around, screaming their heads off and sprinting from door to door, hoping to fill their multicolored pillow cases with as much sugar as possible by the end of the night. Naturally, these same children are dressed as dragons, ninjas, princesses and other creatures hoping to impress the candy givers enough for an extra big handful, and they expect the other kids to be dressed in the same silly way they are.

However, what many children might have overlooked, was the new “Barbie House” celebrating in the festivities as well. On the October 31, 2011, the Ross family painted their house a lovely pink, essentially dressing her up for the spooky holiday. Living in a world of black and white, the Ross household stands out just like “a sore thumb”. Anyone who has lived in Gretna long enough might just know about his house but may not be aware of the reason why it is pink.

“We painted the house because they

raised the taxes of our house due to the water tower,” senior Faith Ross said. “My dad also said that, since he has three daughters, that he wanted to support Breast Cancer Awareness.”

F. Ross remembers that spooky holiday six years ago when her house became the “sore thumb” that it is today. Every day, when she comes home from school, she is filled with a sense of pride over her sore thumb.

“I love it,” F. Ross said. “It feels like I am living in a Barbie house. It always puts a smile on my face.”

After living in the house for a year and a half, Mrs. Ann Ross has become as used to the house as the family has. Occasionally, she even forgets about it.

“Sometimes I see people driving by the house really slow so I wave,” Mrs. Ross said.

“Then I realize that they aren’t looking at me but at the house.”

Long before she lived with her now family, Mrs. Ross might have been the first

“outsider” to know about the existence of the pink house. She never expected Mr. Sean Ross to paint his house pink.

“On my first date with Sean, he told me that he was going to paint his house pink and I didn’t believe him,” Mrs. Ross said.

“When he did, I thought ‘this man is true to his word’.”

Although they have been living in this Barbie house for several years now, they have thought about painting it a different color. However, they still seem to stray from the normal grays and browns of everyday housing.

“We would want to paint it purple because that is my favorite color along with Justice (her sister),” F. Ross said. “My dad also wants to put black stripes or polka dots on it and I don’t know why.”

While the Ross’s house may stick out like a sore thumb, they love it all the same. And even though those crazy kids on Halloween night might overlook the Barbie house, the Ross family sure does not.

Seasonal Lights The Ross household lights up the block as the Holiday season comes into full swing. They will certainly be busy this holiday with a household of five. However, the atmosphere is just as cheerful within as the vibrant pink is outside.

Gretna

Volume 4 Issue 4

Feature

December 2017

A New Perspective

OF

Glasses

LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH GLASSES

By Miranda Parkinson I would research whether or JOURNALISM ONE possible to have Lasik again.”

SO MANY GLASSES People with glasses are probably very familiar with the tiny stores filled with hundreds of frames. To patients of Lasik eye surgery, seeing these places can be a memory of their past. “After almost 10 years I still don’t need even reading glasses,” Science instructor Mrs. Joyce Siskow said. “I’ve almost forgotten what it was like to put in contacts or mess with prescription glasses.” Photo by Miranda Parkinson

Myths About Eyes 1

Sitting too close to the TV is bad for the eyes

The Truth

There is no evidence of this being true; however, sitting close to the tv at a young age may be a sign of nearsightedness.

2

If you cross your eyes, they will stay like that

The The eyes will not stay crossed if it is done for too Truth long, but they may begin to hurt.

3 The Truth

4

Computer use can damage the eyes Excessive use of computers will not damage the eyes, but if used over a long period of time, the eyes may experience strain and dryness.

wearing glasses makes eyes dependent on them

The Overtime, eyesight changes. Wearing glasses does Truth not make the eyes dependent or worse.

5

only boys can be color blind

The Girls can still become colorblind, but up to 8% of boys are, while less than 1% of girls are.

Truth http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/vision-facts-myths.html

The distant sound of her alarm slowly brings her out of a dream. She begins to open her eyes and look around for her phone, in an attempt to turn that loud, blaring sound off. She searches rapidly, on the bed sheets, on her night stand, and lastly on the floor for the one thing she needs most right now: her glasses.

Amy Ruff is a junior at Gretna High School who has had glasses for most of her life. She both starts and ends her day with those frames, a routine most common to her. Among the many details of her typical morning, picking up her glasses or choosing to put in her contacts is a major part of that.

“My day usually starts with me waking up to my alarm and then getting out of bed to turn on the lights,” Ruff said. “After I get done turning on the lights, I lie on my bed trying to find my glasses that most likely fell on the ground when I was sleeping.”

Ruff is one of many students at GHS with glasses and contacts alike. She has had her glasses since she was five years old. Throughout those eleven years, her experiences have changed as she got older.

“When I was younger I struggled a lot with forgetting to put them on or losing them,” Ruff said. “I don’t really struggle with that anymore because I purposefully don’t put my glasses on and I don’t really lose them anymore. I am more responsible and I actually have a spot I put them before I fall asleep.”

While some teenagers would rather go to school with their contacts in, Ruff prefers her glasses. Contacts can often get blurry, the eyes can become dry, and they can even fall out. Ruff feels that with glasses, these things do not happen. Some may say different, however.

“Contacts are easier for sports,” freshman Kailey North said. “My glasses also irritate me because they [would] fall off when I exercise and sometimes fog up when I played basketball, and the ones I got were really ugly.”

One reason that many teenagers flip from wearing glasses to contacts is because of the physical appearance it can create. To some people who do not need a prescription, glasses may just seem like a style trend. To Ruff, glasses are not always stylish.

“The worse thing I have faced with glasses is not liking them or wanting to put them on because I don’t like the way they make me look,” Ruff said.

Instead of glasses and contacts, there are other options for adults and even teens.

Many people may seem skeptical towards the idea of laser eye surgery. Some feel that there are too many risks to complete laser eye surgery, but the complications are not as bad as they may think.

I can’t imagine going back to glasses or contacts,” Science instructor Mrs. Joyce Siskow said. “I’ve even had nightmares before that I had my old terrible vision back.

I’m always glad it was just a dream. If my vision got to the point where I needed to wear glasses or contacts again all the time

not it was

From breaking the frames to popping out lenses, a lot can happen through the responsibility of having glasses. From the many years of Ruff having glasses, it’s no surprise that she has an experience of her own.

“One time in 3rd grade I was at my friend’s house,” Ruff said. “We were playing in the sprinkler so I set my glasses on her porch because I felt that it was a safe place and they wouldn’t get ruined or lost. My friend and I were ready to go inside so we ran around the outside of the house and as we were running, I saw what looked like broken glass on the ground. I decided to stop and look but I soon realized that they were my glasses and it turned out that their dog had eaten them.”

Ruff has had many years to grow used to having her glasses or contacts always with her, and can only imagine what it would be like without them. They have become a part of who she is, as well as how she is able to live day by day.

“I feel like if I didn’t have glasses, I would be extremely blind,” Ruff said. “I would have trouble focusing at school since I wouldn’t be able to see the board or read. I also wouldn’t be able to do things like drive or even walk without running into things.”

All in all, vision impairments come with so many details, from possible causes of failing eyesight to even better solutions than both glasses and contacts. Over the years, and the years to come, the industry for eyesight will continue to change and grow according to the people who have them.

Photo by Miranda Parkinson

Photo by Miranda Parkinson

Making Changes Not only did Amy Ruff (19) recently change the style of her hair, but she also changed her preference for sight. She has recently decided to wear contacts more frequently. “Lately I haven’t been wearing my glasses anymore.” Ruff said.

Although she will still wear her glasses occasionally, she chooses her contacts more often. Photo by Miranda Parkinson

http://www.healthhype.com/common-causes-of-bad-eyesight-poor-vision.html

Common

7

Causes

for

BAD

myopia- nearsightedness astigmatism- refractive error hyperopia- farsightedness cataract- clouded lens glaucoma- raised pressure in the eye

Eyesight

8 Feature

December 2017

Volume 4 Issue 4

Large Families

One Unit The Fechtmisters have always been envolved in music programs such as choir, show choir and band. As the younger kids grow up they will most likely follow the legacy of their older siblings. Photo by Samantha Chase

LOOKING INTO THE LIVES OF KIDS LIVING IN LARGE FAMILIES AND CHALLENGES THEY MAY FACE

By Samantha Chase JOURNALISM ONE

L

ife in a large family has its daily problems such as arguments, money and privacy, but having a large family is not all negatives.

Friendships built with siblings and other relatives can make life overall more enjoyable. Having a large family could be seen as good or bad, it depends on the way it is looked at.

“I don’t think there is a friendship that compares to mine and my brothers,” freshman Avery Langholdt said.

“We’ve gone through everything together.”

Although many families like the Langholdt’s have a large number of kids, America’s “ideal” family size is smaller that it was in the past.

According to Pew Research, half of Americans say that two is the perfect number of kids, dropping from 1936 when four was the perfect number.

Even though large families are not as common as they used to be, families such as freshman Aslynn Connoly’s break the “norm”.

“It’s hard being the oldest of so many kids,” Connoly said. “But having them around shapes who I am and makes me a better person.”

People who grew up watching T.V. shows and may believe having a large family is picture perfect.

Growing up with siblings can be beneficial because of how much it may shape character and make a person who they are, however it can become tense.

“Having a large family is really intense and stressful,” freshman Trent Fechtmeister said. “There is a lot of people running around everywhere, all the time.”

Sometimes, siblings are compared in undesirable ways and feel as they are in the background compared to their siblings.

“I do feel like I get less attention because of my siblings because

they are younger and require more time,” Fechtmeister said. “But since they are younger I understand why they need more time.”

Living up to a sibling’s legacy can intimidate younger family members. Langholdt has had four older brothers attend GHS. “All of my brothers are known for being successful in show choir and in musicals,” Langholdt said.

“So now I’m expected to live up to that which can be sometimes stressful.”

Although siblings can be stressful, there are many bonds and memories to be made and recollected upon. Siblings have the chance to become some of the greatest friends because of the time spent together everyday.

“When we were younger, my siblings and I would go exploring in the woods by my house and play games and go on adventures.” GHS senior Sami Zeleny said. “That’s one of my favorite memories with my siblings.”

The birth order of siblings can also change a person’s views.

Whether someone is the oldest, middle or youngest, will affect a person’s relationships with their siblings and what your views of your family are.

“I like my position in the middle because I can learn and receive advice from my older siblings and give advice to my younger siblings,” freshman Sarah Weber said.

Overall, having a big family may cause problems but there are also positive aspects. There are so many memories and friendships that can be made with siblings, and even though they may be annoying sometimes, they always have your back.

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” Zeleny said. “I love my family.”

Posing Together The Langholdt family is known for being show choir stars and are constantly competing with each other for parts in shows. Although the competition is high for the Langholdts, they learn and grow from one another every day. Photo by

Scanpix

A Personal Look into the Lives

of the Langholdt’s

T

he Langholdt kids have been busy with show choir and other = musical activities throughout their entire high school careers. Three of the Langholt siblings are still students at GHS including Spencer and Avery Langholdt and Evan Burns while the other three kids have started college including Loren Stump and Logan and Dawson Langholdt.

Senior Spencer Langholdt has participated in musical activities all four years of his high school career including competing with Revolution, GHS’ var show choir and singing with the band during marching band season. Once high school ends for him he hopes to continue singing.

On the other end of the spectrum, GHS freshman Avery Langholdt is taking on many activities including band, color guard, speech team, winter guard and Evolution show choir. Although she enjoys all of these activities, it can be hard to live up to the reputation of her older siblings. Even though it can be stressful, she hopes to continue these activities throughout high school and live up to the success of her siblings.

GHS graduate Logan Langholdt has been in college at the University of Nebraska Lincoln for a couple of years in hopes of becoming a music teacher.

He has many musical accomplishments including being the lead in a musical last year. Himself and some other college students have started UNL’s first acapella group called “Bathtub Dogs.”

Although having many siblings can cause more competition, they are there to encourage and lead each other to success. The Langholdt kids precisely exemplify this, showing how having many siblings can work as a benefit.

Out of 100 GHS students, this is how many kids their parents have

“Although having a large family is stressful, I wouldn’t change a thing about it”- Trent Fechtmister

1 kid 6% 4+ kids 36%

2 kids 32% 3 kids 26%

FOR THE HEART & HEAD Volume 4 Issue 4

December 2017

S

Sports

9

RUNNING EFFECTS ARE WORTH ANOTHER GLANCE

By Matt Goblirsch JOURNALISM ONE

weat, tears, even blood, can all come from running. Although these things may seem highly undesirable, many runners find the results worth it.

Some students of GHS are avid runners, especially those who are a part of the school’s Cross Country team. Running improves both the body and the mind, and can be one of the most effective forms of exercise, with many benefits. Although it may take sweat and tears, the end results make the pain worth it.

“I started running as a freshman,” sophomore Kellen McLaughlin said. “It’s easier to run with people because you don’t feel the pain.”

Running can be a fun activity for some, or maybe something to better the body. Other times, people do not enjoy it because of the work it may take. One of the top runners of the Cross Country team, senior Christian Bokowski, has been running his whole high school career.

“I do it because I’m good at it,” Bokowski said. “It’s not fun at all.”

The best way to gain the motivation to run comes from inspiration. Different people have different motivation. Some run for someone, others do it for their own personal gain.

“It’s fun to run,” McLaughlin said. “But my inspiration is the finish line.”

Running can be one the best ways to improve. Whether it be body, mind or soul.

It may be hard, but in the end, it would be worth the struggle.

The 2017 Cross Country season was

junior Ben Schaefer’s first season competing for GHS. Even after the one season, running has improved his mind and body and has given him a new hobby.

“I started running around June or July,” Schaefer said. “Used to run anywhere from two to six miles every weekday and two miles on Saturdays during Cross Country season.”

For beginner runners, the American Heart Association says to start at a slow pace. Schaefer had trouble running because of shin splints and has since then figured out how to pace to avoid pushing himself too quickly.

“Don’t start too hard cause if you go from not running at all to running multiple miles per day, it tears up your leg muscles,” Schaefer said. “Which happened to me halfway through last season.”

The AHA says to set small goals that are achievable. Many runners follow this guideline and it transforms them into superb competitors.

“My goals that I have for running are placing at a varsity race next year,” Schaefer said. “And being able to run a sub 19:00 5k.”

Goals are set markers for something achievable. They can spread over a wide variety of things.

“This year’s goal was to qualify for state, which I did,” McLaughlin said. “Otherwise it’s to beat my personal best.”

Running is one of the best exercises for both the mind and the body. It helps the heart, lungs and can be a whole body workout. Running still is growing as one of the most popular sports and activities.

How Running Affects the Body

Run Like the Wind Ben Schaefer (19) runs for the GHS Cross Country team. “It’s just how you look

hile running,” Schaefer said. “It doesn’t bother me.” Many runners have commented on how they are not photogentic while in a race, but it doesn’t seem to bother him.

Types of Races Ran During 2016

Heart: Increases bloodflow, and improves circulation.

Brain: Boosts your ability to learn and recall information.

Lungs: Reduces oxygen needed to move and breathe healthily.

Muscles: Works large muscle groups, causing weight loss and tones muscles.

10 Sports

December 2017

Volume 4 Issue 4

WHERE EQUIPMENT COMES FROM VOLLEYBALLS, POLE VAULTS, MORE

By Emily Shurtliff STAFF WRITER

T

here is a large variety of sports offered at school, and with sports teams comes the necessary equipment. Gym classes use an ample amount of equipment on an everyday basis. Athletic director Mr. Chad Jepsen is in charge of budgeting and purchasing equipment for sports teams and gym classes.

Mr. Jepsen receives requests from coaches, and he then buys what is needed.

“It’s really whatever they need,” Mr. Jepsen said. “They know their classes, they know their sport. It’s what they need to make their season or P.E. class work based on their curriculum. They look at that and figure that out; they bring it to me and then we go through it.”

This seems to satisfy the coaches.

Volleyball coach Mr. Mike Brandon enjoys getting to choose his equipment.

“The administration knows that we know what equipment is the best stuff,” Mr. Brandon said. “They pretty much let us pick.”

The volleyball team gets some new volleyballs each year. The volleyballs are about $40 each: that is the most expensive thing the volleyball team gets on a yearly basis.

“The most expensive piece of equipment we’ve ever purchased are volleyball nets and standards,” Mr. Brandon said.

Volleyball net systems cost nearly $2,000 according to usavolleyball.com, but this price can vary depending on where they are purchased. This includes the net, standards, antennas and more.

Mr. Jepsen needs a specific description from the coaches of what they want so the correct item is ordered. Coaches use a variety of methods to tell Mr. Jepsen what they need.

“They do anything from find it online, find pictures, or write a description very specifically so we make sure that we get what they need,” Mr. Jepsen said.

With all of this new equipment, it is tempting to throw the replaced items out.

However, gym teacher Ms. Megan Wentz tries to use the equipment until it cannot be used anymore. All of the coaches try to do this as well, and their requests are fulfilled when needed.

“We really have kept most of the stuff that we’ve had; sometimes it goes into storage,” Ms. Wentz said. “Typically we get rid of anything that breaks and it ends up being thrown out.”

All of the sports at GHS use equipment, but not all use the same amount. The amount of students participating in the sport also affects the amount of money spent on equipment for that sport. Mr. Jepsen estimates that football is one of the most expensive sports at GHS. “Football has a lot of equipment with pads, shoulder pads and pants, so obviously it takes more and I order more,” Mr. Jepsen said. “You’ve got a freshman team as well as a JV and varsity team, so you’re talking 130140 kids total, so there’s just more. They’ve got a bigger budget and more stuff to buy.”

Football helmets are an expensive piece of equipment for the football team. Helmets

cost close to $300, and they need to be replaced every ten years for safety. This price has increased greatly since when Mr. Jepsen coached; the price was about $150 at that time.

Track uses a large amount of equipment due to the many events they have. They use items such as pole vaults, hurdles and starting blocks.

“I think we have been able to get what we have needed,” track coach Mrs. Ashley Hall said. “The administration is great about making sure we have the right and safe equipment for our athletes.”

On a yearly basis, Mrs. Hall estimates that hurdles are the most expensive items purchased. There are many substantial pieces of equipment used in track that can be costly.

These things are not purchased every year because of the cost and because they are not needed every year.

“The track itself is probably the most expensive part of track,” Mrs. Hall said.

“From what we have purchased, the pole vault system is the most expensive [in recent years].”

A new double-sided pole vault system is being purchased by the school this year for track. Mr. Jepsen estimated that the old, one-sided system was around $6 thousand to $8 thousand. He also estimated that the new system was $13 thousand to $15 thousand.

Coaches must keep “track,” no pun intended, of all of the equipment that their sport possesses. Mr. Brandon relies on his players to help keep track of equipment

throughout the season.

“After practice, my players are tasked with inventorying all the volleyballs, and obviously nets and poles are hard to lose,” Mr. Brandon said. “At the end of the year I go through, and I inventory everything again before the off-season.”

Gym teachers and coaches are able to receive equipment by putting together proposals and requesting necessities. Ms. Wentz is putting together a proposal for new things in the weight room right now.

“We have to go through and request it and show we have a need for it,” Ms. Wentz said. “In the past couple of years, we have gotten some things through grants.”

Ms. Wentz has personally completed three different grants herself. With these grants, she was able to purchase the bands in the weight room, the sit and reach tester and more. So, not all equipment is purchased by the school directly. Coaches can purchase their equipment with the money they make from camps that are held over the summer.

Ms. Wentz also uses G club to purchase equipment for the gym classes.

“We raise money through putting on two volleyball tournaments and two basketball tournaments every year,” Ms. Wentz said.

“Sometimes we have other events such as chain gang at football games or running the concession stand.”

The coaches, gym teachers and Mr. Jepsen all contribute in order to provide students and athletes with the equipment that is needed.

ADDITION BY SUBTRACTION CHEMISTRY BUILDS AS SEASON KICKS OFF

By Allison Kibby A&E EDITOR

N

owadays parents seem to be enrolling their children in sports at a younger age. Whether that sport is basketball or not, they are still starting younger and younger. According to ABC News, “places like the Little Gym, Beginners Edge Sports Training and Lil’ Kickers enroll kids as young as four months old in programs aimed at increasing mobility and coordination…” With this fact in mind, the thought of “love for the sport” comes forth.

Some may be quitting because they have lost the love for the sport but others are not.

“I missed the sport and the girls,” senior Abbie Huffman said. “And I wanted to have another opportunity at a state championship and because it would be my

last year ever of playing basketball.”

The JV and Varsity girls basketball teams have kicked off their season with more chemistry than years past. Starting their season with a 4-0 record, some might think that they are as “loaded” as last year. That is not the case, however. Some girls, who were on the team last year, did not return. That has not stopped the Lady Dragons from competing their butt off, though.

Although people might think that losing girls would have a negative effect on the team, that is not always the case. With the renewed team chemistry, the seniors are excited as ever to finish their last year in high school with a bang. Nothing will stand in their way of accomplishing their goals.

“I look forward to enjoying my senior year with amazing teammates and the memories that will be made,” Huffman said. “And hopefully another trip to state.”

Never Dull (Left) Holding the ball during a lull in the game, Faith Ross (18) glances down the court at the opposing team during game against Gross Catholic High School. (Right) Maddie Haddix (20) reaches for ball as it is thrown across the court. The Lady Dragons were able to pull through with the win against Gross on december 8, 2017. photos by Allison Kibby

Staring Contest (Left) As she stares down the ball handler, Abbie Huffman (18) and her teammates retreat into defense. (Right) Looking for an opening in the defense, Alexis Spier (20) passes the ball to her fellow teammates.

The Lady Dragons have started off their season strong with a 4-0 record. photos by Allison Kibby

SENIOR ATHLETES COMMIT TO compete IN COLLEGE

Lexi Burkhardt has committed to the University of Nebraska at Omaha to further her softball career.

She plans to major in Pre Medicine.

Tyler Cunningham is committed to the University of Nebraska at Kearney to further his wrestling career.

He plans to major in Nursing.

Faith Ross has committed to Bellevue University to further her basketball career. She plans to major in mathematics.

By Connor Fee STAFF WRITER

Van Schmidt is committed to the University of Nebraska at Kearney to further his wrestling career. He plans to major in Pre Physical Therapy.

Volume 4 Issue 4

December 2017

A&E

11

CHRISTMAS FIASCO WAIT IS ALMOST OVER NEW STAR WARS MOVIE HYPE PROS AND CONS

By Colin Kitson STAFF WRITER

“

Star Wars” is a beloved movie series; the first one, released in 1977 was called “Star Wars”, then three years later was the release of “The Empire Strikes Back.” They continued this three year span into the third movie, coming out with “Return of the Jedi.” Then, coming out 16 years later, was the fourth movie, “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.” Three years after that, in 2002, “Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones” came out after that in 2005, “Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith” was out.

Another break was taken and ten years later in 2015, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was released. In 2016, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” was out and now in 2017, fans are all waiting for the release of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on December 15 which should be an interesting addition to the plotline.

Many fans cannot wait for the release, as they are strongly into Star Wars and cannot

wait to see the plot continue.

“I have been watching Star Wars since I was a kid, my dad introduced it to me and I fell in love with it ever since,” junior Caden Opfer said. “I have every movie on disk and they never get old to watch, the movies always end on cliffhangers that make me want to watch the next one.”

Opfer has some expectations for the movie and does not expect any slacking. He was not as pleased with the last movie, so he wants this one to knock his socks off. “ ‘Rogue One’ was alright, it was not anything special to me, but ‘The Last Jedi’ should be a huge hit, the trailer is looking very interesting and I cannot wait to see it on opening night,” Opfer said.

The boy students are into the movies, but no one ever gives the credit some of the girl fans. Sophomore Aliya Owens has been watching “Star Wars” her entire life and is thrilled to see “The Last Jedi” release.

“I am not sure what to expect with this movie, but I am looking forward to seeing it on opening night with my dad,” Owens said.

Another student, junior Hunter Chilton, has some predictions about what will happen in this upcoming movie. As well as Opfer, Chilton is expecting big things and cannot wait to see it.

“I have a few bold predictions for the movie, since Han Solo died in the 2015 movie and Chewie is still alive, I think Chewie will end up dying because Han and Chewie were always together and I just do not see how he could go on without him,” Chilton said.

There are many predictions and expectations for the new movie, but they will just have to be at rest for now as the movie comes out December 15. More than likely the theatres will be busy with crazed fans, waiting to witness the action.

MOVIE THRILLER, OR MOOD KILLER VARRIED OPINIONS ON THIS NEW HOLLYWOOD HIT

By Payton Shoup STAFF WRITER

W

hen a lavish, yet strangely real train ride through Europe turns into a suspenseful story with various twists and turns, it is hard not to invest some attention. As every movie fanatic has learned, there are mixed reviews and perspectives on the entertainment they surround themselves with. Each genre has a different rhythm, along with plot twists that shake up the story completely. In the movie “Murder On The Oriental Express,” the characters build upon the factors of one defining event.

From the novel by best-selling author Agatha Christie, “Murder on the Orient Express” tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone is a suspect. This newest film has hit the theaters and has left some very mixed reviews in the perspective of the book and movie, as many would disagree against its foundation and suspenseful plot. Many of the actors and actresses involved in the thrill of this movie include: Johnny Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Kenneth Branagh.

The plot follows Poirot, a worldrenowned detective, who seeks to solve a murder on the famous European train in the 1930s. As the actors were highly praised for their acting abilities, they received criticism for not adding anything new to previous adaptations.

The main argument was the overall portrayal of the movie as it showed a very bland. I began to see this movie as its own contradiction. Although in some places, there were definitely positive reviews as much as there were negative. As I watched the movie I began to feel annoyed, but also completely invested with the purpose of it all.

I personally loved the book, and I genuinely think the movie gave off the perfect suspenseful vibes. While the the actors portrayed the smaller details of the book characters, there were always subtle hints and itty-bitty easter eggs for the audience that lead to the climax of the story. Overall the film has grossed $238

million worldwide and received diverse feedback from critics, with praise for the cast’s performances and overall production value.

The story continues on the screen and in pages of a timeless classic. It is up to the viewers on whether or not they enjoy what they see. The diverse opinions make for a very eager story that eagerly continues. I imagine this story being very mysterious, and in my opinion there was a feeling of being completely unsettled. The ending was not always clear from the beginning, but there was a very distinct path that it took.

We can see the final destination long before the journey’s end.

I

By Tristan Duin STAFF WRITER

n this day of age, Christmas music should not be written and reproduced by new artists, who do not retain the traditional singing style. In my opinion, it ruins the holidays.

I would much rather be hearing classic piano music with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, or many other “oldies” singing their hits rather than listening to Pentatonix or Sia attempt to make things festive. I am not close minded when it comes to music, but Christmas music should be done only one way, and that is the classical way.

To prove my point, Sia has released her newest holiday album, “Everyday is Christmas.” Some songs include “Everyday is Christmas,” “Snowman,” “Candy Cane Lane,” and more. I am devoted fan of Sia and all of her music, but this album was a sleigh wreck. Her strong, unique voice does not mix well with Christmas. Sia’s new album could be popular because Sia has strong, beautiful vocals and an intriguing stage presence, but the album was not well liked by me because in my opinion, Sia and Christmas are like water and oil; they do not mix.

My all-time favorite Christmas song is “Little Drummer Boy.” I believe it is an unworldly, beautiful song about the birth of Jesus. When I say I love the song, I mean the original only. The group, Pentatonix, for some reason decided it would be a good idea to contribute their acapella style to the classic song, but sadly, they ruined “Little Drummer Boy.” I did not enjoy the cover because it did not feel like Christmas while listening to it. It sounded like corny pop music, and the world already has enough of that. The original song defined my childhood, while it was in the 1968 Cartoon, “The Little Drummer Boy.” It makes me unhappy that some children will grow up hearing the cheap remake rather than the classic original. Their covers of “Deck the Halls” and “Carol of the Bells” were just as bad. An acapella version of the song sounds somewhat interesting, but Pentatonix butchered it with their cringey and annoying singing.

Unlike the artificial Christmas wannabes, One artist who perfectly captures Christmas in the new millennium is Sam Smith. His cover of “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas” was a breathtaking tribute to the late Frank Sinatra. Sam Smith’s classy and astonishing voice makes me weep tears of joy. The reason I enjoy the song as much as I do is because Sam Smith has a traditional voice that generations will remember. Another artist, who does a fantastic job, is Christina Perri. Christina covered John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas, War is Over,” and she did it flawlessly.

She produced her own Christmas music such as “Something about December” and “Please Come Home for Christmas” as well. Christina Perri’s charming voice perfectly captures the Christmas spirit and in my opinion, her cover of “Happy Xmas, War is Over,” is extraordinary.

Every year, I experience the same, unsatisfied feeling when I hear musicians ruin Christmas hits that I have always loved. Whether it is Pentatonix, Sia, or someone else, it is always ruined. The proper way to make Christmas music is by performing the same way Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra did. Thankfully, artists such as Christina Perri and Sam Smith execute the role of Christmas, singing in traditional and classical style. With optimism, I hope some musicians realize that they are polluting the pool of festive music, and they will stop for good.

12 A&E

December 2017

Volume 4 Issue 4

SAUCY SUNDAYJUNIOR CREATES CRAZY CONCOCTIONS FOR COMEDY

By Ben Randall JOURNALISM ONE

H

e cautiously takes two glass cups out of one of the kitchen cabinets, wiping off the interior of the cups, and gingerly sets them down on the countertop. Opening the fridge, one can see the contents, regular items: milk, bread, a half eaten takeout meal. But he knows what to do. This is an expert dealing within his expertise. He takes out key ingredients, setting them alongside the cups. He clears his throat, ready to begin the show.

Of course, he is ready to begin the show that is known as Saucy Sunday’s, an internet cooking show that has attracted the likeness of teenagers all throughout the area. The show is filmed Sundays, on both Instagram and Snapchat, courtesy of the creator, junior Ben Schaefer. Schaefer has come up with the shocking idea of combining old, sometimes expired ingredients into a drink, or sauce as he calls it. Then he consumes the ‘sauce’ on camera.

“What gave me the idea of Saucy Sunday’s,” B. Schaefer said. “I honestly don’t remember. I think it was because I was hanging out with friends and doing stupid stuff and mixing up drinks.”

Slowly, in probably the most relaxed but precise way something could be poured, Ben fills each glass with grape juice, apple juice, and orange juice. Kathy Schaefer, Ben’s mom, pesters him about how there appears to be some ‘leftover Saucy Sunday’ on the cabinets, in the form of dried barbecue sauce. His parents are not

@saucy.sunday.drinks too opposed to what he is doing for Saucy Sunday’s, but do their best to steer clear of what is going on.

“I don’t think my dad really cares, and I don’t think my mom likes it very much, like she actually thinks I’m gonna drink something that is poisonous or dangerous or something,” B. Schaefer said. “It’s not like I’m gonna pour bleach into a drink, I’m a smart boy.”

As the Schaefer household slowly comes alive to the sounds and smells of a typical Saucy Sunday, Ben continues his show, pouring milk into each glass, something atypical for a fruit based drink.

Naturally, for a show to be a show, someone has to record it in some manner. The camera work is done by freshman Issy Schaefer, Ben’s younger sister, who is perpetually getting all the right angles for the show. Although she enjoys the camera work, she prefers to call it crazy rather than entertaining.

“Saucy Sunday’s are interesting, a little crazy, but it parallels with just about everything Ben does,” I. Schaefer said.

“Sometimes, after he makes awful sauces, it’s just like, why are you doing this?”

At this point, the original fruit based drink is so far from the original, and smells so rancid and awful that one could easily question Ben’s reasoning for doing this. He has added mustard and pickle juice to the concoction, producing something that smells probably just like what you would expect something with milk, juices, mustard and pickle juice to smell like. This

is not Ben’s first rodeo, as Saucy Sunday’s has seven published shows, and many other times Ben has taken requests on Snapchat for drinking himself into comedy. Possibly the most viewed and liked show was one dubbed the title, “Cooking with Brisco,” a show with his older brother, Brisco Schaefer.

“Saucy Sunday’s really is great,” Br. Schaefer said. “I’ll admit I was skeptical at first, but I tried some of the sauce we made, and it was actually absolutely delicious. I was never really scared for my own health, except for that one time we put a little too much hot sauce in there (the sauce).”

There are things to watch out for, even in the ‘fun and games’ kind of setting that Saucy Sunday’s is. According to Livestrong, consuming too much hot sauce in a short period of time causes acid reflux, along with a lessening in hunger. Pickle juice, another staple of Saucy Sunday’s, has significant effects on increasing one’s blood pressure. In the past, a common statement has been that pickle juice will help ease cramps, but just recently, proved by Cooper Institute, doctors have agreed that too much pickle juice may actually cause electrolyte imbalances and worsen cramping.

“The best ingredient to throw in, at all times, is ketchup,” said Br. Schaefer. “I put ketchup on my ketchup.”

The two glasses set out previously by Ben are now both full, gleaming a murky, reddish color. Ben has added the final ingredient, the ever so zesty tabasco sauce. He stirs it up, allowing for Issy to get a closer look at the gross combination of substances, and takes a whiff of the drink. It smells of rotten milk, and hotness from the overzealous amount of tabasco sauce added, although Ben would

tell anyone in person that there is, “no such thing as too much sauce.”

Ben has had many guests on the show, including junior Matt Goblirsch, sophomore Kaylee Davis, his older brother Brisco, and even myself. Davis, who was on the show along side Goblirsch, recalls the mixture they drank on the show and the possibilities of Saucy Sunday’s.

“I kind of feel the entire show has gone too far, because we never really needed to combine gross ingredients in the first place,” Davis said. “It could’ve been a cool outlet to making new foods, but no. It’s gross.”

Finally the show is coming to its climax, and Ben takes a drink of his creation. As expected he coughs and gags for a while, due to the grossness of the drink. The pure smell in the room from the drinks is overpowering. This is his apex point in the show, and he thanks his cameraman, leaves his social media tags, and completes his outro by asking anyone to leave comments and suggestions for next Sunday’s show.

All in all, Saucy Sunday’s appear to not have too significant an impact on Ben or any other guests on the shows health, as the aforementioned ingredients are used in small consumption. Saucy Sunday’s are a way for Ben to use expired and sometimes horrifically bad ingredients to gain comedic appeal and support for the show. As of now, Saucy Sunday’s is sitting at over 100 followers on Instagram, and gaining new followers quickly.

“You should probably go follow me at saucy.sunday.drinks. on Instagram,” B. Schaefer said. “We just hit over 100 followers today, baby. All for the fame, all for the name.”

BELLA VITA

HEART THAT HOOKS

By Emily Acker SPORTS EDITOR

By Jessica Blum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

QUAINT ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN ELKHORN SANDBOX SPREADS SCHOOLWIDE

I

t was around dinner time, and I felt my stomach grumbling. My friend and I went back and forth debating on where we would eat dinner. At the time, we were in sitting in my mom’s house in Elkhorn. I suggested that we go to Bella Vita, since it was within walking distance from my mom’s house. I had been there once before, but it was years ago, and I could not remember it well.

It has an adorable building with a brick exterior and black awning. Even though it is a small building, there were plenty of people there. We were greeted by a friendly man immediately after walking in and were seated right away. I decided to order the classic spaghetti and meatballs. First, they brought out a loaf of white bread and oil mixed with cheese to dip it in. It was warm to the touch but regardless, we devoured it within minutes. It was brown and crispy on the outside but soft once we tore off a piece.

It was perfect and I was not convinced that it could be topped. Next, they brought out

salads which came with our meals. I ordered the Caesar. It was good, but was not my favorite because I am kind of picky when it comes to Caesar dressings and salads in general. I do not like when they are too tangy. My friend got the Caesar salad too and loved it. Finally, my pasta came. The portion size was overwhelming, and I knew it was more than I could eat. Even the meatballs were about the size of a pool ball. There was loads of sauce that had a little spice that set my mouth on fire. I loved it and ate as much as I possibly could. In total, my meal cost $15. My friend I was with ordered the manicotti and enjoyed it.

Overall, my favorite part was the warm bread that came with my order. I feel like my meal was kind of pricey, but I got plenty of food and even had a ton of leftovers. I think that Bella Vita is a great place to go every once in a while, but not all the time since it is fancy. I would recommend it if you have a date or feel like dressing up. I urge you to give it a try for yourself.

Night Out Bella Vita is a local restaurant in Elkhorn. The menu had plenty of options to choose from. As an appetizer I got the caesar salad which came with my meal. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs for my entree. photo by Emily Acker

S

andbox usually appears on the front screen of each user’s phone; swiping through pages of applications is not common within the Sandbox community. Sharing, scraping, sliding, and sketching, Sandbox has meandered its way into the lives of males and females across our high school. It is times like the present, cramming for a test or writing the last pieces for a project, where there is something more waiting behind the screen of any phone. Once found, it is hard to stop.

Making its debut on June 3, 2017, Sandbox is a “color by number” application that is available for download in the App Store on iOS devices and in Google Play for Android devices at this time. Students across our school use this as a healthy break from homework. or to escape boredom. With little to think about, it eases the tension when discussing topics in uncomfortable situations; therefore, this app is useful during counseling and personal discussions. Stylus in hand, tap, tap, tap, tap, until the puzzle is done. Too quickly, hours have elapsed and it is now time to end the procrastination.

Under this elementary idea, users become hooked after finding the images of interest. Cars, sports equipment, sunsets, makeup, etc. are contained within a single tap and download.

Within the newest edition, a couple features have been added. An “A” can be see displayed in the top right corner of some of the images, signaling that the picture, upon completion, will animate. Located diagonally across the image is a target-like button that will take any user to images that are similar to the original. For example, a basketball picture will return other similar basketballs or sports equipment at first. As the list goes on and on, the bunny hole is nearby, for it is easy to get lost in the Sandbox.

The spectrum of colors incorporated by this app are encoded. Without much explanation, it is simple to know that the more colors there are, the more detailed and extensive the picture is.

Limitations follow with most actions, and Sandbox has its share. Although the app is free, countless images have a little heart in the bottom right corner that indicate it is only included within the exclusive package deals, also known as “in-app purchases.”

Subscriptions include “$2.99 weekly, $7.99 monthly, or $39.99 annually” according to appapp.io.

A heart can hook in more than one way, but especially with this one. Be careful.

Fair warning, this app may be on its way to a friend’s phone screen. Do not look far, because the app will be within a finger’s reach on the first screen of every phone.

Bye Buddy Sandbox boils down to the basics: coloring by number. For decoration, Jessica Blum (18) mapped out her own Sandbox depiction of Buddy the Elf. Leaving in partially uncolored, it gives off the temptation to pull it off the wall and color it. photo by Jessica Blum