Voice
Love it or hate it, Valentines Day
The
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Gretna High School • 11335 South 204th Street • Gretna, NE 68028 • Volume IX • Issue IV• February 2011
On the Inside February Unsung Hero Page 6
Secretary Carole Doolittle
Hoping the Cause is Noticed
“Battle of the Sexes”
Watching three representatives emerge from the Senate building, Lindsay Reuter ‘11 and Sarah Donovan ‘11 tilt their heads for a better view.
Page 8-9
“We are the Pro-Life Generation” Eight GHS Students Attend March for Life in DC
Lauren Sawyer Editor-In-Chief Eight stone-faced volunteers were making small talk on the corner of the street avoiding the hundreds of prayers and tears directed at them. Each person wore a yellow vest that said “Women’s Center Escort.” The Omaha priest on my bus, Father Damion Cook, passed on his name for them: “Death-scorts.” On Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, seven students, plus myself for a total of eight, left St. Peter’s Cathedral in downtown Omaha on the Faith bus to stand up for the rights of unborn children in the March for Life. To help prepare us, and the other students from Neb. on the bus, for the walk through Washington, DC, we visited an abortion mill in Philadelphia on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. “Watching the young girls and woman walking in, it made me want
to cry immediately,” Mandi Wagner ‘12 said. “Thinking about it still brings tears to my eyes, but I’m glad I was there and opened my eyes to the cause.” After this experience, students on the bus commented about seeing 12 women go in during the single hour the Omaha group peacefully protested outside. One Omaha student said that it was the first time he sensed tangible evil in the world. This event reinforced the cause and prepared me and my fellow pilgrims for the march past the Senate, Capitol and Congress buildings. Even though I knew I wouldn’t see it happen, I kept wishing someone would come running down the steps of Capitol Hill holding a signed law to end abortion. Despite an obvious change of hearts in the US government, there was still a record number of Americans supporting the cause- 400,000, according to the Catholic Register’s website.
“I think while we were there, I didn’t feel like an ‘instant gratification difference,’ Lindsay Reuter ‘11 said. “But I know if I keep doing what I’ve been doing, that more people will join the pro-life cause in this generation because we are the pro-life generation.” Students from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Gretna- the only students from a public high school that attended with the Omaha Respect Life Apostolatehave been a part of the event since 2007, and the numbers grow annually. There are limitless denominations of faith, however, that show up to support the cause. Youth group leader Ann Cockerill said that she is proud of the students of St. Pat’s for taking it upon themselves to support an important cause in a “non-radical, non-hateful, non-vengeful” way. “I’m glad I went,” Sarah Donovan ‘11 said. “It was so eye-opening that even pro-choice believers should go.”
Amanda Thamm ‘13
Ryan Horst ‘11
Boys and Girls Basketball Page 16
Jared Blum ‘12
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What is K-Surl ? News Briefs Snow Days When a student sees a snowflake, his/her thoughts immediately go to, “snow day.” But what really determines if we have one or not? “Dr. (Kevin) Riley will actually go out and drive around on country roads at about four in the morning,” principal Roger Miller said. “It all really depends on the country roads and if they’re safe enough to drive on.” Many people wonder why we don’t add days on to our schedule. Our school already goes more hours than required, so it is highly unlikely that we would to add days on. On TV, you have probably seen schools that get late starts. Gretna doesn’t because superintendent Dr. Riley believes that the weather won’t really change within a couple hours.
New Speech Coach Some say change is beneficial, and after adding a new coach to the 2010-2011 speech team, many participants seem to think so. The style of Coach Kate Widhelm’s coaching differs from Coach Jennifer Long’s, some prefer this new coaches’ fresh perspective on presenting a speech “She [Widhelm] has us run through the whole speech and then go back and fix our mistakes, while Mrs. Long corrects us right on the spot,” Elise Gahan ‘13 said.
Briefs by Second Semester Journalism One Students
Ashley Josoff Staff Writer
“You do not have permission to use the application ‘ksurl.’”This is the infamous message that is always popping up on the computer screens at GHS, irritating students on a daily basis. Students are just told to close it, but some can’t help but wonder what it means and why it’s consistently there. Ksurl stands for KS-Uniform Resource Locator. According to self-proclaimed tech wiz Ryan Kula ‘12, it’s a program that gets installed because of Google Earth, or SketchUp, a 3-D modeling program. “It’s [ksurl] a software tied to Google applications with sites you search for, and reports it back to Google,” Tech Coordinator Jerome Skurdla said. “It just reports what sites were searched the most, not necessarily what one is the best.”The ksurl program was used for Google’s records of most frequently visited sites, and won’t be disappearing because of recent software updates.“Snow leopard
is the new Mac operating system that our school updated to,” Kula said. “So it handles these ‘under the hood’ processes differently.” When students have asked teachers in
the past what it means, they have told them a variety of inaccurate answers. Some even being that ksurl is actually a retired GHS teacher that had worked the school many years ago.“When we set up our computers we didn’t realize it at the time that it was installed,” Skurdla said. Some students have thought is that Ksurl is only appearing on GHS computers, but we aren’t the only ones dealing with
news february 2011
it. All computers that have Google Software set up, have a form of ksurl installed.“Google faces controversy due to these little processes and functions that connect your computer to their servers without your knowledge,” Kula said. “It’s stated in the EULA- the annoying message you ‘agree’ to, but nobody actually reads- that Google assures that nothing personal is being collected from your computer.”It doesn’t look like this little annoyance is going anywhere anytime soon either, as a result of our system’s settings.“Due to the strict parental settings on our schools computers, the ‘ksurl is not allowed’ will forever appear,” Kula said. “It’s a function, not a program.”Most home computers don’t have as many parental blocks as the school computers do, so school is the usually the only place ksurl appears.“If it popped up at home I think it would get annoying,” Heidi Wesely ‘13 said. “So it’s good that it only shows up at school.”
Advanced Art Helps Alex Nicole Swanson Staff Writer
Driving his wheelchair in to the school isn’t as easy as it looks. Alex Lynch, ‘14 nearly hits the white pole in front of the office every time. So this month, the Advanced Art class helped the BASE room teachers solve this problem by using their collective passion: art. Being legally blind makes it a challenge for Lynch to see the white pole in front of the office. In order to help him out, Special Education Teacher Amanda Siemers approached Art Teacher Amy Oliver to ask if they could brain storm an idea to solve this problem. The result was a project for her Advanced Art class. “The kids had to create a small vertical poster to line the pole,” Oliver said. “The only requirements were it must be colorful, creative and in some way tie to Gretna, like having a dragon on it.” With fourteen kids in the class and
O l i v e r m a k i n g one extra helping hand, they have 15 colorful posters to line the pole in sets of three. T h e posters were placed up over the last weekend in January. “ I t is cool,” Lynch said while admiring the colors in the poster. These posters were laminated to avoid any damages and will be returned to the Advanced Art students at the end of the year.
“I will assign the project again next year to my Advanced Art kids to keep it decorated for Alex,” Oliver said. “It’s a great way for my kids to use their art to help out.”
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news februrary 2011
School Safety Kelsey Charrlin News Editor Throughout the years, our district has continued to go through many necessary precautions to insure the safety of the students and staff. From the time we first arrive at school until the time we leave the property, school administrators and staff are on the lookout to make sure that our safety is monitored and no harm comes to those in the building. “We have cameras throughout the school and in the parking lots,” principal Roger Miller said. “At 8:30 to 8:45 the only door that should be open is the front door by the office.” These safety procedures are practiced periodically to ensure that students and staff are safe whether it’s coming on to the school grounds or leaving. Throughout the day, our permanent SRO officer, Deputy Lance Schickert, and our school administrators periodically walk the building to check up on classrooms and lock outside doors to make sure that no trespassers cause harm. “I walk halls during classes and check the doors and try to find kids during lunch who are struggling and have no where else to sit with at lunch and talk to them,” Schickert said. “Most kids that do the violence are the ones that feel like they’re an outsider and don’t belong to the school. [Students need to] be good to everyone, don’t bully or give kids a reason to feel left out.” Deputy Schickert said that he tries to act like a deterrent by parking his car in-
How does Gretna make you feel safe?
Emily Jeppesen ‘12
“We have a trusted police man guarding our hall ways; the administrators check the class rooms to make sure everything is okay.”
front of the school; he hopes any strangers that consider entering the building may “think twice” before commiting any violent acts, knowing there is an SRO in the building. With having an SRO officer in the building, the district also has the Sheriff’s Department teach staff proper safety procedures. “We have various safety meetings not only with staff, but also with our whole district and Dr. Riley to see what we can do to make our school safe,” Miller said. Along with various safety meetings with the Sheriff’s Department, Miller comments that the district has unannounced “walkthroughs” with the Sheriff’s Department once a year to ensure safety features in all the buildings. As well as staff ensuring safety, students can also play their part in keeping our school safe by reporting any strange behavior or acts by other students. “Safety is a responsibility for everyone in the building, to treat everyone in the building with respect and point out any safety concerns that they have,” Schickert said. Gretna, along with other schools also have safety procedures to make sure their students are safe while being at school. Austin Ellsworth ‘12, former Millard South high school student, commented on
What Gretna Does to Keep Us Safe
News Briefs Student Teacher
his prior school’s s a f e t y precautions. “Millard South is much bigger, they make ID cards [for students to carry]. If you’re late you have to identify yourself [with the card],” Ellsworth said. “We also had metal detectors so [students] couldn’t bring guns to school (despite the occurance a month ago), they do it to keep us safe. Ellsworth also commented that there were at least three police officers at the school full time. While thinking about what schools are safer when it comes to security Schickert said, “I think we are just as safe as the others.” Schickert believes that Gretna has a commendable safety plan and that we are a safe school. “I have kids in this school district, if I thought it wasn’t safe they or I wouldn’t be here,” Schickert said. art by Carrissa Burkart
Students must check in at the office when leaving the school during school hours. Outside visitors must also sign in at the office and wear a name tag.
“I like how involved the administration is, and I also like the size of Gretna, It’s easier to get to know the students and they seem to have good relationships with each other,” Theresa Huttman’s student teacher, Amy Preister said. She recently taught at Lincoln schools which she thought they were too big. “It’s fun, I’m learning a lot, but sometimes it’s weird because I get mistaken for a student,” Preister said.
Winter Dance
Post Prom’s winter white-out dance was snowed out on Jan. 22nd, 2011. It was a “white out” dance, student were asked to dress in all white and bring glow sticks. The dance was held on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 from 8-11pm. The money raised from the $5 admission that went towards the post prom. The “white out” dance raised $800 dollars for post prom; 244 students attended the dance that was on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 from 8-11pm.
Briefs by Second Semester Journalism One Students
Assistant Principle Todd Mueller and his fellow administrators discretely observed classrooms during the day.
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Teamwork Time The Staff’s Opinion In Gretna, Neb. sports have become a big deal, especially to the students. With extra curricular activities such as football, volleyball, softball and even bowling, students have started to take more interest. As a writers for The Voice, it has been noticed that the staff has had difficulties with gathering information from our fellow students about articles we are publishing. Students should be willing to express their thoughts about our school. Without the “vibe” from the student population, there would be no school spirit. The high school paper is The Voice, the voice of the students, staff and the people. We need all of yours to make it possible to report efficiently. Gretna students should work on representing their teams instead of looking cool for their friends. No offense, but we find it rude when a member of the staff comes back to class upset because a wrestler, who set plans to interview with them, decided he did not want to because his friend did not. We’re adults here so why aren’t we acting like it? A student surely would not treat an administrator like that would they, so why do they do it to The Voice staff members? Without commentary from GHS students, The Voice is not able to write and share the news. Even if it is the smallest comment, each opinion is unique. If The Voice has nothing to report on, the students have nothing to read.
This brings up yet another point we feel we need to share. Every issue, the staff hears remarks and criticism towards simple mistakes made in our newspaper. Let’s be honest here, we’re humans- not walking computers with spell check. Granted, Newspaper is not a sport, but it takes effort and teamwork just like our other teams. Everyone is needed to complete the job, however little it may be. Designing a 16-page paper takes about two to three weeks depending upon the schedule. Each staff member usually writes and publishes two articles in The Voice, going through at least three rough drafts all while participating in other activities. It is quite frustrating to hear about how many spelling errors that were made in the last issue, The Voice staff does not criticize the mistakes made by the various sport teams. Unlike other metro high school newspapers, The Voice does not have a large social media or web presence. Recently, we have joined Facebook and are in the process of approving the online addition. In our opinion, the newspaper is the first news source and without the help of our student population, it won’t be. So represent your school by expressing your opinion about the environment around you and show some respect towards The Voice staff members and possibly take a moment to see our side of this.
opinion and editorial february 2011 What Do You Want to See in The Voice? “I want to see more of myself because I am an interesting person.” Abbey Felici ‘14
“I want to see more art.” Bridger Schwasinger ‘12
Remember you can
submit ideas or a letter to the editor in room 400. Your voice matters to The Voice.
The Voice Editor-in-Chief: Lauren Sawyer Photo Editor and Sports Editor: Lexi Busch Features and In Depth Editor: Kennedy Healy Arts and Entertainment Editor: Ashley Zajac News Editor: Kelsey Charrlin Artist: Carissa Burkart Photographer: Kristen Rozmiarek
Staff Writers: Hannah Applegate Jena Burns Faith Cotton Anna Elbracht Ashley Josoff Michaela Kotera Randi Matulka Gabriella Montemarano Chelsea Pote Trey Russell Nicole Swanson Amanda Thamm Advisor: Gretchen BaijnMary Yager auth
The Voice is a monthly publication sponsored by Gretna High School, with Mrs. Gretchen Baijnauth as the advisor. The office of The Voice is located in room 400. Reader response is welcome. Any student, faculty or staff member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit a letter to the editor within deadline restrictions; however, final publication is at the discretion of the staff. Letters should be
less than 400 words and signed. Editorials are solely the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Voice staff or Gretna High School. Advertising will not be accepted for all products or for any services that are illegal for minors to possess or utilize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space may call GHS’ office at (402-)332-3936 or email gbaijnauth@gretnadragons.org.
opinion and editorial february 2011
Don’t Take My E-Reader Thumbs Nicole Swanson Staff Writer I love my Kindle! Many students feel the same way. Many new gadgets appeared on shelves in 2011. Among the many popular ones this year was the Kindle and other e-readers like the Nook and iPad. But shortly after returning from Christmas break the administration banned students from using this new form of technology in class. This upsets me because I am not able to save money by reading my e-book. If a student received an e-book, chances are they love to read. Parents are not going to spend a couple hundred dollars to buy an expensive e-book for their child when they will never use it. When at school, I have to use a hard copy of my book because my Kindle is not allowed. Then why did my parents just spent $200 for the Kindle and why did I spend $10 on the book when in the end I
have to check one out of the library? It sounds like a waste of money. I thought the point of a Kindle and other e-readers were to save money on books. One of the main reasons the e-readers were banned was because of their Internet c a p a b i l i t y. E-readers such as an iPad, Nook and Kindles do have Internet a c c e s s that allow “surfing” the web ,but it still must go through the schools wireless Internet connection meaning all the sites will still be “DeepNined” on these e-readers.
I think we should allow these e-readers in class, but I agree that if a student abuses this privilege, they should lose it. When a student is causing a problem with the e-book, a teacher could take it. Similar to the cell phone strike system the e-reader could be banned from use by a student after a certain number of offenses. I think a “You use ‘til you abuse” rule would be a fitting compromise for the students who own e-readers. As long as Kindles and other e-readers are not abused, I think they should be allowed in school. People buy Kindles with the intent of reading on them. In our school system, we have Ar/Ir in place to encourage students to enjoy reading often. By banning the e-reader, the school is sending mixed signals because they are preventing students who love to read from reading their books.
supports. School officials may have the right to take away products that have names of body parts written on them, but this is not the correct thing to do. To survivors of breast cancer, these bracelets play a large role in the fight against it. The awareness created is not a small thing. The clever saying, “I love boo***s” gets the younger generation involved too. As schools take away the fun merchandise associated with keep-a-breast.org, they are also taking away access to spreading the awareness of breast cancer. Sure, some see the keep a breast campaign as inappropriate. Granted, ‘boo***s’ is typically a sexual word. However, is that not what attracts peoples’ attention? The phrase “I love boo***s” breaks the barrier of what is considered acceptable. Breast cancer awareness is stepping outside of it’s shell. The modest pink
ribbon is no longer the only campaign sign. The fight against breast cancer has advanced in the way of becoming a little more crazy, without crossing the line. For schools to ban the bracelets is simply unacceptable. More harm is done by taking them away then allowing students to wear them. Banning the “I love boo***s” campaign products discourages both young and old from voicing their views and expressing their concerns with the terrible thing called breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Anna Elbracht Staff Writer I love Boo***s - A phrase that is seen as either perverted and wrong, or supportive and clever. With many schools, this certain slogan printed on colorful rubber bracelets is being banned without so much as a glance at the cause that it
Art by Carissa Burkart
New Cases of Breast Cancer: 207,090 (female) 1,970 (male) Deaths: 39,840 (female) 390 (male) 2010 Estimates
According to cancer.gov
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Up Chelsea Pote Staff Writer
“We had two snow days in a row.” Colton Motsinger ‘11
“All the athletic teams are doing well. They are all ranked in the top five.” Todd Mueller, Assistant Principal
Thumbs Down “The server was down, so we couldn’t get on it in graphic design.” Allie Feighner ‘14
“It’s cold out, and I don’t like to run when it’s like that outside.” Emily Roll ‘13
features 6 february 2011 Secretary Doolittle Makes a Difference Unsung Hero helps counselors and students
Kennedy Healy Features and In-Depth Editor You sit down with your counselor and say you want to drop your extra science class. You need a study hall because you are too stressed. Your parents call in and “okay it” and on the first day of the new semester your homeroom teacher hands you a schedule with the changes made. What most people don’t realize is what goes on behind the scenes. Every year Carol Doolittle, counselors’ secretary, makes every drop and add change on the computer after the counselors meet with students. This is one of her many discrete, but vital jobs. That is what makes her this month’s unsung hero. Doolittle has been at Gretna for 25 years and performs numerous tasks. From photo by Lauren Sawyer collecting ill students’ work to providing everyone with tootsie rolls from the dish on her desk, her job is crucial. Her daily tasks include writing “Working tardies in the morning, running report with the kids cards, sending out transcripts, and and the great staff collecting homework. She has about here is fun,” Doolittle said. ten transcripts per day this time of year Her staff and students have mutual and not only sends them for seniors but appreciation for her. Counselor Terry also for former graduates. She collects Dostal has grown to respect her after homework for sick students and when only working here this year. the flu hits hard, has about six a day. In “Mrs. Doolittle is always willing to January, she is also getting ready for help every student and every teacher registration. Another job that falls on with anything they need at a moment’s Doolittle is keeping track of all the notice,” Dostal said. accumulative files on students. Counselor Anita O’Neill has worked “I like my job so I just take each part with Doolittle since she was hired, and is as it comes,” Doolittle said. glad Doolittle helps keep her organized. She works mainly with the three “She goes above and beyond the counselors but also works with Mr. call of duty, always with a smile on her Miller and various students, which is her face, and keeps me organized,” O’Neill favorite part of the job. said. “I want to be just like her when I
Running the Show During the registration week, where students and teachers plan students’ future schedule, conselor secretary Carole Doolittle checked in Jason Wendlin ‘12. Doolittle also helped direct parents to the appropriate meeting. photo by Gabriella Montemarano
grow up.” Students also agree she is helpful. Doolittle helped Sam Soupir immensely with sending transcripts. “She is an angel when it comes to transcripts,” Soupir said. “She helped me a lot with them for colleges; she is really fast too.” Our other counselor Carole Carraher has also worked with Doolittle since she got here. She shares the feelings of appreciation for her secretary. “She accepts every student unconditionally,” Carraher said. “ She is patient and always kind. She is optimistic and grounded, and although people
don’t realize it, she is really in charge of the counseling department at Gretna High School. If you really need to know an answer that involves the counseling department, you should ask Mrs. Doolittle.”
While organizing transcripts, Doolittle smiles as always.
“She accepts every student unconditionally.”
“Mrs. Doolittle is always willing to help every student and every teacher...”
“She goes above and beyond the call of duty...”
- Counselor Carole Carraher
-Counselor Terry Dostal
- Counselor Anita O’Neill
features february 2011
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Winter Weather
Student Plowers Preparing the Driver Ashley Josoff Staff Writer
The typical student workday usually consists of a two or three hour shift after school, working the cash register, folding clothes or working the drive thru. But for some GHS students, waking up in the middle of the night in blizzard-like conditions so students can make it to school and adults can drive to work safely is what they do to earn money. “I have been plowing for three years now,” Eric Bridgmon ‘12 said. “It’s hard when you have a lot of snow and long hours.” With GPS already having four snow days, and still two potentially snow-filled months to go, the workers are likely to have more snow plow jobs ahead of them, and Bridgmon isn’t the only GHS student who has this job. “I’ve been doing it since I was 15,” Spencer Mowinkel ‘11 said. “I go around Gretna and we have an Omaha run too.” Most jobs you have to apply for, but Bridgmon got started doing his snow plowing a little differently. He got offered his job in addition to one he already had, his landscaping
job. His boss asked if he would be willing to do snow removal. “I’m doing it because I like being outside,” Bridgmon said. “Now that I drive I get more money for being out all night. The hours are long, but it’s a good job for the money.” Mowinkel got started a little differently. He said his neighbor asked if he would be interested in doing it and he agreed. Overall, Bridgmon and Mowinkel said they like their job plowing snow, but still agree it has its downsides. Mowinkel said they normally start at 3am and finish work as long as it takes to finish the job. He said his favorite part is doing the Omaha run because he can get paid for “doing virtually nothing.” Technically, his job has a purpose: if the other driver becomes too tired, he can take over driving. “The benefits of the Omaha run are how you get to sleep a lot more than the Gretna one,” Mowinkel said. “Someone else drives, so I can just sleep.”
and Vehicle for
Winter Conditions Before winter
• Get a tune-up in the fall, check the tire pressure at least once a month • Have the car’s exhaust system checked for leaks( it could send carbon monoxide into the vehicle). • Check radiator and hoses for cracks and leaks and anti-freeze and heater • Make sure the wipers are in good condition, an fill up on winter washer fluid.
Before you drive in winter weather
• Clear all the snow from hood, roof, windows and lights clear windows from all fog and ice. • Dress in layers and wear warm clothing. • Pack a vehicle survival kit and keep it in the truck of car at all times. • Tell someone the destination and when you expect to arrive.
During winter driving winter weather
• Give yourself extra travel time to travel • Keep to the main roads and avoid passing another vehicle when weather conditions are bad. Info collected by Nebraska Department of Roads
Spencer Mowinkel ‘11
all art by Carissa Burkart photo by Gabriella Montemarano
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In-depth february 2011
352 are girls 393 are boys 41 94 68FBLA Spanish Club 17 66 37 Science 9 16Club 10 5 FCA NHS 69 12 5 Intramural Basketball 29 9Dance Team 50Track 16AcDec4 41 Varsity 44 Speech 58 Football 14 82NHS 7Class 9 Officers 122 Soccer 15 11Quiz 42 36 Bowl8 Tennis 34Wrestling 25 36Basketball Noon 111 33 Time 63 Jeopardy 15Yearbook of the 745 GHS students...
German
Prom Committee
“Boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider, girls go to Mars to get more candy bars.” It seems that since our pre-school days we have been fighting about who is better, boys or girls? Although the battle will never end, Child Psychologist Dr. Anti Sethi from Parenting.com determined that maybe neither is better; they’re just different. Let’s explore the uniqueness in boys and girls at GHS in the 2011 Battle of the Sexes.
Erin Lemon ‘12
daily life girls vs. boys Kyle Gurbacki ‘13
shirt $20 jacket $30
tank top $12 scarf $12 jacket $15
jeans $60
Softball
extra curricular participation girls vs. boys
Volley Ball
Battle of the Sexes
boots $30
Entire Outfit $129
Time Management Hours per week spent on... Home work: 4 hours Work Out: 40 hours With Friends: 0 hours Kyle spends 3 mins getting ready each morning.
Time Management Hours per week spent on... Home work: 1 hour Work Out: 5 hours With Friends: 84 hours Erin spends 1 hour getting ready each morning.
shoes $90
Entire Outfit $180
shorts $40
girls vs. boys
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features february 2011
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Valentine’s Day Memories for Scott and Sarah
Gabriella Montemarano Staff Writer “Will you be my valentine?” “Hugs and kisses!” “Be mine.” We’ve all made the creative Valentine’s Day boxes, handwritten each and every classmate’s card, and shared our tiny, pastel candy hearts with a special someone. Whether it’s loved or despised, spent admired or alone, everyone has their own way of celebrating the well-known, national “heart” holiday. Sarah Fleck ‘12 and Scott Hurtz ‘12 spent Feb. 14, 2010, just like any other day. A day unlike the rest, however, was the day following Valentine’s Day. “We promised we wouldn’t get each other anything,” Sarah said. Though they did vow to refrain from giving gifts on Valentine’s Day, Sarah’s boyfriend, Scott, took it upon himself to go about the day after the holiday any way he pleased. “He called me and told me to come outside,” Sarah said. “I just woke up and I was in my PJ’s! He was standing at the side door in a pile of snow, carrying flowers and a note.” Scott proceeded to tell his girlfriend that it was not Valentine’s Day, so he indeed did not break their promise. “It was really cute,” Sarah said. “I was so surprised!”
Building Valentine Memories Sarah Warren ‘11 and Nick Schmidt ‘13 work as a team to create personal valentines.
Heart Day @ GHS <3 “My dog was born on Valentine’s Day. He’s a loving dog.” Zach Omar ‘11
“It’s one of the cutest holidays, even though it’s so sappy.” Mandi Wagner ‘12
“I hate Valentine’s Day.” Jenna DeRosa ‘11
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arts and entertainment february 2011
The Comebacks of This Season Stylish Fashion Trends Make Their Way Back Into Society Randi Matulka Staff Writer Headbands, leggings, neon clothing, and side ponytails are only a few of the styles that were popular in the 80s and 90s. But throughout time, these inparticular styles have become popular once again. “I like leggings because you can wear them with anything,” Hailey Anson ‘14 said. Neon clothing has been an extremely popular fashion since the 80s and has brightened up the day for teens ever since. “I sometimes wear neon clothing”, Ashley Christensen ‘14 said.
Solid, Groovy, and Clutch are only a few of the words teens are speaking recently. Back in the day, these words were what everyone was saying and I suppose the quote “What goes around, comes around” by Eddie Stone seems to have an affect of the styles of today. “Clutch is funny and has become a thing to say,” Mike Brandon history and sociology teacher said. “It means you came up big.” From time to time, all of the same styles seem to come back around in a metaphoric circle. One style that was popular in the 80s, is now more than ever popular in today’s society.
Nook Review Lauren Sawyer Editor-In-Cheif
Nook Rating:
1/2
If you are a first-time e-reader user, you can’t go wrong with the original Nook. It’s true that it is slower than the Nook Color, but the convenience it provides is still unparalleled. Downloading books can be done in less than 30 seconds and shelves can be used on the Nook to organize purchases. This device also comes with a “lifetime library” as Barnes and Noble calls it. This means that all purchases will be saved in an online account that can be accessed as long as it remains opened. This means, if you don’t delete them at mybn.com, then you can download everything for free to a Blackberry, laptop, iPad, etc, for as long as you live. Even if the Nook itself runs out of space, a microSD card can be inserted to save more books.
Nook Color Rating: I simply can’t get enough of my Nook Color. ((Which is black but has a color screen despite some believing the
device itself comes with a color option.) The memory features of this device are the same as the original Nook’s, except the internal memory is 6GB larger. One of my favorite new features is Pandora radio, which makes personalized playlists free of commercials. It helped me rediscover some past favorite songs and find new favorites as well. Surfing the web is also much easier because the screen is bigger, there is no loading time for panning the display, and the color really is brilliant. For those seeking entertainment, not necessarily just a straightforward e-reader, the Nook Color is the better choice because with its full-screen touch screen, it’s like an iPad. This option doesn’t have many apps yet, but it’s significantly cheaper. With listening to music and checking my e-mail so convenient, I haven’t done nearly as much reading with the Nook Color as I did with the original Nook. Aspects such as touching a word and then entering notes, speed up the study process. Whereas with the original Nook, I would have to arrow through a page to reach the word I wanted, and highlighting would often go a word beyond what I had selected. So for studying, it is easier, but the distractions may hinder some student’s learning.
Nook Color Games: Chess Sudoku Crossword Puzzles Music: Download personal tracks Pandora Radio Reading Material: Novel Picture Book Magazine Newspaper Memory: “Life Time Library” Micro SD Card Storage (Card not included) 8 GB Price: $249
. S . V
Nook Games: Chess Sudoku Music: Personal Files Reading Materials: Novel Newspaper Memory: “Life Time Library” Micro SD Card (Card not included) 2 GB Price: $149, without 3G $199, with 3G
Both: Can lend books for 10 days
Special offers in Barnes and Noble and exclusive content
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arts and entertainment february 2011
Communication Through Text and Talk Texting For Teens Takes A New Step
Jena Burns Staff Writer
Many people in our society have become accustomed to the new forms of communications there are today. Whether it’s emailing, texting or calling- people are always talking. But some forms are more popular than others and some are more common in certain jobs. For instance, secretaries would prefer to talk on the phone. “You don’t have a loss of communication,” high school secretary Judy Ricchiardi said. “That way people know your tone of voice and there is no confusion.” However, coaches vary in the different ways they talk to their players. Jerome Skrdla, Girls Basketball Coach will text his players with practice information. “Its faster and easier than calling, also I know everyone got the message,” Skrdla said. Others prefer calling because its eas-
ier to understand. “I’m not big on texting,” wrestling coach Matt Bruggeman said. “I want to hear their sweet little voice.” Boys Basketball coach, Brian Hoffman would never call or text his players. He would prefer to give out the information during practice. According to the Neilsen Wire Website, the average teen sends about 50 text messages a day and uses their phone to call about 5 times a day. Texting has gotten more common throughout the years it increased 22% from the year 2009 to 2010. Texting is more common among teens. They are often found texting at all hours of the day, late at night or even during the school day. According to GHS principal Roger Miller, about six to eight phones are turned into the office a week. “I have no idea how many people actually do text during the school day,” Miller said. “I’d be foolish to think that nobody did.”
Looking around the class room there are sure to be many students texting. Some students are caught and but others sometimes get away with it. “I never get caught,” Devin Patlan’11 said. If ever caught texting, a students phone is taken away and given to the office. When the day is over, they are allowed to go pick it back up from Mr. Miller. “I used to text in school all the time,” Hayleigh Evans, ‘14, said. “But since I’ve been caught I’ve been scared to.” Most adults seem to be more fond of using their cell phones to call. Calling seems to be most commonly used when someone needs to get their information out quickly and clearly. “It’s much faster to talk on the phone.” Nancy Turpen, Secretary said. Although texting has become popular over the years, calling is still a main way several people use to communicate.
Moving To The Music in Just Dance Video Game Provides New Way to Get Excercise Faith Cotton Staff Writer
“Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy! Grab my glasses, I’m out the door, I’m gonna hit this city!” The famous verse from singer, Ke$ha, is only one of fifty songs featured in the new, popular video game craze that was created and advertised by Nintendo Co. Just Dance started last year with its first version of energy packed songs that get a person’s body up and moving. With this video game out, the Nintendo Wii has revolutionized video games and even other dance games and gave teens and even families a new healthy way to have fun. “Try it with friends because it’s hilarious to watch,” Stephen Kessler ‘11 said. Just Dance and
Callie Emig ‘14
Just Dance 2 can allow a person to play with up to four people on the screen. One is instructed to follow the movements of the characters on the screen with their body to earn points. Whether a person knows it or not, this game is getting them off the couch during a snow day and getting one up and energized. Burning calories in an exciting way is an example of how the game can benefit you. The game’s crazy dance moves and speed can catch the player by surprise and creates a energetic atmosphere. “The music is really good. And you wouldn’t expect the dance moves that pop up on screen,” Tay-
lor Johnson ‘13 said. Just Dance and Just Dance 2 offer the actual songs by a favorite artist and even display the lyrics on the screen so people and their friends or family can sing along. Besides the large amount of fun one can have while playing the game, Just Dance and Just Dance 2 have also gained much praise for its exercise. Most people do not find the time to get up and exercise but Just Dance makes it fun and even motivates people to maintain a healthy lifestyle in a new way. Many people have tried the dance game. For those who have not tried it, it could be a great experience to grab a friend, find a Wii, and get with the popular dance craze. The game has gotten so popular many students have experienced the phenomenon in gym class. It gives students who have never played it the opportunity to dance their heart away. “What Planet are you from?! You should definitely get it!” recommends Chelsea Schaeffer ‘12.
*More tha n 75 billio n text messages are sent e ach month *Teens age . s1 gestt texte 3 to 17 are the bigrs. *They ave rage abou t 77 a day. Info from co
mmonsense
media.org
What’s On Your Ipod?
Devin Patlan ‘11 “You Make the Rain Fall” -Kevin Rudolf
Meghan Dennis ‘12 “I Can Only Imagine” -Mercy Me
Maddy Miller ‘13 “The Dance” -Garth Brooks
arts and entertainment 13 february 2011 Black Swan Review Taking a View of a Ballerina Machaela Kotera Staff Writer Ballerinas are meant to be perfect and poised. In Black Swan, Nina, played by Natalie Portman, aspires to be just that. This dramatic movie pulls you into the story of Swan Lake, as Nina herself becomes the black swan. The movie begins at a ballet company, where the director, Thomas, fires his leading role Beth, and auditions many ballerinas for the role of the “swan queen” and her darker half, the black swan. Nina pressures herself to become the perfect candidate for this chance at stardom. When Thomas
picks Nina to be the swan queen, the added stress begins to take a toll on her life. She spends many extra hours at the studio, attempting to perfect her dance as the black swan. Thomas continually attacks her with cruel words saying that she may not be cut out for the part, as she cannot convey the role of the black swan. This leads to Nina scratching at her back, and bulimia. As the day for the premiere of the ballet approaches, Nina faces the added challenge of Lily, played by Mila Kunis, who is another dancer who can embody the emotion of the black swan that the director is looking for. It became difficult who to root
Got a Secret...Can You Keep It? Mary Yager Staff Writer On Mondays at GHS, a number of students have only one thing on their mind: Pretty Little Liars. I must say that I am one of those students. Pretty Little Liars is addicting and breathtaking. Pretty Little Liars tells the story of five girls: Hanna, Aria, Emily, Spencer and Alison. A year after Alison dies in a mysterious kidnapping, the girls start to receive text messages, emails, and even videos from “A”, and they believe the messages are from Allison. “A” threatens to expose their secrets — including long-hidden ones they thought only Alison knew. The girls continue to look for clues to help them discover the true identity of ‘A’, which brings them closer to danger. Although the show is not relatable for everyone, has truly no point and is way over-dramatic, my eyes are still glued to the TV and am often left gasping out loud and saying, “Come on!” when the show cuts to commercial or the episode ends. That’s why this show reminds me of a soap opera, fans think they have everything
figured out and BAM!, a plot twist makes viewers want to keep watching to find out what happens to the girls. Most actors and actresses in this film are ones that I had never heard of before Pretty Little Liars. I didn’t know until recently that Tammin Sursok, who plays Jenna Marshall, was actually Jackson Stewart’s girlfriend on Hannah Montana Forever. Lucy Hale, who plays Aria Montgomery, is my favorite. Her acting is fabulous and every scene she’s in looks real, a change from most ABC Family shows. Pretty Little Liars premiered on June 8th, 2010 and on June 28th the same year, ABC Family ordered 12 more episodes, bringing its first-season total to 22. On January 10, 2011, ABC Family picked up another season which will premiere this summer. I’m sure that PLL fans, just like me, will be marking the days off their calender until this premiere. Overall, I’d say the show is a hit, as I often catch myself singing, “two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.”
for to capture the role, because both characters are unique in their own way. Suddenly, Nina begins to lose her mind, and as a viewer, knowing what is reality and fantasy becomes impossible to tell. This made Black Swan more enticing for all the scary movie lovers out there. Director Darren Aronofsky captivated the thrilling and sometimes horrifying parts of the story. He brought Swan Lake to reality in this movie. The movie would not have been the
same without Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis who both had to lose an outstanding 20 pounds in order to play the roles of balleri- nas. The hard work and dedication paid off, as the Black Swan is nominated for an Oscar.
art by Carrisa Burkart
What’s Your Juice Stop? Students reveal their favorite treats
Chelsea Pote Staff Writer
“I get Freestyle. It’s tasty and delicious.” Lucas Benes ‘13
“Butterfly, it hits my taste buds just right.” Elaine Kramer ‘12
“Coach’s Choice, I like the shot of espresso, it makes me hyper.” Alyssa Stahr ‘11
“Scissor Kick, it is a drink for classy ladies.” Zach Omar ‘11
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sports february 2011
Stephanie Beyea Gretna’s Bowling Anchor Mary Yager Staff Writer
Stephanie Beya ‘12
Talent to Spare Stephanie Beya ‘12
watched her bowling ball fly down the lane. The bowling team practices at Sempeck’s Bowling Ally in Elkhorn, NE. photo by Mary Yager
‘And 2011 Class B State Champion is... Stephanie Beyea.’ As the announcer declared the champion of the state tournament on Feb. 12, dozens of bowling members and parents from Gretna claped and cheered while Stephanie Beyea ‘12 walked up to the lanes with a mile-wide smile on her face. Receiving her plaque, cameras flashed as she took her place next to the other eight bowlers. Stephanie’s three game combined total of 569 was enough to give her first place at the state tournament. “I was extremely excited to go to State again this year,” Beyea said. “Hopefully I do well!” Along with playing tennis and softball, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA while taking mostly AP and CP classes, Stephanie Beyea is also the anchor bowler of the GHS bowling team. “My dad has been bowling for a long time and I learned from him,” Beyea said. “I basically grew up in a bowling alley
because of my dad and I love bowling, so I decided to join the team and have been on it all three years of high school. Stephanie bowls five days a week, with the Gretna bowling club only taking up two of those days. Stephanie is also a part of another bowling league, Double Trouble, that bowls at Maplewood Lanes in Omaha. “I’ve been bowling for five years probably,” Beyea said. “A perfect game is 300 and my best game is a 261.” Stephanie got fifth at state her freshman year, and last year she won mixed doubles with Jason Wendelin ‘12 at the youth state tournament. “My favorite part about bowling in high school is the competition,” Beyea said. “When you bowl, you are against a person on a different team and are trying to beat them. But I also like it because it is a laid-back sport and you get to spend time with your friends.” Stephanie’s current average is around 180 pins, which is the highest out of all the girls on the varsity team, making her the ‘anchor bowler’ of the team.
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sports february 2011
Controversy Over the s t r s f o e p Word “Sport” ri S B Wrestling at Boys Town
Why we are sports Cheerleading
Students speak out on activities Lexi Busch Sports and Photo Editor
Sports take blood, sweat and tears from every athlete that wants to be the Photo by Lexi Busch best. The NCAA defines a sport as a Trent Boyer ‘14 The Gretna varsity wrestling team physical activity that is often engaged placed second at the Boys Town invite competitively. This is a very standard on Tues. Dec. 11. This was a great definition of the word sport, which some accomplishment for the boys; it was the might agree with, but other activities like best they’ve ever done there. dance team, cheerleading, bowling and According to Brady Radik ‘14, the factors show choir that aren’t considered a sport that led them to success were “pins and disagree. The GHS dance team consists of nine bonus points, also concentrating on our girls and one coach. They practice almost goal.” The varsity wrestling team’s goes to every day from 6:30 a.m to 7:45 a.m.. They state on Februray 17th, 18th and 19th. compete in local competitions and will Andy Janovich 12’ and Quinten Dawes be attending state in March. Although dance team clearly fits the description of 14’ both placed first at the invite. a sport the dance team is acknowledged Intramural Domination as a club. Many dancers would say there hard work and effort should be known as something more than a club but the NCAA has reasoning behind there theory. When dancers compete, the scoring is purely subjective to the opinions of a judge, there is no rule on how the judge has to score them. Despite the fact that this makes sense, dancer Hannah Derouchey ‘14 still disagrees. “We practice a lot and work really Nick Romano ‘14 Brendan Barton ‘12 hard, we are at all the home games and photo by Danielle Spurgeon even compete in competitions so I think It’s “game time” in the GHS intrawe are a sport,” Derouchey said. mural basketball league. At the seasons Cheerleading is another club at halfway point, leaders began to emerge GHS that is not yet recognized as a from the field. Jake Weakland ‘12 is a sport. The GHS cheer team has 18 girls member of the “High Flyas” team. They and one coach. Although they don’t currently only have one loss and they practice everyday, they still go to every win their games by perseverance. home and away football, basketball “Ever hear of the word quit,” Weakand wrestling meets. The reasoning for land ‘12 said. “I never have.” cheerleading being a club is it is still too GHS Dodgeball Tourney underdeveloped and disorganized to be On Sunday, Jan 30th the Gretna a sport according to the Federal Judge United Methodist Church hosted a Stefan Underhill. These girls spend dodgeball tournament at 2:00 p.m. This numerous hours and put a lot effort into event raised money for the Nothing But cheering and they agree that they should Nets foundation. be considered a sport. The foundation protects families “They think we don’t have to work from Malaria by putting nets above beds hard and we’re not competitive, but I in protection from mosquitoes. think it should be a sport because a lot “I think it’s a good way to raise of teams do compete,” Callie Emig ‘13 money,” Alissa Martindale ‘13 said. “It’s said. pretty clever and also fun at the same GHS recently added another club time!” to the list - bowling. Many kids go out
Mandi Wagner ‘12
“We letter for it, so it should be a varsity sport.” -Paige Duin ‘13 Show Choir
to have a fun time but other are actually in it for the competitions. They practice two days a week from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Sempeck’s bowling ally. They often will compete against other schools and travel to compete as well. NCAA is not convinced that bowling should be a sport yet because it is missing requirements that other sports teams have. They would need a unified governing body, a standardized set of rules and strict guidelines for lane conditions and bowling ball specifications. Even though bowling does not have the rules to be a sport, Zach Tietze ‘12 still believes it should be one. “It should be a sport so kids can letter in it that don’t play any other sports,” Tietze ‘12 said. Show choir contains numerous GHS students who love to sing and dance. These talented people have to practice three days a week from 7 am to 8 am and sometimes two nights a week that usually take two to three hours. Even though these students spend countless amount of hours practicing and performing, the issue of show choir being a sport is not even discussed among the Internet. “People think we’re not a sport because they see it as a performing activity but we actually sweat and get exhausted,” Zach Omar ‘11 said. “You can’t be of shape for the performance it takes a lot of endurance. “ All these clubs work hard, practice and compete or perform for many people. They have to try there best in everything they do. They try twice as hard to gain the respect of other athletes while hoping one day they will become a real sport.
“We compete and practice just as much if not more than any other sport.” -Josh Roberts ‘11 Dance team
“It requires a lot of athletic ability just like any other sport.” -Vikki Sorrentino ‘11 Bowling
“We have to practice really hard and eat like an athlete.” -Jack Griffey ‘11
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photo story february 2011
S H
l l a
Pursuit of Perfection
b t G ke s a B Trey Russell Staff Writer
“Winning starts with beginning.” – Robert H. Schuller This would be an appropriate quote for both the girls and boys basketball teams this year as they have both been dominating their respective leagues since the beginning of the year. The Boys have lived up to high expectations so far this year with a preseason ranking of No. 2 in Class B. Led by leading scorer Jared Blum and as well as a great senior class the Dragons are 16-1. The Dragons have been playing solid all year and seem to be sticking to the same ‘Defense wins championship’ motto as in past years, but maybe there is more to the Dragons success this year. “Chemistry. We work hard for each other and in return everyone else works hard,”starting point guard Tyler Ortlieb ’11 said. “That really sets us apart from a lot of teams I think.” From the beginning of the year, the Dragons dreamed about a shot at a state title, as the season comes closer to the end that dream is becoming even more of a reality. Even if the boys don’t win their district they will have a good chance of earning a wild card as the are currently 2nd wild card points. “We should win our conference, go and win our district and then beat South Sioux City in the State Championship game,” Ortlieb ‘11 said. The Lady Dragons have triumphed over opponents all season too. It has been a long time since both teams have enjoyed such success in the same year. “We’re better than the girls are,” Ortlieb ‘11 said. “We play much tougher teams.”
Dribbling for G-Town Mitchell Drey ‘13 drives to the hoop to make a basket. The boys basketball team is 20-1. The girls team have been winning by an average of 24.6 points per game. “It’s boring because the games are not very competitive,” Halley Samuelson ‘12 said. “But it never really gets old.” Although all of the crushing defeats the Lady Dragons have handed out this year they are only 4th in Class B behind Elkhorn(14-1), Seward(15-0) and Holdredge(15-1). Even if they are only 4th, they would most likely get into State with a wild card but it doesn’t seem like that is the way the ladies would really like it. “We want to win conference, districts and of course the state title,” said Samuelson ‘12. Because the Lady Dragons made it to state last year and both teams are playing well this year, it’s anyone’s guess which team will come out on top. “The girls could beat the guys hands down,” said Brooke Arp ‘12.
Halley Samuelson ‘11
Jared Blum ‘12
Jordan Meadows ‘12
Show Some Spirit GHS fans scream for their favorite players telling them they’re number one.
photos by Lexi Busch and Lauren Sawyer