The Vanguard 2019 Volume 1 by GHS Media

Vanguard

The

Volume 1

Vanguard

The

Journalism 2 Staff

04-05

n. a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas

Basic ARt/Graphic Design

40-55

Cartooning/3D & Graphic Design

06-21

Michael Moore

Mr. Moore Lilly Legonou Grace Kienow Katie Drummond Micki Kratina Shelby Reny Soraya Rahmanzai Amber DeVries

Vocal Music/Guitar

22-39

Patrick Ribar Brandon Shostak Mr. Ribar Mr. Shostak Jonah Bricker Lauren Newstrom Thomas LaMountain Carsen Gobber Kaylee Davis Jacob Stover Megan Weimer

Table of Contents The Vanguard Vol 1 2019

Alexa Rohde

Ms. Rohde Corista Glatter Kyle Naber Brooklyn Schuler Mya Williams Madeline Serefko Reese Jaeger Abigail Hahn

Creative Writing

56-71

Jennifer Long

Mrs. Long Cecily Jones Nicole Carraher Ryan Zeleny Tristen Menichetti Reagan Pearson Hannah Doorenbos Amber Szaro

Drama and theatre

72-87

Kiley Luchsinger

Mrs. Luchsinger Kaiya Russell Serena Wilson Payton Long Paige Pulte Chuck Sams Faith Polivanov Chloe Irwin

ARt Tech/Drawing/Painting

88-103

Amy Oliver

Mrs. Oliver Emily Schultz Keegan Towey Jade Vogel Anthony Zaner Abi Laluk Macy Keiser Kate Zeleny

Students recognized at emc art show Brooke Downing - Grid Drawing Macy Keiser - Lion Acrylic Painting Payton Long - Flower Acrylic Painting Payton Shoup - Grid Drawing Jade Vogel - Grid Drawing Marissa Ellingson - Self Portrait Pencil Drawing Nhu Hoang - Chinese Portrait Ink and Watercolor Tristen Menichetti - Pencil Portrait Keegan Towey - Grid Drawing and Sticky Note Drawing Sydney Wagner - Springtime Window Acrylics Alaina Cornett - Watercolor Dog Katie Drummond - Lake Acrylic Painting Libby Hurd - Palette Painting Micki Kratina - Tile Canvas Collage Kassidy Oliver - Pouring Paint Technique on Canvas Abi Laluk - Puppy Acrylic Painting on Window Bradley Sullivan - Prince Grid Drawing Creighton Taylor - Grid Drawing Abbie Colgrove - Pottery Lilly Legonou - Sculpture

Band/Percussion

104-118

Andrew Norris Mr. Norris Brynn Boes Liam Pohlmann Libby Birdwell Patrick Osborn Maddie Gulizia Sarah Ference William Holke

Table of Contents The Vanguard Vol. 1 2019

Journalism 2 2 0 1 9 Gabriella Goday Grace Deines Peyton Rewczuk Samual Rowland Kaiya Russell Shaina Russell Cade Suing

Journalism 2- Baijnauth page by Shaina Russell

Moore page by Grace Deines

Michael Moore

An Inspiration to All

ichael Moore, Art Instructor first started out by recieving a Bacholers of the Arts degree at Peru State because at first he wanted to be an artist. He later on went back to school a few years later and got his teaching certificate. Fourteen years ago, Moore waited for there to be an opening at Gretna and then he applied because he knew Gretna would be a great place to work. In Moores free time he likes to paint and draw in his home studio. His favorite pieces are his graphite drawings, those are the pieces that he is most happy with. When asked what is favorite memory about he teaching Moore said, “There are too many to write about, all the small victories that help make an indivual human beings.” Moore was inspired to become a teacher by his high school math teacher because he went out of his way to help Moore get through algebra. His maingoal when teaching is to tap into each students creativity and show students that they do have a creative side to them. “Everyone can create at some level,” said Moore.

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Everyone can create art at some level.

Moore page by Grace Deines

Moore - Legonou page by Gabriella Goday

Lilly Legonou

My Perspective

fter taking Basic Art, Drawing Fundamentals and 3-D design I&II, and wanting to try something new, Lilly Legonou sophomore, enrolled in Mr. Moore 2019 pottery class. “It’s really fulfilling when someone asks about a character in an image because these characters have their own personalities and lives that I can show off through my work.” She doesn’t change her technique much but stays to the normal standard process. Even though her art ideas or techniques may be similar to other artists she always gives her pieces personality and some sort of creative twist, helping leave her touch on the art. “A lot of times, I get asked “What is that?” in reference to an animal or creature in one of my pieces,” said Legonou. “The answer varies greatly, but a lot of times those creatures are my own interpretations of mythological animals, or simply animals that I’ve made up.” Legonou actively follows her influencers on social media. One influencer she follows right now is Ikimaru, additionally her past art teachers have also had a impact on her art, pushing her into a new direction of art. “In terms of art, what I feel I’m most passionate about is how my art is interpreted.” said Legonou. “There’s not always an underlying meaning, and yet, sometimes there is. I wouldn’t want something to be taken the wrong way, so I do my best to portray my meaning clearly.” Legonou’s interest started with her random doodling to portraits of animals making her interest in art grow when she was younger. Now she is thinking about art schools and where it will take her in the future. She has no real message to her viewers besides to thank them for supporting her art.

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A lot of times, I get asked ‘What is that? in reference to an animal or creature in one of my pieces,’ The answer varies greatly, but a lot of times those creatures are my own interpretations of mythological animals, or simply animals that I’ve made up.

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Moore - Legonou page by Gabriella Goday

Grace Kienow

Just Clayin’ Around

race Kienow, junior, thinks art classes are fun and a good kick-back from the rest of the school day. Kienow is enrolled in 3D Design Two and has taken Basic Art, Drawing Fundamentals as well as 3D Design One. Mr. Michael Moore has a big influence on her art as he always has tips and tricks for her pottery. She takes that advice to heart to make her art her own. Kienow is not much of a painter, so she likes pottery because it is more hands on and less stressful than painting or drawing. Kienow thought about giving up pottery when her pieces kept exploding in the kiln, but Mr. Moore encouraged her to try again until she got it right. Kienow’s work is different from other artists because she likes to put cascade under her paint color, and it makes the paint run, giving it texture and a glittery look. Kienow says her favorite part about having art classes is the new people she meets and the friendships that have grown from them. Kienow’s biggest achievement in pottery would be not giving up when her pieces break in the kiln even when it is discouraging.

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Kienow - Moore page by Peyton Rewczuk

I have taken most of the art classes gretna has to offer. Art classes are fun and a great kick-back throughout the school day.

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Kienow - Moore page by Peyton Rewczuk

Drummond- Moore page by Samuel Rowland

QA &

Katie Drummond

Unlimited Potential

Why did you enroll in this particular art class? I enrolled in this class because it is my senior year and I haven’t taken one like it before. Has a teacher influenced you? If so, who? Yes, Mrs. [Amy] Oliver has influenced me to push myself further and try new things.

How do you think being involved in your field will impact your future? I plan on art being a hobby that I continue doing for the rest of my life. What do you find you are most passionate about? In art, I am most passionate about painting. What is your favorite type of art/ performance/music piece? My favorite piece of art that I have created was a blue bird in middle school. Have you ever thought of giving up?

I have thought of giving up before, but I didn’t because there’s a lot more I can learn. Drummond - Moore page by Samuel Rowland

Makinley Kratina

More Than Meets the Eye

akinley Kratina, senior, has been pursuing art all throughout high school. She has taken Basic Art, 3D Design I and II, Drawing Fundamentals, Painting, Advanced Art I through IV. One of her passions within her art is painting sculptures. She plans to continue to work on her art in her free time while she balances work and college. The most treasured piece of artwork Kratina created was her collage made with clay tiles, glass mirror pieces and color pencil shavings. The artwork was shown at the conference art showcase. Kratina uses her interest in the human body and other random things to originate her art. A memory that Kratina will never forget is being able to see the final product of a project she has worked on and knowing she was the one who created the masterpiece. A question she is often asked is “how are you so good?” and she states that it just takes practice and even an experienced artist has to redo things multiple times before they get it right. Art has helped her to think more creatively in problematic situations. A majority of her satisfaction comes from being able to tell a story in a piece of art, not just one that looks cool. Through her art, she works to communicate who she is and tell her story.

Kratina - Moore page by Kaiya Russell

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I think I am just a very creative person, everything I like to do has a different twist that no one would think of.

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Kratina - Moore page by Kaiya Russll

Shelby Reny

Big Dreams Ahead

helby Reny, junior, is currently enrolled in 3D Design art class. Reny has moved 13 times in her life. Before moving to Gretna, Reny lived in Washington which is a very depressing state because of the darkness and rain so she decided to use art as a coping mechanism. She enrolled in this art class to improve her skills so she can begin animation. Reny’s biggest inspiration for her art is her mom because she draws in her free time. Her favorite type of art is semirealistic art. Reny plans to attend an art college and then try for job with the artoon Network and do what she enjoys. Reny has never had thoughts of giving up art because she says she is very stubborn. She has been set on being an animator since she was in middle school. Around middle school, her mom said she wasn’t gonna be able to do this, but she was going to prove her mother wrong and will continue to follow through with it. Reny’s has been developing her styles and trying new things over five years. A special technique that Reny applies to her art is incorporating more shapes and different designs than other people. Reny’s biggest achievement is drawing cartoons of the workers and kids from a Dentist and they were all hung up back in Washington.

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Reny- Moore page by Shaina Russell

I want to get people involved with stories so they have an escape from reality, because I know how hard it can be when going through hard times and some people just need that escape.

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Reny- Moore page by Shaina Russell

Rahmanzai - Moore page by Cade Suing

Soraya Rahmanzai

New Creative Horizons

oraya Rahmanzai, senior, uses the culture and styles of Afghanistan and applies it to her clay creations in Nebraska. From a young age, Rahmanzai would play with her friends by creating an assortment of dishes and other things for their dolls to play with out of the clay and mud that surrounded their homes in Afghanistan. This creativity and skill followed Rahmanzai to Gretna where she is able to continue her passion through 3D art. Through further experience at GHS and trying new things, Rahmanzai was able to create one of her favorite pieces, a small clay elephant (Picture on page). During her time in Afghanistan, Rahmanzai’s grandmother helped construct a tandoor oven, which Rahmanzai learned techniques and design styles from. While keeping the spirit and style of her native country alive, Rahmanzai was also able to

incorporate things from her new home she had never before had access to. “There are a few big differences between here and Afghanistan as far as things I was able to make,” Rahmanzai said. “In Afghanistan, there was no kiln, so we would just roll it in sand to make it stay in the certain shapes. Here we have a kiln, which I really enjoy. We are able to glaze it and the things we create look much cooler and more professional.” The art Rahmanzai creates started as just something she did for fun, which is what her art is now as well. She looks at her art as a way to relax and quite simply an outlet for creativity. Although she enjoys these clay creations in her high school years, she does not view it as a potential career. Rahmanzai is able to provide an example of being able to connect cultures and areas of the world through her impactful art.

Rahmanzai - Moore page by Cade Suing

DeVries - Moore page by Grace Deines

Amber DeVries

A Comic Strip at a Time

mber DeVries, senior, has always had a passion for art. “I got into Comics, Cartoons, and Caricatures because I wanted to see if I could stand up to the deadlines of an art job, if I chose to pursue art as a career. I’m also in Art Techniques right now. I also just enjoy art classes. I’ve taken a few fine art classes, along with a couple classes involving graphic design. Basically whatever Gretna has to offer, though I haven’t gotten into the 3D design classes,” DeVries said. All of her teachers and her artistic friends have influenced her, along with professional artists that she comes across. As for the future, she is not sure if she could draw comics as a job because it is very competitive, she fears it would kill her love for art. She enrolled in the comics class to test out the deadlines, and so far she is loving it. She does not have a favorite piece of art, she just loves what she does. DeVries has never thought about giving up on art. She has just worried that if she went into it as a career that it would take the joy out of drawing, but doing it for her own fun is just too integral for her to just give up entirely. Comics and

graphic novels are a main influence on DeVries because they are very versatile in story, art and impact. “I really like artists with a distinct style- whether clean or sketchy, detailed or simplistic, high-end or just some doodles- I like seeing something and knowing that it’s this person’s piece,” said DeVries. “My friends tend to give me plenty ideas too. It’s almost a game for us, we get into some deep, ridiculous discussion, getting more and more absurd until we look around at each other and ask, ‘Alright, so who’s going to draw this?’” What makes her work unique is that she expresses her personality because her art is a part of her, a look in to her head and how she thinks. “You get a room of 20 people and tell them to draw happiness, and you’ll see 20 different interpretations, full of personality and experiences of happiness,” DeVries said. Her drawings have thick linework, partially because she likes to do, but also because it covers up mistakes and makes them look intentional. She uses her art work as a photo album in a way. Some of her work represents old memories. “A lot of my work helps me remember things, old feelings and happenings, and it’s all something I appreciate,” DeVries said. She has always been drawing for as long as she could remember, she never really had a start or a reason for it, she just liked it. The number one question she gets asked is, “How do you just draw these things?” and her reply is, “Art is a skill, not a talent. The more you draw, the better you will get. I’ve got all kinds of old drawings with wack anatomy and scribbled disasters. I just kept scribbling.” Her biggest achievement in this field is to have someone besides her parents be impressed by her work.

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A lot of my work helps me remember things, old feelings and happenings, and it’s all something I appreciate.

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DeVries - Moore page by Grace Deines

Mr. Ribar page by Gabriella Goday

Patrick Ribar

Changing the future

uring his freshman year in college, Mr. Patrick Ribar thought he would pursue a career as a news anchor. During his studies, Ribar found himself leaning towards a career in music and began to question if the news industry was the best career path for him. Unaware at the time, that one day he would become an influential music teacher at GHS. “I kept gravitating towards music classes, and I had an assignment due for my news class the professor said ‘why is your assignment late’,” said Mr. Ribar. “And I said I was practicing for music and he asked me, ‘well, what’s your major’? I went ‘you’re right’ and I switched.” Mr. Ribar teaches a lot of the music classes in the music curriculum. He teaches the choir classes, Stagecraft, History of Rock and Pop and Music Theory. He also directs show choir and the musical as well. “I think a healthy music program has four legs on the table,” Mr. Ribar said. “Meaning the musical is one, the show choir is one, the concert choir is one and the vocal jazz is one. A lot of places have three. Some just have two, and some only have one.” Ribar has three major factors for his students to possess, skill, knowledge and the ‘wow’ factor. Skill meaning where the students’ talents lie. Knowledge meaning what they have learned inside the classroom. Lastly, the ‘wow’ factor meaning students loving and having fun in their classes. “The thing that came to mind was, I think they are very prepared,” said Mr. Ribar. “ I didn’t feel prepared out of high school and I wanted to make sure they were.” One thing Ribar wants to achieve is to prepare his students at their own level for whatever they decide to do in the future, whether students go into music or another passion they wish to pursue. He is happy that he can help prepare them for the future even if the music classes were nothing more than a unique experience.

Mr. Ribar page by Gabriella Goday

Mr. Shostak page by Gabriella Goday

Brandon Shostak M

A Changed Mindset

r. Brandon Shostak went to college with the thought of majoring in music education after having been in choir throughout high school, and later college. He majored specifically in the Bachelor of Arts and Music Education. Teaching came naturally to him. Mr. Shostak had many family members who had also taken up a teaching degree. “Someone inspired me to try something new and that something new happened to be music,” Mr. Shostak said. “Then that something happen to be I was able to understand music and just never apply it to myself.” After developing a new found love for guitar, Mr. Shostak wanted to give his students the opportunity to fall in love with the instrument just as he did. He began teaching guitar class three years ago, giving him something new to try and teach. “I picked up the guitar like most people did I guess,” said Mr. Shostak. “Where ‘oh it is a cool looking thing’ or ‘it's pretty neat to see someone rocking away at that thing around a campfire. So I just picked one up after I helped my sister move and I kinda dabbled.’ ” As he continued to ‘dabble’ in guitar, he joined a weekly group of singers and guitarists who met informally at Vino Mas in Omaha. Group mem-

bers would perform songs that were either suggested by the group performing or by the crowd. “They get together and circle sign,” Mr. Shostak said. “So you just put your name on the board and they just loop through the list of people. Sometimes if a vocalist wants to sing a certain song all the guitar players would look up the song and beat, and they would collectively sing the song.” His guitar classes start off with learning what a chord is, how to read music, how to play the chords. He wants his students to learn to challenge themselves. He wants to show his students that there is potential for everyone in the music industry, teaching them that the growth of knowledge is never fixed but always expanding. “My main goal when teaching is not to have them be masters at guitar,” said Mr. Shostak. “But just to put a little notch in their belt of ‘i tried this and thought I wasn’t able to but now I realize am able to.’ ” Mr. Shostak wants to convey a message to students to push themselves to keep growing even if they feel as though they have met the end of their learning abilities. He wants to show that there is a never ending hallway of adventure that challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and see the true beauty in the world whether that be musically, athletically, or educationally.

Mr.Shostak page by Gabriella Goday

Jonah Bricker Empowers Through Music J

onah Bricker, junior, is enrolled in Choir and Modern Acapella with Mr. Brandon Shostak, and also participates in Show Choir and Musical. These classes fuel his passion for music. Bricker grew up in a musical home and has been around the arts all of his life. When he was younger, his parents made him participate in choir, and he didn’t really like it. Since then, he has recognized his love for music and performing. Bricker used to be in band, but he used junior year to focus more on vocal classes. Even though he is not in band anymore, Ms. Chris Tucker has influenced him as an musician. Before he met her, he wasn’t into music, but he is now. Bricker also looks up to choir teacher Mr. Patrick Ribar because of how much Mr. Ribar loves music and how hard he works with his students. Bricker made the All-State Choir this year and considers it one of his biggest achievements. Bricker does not plan on pursuing a career in vocal music. Instead, he wants to become a sound engineer, so he will still be working around sound and music later in life.

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Bricker - Shostak page by Peyton Rewczuk

I have never thought about giving up choir because music has been what has gotten me through some of the hardest parts of my life.

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Bricker - Shostak page by Peyton Rewczuk

Newstrom- Ribar page by Samuel Rowland

QA &

Lauren Newstrom

Musical Prodigy

Why did you enroll in this particular art class? I took choir because I’ve always loved singing and I’ve done choir since elementary school. Has a teacher influenced you? If so, who? My music teachers in elementary school, Mrs. Simonsen and Mrs. Klein, allowed me to discover my love for music. Also, my high school teacher, Mr. Patrick Ribar, taught me everything I needed to know about performing on stage. He also gave me the confidence that I had the talent and dedication to pursue music as a career. How do you plan on pursuing your art in the future? I’m going to be majoring in Music Education in college, to hopefully become a music What is your favorite type of teacher on the side as a hobby. performance piece? I love musical theater as well as more What is the main thing that you want your formal music, like opera. art to communicate to your viewers? I always strive to communicate the most Have you ever thought of giving up? magical thing about music, which is that it I always strive to communicate the most can express what words cannot. magical thing about music, which is that it can express what words cannot.

Newstrom - Ribar page by Samuel Rowland

Thomas LaMountain What it Means to Me

homas LaMountain, senior, was in the Show Choir performance group. His sister, Lindsay LaMountain, was a big inspiration in his path of the arts. She participated in One Act, Show Choir, Musical, and multiple vocal classes. Lamountain attended his sister’s shows and decided to follow in her footsteps. He took choir as a prerequisite to Show Choir. In Modern Acapella, one of his favorite activities to do was to go “scaroling”. Scareoling is when the class dresses up in Halloween costumes and walks around the school and sings to classes. Mrs. Kristin Acker a teacher from Thomas Elementary, was another big influence because she made music fun. He does not plan to pursue singing after he graduates; instead, he will be pursuing a career in modeling. Lamountain has considered giving up singing because he does not consider himself a good singer. However, he continued to be with all of his friends in Choir. One of his favorite memories that came from being in the arts was in One Act. He was a character who had a smoker’s tone with a deep, raspy voice; when he was at a competition, he heard someone impersonating his characters laugh while they were in the bathroom. LaMountain is fond of this memory because hearing his characters laugh was alarming and funny. His involvement in vocal classes has given LaMountain a better work ethic because he had to do late nights of practice as well as working on constructing sets.

LaMountain - Ribar page by Kaiya Russell

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It’s a good feeling when you do a funny bit and the crowd laughs. It’s a feeling you can’t express.

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LaMountain - Ribar page by Kaiya Russell

Carsen Gobber More than a Song

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Show Choir has given me my best friends and has made me to be the person I am.

Gobber- Ribar page by Shaina Russell

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arsen Gobber, senior, believes he separates from other people because of his dancing skills. Gobber has always lived in Gretna, and he has participated in show choir with his longtime friends who are like family to him. Gobber enrolled in eighth grade show choir because his mom signed him up. In the eighth grade, he said he hated it, but now loves it because he performs with his best friends. Show choir director, Mr. Patrick Ribar, has inspired Gobber because he is good at what he does and he’s artistic and intelligent. Gobber is undecided for college but has plans to pursue his passion for show choir, in the future he might go to University of Nebraska Lincoln, and try out for Big Red Singers, UNL show choir group. To prepare their vocals they do a thing called soulfish, to help them know they’re singing the right pitch. Gobber’s favorite memory from show choir was at a competition when he was a sophomore. The choir was at northwest missouri state and it was really nice out. In 2016, the group got a caption which is winning all three sections, best vocals, best choreography, best band. Gobber is most passionate about the friends he made while in show choir. Gobber’s biggest achievement during his senior year was getting a solo. Gobber wants mainly to provide entertainment and joy to his viewers.

Gobber- Ribar page by Shaina Russell

Davis - Ribar page by Cade Suing

Kaylee Davis

A Will to Succeed

aylee Davis, junior, began her journey in the fine arts in middle school when she participated in show choir and musicals. That journey has continued into high school.. Davis plans to continue singing after high school. A significant aspect that Davis attributes to her success is her ability to take criticism or bad luck and turn it into a fuel to try even harder. This is what initially served as a catalyst for her to take show choir to the next level. In eighth grade year, Davis didn’t make the middle school choir after singing for it in seventh grade, but was put in the lower group available at the time. Davis thought this was discouraging in the sense that she thought she had already proved herself to the choir director. “I wanted to prove the director of that show choir wrong, so when I got to high school I auditioned for the show choir

here,” Davis said. “That was really the only reason I auditioned which was to prove her wrong. After that freshman year was when I really decided that this was something I was really passionate about and wanted to keep doing.” This same principle has also made her sharper mentally both in and out of school. Davis feels that show choir challenges the brain in ways other every day activities can’t fulfill. On top of the intellectual benefits available, Davis also believes that show choir gives her a formidable work ethic, fueled from the gut-wrenching second-places and the stress of an approaching deadline. “Nothing makes you work harder than when you prepare for weeks just to go to a competition and lose,” Davis said. “It’s the most gut-wrenching feeling. But those things push me forward, and give me the energy I need to succeed.”

Davis - Ribar page by Cade Suing

Stover - Shostak page by Grace Deines

Jacob Stover J

A Rising Star

acob Stove, Senior is from Gretna, NE. He has a love for country and gospel music. Coming from Gretna, he has a lot of farmers and a lot of churches so I think this played into my music. “My mom bought me a guitar when I was younger and I never learned how to play it, it always sat in my room against the wall. When I saw that Gretna had a guitar class, I was excited to dust off the guitar and actually put it to use,” said Stover. Music Instructor, Mr. Shostak influenced him to become a better musician. He plans to join praise bands at some churches to play gospel music. Stover memorized the whole star spangled banner. “I have bigger hands than your normal person, so at first I found it very hard to play chords. Shostak helped me a lot along with many hours of practice,” said Stover. A few of Stovers biggest inspirations for music are Johnny Cash, Luther Perkins, Josh Wilson, and Doc Watson. “I have a 96 year old great aunt that has dementia that struggles to remember my name. On Christmas, I brought my guitar to her assisted living home and played some Christmas music for her. When I played Silent Night somehow she was able to remember the words and sang along to the entire song. It was a beautiful moment that I will always remember,” said Stover. Stover has always loved country, bluegrass, and folk music and

the main instrument in all of those genres is the guitar. He does not plan on making a career out of playing the guitar but he will continue to play because it’s a nice social factor to have around bonfires and get togethers. “Gospel music is great because I get to praise God and Jesus as I play guitar,” siad Stover. His greatest achievement in his field is getting his great aunt to sing Silent Night along with him while he played the guitar, and the main thing he wants his art to communicate to his viewers is good family values.

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My mom bought me a guitar when I was younger and I never learned how to play it, it always sat in my room against the wall. When I saw that Gretna had a guitar class, I was excited to dust off the guitar and actually put it to use.

Stover - Shostak page by Grace Deines

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I’m most passionate about helping others in this, you need another voice I’m in, need help getting the chords on guitar I’m here,” Weimer said. “Helping ot “I’m most passionate about helping others in this, you need another voice I’m in, need help getting the chords on guitar I’m here,” Weimer said. “Helping others with it you learn something as well, either a new way of looking at a piece or just new ways to style things. They can always teach you something.

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Shostak - Weimer page by Gabriella Goday

Megan Weimer

Strings of Passion

egan Weimer, sophomore first started her musical journey in elementary school when she sang a duet of Taylor Swift’s “Our Song.” This sparked Weimer’s ambition for her singing career. Now, in high school, she pursues music in multiple ways. She has taken guitar, choir, show choir and has been in a few theater productions. Of course, to improve her musical talents, she needed a bit of help. Two big influencers for Weimar were her music instructors, Mr. Brandon Shostak and Mr. Patrick Ribar. “Mr. Shostak mainly, he is really spunky and out there and makes you believe you can achieve the thing you are struggling with,” Weimer said. “Ribar is also a great influence as well, he will let you know of things that he knows you are able to improve on. And will help you improve on those things nonetheless.” When practicing, she never limits her musical talent to one technique. Weimer prefers to go with whatever she feels, sounds,

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and works best with her songs. She uses her passion for music to learn more about herself and to help teach others about their own passions in music . Weimer never missed out on a way to improve herself and help improve others. “I’m most passionate about helping others in this, you need another voice I’m in, need help getting the chords on guitar I’m here,” Weimer said. “Helping others with it you learn something as well, either a new way of looking at a piece or just new ways to style things. They can always teach you something.”

Shostak - Weimer page by Gabriella Goday

Alexa Rohde

The Teachings of Art

rt teacher, Mrs. Alexa Rohde, comes from a family full of teachers. She attended Creighton University for her first two years of college to play volleyball. After Creighton, she attended Wayne State College and graduated two years later with a Graphic Design degree. She realized Graphic Design was too competitive and wasn’t the right fit for her, so she began teaching. When she started student teaching, she loved the environment and knew she wanted to stay in the field. She decided she wanted to teach high school art because the kids are able to be independent, plus she doesn’t have the energy to teach young children.She believes high school students are more developed and they take art as an elective because they genuinely want to, rather than because they have to. Mrs. Rohde creates art in her freetime. She has done many art pieces throughout her life, but her favorite would be when she was student teaching at Aurora High School, and the school hired a mural artist from the East Coast. The mural artist was working on two big murals for the hallways and Mrs. Rohde got to paint a portion of one of them. Mrs. Rohde’s favorite part about teaching is the relationships she builds with her students, especially at a high school level where she can be a little more sarcastic and upfront with them. Mrs. Rohde says she learns from her students every day and loves getting to know them each year.

Rohde - Rohde page by Peyton Rewczuk

Glatter - Rohde page by Samuel Rowland

Glatter QA Corista Simple Sketches &

Why did you enroll in this particular art class? I took art class because I figured it would be a good break from normal kinds of classes. I have only taken Basic Art.

What is your favorite type of performance? My favorite type of art is simply drawing. How do you plan on pursuing your art in the future? I would like to keep making art just for the pleasure of it. Have you ever thought of giving up? Why have you not? I have never thought of art as something I would have to give up, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more of a pastime than anything for me. What/who are some of your biggest inspirations for your art? My mom has inspired me the most. When/what made you start in your field? Drawing is something every little kid does. I just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop after grade school.

Glatter -Rohde page by Samuel Rowland

Kyle Naber

Blank No More

yle Naber, senior, grew up near train tracks and has been fascinated with drawing trains. His favorite way to express himself is through drawing. In addition, his favorite art piece he created was a drawing of a detailed train engine. Kyle considers Ken Marschall a big inspiration due to his attention to detail in the historical paintings of ships. Due to the amount of detail, a common question Kyle gets asked is how long it takes for him to create his drawings. Overall, he spends roughly four to five hours on each drawing. He finds passion in attempting to bring 100% of his vision onto a blank canvas. After Kyle graduates, he plans to continue art as a hobby but not pursue it as a career. He plans to work an office job after he is done with school.

Naber - Rhodes page by Kaiya Russell

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I always liked the idea of creating something on a blank piece of paper. Artistry is fun, creative, and there are no rules to it.

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Naber - Rhodes page by Kaiya Russll

Brooklyn Schuler Building Her Craft

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Art helps me as a person to be and to think more creative and to push myself to try new things.

Schuler- Rhode page by Shaina Russell

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rooklyn Schuler, freshman, is enrolled in Basic Art. Schuler took this art class in order to continue her passions of the arts throughout high school. Schuler says she enjoys the amount of freedom they have as students to draw or paint what they envision and the different projects the class takes part in. Art Instructor, Mrs. Rhode, has influenced Schuler as an artist because of the critiques and techniques she gives her students. Schuler wants to continue her arts and has hope of becoming an art welder. Focusing on more realistic art, Schuler differs from others by switching her pieces and doing sketches, water color, or pieces with colored pencils. A technique added to all of Schuler’s drawings is shading, she believes it makes the picture stand out to the audience and seem more realistic. Schuler says she is most passionate about her future and what the arts will bring her. The biggest issue that Schuler has faced is not letting other peoples art distract her from her vision and what she wants to create. The main message Schuler wants to communicate through her art is to create what you want if you like it, design it and make something extraordinary.

Schuler- Rhode page by Shaina Russell

Williams - Rodhe page by Cade Suing

Mya Williams M

ya Williams, senior, has been interested in music for almost as long as she has lived in Gretna, which has been her whole life. Recently, however, Williams has been trying to expand her creativity into the realm of painting and drawing. Having a multitude of benefits both now and in the future, Williams finds art to be a wonderful way to relax and let her creative abilities take over. “I enrolled in art because I am also in a lot of music classes, so I decided to take a different route with creativity, and I found out that I just really enjoy painting,” Williams said. “It’s a great time and a lot more chill compared to the music classes I’m taking.” After high school, Williams plans to be a music teacher. Through the large amount of time put into music both in and out of school, art serves as a way to expand her knowledge of the artistic world and be an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Art itself will also have an impact on her future as a music teacher, since Williams also plans to partake in musical directing. Stagecraft and set design are both crucial aspects to that role, and a knowledge of painting allows for Williams to execute that part of the job to its fullest potential.

Art of Tranquility Like most intricate things, painting takes time to get used to, but is a skill that Williams is glad she now has. “We have been painting a lot currently, which I really enjoy,” Williams said. “At first, I didn’t like painting too much because I wasn’t very good at it. But I’m getting better and it’s really relaxing. I like it. On top of that, Finishing a project is a great feeling of accomplishment. Having those deadlines is actually a great thing to keep you moving in art.” Being able to express one’s creativity is a big aspect of why Williams enjoys art. Not taking things too seriously and remembering to have fun is what opens the mind to new ideas. According to Williams, if you’re too worried about making mistakes and sticking to the outline, the ability to be creative is diminished to a infinitesimally small amount. That is one thing she likes about art, the ability to do what she wants to do without the fear of making big mistakes. “I would like to communicate creativity in my art,” Williams said. “I like that’s it’s not just a black and white regurgitation of facts. Art is a crazy big world and the amount of creativity within it is a crazy amount. I just hope to add to that crazy amount with the art I make.”

Williams - Rodhe page by Cade Suing

Serefko - Rohde page by Grace Deines

Madeline Serefko M

Never Too Old for Refrigerator Art

addie Serefko, senior, thought it would be a good time to take basic art since she was not able to take an art class any other year of high school. She really enjoys painting because it is a stress reliever. She is not going to pursue art as a profession, but will definitely continue to draw and paint. Her favorite piece is her panda painting. She has considered giving up on art because at times drawing can be very hard, but she never gave up because seeing the finished project makes it worthwhile. Her biggest inspiration is her mother. “My mom hung my panda on the fridge and I felt like a little kid showing my mom what I did.” said Serefko.

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My mom hung my panda on the fridge and I felt like a little kid showing my mom what I did.

Serefko - Rohde page by Grace Deines

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Jaeger - Rhode page by Gabriella Goday

Reese Jaeger

Creative Originality

eese Jaeger, freshman, in the past has enrolled in 3D creations and few other normal starter art classes. Currently, Jaeger is enrolled in basic art so she can continue to do more art classes in the future. “Last year in eighth grade, we got to choose to do art classes,” said Jaeger. “My teacher really boosted my love for art.” Jaeger stands out among artists because she is an original artist. Some artists stand out due to having similar style or art piece as another artist, but Jaeger takes pride in being a original artist who does not go off of other people’s example; trying to be as creative and original as she can be. “What I find most passionate about art is that you can do it however you want,” said Jaeger. “And be as creative as you want.” Jaeger has helped inspire students to to make more creative and orginal art. Though she has become an inspiration among her peers, some of her biggest influencers are her teachers. “Some of my biggest inspirations are Ms. Warren, my eighth grade art teacher, and Mrs. Rhode, my teacher this year,” Jaeger said. She has thought of giving up a lot this year but looks towards her future plans to keep her going. In the future, she plans to sell her art for people to display, the way they want to. So her art can refelct on the person but also on her work. “I think being involved in art right now will help me get better so one day I can make money off of my art,” said Jaeger. “And maybe even compete in art shows.” One thing she wants to communicate to her audience is to take their time and never give up. She wants her audience to try their best because sometime when you try your best, your best is

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What I find most passionate about art is that you can do it however you want, And be as creative as you want.

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Jaeger - Rhode page by Gabriella Goday

Abigail Hahn

Makes Her Own Rules

bigail Hahn, sophomore, has taken Basic Art, Drawing Fundamentals,Graphic Design One, Graphic Design Two, as well as Painting. Hahn started taking art classes because she wanted to get into animation for a project she is doing and needed a place to start. She is grateful for getting Mrs. Amy Oliver and Mrs. Alexa Rohde as art teachers because they are encouraging and helpful. Hahn plans on getting into either cartooning or animation as a career because she loves creating art in her freetime now. Her favorite art pieces to do are ones involving character design and coming up with concepts for characters. She is inspired by artists she finds online or on YouTube that do their art regularly and originally. Hahn likes her art to be stylistic, so she doesn’t have to stick to the boundaries of what she “should” do. She has always loved art and cannot remember a point where she has not been doing it. Hahn thinks art will help her life from being limited and help her stay away from being “normal”. Regardless of what skill level she is, she is always proud of what she creates and likes to see herself continuously grow as an artist.

Hahn - Rohde page by Peyton Rewczuk

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Art is not something you can compare to other people very easily, but I just try to come up with new original concepts that no one else has done before.

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Holke - Norris page by Peyton Rewczuk

Jennifer Long page by Samuel Rowland

Long QA Jennifer Published Author &

When/ Why did you decide to teach this class? I have always taught that class because I was a creative writer and I think it is a very important skill to study. Did anyone inspire you to become a teacher? If so, who? Ms. [Carole] Carraher was my English and writing teacher who always was there to encourage me. Do you participate within the field that you teach in your free time? I write poetry, and I am also working on a novel. What is your main goal when teaching? I want for kids to learn how to be creative problem solvers and make kids trust their own creative skills. What is your favorite type of art/ performance/music piece? Probably right now it is my novel because I am working on it so much and it is always on my mind. What is one thing you want to convey to your students? Probably that they should always take their time to do personal writing, and to develop that skill because writing is something that is really important to hold onto.

Jennifer Long page by Samuel Rowland

Cecily Jones A Bright Light

ecily Jones, senior, is a frequent member of the Louder than a Bomb club. She has been participating in competitions against other high school students from the Metro area with her original poetry for three seasons. Jones began writing because of her interest of literature. She began writing poetry in middle school and with guidance from teachers, she fell in love with it. Writing has given Jones a new perspective on how difficult it is to be a an author. She plans to continue writing poetry after she graduates. One of her passions in life is the love she has for her family. Her love for her family often translates into her writing. She has written multiple pieces about her family. Her favorite piece is a poem of guidance to her little sister. The greatest achievement Jones had was falling in love with a poem without growing tired of the same piece through the writing process. According to Jones, when she writes something and reads over it so many times, she begins to hate it. However, she took her beloved poem to finals and placed in the top eight while competing with Louder than a Bomb.

Jones - Long page by Kaiya Russell

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All you ever hear is sad stories. It is kinda sad, there is an entire other part of this art that people are not exploring. I like to write poems that are nostalgic, happy, feel good poems.

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Jones - Long page by Kaiya Russll

Nicole Carraher Girl Full Of Mystery

icole Carraher, senior, separates her writing from others in her creative writing class by using an original tone and structure. . She took this class after taking Intro to Creative Writing and an advanced fiction writing class sophomore year, to get to creative writing. Carraher has always enjoyed writing and English. Her biggest inspiration for writing is Mrs. Jennifer Long because she works closely with her students on editing day and figuring their stories out. Carraher says she’s and amazing writing teacher and she enjoys the class more because of what Mrs. Long has taught her. Carraher’s favorite genre is mystery because it keeps the readers interested to read, as an author interested to what she will write next. She does not plan to pursue writing in the future as a career but wants to use what she knowns to become an english teacher. Carraher says her biggest inspirations come from assortments of genres her current favorite authors are Stephen King, recently Charles Dickens she says they both are very detailed writers. Carraher says whoever shes reading at the time influences her own writing. Carraher enjoys feedback and assistance when helping to get a point across to whoever is reading it to understand what you’re trying to say. The number one question Carraher is asked as a writer is how she comes up with her topics and ideas and how to put her ideas into words. Carraher finds her ideas from her dreams and from observing the people around her. The main thing Carraher wants to communicate to her viewers the message and entertainment in each story.

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Carraher- Long page by Shaina Russell

I study reading and writing now with hopes of passing on my knowledge as a teacher.

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Carraher- Long page by Shaina Russell

Zeleny - Long page by Cade Suing

Ryan Zeleny

Worlds at His Fingertips

yan Zeleny, senior, participates in Creative Writing, where he specializes in fiction writing that are meant to convey both his feelings and the world around him. As a sophomore, Zeleny found he was proficient in writing and decided to capitalize on the situation. Since then, he has been writing for fun, channeling his interest though classes at school. Zeleny feels his love for writing fiction is derived from the creativity he can put into it. He has dabbled in other types of writing, but feels fiction lets him be the most creative. Most of his inspiration comes from things that interest him in the real world. If something sparks his interest, Zeleny writes down his initial ideas in a rough story, before editing

it and deciding if it is worth pursuing. Zeleny’s writing includes a wellmannered amount of details that keep his stories clear and vivid, while not sacrificing the ability for the reader to use their own imagination within his words. “If I write something the way I picture it, other people might see it their own way, and I understand that,” Zeleny said. “So I put enough detail in my writing to convey the message but still give people a chance to figure it out their own way.” Throughout his writing career, he has never thought of quitting. Since writing takes time and energy, breaks have been taken. These breaks never last, however, since Zeleny considers writing to be too important to him to let it go completely.

Zeleny - Long page by Cade Suing

Menichetti - Long page by Grace Deines

Tristen Menichetti T

The Path of an Artist

risten Menichetti, senior, enrolled in art classes because it is really fun to have an hour during the day just to relax and work on a fun project. She has taken Basic Art, Drawing Fundamentals, Painting, and Advanced Art I. Mrs. Amy Oliver has been a big influence on her because she is always paying attention to detail and elevating her pieces. Her favorite art piece is “The Son of Man” by Rene Magritte. She sees art as a hobby and does not plan on pursuing it professionally. Her favorite piece she has created is a portrait of the actor Timothee Chalamet. She thought about giving up because it can get really frustrating when her piece is not turning out right, but she always tells herself she has to try again because eventually, she will start to make something she really loves. She feels her work is different than other artists because she goes from a very serious month long portrait to painting dogs in sweaters. “The only special technique I have is not doing things correctly and then somehow salvaging it,” Menichetti said. “My oldest sister is fantastic at art and watching her draw when I was little made me want to become good at it too,” Menichetti said. People ask her how they can get good at drawing and her answer is always to practice. “No one is good at the first try, it takes a lot of learning to produce something halfway decent.” “My biggest achievement is definitely the portrait I’m drawing now, I have never paid so much attention to detail and went so hard for something. I spent five hours alone on just getting the basic sketch of the features,” Menichetti said.

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My biggest achievement is definitely the portrait I’m drawing now, I have never paid so much attention to detail and went so hard for something. I spent five hours alone on just getting the basic sketch of the features.

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Menichetti - Long page by Grace Deines

Pearson - Long page by Gabriella Goday

Regan Pearson

My Creative Inspriation R

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egan Pearson, senior, first started her creative writing career her sophomore year when she joined louder than a bomb, after being recruited by a friend. LTAB is a after school program where students write original creative pieces and then put those pieces into competition. Pearson has been participating and putting pieces into competitions for three years now. “I continue to go back to LTAB because i love the atmosphere of it and creative poetry,” Pearson said. “Really always liked poetry, I thought it was interesting and to hear everyone’s interpretations of it. Also, how we all work together to dissect a poem to create a better one.” But, just like all great creators, Pearson has had one or two thoughts of giving up creative writing. Sometimes it was to busy for her schedule and she was unable to keep up with writing. “I’ve never been able to bring myself to quit because I love it to much,” said Pearson. “And you know you make it work.” Pearson wants to become a videogame and concept designer. She plans to use skills from

ames to connect with her audience. “Mainly what I want them to get from my writing is kinda just be yourself,” said Pearson. “I’ve been pushed into the other direction and I want you to just embrace who you are.“ Pearson hopes to continue to improve on her forum, instead free versing her poems. She wants to work on finding a good structure that she can work with consistently. She also hopes that she can continue to get inspired by others to better herself and her writing. ”I have two sibling who have autism and having had that I look at how people think differently and I really explore that realm of stuff,” said Pearson. “ I guess I just try to think outside the box would be the easiest way to put it but, I try to think differently and about something.“ She wants to communicate to her viewer to get involved with LTAB if students are able to. The community of LTAB is a welcoming community that can help students better their creative writing career. Pearson wants her viewers to continue to work hard and follow their creative passion to where ever it will lead them. Also, to continue to be yourself when other say differently.

I have two sibling who have autism and having had that I look at how people think differently and I really explore that realm of stuff, I guess I just try to think outside the box would be the easiest way to put it but, I try to think differently and about something.

” Pearson - Long page by Gabriella Goday

Hannah Doorenbos Mystery Writer

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Writing has taught me to think more creatively and put myself in other people’s shoes.

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annah Doorenbos, senior, is enrolled in Creative Writing to get writing experience to pursue an English career. She wants to become an English teacher in her future, and thought the class sounded interesting. Doorenbos has taken both Intro to Creative Writing and Creative Writing: Fiction Poetry. Mrs. Jennifer Long is one of Doorenbos’ biggest inspirations as a writer because she has always encouraged and taught Doorenbos. Another one of her inspirations is Agatha Christie. Doorenbos loves Christie’s style of writing and the way she sets up the mystery. Doorenbos wrote a mystery novel of her own that is still in its first draft. She plans on continuing the story in the future. Doorenbos considers finishing her book as her biggest accomplishment with her writing because she had a goal to write it in a month, and she completed it on time.

Doorenbos - Long page by Peyton Rewczuk

Long- Szaro page by Samuel Rowland

QA &

Amber Szaro

Vivid Stories

Has a teacher influenced you? If so who? Not a specific art teacher, but my science teacher, Mrs. [Deborah] Childs has helped me a lot in my career. What is your favorite piece you have created? I wrote a piece that I had just finished about my old home, and reminiscing about how beautiful the landscape was.

How do you plan on pursuing your art in the future? Doing art recreationally and sending in art for small productions. Have you ever thought of giving up? Why have you not? Of course I have thought of giving up, but this is what I love to do. What/who are some of your biggest inspirations for your art? I would say nature is probably the biggest inspiration for my art. I like to describe the beauty of nature as vividly as possible. It also helps to see talented people performing, I feel compelled to improve myself and strive to be like them. When/what made you start in your field? I just feel like my interest in writing and story telling. Describing things was the start of my field.

Long- Szaro page by Samuel Rowland

Kiley Luchsinger Pursue Passion

iley Luchsinger, drama instructor, started her career path by graduating with an undergraduate degree in Secondary Education with endorsements in theatre and English. She then recieved her Bachelor degree in Curriculum and Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language as well as English, specializing in American Literature and American Drama. Luchsinger never doubted her passion for teaching. It was something she always dreamt of doing. Theatre came a little later in high school when she joined a play to be around a boy she had a crush on. This impulse action resulted in a scholarship from the University of Kearney to learn how to teach drama. In college, Luchsinger participated heavily in the theatre community. Since graduation, she has not had much time for acting while working on her two Masters degrees, teaching and spending time with her family. Her favorite theatre pieces to watch are the ones she directed, as she gets to watch the kids she teaches in class that she has closely worked with. The play she enjoyed performing in the most is “You Can’t Take it with You,” where she played Penelope Sycamore. Being in plays and helping direct is just one of Luchsingers favorite things about teaching drama. One of her other favorite things about teaching is when she receives calls from parents sharing their child’s successes in public speaking. When teaching drama, her main goal is to give students the ability to step outside of themselves and overcome their fears to embody a character--as well as not feeling foolish while doing so. Her students are very skeptical at first, but by the end of the semester, the class is usually very close.

Luchsinger page by Kaiya Russell

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I want to convey that we’re all only human, and it’s okay to get poor scores as long as effort is put into the work, I want to convey that it’s okay to be a little weird. There’s no ‘perfect’ person around.

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Luchsinger page by Kaiya Russll

Kaiya Russell

Designer by Day, Model by Night

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The main thing I want to communicate to my viewers is that the same thing can be seen differen’t between two eyes.

Russell- Luchsinger page by Shaina Russell

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aiya Russell, senior, is currently enrolled in Drama 2 where she focuses on costume design creating costumes that work for each character. She has lived in Gretna her whole life influencing her art as a designer by seeing different people’s outfits and personalities, around urban areas. She enrolled in Drama 2 because she had a great time doing Drama 1 her freshman year and she met new people she wouldn’t have met before. Mrs. Luchsinger is one of Russell’s biggest inspirations of the way she teaches and interacts with her students. Russell’s favorite type of art for costume design, is designing more wealthier people because you get to play around with expensive looking fabric and detail. She does not have plans to go into this for a career, but she has been drawing costumes since she was in middle school and will continue to design in her free time. Russell’s favorite play to design costumes for was The Search for Cindy because of the variety of characters and challenge of getting the costumes to match the characters personality. . Russell’s biggest inspiration is her mom, Tonja Jacobsen, because she went to college to study design so she assists Russell in her work. What makes Russell designs different from others comes from being around desing all her life being a model and having a close friend as a designer. Miranda Hanson, one of Russell’s closest friends often asks her to model her designs so Russell has always been surrounded by the art. Russell says she is most passionate about impressing people with designs that will make their jaw drop. It shows her that it’s difficult and interesting work.

Russell- Luchsinger page by Shaina Russell

Wilson - Luchsinger page by Cade Suing

Serena Wilson B

efore she had moved to Gretna, Serena Wilson, senior, lived in Lincoln, Omaha, and Hickman Nebraska. Initially being involved in sports, seeing new places and school dynamics opened Serena up to different art types such as acting, photography, and henna designs. After seeing her first play, Wilson was hooked on the idea and has been pursuing it throughout high school. “For acting, I was inspired after seeing my first play at the Pinewood Bowl in Lincoln, which was Cats. The way they interacted with the audience was really cool, and from there I was really interested in acting,” Wilson said. “Since I’ve been acting, I always love seeing the joy on people’s faces after the show. You can be proud of the work that you did with the people that you have great experiences with.” On top of acting, Serena is also involved in other art forms such as photography and henna designs. Through these multiple skills, Wilson hopes to convey the fact that she is passionate about life, and wants every little thing to be noticed, such as small character adjustments while acting, or a detailed henna drawing on the hand. “Anything can be made into an art form,” Wilson said. “For acting I tell myself to go out there and do my best, since you only get one chance

An Artist’s Eye

and should make it count. Leave something on the stage that the directors are going to remember.” In the future, Wilson hopes to continue with her photography endeavours and improve in any way she can, from taking classes or looking up tutorials on Youtube. She also plans to keep auditioning in community theatres during her college career just for “the fun of it all.” Within making these plans for the future, Serena thinks it is important to reflect on the past to remember why she loves what she does so much. “Mrs. Luchsinger has influenced me by always encouraging me to try my hardest and going for what I want,” Wilson said. “Mrs Carraher has influenced me by making One Act my home away from home. I started acting in high school because I wanted to meet new people, and acting gives you a chance to be someone or something you wouldn’t get a chance to be in real life. The people in the community are also really nice and interesting.” Despite the many skills and obligations to stay on top of, Wilson manages keeps a positive work ethic and a level head. She believes that if people are going to be a part of something, it is necessary to put one’s full passion into it. If someone doesn’t believe in and love what they are doing, there isn’t much of a point in doing it in the first place.

Wilson - Luchsinger page by Cade Suing

Long - Luchsinger page by Grace Deines

Payton Long

The Show Will Go On

ayton Long, senior, was recognized by drama instructor Mrs. Kiley Luchsinger for her a passion for creating things. She has taken many fine arts classes and been involved in many programs, from art classes like Basic Art, Advanced Art, Painting, Intro. to Graphic Design, and 3D Design One to being apart of One Act, Choir, and Speech team. She loves to act out dramas and draw realistic pieces. Long has always had inspiration throughout her artistic career. Her lifelong inspiration is her mom, English instructor Mrs. Jennifer Long. Next year as a freshman at Nebraska Wesleyan University, she will continue in the fine arts as she works to become an art therapist. She hopes to continue acting and singing in college. “More than anything, I want my art to make people feel something. Good or bad, I just want to elicit a response of some kind,” Long said.

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More than anything, I want my art to make people feel something. Good or bad, I just want to elicit a response of some kind.

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Long - Luchsinger page by Grace Deines

Pulte - Luchsinger page by Gabriella Goday

Paige Pulte

Spark of Theater

he first time Paige Pulte, sophomore, ever auditioned for a show was in third grade for her elementary school St. Patrick’s Christmas pageant, and received a solo. After the show, other students ‘made fun” of how Pulte said some of her words.Pulte became doubtful of her performance and after that she told herself that she would never audition for another show again. But, being on stage was her passion and she soon pushed past her doubts and got back on the stage in fifth grade for a show called Pirates. She continued to audition and join theater performances with the help of her influencers. Mrs. Kylie Luchsinger helped Pulte learn drama in a fun and easy way. Mrs. Carole Carraher helped teach Pulte through One Act about how much she can learn about performances in a short season. “Lastly, I am influenced by Mr. Shostak because he taught me to not care what other people think, and it has helped me become less aware of myself on stage and more aware of why,” said Pulte. “I am on stage, to perform.” Her techniques in acting change with each character she has played. It also depends on what type of acting it is whether it’s a musical or a play. Pulte does what’s best for her character and performance.

“My favorite character I have played was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz last summer through Elkhorn Community theatre because it helped me grow so much as an actress and I had a ton of fun with the whole process,” said Pulte. “Even though I loved being in The Wizard of Oz, I really loved when I played a wife in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat because it was my first community theatre experience and I met so many amazing people.“ She will continue her passion in the theater industry in the future. Pulte plans to continue to inspire and influence others with her performances. “I think being involved in theatre now is going to be really good for any shows I want to be in in the future because not only does it show experience on my resume,” said Pulte. “But I also will learn so many different skills to help me out.“ She wants her audience to know that no matter what your performing communicate with the audience with different emotions. Also to use the stage to teach new stories and lessons while entertaining the audience.

Pulte - Luchsinger page by Gabriella Goday

Charles Sams

What It Takes To Be On Stage

harles“Chuck”Sams, freshman, enrolled in Drama because he likes acting and wanted to learn more. He plans on taking Drama again and taking American Drama as his English requirement his junior year. Outside of school, Sams takes singing, jazz, tap, and ballet classes while also performing in a variety of shows. Ms. Kristin Acker, music teacher at Squire John Thomas Elementary, has been a positive influence on Sams. When he left Thomas Elementary to move to Palisades Elementary, Ms. Acker gave him an heirloom music box and told him that she knew one day he would do something great in the arts. He says he still has the music box and it encourages him to keep working hard. Sams’ favorite type of performance is dramatic plays. Sams wants to pursue Theatrical Arts and work on Broadway. He grew up in Lincoln, and he is glad he moved to Gretna because there are more opportunities for acting in Omaha. He is acting in “Matilda the Musical” at The Rose Theater in June, but his favorite play he’s ever been in was “The Doll Maker’s Gift” because it was an original play and a world

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premiere. There was a time in Sams life when he felt like he was not good enough and stopped doing any theatre. He went back to it, however, because he realized theatre is what he loves and wants to do. When Sams is acting, he tries really hard to put himself in the shoes of that character and imagine he is really in the scene. An example of this technique was during the state competition for One Act; he was playing a ten year old boy named Benjamin in the play “Suffer Not,” and when he was watching the character Mary Brewer burn alive, he was screaming and crying as if he was actually in that situation. Sams’ favorite part about acting is getting close and becoming friends with the other cast members. Sams has always wanted to put the hard work in to successfully play his roles. Sams’ biggest achievement in theatre was when he was nominated for Best Actor at the Eastern Midlands Conference Tournament for One Act as a freshman. The main thing Sams wants to communicate to his audience is that acting is fun and interesting because it is like living through a character and experiencing life through another perspective.

There will be days where I think I’m not good enough, but it doesn’t discourage me because I know this is what I love and this is what I want to do

Sams - Luchsinger page by Peyton Rewczuk

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Sams - Luchsinger page by Peyton Rewczuk

Polivanov- Luchsinger page by Samuel Rowland

Polivanov QA Faith TikTok Influencer &

Has a teacher influenced you? If so, who? A lot of teachers have inspired me. Mr. [Patrick] Ribar, Mr. [Patrick] White and Mrs. [Kiley] Luchsinger all told me to keep going. Their motivation kept me going. What is your favorite type of performance? I love watching One Act plays and Musical. I don’t have a favorite because they are all so different and good that I couldn’t put one over the other.

How do you plan on pursuing your art in the future? I believe that by taking drama through high school, it will build my character and prepare me for the future in my dream job, to be a YouTuber. Have you ever thought of giving up? Why have you not? No, I have never thought of giving up. Theatre is what I enjoy, and I don’t see why I would quit. What/who are some of your biggest inspirations for your art? Just seeing people on TV inspires me a lot. Watching my favorite TV shows gives me inspiration for my work. When/what made you start in your field? When I was in 6th grade, there was a drama class I took that made me want to keep going. Ever since then, I have been involved in theatre. Polivanov - Luchsinger page by Samuel Rowland

Chloe Irwin

Up and Coming

hloe Irwin, freshman, has lived in Gretna her whole life and has also won awards for her acting. Although living in Gretna makes the drive longer to get to the Playhouse and the Rose, she makes it work. Irwin enrolled in Drama One for the opportunity to interact with people who share her love of acting and to have fun. Mr. Andrew Smith, Gretna Middle School Social Studies teacher, has influenced her by being supportive of her passion for acting. Smith understood the amount of school she had to miss for performances was necessary. One of her favorite roles was as Arthur during Shakespeare on the Green which allowed her to jump off a cliff and be covered in fake blood for her death scene. Irwin has performed for six years which has given her a leg up in her acting career by getting her name out there. In addition, being mature with her acting has helped her get more adult-based roles compared to the average roles she would be considered for as a 15 years old. She got into acting from attending multiple community theater performances with her grandma. That was followed by joining Missoula Children’s Theater where she continued her acting with a role in The Christmas Carol. Her biggest achievement so far in her career was playing Scout in ‘How to Kill a Mockingbird’. Both plays were put on by the Omaha Community Playhouse. She plans to attend college at New York University Tisch to pursue her performing career.

Irwin - Luchsinger page by Kaiya Russell

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So many people are going against their bodies and thinking bad thoughts about themselves. If you have a weird passion you just need to accept it and be who you are.

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Irwin - Luchsinger page by Kaiya Russll

Amy Oliver Art Enthusiast

my Oliver majored in Art education and did not always plan on teaching an art class. Oliver planned to go into college for commercial art, which now is called Graphic Design and after her freshman year she switched becuase she knew she wanted to be conversing with more people. She then followed the path of teaching to be around students. Oliver has been teaching for 27 years now, and when she first started at Gretna, she was the only art teacher here. Her first year she taught all the classes being pottery, sculture, drawing, painting and advanced art. When Gretna moved to the new building they hired another teacher so they split the classes. Oliver always draws and paints with her kids and alone in her free time she says it is because it is an easy escape. A water color piece that hangs in her parents home is her favorite piece, it is a glass vase with tulips sitting on an old quilt and made it about ten to twelve years ago. Olivers favorite thing about teaching is watching her students improve and grow as artist and as people. Along with her students progress, she enjoys the relationships she builds with them. Oliver’s high school art teacher named, Kathy Statsny, was the most influencial with art and teaching. As well as Statsny, her Dad also influenced her job because he taught for 44 years. She grew up watching all of her family members draw around her.Oliver’s main goal when teaching is that her students will build confidence in their own abilities that they are creative. A favorite thing of Oliver’s is that she gets to teach while also doing the thing that she loves.

Oliver page by Shaina Russell

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My favorite thing about my job is to watch my students grow as people and as artists over time. Watching them improve and succeed, Is a nice every year occurance.

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Oliver page by Shaina Russell

Schultz - Oliver page by Cade Suing

Emily Schultz

A Brush of Emotion

rt can be an exceptional way of conveying thoughts, emotions, and ideals with your community, and junior Emily Schultz demonstrates this ideal through a plethora of her art pieces. One of which was a mural being constructed inside Deputy Dale’s office to commemorate the relationship between GHS and the Sheriff’s department. “Deputy Dale wanted me to do something of the sheriff’s logo so, I designed the sheriff’s badge with a dragon that wraps around it,” Schultz said. “He asked me first to initially paint on his wall but then there were problems with actually painting things on the school walls. I commonly paint on Masonite board, so I just took a big piece of that and painted it on there and now he can move it wherever he wants.” Originally from Thornton and Brighton Colorado, Schultz did not have many chances to pursue art. When she moved to Gretna, however, she was able to foster her love for art at a level never before possible through the increase of art classes

available. The move from Colorado also gave Schultz the chance to capitalize on creating art incorporating the change of scenery and colors. “My favorite memory has to be when I painted a mountain scene from my grandmother, and she was very excited excited about it. She was just really happy at that moment and she immediately put it up on her wall. It just made me feel good about my art and how it can inspire other people. It reinforced the idea I have of how art is an important thing that should be shared with everybody.” Schultz paints by the principle that her art is there to convey the world how she sees it and bring happiness to others. She believes that even though people are going through many different things in their unique lives, that everyone can bond and experience art in the way it was meant to be experienced. The artist has the ability to convey an emotion through their work, and Schultz uses that to give people a sense of happiness and optimism in the world around them.

Schultz - Oliver page by Cade Suing

Towey - Oliver page by Grace Deines

Keegan Towey K

The Future is Art

eegan Towey, junior, attended Saint Cecilia grade school until 8th grade. There he was one of the only kids in his small class who even had an interest in art, and it has always been his favorite class. Since he was little, he has been enthusiastic about art. Towey began taking art classes in ninth grade,and he was determined to reach the highest level of art classes offered. Art class has always been the most exciting thing about the day. He started out in basic art with art instructor Ms. Sarah Warren and found the class enjoyable. He began to take art classes seriously when Mrs. Amy Oliver became his teacher. The intricate projects required more thought and technique; he became more invested and could begin to see his own improvements. “Mrs. Oliver has always been really motivated and encouraging, giving her good input on how something should look, or giving new creative ideas to enhance a piece, which has always been helpful,” Towey said. His favorite mediums changes frequently, it is whatever he is feeling he does best at during that time. He really enjoys painting with watercolor, acrylics and occasionally oil. He also really likes using dry mediums, such as graphite and colored pencils. “I really like combining mediums, for instance using watercolors with either pen, or colored pencils as well, which I can get a really neat finished piece with,” Towey said. Towey plans on going to college to pursue art. He is thinking about going into art education because of the influence of his teachers. His favorite piece that he created for his class: Advanced Art. In that class they are given more freedom to really push their creativity and capability. “One of my favorite pieces is a portrait of a girl,” said Towey. “I used pens and sharpies and other ‘writing utensils’ and I drew it on top of post it notes. I really like to have a meaning behind a lot of my pieces, but this one in particular is that someone can try to keep their life organized and put together [hence the sticky notes] but can also be chaotic [hence the scribbles throughout the portrait used to draw the entire thing and details and such].” He looks for inspiration for his own pieces from small artists on Instagram or Youtube. Towey believes that if the artist comes up with the creative idea on their own then it is automatically theirs and is different from everyone else. One of his favorite lessons is to not limit himself to one medium within a piece, since using multiple mediums within one piece can really show more contrast. “My favorite memory might just be when I realized that art was what I wanted to pursue in my future rather than something like medical or something,” said Towey. “I was really solidified

in the fact that, as cringey as it sounds, art is my thing.” He has loved art since he was little, but he did not get very serious about it until high school where he realized it was one of his greatest talents. He is often asked what he is trying to get across in certain pieces. Sometimes people will say they understand a piece of art, and Towey says that you do not really have to get it, sometimes there is not a meaning behind it and it just looks cool. Art courses at GHS have taught him the skills he needs to move on to college art classes. “Art honestly is one of my biggest passions because it really lets me be creative and makes me the most happy when I create something I like,” Towey said. One of his biggest achievements is the satisfaction he gets from himself and others when he creates something he 100 percent likes because as an artist the validation is rewarding for him. He wants whoever sees his art to appreciate it like he does, and he hopes that if there is meaning behind one of his pieces, he hopes he conveys it well. “The thing about art is that it can be so easy to discourage yourself the moment you aren’t satisfied with something you have created,” Towey said. “I really try to seek out the potential in my pieces and how I can make it the best it can, or how I can fix an error or bring it back to life. I often struggle with seeing the best in myself and my abilities, doubting myself or just trashing my piece, but it is important to really focus on your idea and your vision and persevere through the errors and doubt until you are satisfied with the outside. But honestly, sometimes it is ok to give up on a piece, if you, as the artist, are unhappy with your piece and don’t see any way to improve it, it is alright to restart and think of a new idea. It’s all part of the creative process.”

Towey - Oliver page by Grace Deines

Vogel - Oliver page by Gabriella Goday

Jade Vogel

Breaking Art Traditions

ade Vogel, senior, has stepped outside her comfort zone and defied art traditions. She started out doodling in class to taking every art class offered. She has influenced other students with her art. Though Vogel has had a huge impact on others, one of her biggest influencers on her art teacher Mrs. Amy Oliver. Oliver encouraged Vogel to step out of her comfort zone and become the artist she is today. Even though, she is an artist and influencer she uses her art to relax during stressful times take a step into the own world of art. “I get very inspired by nature, movies, myths and legends and other artists,” said Vogel. “I follow may artists on Instagram, and a few of my inspirations are Cyanine, Baylee_jae, Itslopez, and isabelle_stuab.” All great artist go through a time of wanting to give up, Vogel pushed past her doubts of giving up and continues to make inspirational art. One of her favorite pieces being har “Koi Fish” painting. With Vogels koi fish painting she stepped outside her comfort zone and took risks to make a masterpiece. “I take a step back, take a breath, and realize that not everything I create is going to be a masterpiece,” said Vogel. “Not every drawing is going to be something I am proud of, and that’s ok. It just makes me want to succeed more and find new inspiration and new techniques to better not only my art but my attitude.” Inspiration comes to people in different ways, it is how you use it, is what matters. In the future, she wants to keep doing art as a hobby instead of a job. She wants to continue to inspire people in, but, wants to make cleaning up the environment her number one priority. “I think art is a really relaxing and fun activity to do, and I think I will benefit from doing it in my free time,” said Vogel. “It will give me a way to relax during stressful times, be it school or work.” Vogel wants her viewers to know that not every piece is going to be a masterpiece, and that sometimes art is just for relaxation. But, she wants her audience to continue to push themselves so they can make their own masterpieces.

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I take a step back, take a breath, and realize that not everything I create is going to be a masterpiece, Not every drawing is going to be something I am proud of, and that’s ok. It just makes me want.

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Vogel - Oliver page by Gabriella Goday

Anthony Zaner

Watching Paint Dry

nthony Zaner, junior, feels art classes offer him time to relax and have fun doing something he enjoys during the school day. He has taken Basic Art, 3D Design, Drawing Fundamentals, and Painting. He has been interested in art his whole life, but his favorite medium is oil painting. Mrs. Amy Oliver has influenced Zaner with her bright personality. He does not plan on going to school for art, but he plans to continue painting in his free time. Zaner considers his father as one of his biggest inspirations, because he gives good ideas and advice for his art. Zaner likes to apply more texture to his paintings because he believes it makes the piece more interesting. Zaner has won contests, and he considers the prize money his biggest achievement in his art.

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Zaner - Oliver page by Peyton Rewczuk

I never give up. I just keep working on what I’m doing until I’m happy with it.

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Zaner - Oliver page by Peyton Rewczuk

Laluk - Oliver page by Samuel Rowland

QA &

Abi Laluk

A 3-D Lens

Why did you enroll in this particular art class? Right now, I am in 3D Art techniques and painting on glass. I have taken 3D art and painting. Has a teacher influenced you? If so, who? I feel like Mrs. [Amy] Oliver and Mr. [Michael] Moore have influenced me because I have learned so much from them. How do you plan on pursuing your art in the future? I don’t think I’ll pursue art in college, but I’ll definitely do it on the side as a hobby. What is the main thing you want your art to communicate to your viewers? I want my viewers to see what I see, and how much I love what I do. What is your favorite type of art/ performance/music piece? I really like 3D art, especially ceramics and throwing on the wheel, but I also really love to paint. Have you ever thought of giving up? I have given up on smaller projects that started off as ideas that I wasn’t for sure if they would work or not.

Laluk - Oliver page by Samuel Rowland

Macy Keiser

The Lion Inside “

acy Keiser, senior, grew up in Omaha. Halfway through freshman year, she moved to Gretna. This impacted her life by bringing her closer to family; in particular, her grandpa. Keiser’s grandpa is a sculptor who focuses on sculpting lions and biblical people. She has spent many days with her grandparents which lead to her to take art. Before attending GHS, Keiser attended to Millard North where she enrolled in orchestra and art. However, she was not able to focus on her art due to the her move to Gretna. She has taken Painting, Drawing, Pottery, 3D Design and Art Techniques. One of her favorite pieces of artwork is a 16 by 20 inch painting of a lion. This is her favorite because it was a Christmas gift to her grandfather, who has cancer. The painting is on display in the hallway of her grandparents’ house. Keiser wants to continue improve her art skills while pursuing a nursing major Brigham Young University in Utah.

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Keiser - Oliver page by Kaiya Russell

Art is a way for me to relax myself when I’m stressed. It’s kinda hard for me to put my emotions and thoughts into words so I use art to do that.

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Keiser - Oliver page by Kaiya Russll

Kate Zeleny

Recommended by All

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A big importance to me is how my art makes other people feel, I always try and make people feel a certain way when they see my piece.

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Zeleny- Oliver page by Shaina Russell

ate Zeleny, junior, has lived in Gretna her whole life and was raised with two very artistic figures, her mother, Chryssi Zeleny, and her grandmother. Zeleny is not currently enrolled in an art class but was recommended by many from past work. Zeleny has taken Basic Art, Drawing Fundamentals, 3D 1 and 2, and Painting. Zeleny enrolled in these classes because they gave her time to relax and to create her visions and make them come to life. Mr. Michael Moore has made a big impact on not only Zeleny’s art but her life.Art comes natural to him, and he’s good at showing his emotions through his pieces, and it inspires Zeleny to do the same. Ceramics art, 3D art is Zeleny’s favorite type of art because she likes to shape it and change the form. Zeleny plans to pursue her art by going to college to get her bachelor in arts degree and soon later following her teachers footsteps and becoming an art teacher herself. Zeleny painting of the joker was her favorite piece, she is very proud of the amount of time she put into working on it and perfecting the colors. Separating Zeleny from other artist, she tries to perfectly recreate the image she is in her mind to allow others to understand her mind and emotions. Focusing more on her own art, some special techniques are changing up every one of her art pieces and breaking her away from her comfort zone. A favorite memory that has came from Zeleny’s art, is going to the Hot Shops in downtown Omaha and being able to see her own art in the gallery when there are inspiring pieces next to her own. Zeleny says she is most passionate about how her art makes other people feel trying to make them feel what her art is portraying. She strives to communicate to her viewers, to connect with them through the emotions being brought out and shown in her art.

Zeleny- Oliver page by Shaina Russell

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Andrew Norris

More Than Just Music

or many people music is less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle, at least that is the case for Mr. Andrew Norris. In 2012, he became the director of the Gretna band program. Norris was involved with band in high school, but he began to take it seriously his sophomore year. “I was pretty mediocre as a player until I started taking private lessons after my freshman year,” Norris said. “I remember when I found out I had made all-state band my sophomore year that was just a life-changing thrill and it got me hooked forever after that.” Norris did not always plan on teaching, but found it to be his calling his senior year of high school. At the time, he was the drum major at Millard North High School’s marching band. Through helping his friends with music, Norris felt he was able to get experience early on for teaching. This ability to teach continued to grow after he graduated high school with the intentions of becoming a music teacher, giving him the chance to help more people than just his friends. From helping Norris gain confidence and develop a confidence in his music to providing leadership opportunities, plenty of people were there throughout his life to help him achieve his goals. “I decided by the end of high school

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that I didn’t really like doing anything else, so I should do something that I enjoy doing,” Norris said. “I also had some teachers that encouraged me to become a band instructor so it was kind of a combination of those things. My clarinet teacher, Sydney Nichols, who used to be a teacher at UNO was a big reason I got into teaching myself. My high school band director Matt Shepard was another one.” As a teacher, Norris’s main goal is to show his students that they don’t need to be afraid of hard work. He believes that the principle of a good work ethic and the determination to persevere through difficult times is something that his students can apply to not only band, but life in general. Norris believes that the relationship between the teacher and students should be one that pushes one another to be their best. “Here we have a lot of really talented kids so it’s fun to work with kids that have a lot to offer because it really challenges me to be the best that I can be so I think that is a really cool part about teaching here because not everywhere is like that,” Norris said. “Other places don’t have as many kids that really do try hard like they do here or have a lot to bring to the table. Kids here I found have a natural urge to want to get better, and I think that’s really rewarding as a teacher.”

Andrew Norris page by Cade Suing

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Boes - Norris page by Grace Deines

Brynn Boes

Practice Makes Perfect

rynn Boes, junior, was recognized by band instructor Mr. Aaron Norris. She has lived in Gretna all her life. She believes that living in Gretna did have an impact on her art because she grew up watching the Gretna Marching Band, and she always thought it was really cool. Boes enrolled in band class in sixth grade because she thought it would be good to just try it. Little did she know that it would become such a large part of her life. Band is the only art class she has taken, but she would like to take more in the future. Boes has had many teachers influence her. Her percussion instructor, Mr. Seth McKenzie, has taught her a lot about percussion and has influenced her to become a better percussionist. Also, drumline instructor Mr. Dan Hartung has taught her a lot about drumming specifically and has taught her how to be a more confident percussionist. He has influenced her to work hard at getting better at drumming. “My favorite performance I’ve ever done was our state performance of our 2018 marching band show,” said Boes.“The show was entitled ‘illumination,’ and it was my favorite performance because we were finally able to accomplish what the whole band had been working hard for all season long. Hearing the crowd cheer us on and knowing I contributed to such an amazing thing was a very rewarding feeling.” Boes plans to continue persuing music in college. She want to go on to be a music education major, but even if she chooses not to major in music, she will still be a part of ensembles and continue to enjoy making music. “My favorite piece I have ever played is ‘Give Us This Day,’ it is a big project we are working on in band right now, and it is a very cool piece.” She has had small thoughts of self-doubt that have told her to give up, but she never has because percussion is something that she truly loves. “Sometimes, practicing and learning music is very tough and I sometimes think to myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But then I

remember how rewarding it is when I can say that I performed a piece to the best of my ability, and I chase that instead of thinking about the giving up.” One of her biggest inspirations for her art is Eliana Yamouni. She is a snare drummer in the Santa Clara Vanguard, which is similar to professional marching band. She is an inspiration for Boes because there are not a lot of female drummers, but she shows the world that it is possible, and as a girl drummer, Boes finds that very cool. “My favorite memory that came from what I do is all of the times I have spent with my best friends at band performances and rehearsals,” Boes said. “We have made countless memories and had a lot of laughs.” “A lot of people ask, “How do you drum so fast?” and honestly, it’s because of hours and hours of hard work and practice,” Boes said. Being involved in music will impact her future because it has taught her how to be a hard worker and how to work with a large group of people toward a common goal. Boes is most passionate about snare drumming. She has been playing snare since her 8th-grade year, and finds it very fun to play. Her biggest achievement in her field was being able to be the section leader of the drum line this last year. She was able to help run the percussion section while making individual improvements, which taught her a lot about percussion and how to be a leader. She wants her art to show people that if someone works hard, then they will get to where they want to go. Boes started as a beginner, as does everyone, but with hours of practice and hard work, she was able to become the percussionist she is today.

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My favorite performance I’ve ever done was our state performance of our 2018 marching band show. The show was entitled ‘illumination,’ and it was my favorite performance because we were finally able to accomplish what the whole band had been working hard for all season long.crowd cheer us on and knowing I contributed to such an amazing thing was a very rewarding feeling. Boes - Norris page by Grace Deines

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Pohlmann - Norris page by Gabriella Goday

Liam Pohlmann

Improving with Each Beat

aving a spark for music as a child Liam Pohlmann made up his mind to join band after testing instruments in sixth grade. Pushing past his frustration, and learning that putting in his hard work never fails to pay off. “I’ve never thought about giving up. Music is my passion, and it sometimes gets very frustrating, but I know that quitting would be harder on me than sticking it through.” Pohlmann said. “I’ve never had a time where hard work has never paid off in some way in the end.” Pohlmann has improved his talent with the help of all his band instructors through middle school and high school. His teacher gave him support for his goals and helped him improve his performances. “I’d have to say, that Mr. Seth McKenzie has been the most influential on me.” Pohlmann said. “He was my first percussion instructor, and I’ve learned far more from him than just music.” As of right now, Pohlmann’s favorite genre is minimalism due to how easy the listening and the logical structure is. He has also fallen in love with music theory and composition this past year. Music theory and minimalism has helped developed his passion for marching arts. Pohlmann never compares himself to others, instead he, tries to improve his talent. By Learning and using different techniques in percussion. “I am learning to play with a grip called traditional cross grip for four-mallet marimba playing,” Pohlmann said. “I also regularly play a different traditional grip for marching snare drum.” He is not sure where his musical talents will take him, what he does know is that he loves performing. Whether or not he decides to become a music major, he knows music will forever be a part of his life.

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I’ve never thought about giving up. Music is my passion, and it sometimes gets very frustrating, but I know that quitting would be harder on me than sticking it through, I’ve never had a time where hard work has never paid off in some way in the end.

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Pohlmann - Norris page by Gabriella Goday

Olivia Birdwell

From Band to Orchestra

livia Birdwell, junior, plays the trumpet in band. She originally came from a small town in Wisconsin. She didn’t get many opportunities to play in Wisconsin, but her father, Greg Birdwell, is a professional cellist and he was the one who pushed her into playing and loving music. When Birdwell was three years old, she took piano lessons. She considers her piano teacher one of her biggest influences when it comes to music due to the teacher’s encouragement and support. Birdwell’s favorite pieces to play are the more lyrical pieces when the whole band plays together and all of the sounds blend. Birdwell plans on going to college for music performance and to play with an orchestra. When Birdwell was in eighth grade, she thought of giving up the trumpet because she was in the transition of moving to Gretna, and she thought she was going to play worse than the other kids. One of her good friends, Megan Hutera, told her she cannot give up, so she did not. Megan is one of Birdwells biggest inspirations for her music. They met at a summer camp for trumpet players, and Megan went on to play for Drum Corps International groups as well as a soloist in the Madison Scouts. Birdwell considers her biggest achievement to be when other people come up to her to ask her for advice because that means they trust her not only in music, but personally.

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Birdwell - Norris page by Peyton Rewczuk

eveyone should know how great it is to be in the performance arts.

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Birdwell - Norris page by Peyton Rewczuk

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Osborn- Norris page by Samuel Rowland

Osborn QA PatrickMusic Man &

Why did you enroll in this particular art class? Although I don’t plan on majoring in music, I do plan on either being in a collegiate orchestra or marching band.

Has a teacher influenced you? If so, who? Even though he didn’t teach me instrumental music, I would have to say Mr. [Patrick] Ribar influences my tuba skills quite a lot. Singing solfege and adding distinct levels to my solos and auditions really helped, which are things most instrumentalists don’t always focus on. How do you plan on pursuing your art in the future? Although I don’t plan on majoring in music, I do plan on either being in a collegiate orchestra or marching band. What made you start in your field? I started band mostly because my sister did it and I was able to see how fun it could be. Have you ever thought of giving up? Originally I played the trombone, but soon There were times I did think about the benefits of not being in music. Such as into my first year I became a tuba player. having more free time and less stress to What is your favorite type of art/ deal with. Music is such a big part of my life, it becomes so second nature and I performance/music piece? My favorite type of performance to perform forget all the joy it brings me. Then I think in would be small ensemble. In smaller of how my life would be without all of that ensembles I have more opportunity to be and I realize it would almost strip me of my heard and add my own flare to the music. identity. Laluk - Oliver page by Samuel Rowland

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Maddie Gulizia

Future Husker

addie Gulizia, senior, was born and raised in Gretna. This impacted her art due to music being generally well-respected and supported in the Gretna school district. When she was younger she fell in love with music. She first enrolled in band in sixth grade, but has been playing piano since first grade. She took concert band, marching band, jazz band, percussion ensemble and piano lessons. Mrs. Chris Tucker, Gretna Middle School band teacher, taught Gulizia all of the basics of band and has been influential for Gulizia. She taught life skills through music, such as responsibility and organization. Guliziaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite thing to perform is a marching show because it requires every aspect of performance, and it is typically very challenging music. She plans on continuing to participate in marching band in college and will audition for the Cornhusker Marching Band at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. A special technique she applies to her performance is listening to find out how to make her sound unique. Gulizia is most passionate about performing and finds it rewarding. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about how you put on a good show and have fun while doing it that amplifies the performance aspect. Gulizia wants her performance to convey that she is passionate about what she does and that performing music for others makes her happy.

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Gulizia - Norris page by Kaiya Russell

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I never considered giving up band especially once I reached high school and actually gave up some other extracurricular activities to focus more on music. Band is so much fun and has given me my best friends, and my greatest memories.

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Gulizia - Norris page by Kaiya Russll

Sarah Ference Focus on the Notes

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I put alot of time and effort into what I love, and I want others to understand the Beauty in my art.

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Ference- Norris page by Shaina Russell

arah Ference is now a Senior and has been in band since middle school. Ference says the most challenging thing she faces in band is understanding music and sight reading. Over time she has improved in this and it now is easier for her. Ference puts in days of practice learning how to play her intrument. She plays a French Horn. Ference’s mom was in band and it inspired her to give it a try and after her first year she enjoyed the art and stayed with it through school. Most asked questions she gets are, “How do you play your intrument?” and “Why do you stick your hand in the horn?” Ference says by putting your hand in the horn is for support to ensure safety to your instrument. Her favorite memory was this year when the GHS band, overall won first place in NSBA marching contest. Ference enjoys band because she loves the sound of her horn and of the whole band together. Ference puts in alot of time and effort and wants her viewers to see the beauty of music and the differen’t instruments.

Ference- Norris page by Shaina Russell

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Holke - Norris page by Cade Suing

William Holke

Jack of All Trades

illiam Holke, Junior, had been enveloped in music ever since he was a child. His dad listened to and played jazz, which was a contributing factor to Holke’s musical origins. He was always enthralled with Star Wars and John Williams’s influential musical score. This built the foundation of Holke’s love for music, which continued to grow and he decided to channel that passion into band in middle school. His musical ability grew during a practice in 7th grade, when Holke mirrored Mrs. Tucker by conducting on the podium before practice began. “Mrs. Tucker thought that was really funny and then taught me the right way to conduct and then every morning that is what I would do,” Holke said. “I would stand on the podium and have everyone play their music and what ended up happening was that Mrs. Tucker and I ended up creating an extra band for kids who were maybe struggling with music or needed extra time to practice their instruments, and we called it Dragon Band and it still exists today. Just this year I was a guest conductor at the middle school and help conducted Dragon Band. It was awesome.” During this time, he expanded his horizons through creating musical compositions. Holke has written several pieces while in high school,

his favorite encompassing both a clarinet and bassoon in a dynamic duo, which he wrote for one of his best friends, Maggie Driewer “Something about me composing that piece just clicked instantly, and just knew exactly which spot I wanted where, or which spot I wanted to move faster than others,” Holke said. “I really got into making that piece.” With the extensive repertoire of music experience, Holke plans to continue composing and playing music far into his future. He hopes to attend college as a performance major, with the goal of performing on stage with an orchestra for the rest of his life. Preparation for this future includes partaking in as many competitions and concerts as he can to further his understanding and comfortability with the instruments he plays. The ability to play more than one instrument in band is seldom seen, especially two completely different instruments such as the bassoon and saxophone. “I just want to inspire people,” Holke said. “I want to show them how passionate I am about music. People love what other people are passionate about in my experience. So if I play passionately or if I compose something that can speak across to the entire world and make their lives better is the ultimate goal.”

Holke - Norris page by Cade Suing

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van·guard (ˈvænˌɡɑrd) NOUN

1. A group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas.

Volume 1 2019

The Vanguard 2019 Volume 1

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Vanguard Volume 1