2017 GHS Voice Issue 1

the voice

October 2016

6 foreign exchange students 9 the damages of football

nearby Outlet Mall is already expanding Vala’s Pumpkin Patch open early this fall

new additions are being made to Nebraska Crossing

by Emily Acker

I

n November of 2013, the Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall was opened. Since then, it has brought many people to small town Gretna. Ever since the outlets opened, they have had 70 stores.

Now, after two years, they are adding two stores: Ulta and H&M. The parking lot has been overcrowded, and this creates many problems for the workers and employees. Since many people shop at them, adding these stores will only create more parking problems.

“The worst part about working at the mall is the parking lot during the weekend,” senior Amanda Nelson said. “If I open, I can choose almost any parking spot that I want. If I work anytime after 11, I have to be there at least a half hour early because it is nearly impossible to find a parking spot unless I park by the water tower, which is about a two to three minute walk from there to Francesca’s. Before the construction, parking was still limited, but now they keep taking more parking spots away to have room to expand. It makes it increasingly difficult to find a place to park and still be to work on time unless I arrive early.”

Even though working at the outlet mall has its flaws, it also has a lot of perks. Many Gretna students are employed at the outlet mall.

“I like working at the outlet mall because it is fairly close to my house,” Nelson said. “It takes about seven minutes for me to drive to work, which is better than what it could be.”

With the outlet mall expanding, it creates problems for employees and customers, but overall the expansion will benefit the city of Gretna and the visitors.

local pumpkin patch opened doors sooner

by Olivia Kahler

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he pumpkin patch has been a long time tradition here in the heartland. Every year, families flock to Vala’s to experience the activities, food, and essence of fall. To accommodate the high demand, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch opened early this year for seasonal pass holders.

Vala’s not only opened their doors early this year, but they have added some new attractions. The lucky guests that visit early this year were able to experience the new attraction, The Egg Scramble, before gates officially opened to the public.

“We’re happy to do something special for season pass holders,” Co-Owner of Vala’s, Mrs. Kirsten Vala Fong said.

Mrs. Fong and her team at the Patch hoped that this early open will attract more people and encourage more families to purchase season passes. The season pass holders were able to come to the pumpkin patch on September 15 for some special treats.

“We’re very excited about this special event,” Mrs. Fong said, “which features free unlimited kettle corn, free fountain drinks with the purchase of a souvenir mug, and free face painting.

The employees at Vala’s were excited to organize this event for their special guests. It was also a fun experience for the employees as well.

“Our staff list keeps growing and growing every year,” Mrs. Fong said. “We have an awesome crew this year!”

Vala’s welcomed back many pre-existing employees as well as some new members. They need all the help they can get with their growing fame and attractions.

“It’s a super fun place to work,” Vala’s employee, Willow Jensen (17) said. “I think it’s literally the opposite of all work and no play.”

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is a well known attraction around the metro for good reason. The Patch is a place that family and friends of all ages can come to enjoy games, great food, and of course, the overall feel of fall.

The Egg Scramble officially opened along with the rest of the park on Friday, September 16. The Valas hope to see everyone there to be a part of the fun, too!

Under Construction The mall is expanding and adding an Ulta and a two-story H&M. These new additions should be open to the public Spring of 2017. photo by Amanda Minckler

Local Landmark The Harvest Barn has been a landmark at Vala’s that returning crowds have come to love. Along with other attractions, the barn has been updated with new seating arrangements and decorations. photo by Olivia Kahler

Vala’s Ticket Prices for the 2016 Year: ( without tax) ‘Tis The Season Pumpkins sitting at Vala’s Pmpkin Patch ready to be taken home by a passerby.

Vala’s pumpkins have been set out earlier this year due to the new earlier opening date. photo by Jessica Blum

Weekends: $17.99

Weekdays: $11.25

2October 2016

News

Volume 3 Issue 1

a second middle school

Builidng Underway With the approval of the $57.4 million proposal, a second middle school will is underway to be part of a larger school district campus while a second high school is already being discussed. photo by Katie Stukenholtz

growth for the Gretna school district

by Katie Stukenholtz

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or the students of Gretna Middle School, the halls are filled beyond capacity.

There are teachers who hold their classes in portables and students that have to share lockers. In the 2014-2015 school year there were 878 students in a building with the capacity of 852. That was the first year it was over capacity, and the number has only continued to grow. Many of the students at GHS experienced what the cramped middle school was like.

“There is not a lot of room especially down that main hallway there,” sophomore Kayla Martin said.

However, there is good news. The doors of the second middle school will be opening next fall, and the confined space of the old middle school is about to come to an end. Martin is excited for the opportunity it provides for her little sister and all of the other students as well. It not only provides students with better opportunities, but also with a better learning

environment.

“I guess it might just seem more enjoyable to go to school when you’re not shoved into other people,” Martin said.

With the Gretna District growing an average of seven percent in recent years, the second middle school will be a welcomed addition. It may not seem like it, but the Gretna School District was once a lot smaller. For instance, in the 2004-2005 school year there were only 455 students in the middle school.

That is nowhere near where it is today. When superintendent Dr. Kevin Riley first started he was aware of the likelihood of there being a second middle school.

“I knew we would have to build additional classroom space and facilities across our district which would include a second middle school,” Dr. Riley said.

The second middle school has not yet been named

DON’T FORGET...

buy a yearbook room 623 for more information

Senior pictures due October 25th to room 623 see Mrs. Baijnauth if you have any questions

nor have the boundaries been decided. Both of these will occur after the first of the year. The middle school’s assistant principal Ms. Stacey Deterding will become the principal of the second middle school, and Mr. Matt Bruggeman will become the assistant principal at the new building. The capacity will be 800 students, and will be located in Aspen Creek, near 180th street and Highway 370.

“The new school will alleviate the crowding at our current middle school and will provide more opportunity for students to be involved in athletics and activities,” Dr. Riley said.

The mission of Gretna Middle School is to reflect exemplary practices in the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development for all students.

It is guaranteed that the mission will be carried over to the new middle school.

bonjour French class French class now in session

by Mara Hjermstad

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rench, oui s’il vous plaît. Or in English, yes please. For years GHS has had two languages, Spanish and German, but the 2016 school year added French to the curriculum. French instructor Mrs. Melinda Randall took on the duty of teaching the new language as well as continuing to teach Spanish.

“I like teaching both languages equally, but it is nice to have this new opportunity to teach French as well,” Mrs. Randall said.

Teaching two languages has its challenges, like remembering what language needs to be used during what time, but Mrs. Randall keeps up with all her responsibilities. Most students have not been exposed to the French language before, and since they have little to no knowledge of the language, Mrs. Randall has to make sure to keep it simple, straightforward, and uncomplicated.

“She keeps class interesting and easy to understand,” junior Michelle Weber said. “She is very engaging with the entire class.”

The French language consists of accents and unique spellings to give it a rhythmic sound. Mrs. Randall has been studying French since she was in the 7th grade.

“The language is hard with all of the silent letters but once you pick up on it, it is not too bad,” freshman Ashleigh Feyerabend said.

GHS has always offered foreign language with Spanish and German, but that was not enough for some people. The discussion of adding French had been talked about but not put into action until now.

“We started talking about it when I began working at Gretna a couple of years ago,” Mrs. Randall said. “The increase in the number of students attending our

school has allowed a new language to be added.”

Mrs. Randall has taught French before but never at Gretna High School. French is a language that is not offered at most schools like Spanish and German.

“French is a pretty language but very difficult,” Weber said.

It may be pretty, but the difficulty discourages people from trying to learn. Mrs. Randall is creative and makes the class fun.

“Mrs. Randall does a great job of helping us learn by making songs, having in-class discussions, and making up stories for our benefit,” Feyerabend said.

Adding French to the 2016 curriculum has allowed more opportunity in the foreign language department and options for students to choose from. Two credits of foreign language are required to graduate, and now students are not restricted to only Spanish and German. Au Revoir.

Now In Session “I began studying French when I was in 7th grade,” said Mrs. Melinda Randall, the new French teacher. Many students find it fun and a nice alternative to German and Spanish. photo by Mara Hjermstad

Opinion

Volume 3 Issue 1

two years is not enough

language needs to be a higher priority

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by Cassandra Kostal hile GHS highly reccomends its students to study a foreign language of their choice for two years in order to fulfill graduation requirements, I do not think that it is enough. Though students are exposed to foreign languages throughout the three years that they spend at GMS, all of these years combined often have little impact on students. How well can students truly speak and understand a foreign language after only two years of studying it when many times they struggle with speaking grammatically correct English?

This summer I spent four weeks in Germany and was able to witness firsthand the advantages that German students have over their American counterparts. To start, students in countries that do not have English as their primary language, such as Germany, are often required to study and learn to speak the English language.

In Germany, students begin to speak English when they are in third grade and a few of them are quite fluent by the time they reach the 10th or 11th grade. Many of the students also began learning a third language of their choice starting around 7th grade, making them not just bilingual, but trilingual.

3

October 2016

Because countries like Germany have such a high percentage of their population that can speak English they have a global advantage that most Americans citizens can only dream about and their understanding of cultures is beyond what we can learn in a textbook.

There are also countless benefits to being able to speak a second language and to speak it well. By having knowledge of a foreign language, even if they are not fluent, American students can increase their communication abilities, expand their knowledge of the world and its cultures, qualify for higher level jobs, and enlarge their overall ability to learn.

In order to increase the number of years that students are made to learn a language, first and foremost students should be required to take foreign language classes during

all four years of high school. Even better, schools should be required to start teaching foreign languages to kids at a younger age.

By learning a second language before their brains fully develop during the years or puberty, adolescents would be able to learn it at a faster and easier rate. Once students begin to adequately learn a new language they should be made to put it to use outside of a classroom setting in order to reinforce the new skill that they have acquired.

Overall, while two years of truly learning a foreign language may seem sufficient, compared to the rest of the world, the United States is lagging sorely behind. In order to develop our presence on a global scale we must begin earlier and properly educate our youths in the art of becoming fully immersed in a foreign language.

Teaching in Germany Prior to the trip, students had to prepare presentations to give to the German students. Michael Stage presents to a fifth grade class. All presentations were over a certain aspect of life. Photo by Cassandra Kostal

Gymnasium Wellingdof While in Germany, GHS students spent three weeks attending classes at Gymnasium Wellingdof in Kiel.

They attended classes with their host students.They were fully immersed in their culture. Photo by Cassandra Kostal

not truly test how book smart a person is, it tests who taught you about the test the best. Classes for the ACT teach how the test works so a person knows what to expect. They teach you tricks to know what to do when a certain question that is usually on the test, shows up. It tests how well a person can take a test, not how intelligent one is.

Each section does not accurately test one’s ability to succeed in those topics. I have taken the ACT three times, and each time at least one section has differed in at least 6 points from the last test I had taken. That is not accurately testing my ability in science or English or any of the topics for that matter. It is just throwing random problems at me and saying “Hey, answer these as fast as you can and we will tell you a number that will dictate the rest of your life.” Holy cow, I never thought my college acceptance would depend on this question about ants. What a crazy world we live in where ants are of such high importance.

Let us all bow down to the mighty ants of college

acceptance.

The ACT is a few Saturdays out of the whole year, but a GPA shows a person’s true stature.

A decent GPA shows that day in and day out, a person tried their hardest and succeeded. It really shows one’s intelligence and grit. The latter of these two aspects is key in succeeding in college, as well is self-motivation. When a school sees the outstanding GPA a student achieved, it could easily outweigh an average ACT score.

Just because a score is not up to what some person said it should be does not mean all hope is lost for getting into a dream school and does not mean the student is not intelligent. Most people do not even remember their scores years after they take it because it is truly not the test to end all tests. So, take some deep breaths, put down the ginormous ACT study books for a few minutes and do not put so much pressure on this Saturday morning test because it will all be okay in the end no matter what that magic number is.

the test that decides each high schoolers fate is not all that it seems to be why the ACT is not a good test of intellegence and should not have such a high impact on the future of high school seniors

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by Amanda Minckler

. C. T. Those three letters have the ability to make any high school student wince and groan in agony. The American College Test supposedly tests a student’s ability to succeed in college and beyond. From the beginning of high school it is stressed that to get into a good school, one must do amazingly on this exam. People spend over $100 to bump up their scores one or two points, because each point matters that much, right? Wrong. Yes, there is some importance of this grueling exam, but it is not a life or death situation. Random questions about a passage does not truly test a person’s ability to do well in a college situation. It literally just tests how fast one can read and come up with an answer. To be prepared for the ACT you must either know the way the test works, which has nothing to do with intelligence, or have knowledge of every single aspect of every single topic. Most students would go for the first option, proving that the ACT does

the voice staff

editor in chief: Amanda Minckler copy editor: Abbie Wesely opinion editor: Emily Acker A&E editor: Jadyn Anderson sports editor: Jessica Blum feature/ indepth editor: Cassandra Kostal news editor: Sophie Anderson video editor: Dylan Roberts staff writers: Shelby Bartram, Ben Bickel,

Jacey Hammer, Mara Hermstad, Mason Hermstad, Olivia Kahler, Colin Kitson, Mckenzie Pavelka, Brooke Smith, Layne Staley Katie Stckenholtz, Kiersey Bush, Jamisha Robey

players are taking a kneel to take a stand a silent answer to America’s injustice against minorities

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by Dylan Roberts o start

off almost every sporting event, the national anthem is played. Everyone who is able to stand does and places their right hand over their heart to remember how soldiers gave their lives fighting for our country. The national anthem to me represents the greatness of the United States and everything it stands for and the soldiers who have fought to protect us for over two centuries, and still go to battle for us everyday.

No matter how you view everything that went on this summer, with shootings in Dallas, Minneapolis, or Louisiana, you can not deny the fact people have the right to peaceably protest. If you feel strongly that something is wrong, I encourage you to exercise your first amendment right. As you would expect, I am referencing Mr. Colin Kaepernick, and other athletes choice not to stand for the national anthem.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said to Steve Wyche of NFL.com Other athletes across the NFL are following him. Even U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe is choosing to knee during “The Star Spangled Banner.” Some athletes or coaches will not tolerate it. US national hockey team’s coach told his players if they kneel they will be benched.

“If you on my team and not standing for the anthem better

be from a broken leg or I’m give you one #EyesonuCK,” Steelers linebacker James Harrison tweeted.

I completely agree when people say athletes or celebrities need to use their platform to make positive changes in society. Mr. Lebron James, Mr. Carmelo Anthony, Mr. Chris Paul, and Mr. Dwyane Wade all used their platform to bring attention to their thoughts on social injustice. Unlike Mr. Kaepernick’s protest, Mr. James, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Paul and Mr. Wade directed the attention to the issue, not to themselves.

“You have the right to be wrong,” ESPN’s Colin Cowherd said on his radio show when discussing the issue.

Mr. Cowherd is right. It is not illegal for Mr. Kaepernick to kneel, but to me it is just plain wrong. He is not attacking the issue. The national anthem is about our troops defending our country. He made it clear by wearing socks with policeman looking like pigs to practice, that he has problems with the police not our troops.

One of the beauties of this country is our first amendment rights, but is there not a better way to protest? The national anthem is a thank you for our troops fighting for us overseas protecting all of us, no matter our color. Please protest peacefully and exercise your first amendment right, but what good does it do to protest an issue when it brings more attention to you then it does the problem?

4 October 2016

Opinion

Volume 3 Issue 1

school preventing education how school is actually impacting learning

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by Sophie Anderson

here is a common phrase that I have heard my dad say more than once and maybe others have heard it too.

“Don’t let school get in the way of your education,” whether that be high school or college. I believe that there is truth in this. For many students who love learning, school can get in the way. When I say that someone loves learning, it is not in a negative or mocking way as it usually is said. Loving to learn is a great quality. It can mean looking into things one finds that they enjoy or that make them wonder. It could mean reading often or even doing art using different mediums or painting new things. It can be travelling to new places and trying to enrich oneself with its history and the stories it tells.

I think school is beneficial in many ways and can help many people with their learning.

A common saying heard in school classrooms and hallways is “why are we doing this?” or “how am I ever going to use this in real life?” There is truth to this, but there is also a side to it that is false. A large portion of what is done in school can be considered something that will not be directly relevant to a student’s future vocation.

However, the purpose of the assignments is to teach a student how to learn, how the students study the material the best and how to problem solve. There are many people that learning is not something they are motivated to do; however, I believe that everyone is motivated to continue learning something. Whether that be mechanics, different world cultures, or the chemicals of the periodic table, it is still valid and ultimately beneficial.

It is our job as humans on this Earth to continue learning about the things that inspire us or make us wonder. For some people, they continue this learning as an enjoyment for themselves, others do not have the motivation to continue. A world where people give up on the things that make them curious or inquisitive is a sad one. We would never advance as a human race. I challenge every person to find something that makes them interested or even that makes them happy when they read, listen to, or watch something specific because everyone has a talent that is unique to only them and would ultimately make our world better.

Sadly, I believe that school can sometimes interfere with this. While school is helpful in showing what one’s interest or passion may be, in can inhibit their pursuit of it. It is of such importance to complete schoolwork and study intently for tests because ultimately these grades and scores will assist a student’s later vocation, which will hopefully be their passion. There are many other important aspects of a teenager’s life happening right now. Take all of this in, do not just absorb the latest test grade. There are many other life lessons and advice that can be learned while in school that sometimes does not pertain to the current math unit. Do not forget to inhale these as well as how to properly use commas.

Ultimately, do not forget to study attentively and finish the necessary schoolwork. On the flip side of this, do not give up on passions or worry so much about the next grades in school that causes a person to miss out on the importance of being there for friends, family time and researching something inspiring.

Distractions in class Juniors Alan Anderson, Tony Turco, Reagan Rediger, Seth Haddix, Cade Mueller, and Gage Barnard in the class world civilization at GHS talking. Photo by Sophie Anderson

University of Iowa Students at the University of Iowa are hard at work during nursing and math for biological sciences. These students plan to work in the medical and deal with balancing education and school. Photo by Molly Anderson

is school preventing education

do you think school is preparing you for life?

Volume 3 Issue 1 photo by Heather

and Jameson

Feature

October 2016

an entire week filled with runways, fashion and fun

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ghs junior had her clothing designs featured on the runway at the omaha event

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By Layne Staley

Strike a Pose Standing with one of the models, Miranda Hanson strikes a pose. The picture was taken after Hanson’s collection was shown. The model is dressed in one of Hanson’s designs.

photo by Morgan Jad

e Photography

Best Friends Following the show, Hanson (18) poses with her two friends and models, Anna Pick (18) and Sammi Yates (18). Pick and Yates decided to model to show their support for Hanson. The girls had to audition in order to be selected as models.

Jameson oto by Heather and

ph

The Collection One of the models shows off one of Hanson’s designs from her collection. Hanson was one of many designers whose designs were featured at fashion week. The show marked the launch of Hanson’s first collection.

odels strutting, cameras flashing and judges who work in the design industry. Not long after, lights shining down a long runway. a list of 27 designers was released, and Hanson had This could all be seen during August made the cut. The next big step was picking out a salon 22 through 27 at the Omaha Design for hair and make-up and getting models to promote her Center. Being able to participate in an event like this clothes of course. Hanson ended up picking two GHS was a dream for GHS student junior Miranda Hanson. students to represent her collection, juniors Anna Pick Her dream became a reality when her designs were and Sammi Yates, who had tried out for the model call. accepted into Omaha Fashion Week. It took a couple “I knew that Miranda was going to be displaying of months to get everything put together, but in the her fashion line, so I decided it was worth a shot to end it was all worth tryout!” Pick said. it for this upcoming To walk the designer. runway, models “Omaha Fashion are required to be Week is a good at least 5’7. Pick platform for younger and Yates went to designers to get their an informational start since Omaha meeting at the end is less known to the of May and then nation than like, New went to Westroads York, where it would Mall on June 11 for be very hard to get the actual audition. a show right away,” They waited in a long Hanson said. line to walk down a Omaha Fashion practice runway, then week is a six-day received an email event that happens about a month later twice a year. It is a confirming that they production consisting had been chosen to of about 1,000 model for Hanson. individuals for hair, Although there was a make-up, modeling, great amount of effort the production team, put into the show, it caterers, technical was all worth it in the photo by Heather and Jameson end. crew, volunteers Walking the Runway At the end of her collection, Miranda Hanson (18) was and the designers.able to walk in front of the crowd. Hanson’s designs were featured during “My favorite part The local designersOmaha Fashion Week in August. Hanson was one of twenty-seven designers of Omaha Fashion are showcased andfeatured at the event.

Week was walking compete for a prize of at the very end of my $25,000. The show is a great way for rising designers to collection and hearing everyone clap and cheer for me become noticed in the industry. and seeing it all come together,” Hanson said.

“Although it is a lot of work, I enjoy seeing it all Overall, being involved in Omaha Fashion Week was come together as well as getting my name out there,” an incredible opportunity for Pick, Yates, and Hanson. said Hanson.

They are all grateful for the experience and knowledge Because it seemed like a good opportunity, Hanson about the fashion industry that they will be able to use decided to fill out an application where she gave her in the future. Hanson has officially launched her first information and the collection she hoped to show. She collection and cannot wait to be able to showcase more was then selected to do an interview with a panel of six of her work.

leaving early to get a jump start on life in the real

several seniors are planning on graduating early at the midterm in december

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By Kiersey Bush

nly attending high school for three and a half years would be a dream for most teenagers. For some GHS students that is a reality. Mid-term graduation is becoming more and more common every year among seniors.

When students are planning their senior year schedule and tell the guidance counselors they want to graduate in December, counselor Mr. Curt Mace always asks them why. Many of these second semester plans are very elaborate.

“I’m graduating early because I’m going to Air National Guard Basic Training,” senior Emily Simpson said. “I want to get it out of the way so I can take a vacation before college starts.”

Joining the military after high school is common but graduating early to do so is surprisingly not. Simpson looks forward to the Air National Guard because of all the benefits and opportunities she will have access to. She plans on attending UNL in the fall of 2017.

Senior Kacie Scharf is another midterm graduate with unusual plans. She is very involved in horse competitions and misses a lot of school because of them.

“I am planning on spending most of my time in Colorado,” Scharf said. “My sister and her family live there. It is also where my horse is in training, and I want to practice and ride as much as possible.”

She is presently looking at many colleges such as Texas Christian University, University of Georgia and Texas A&M. Scharf plans on being on the equestrian team at the college she attends as well as majoring in international business or marketing.

The most common reason for graduating, however, is to work full time and save money for college or to take

classes through a local college in order to get ahead of the required classes at a larger four year university.

“I’m going to work full time starting in January and then start taking classes at Metro in March,” senior Maryssa Carlson said. “I want to try and get as many general education classes out of the way because they are so cheap since I’m still considered a high school student.”

Simpson, Scharf and Carlson are just a few of the students graduating mid-term and all for equally important reason. Getting ahead in the system is one simple way high schoolers are making their teenage years count.

photos by Kiersey Bush Leaving early Seniors Emily Simpson, Kacie Scharf, and Maryssa Carlson are all planning on graduating from GHS at the end of the first semester. For various reasons, the trio wants to finish high school early in order to get a jump start on the next stage of their lives. Post high school plans include work and college classes.

6 October 2016

an international experience traveling abroad helped expand horizons

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By Cassandra Kostal

n May 24, 2016, nine students and two instructors from GHS left the familiarity of the U.S. for a four week trip to Germany.

The trip was intended to immerse the students, all of whom had taken two or more years of German language classes, in the culture of the country that they had come to know so much about.

“To learn a language well, you really have to immerse yourself in it and spend as much time speaking it as possible,” senior Erika Cornett said. “I spoke German as much as I could and messed up almost every time, but everyone was willing to help me with my mistakes and I am a better German speaker because of that.”

The group of travelers consisted of students senior Erika Cornett, senior Ayrianna Lane, senior Cassandra Kostal, junior Will McQueney, junior Johann Ott, junior Greg Matya and former students Michael Stage, Ally Beard and Thomas Salverson. The instructor chaperones were GHS German teacher Frau Kellye Deane and GMS foreign language teacher Frau Janet Stuckenschmidt.

Upon arriving in the capital city of Berlin, the group spent four days racing throughout the city, seeing as many sights as possible in the short amount of time. After that, they traveled north to the city of Kiel on the Baltic Sea where they spent three weeks living with host families.

Though the trip was certainly an enjoyable experience for all of the students who went along, it was also meant as an educational experience for them.

“The best possible outcome would be for my students to create lasting relationships with their counterparts and have a bonding experience with the people, culture and language,” Frau Deane said. “My least expectation would be for the students involved to learn more about another culture, become more comfortable with the German language and also to have a more global world view.”

After beginning the trips during the school year of 2007-2008, Frau Deane has taken an assortment of students to Germany every two years, totaling five trips overall. The exchange is planned through GAPP (German American Partnership Program) beginning the September prior to the trip in May.

Feature

For the students who take part in the exchange, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Traveling abroad is itself quite enlightening, but being able to experience the culture of a foreign country by residing with a native family opens the students up to a whole new understanding of the way of life in the new place.

“I think what I enjoyed the most was meeting new people and seeing life through their eyes,” GHS graduate Ally Beard said. “It was cool to see how the Germans had different ways of doing things, but they weren’t so different that I could easily fit into their lifestyle.”

Though initially daunting for the American students, the German hosts were extremely welcoming and made them feel as if they had always been a member of their family. Regardless, living and speaking in a country whose language was only mildly understood by most of the students was understandably difficult at the beginning.

“In the beginning, it was a little intimidating to be dropped in a foreign country,” Cornett said. “We had to figure everything out for ourselves, from the bus schedule to how to order food at a restaurant, but it really helped boost my independence and confidence.”

While in Kiel with their host families, the American exchange students were made to adapt to their lives and to assimilate themselves as best they could into the German culture. Assimilation included going to school with their hosts and attending their classes, participating if possible in other activities, and doing the things a normal German teenager living in Kiel would do.

For one of the American scholars, it was not the first time that they had experienced life in Germany through the GAPP program. Michael Stage, who graduated prior to the trip, had gone two years before during the summer following his sophomore year.

“Because I had originally gone to Germany after my second year of learning German, I believed going at the end of my senior year would allow me to experience Germany with much more confidence,” Stage said. “Having the additional two years of German knowledge was enough to better understand and converse more with my classmates.”

After the three weeks in Kiel with the German host families, the group from GHS returned to Berlin for twenty-four hours before flying through Amsterdam and Detroit on the long flight back to Omaha. The students and staff landed at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on June 20, bringing their international adventure to a close.

Volume 3 Issue 1

Historic splendor While in Berlin, the American students saw sights such as the Berliner Dom. Located in the heart of Berlin, the Berliner Dom is the largest church in Germany. Its names translates to ‘Berlin Cathedral.’ photo by Cassandra Kostal

Gated glory Today the Brandenburg Gate is a constant reminder of the divide between East and West Germany. The students visited the gate during their time in Berlin. The American Embassy is located to the left of the gate. photo by Cassandra Kostal

photo by Kellye Deane

photo by Kellye Deane

Political expression The American students stand in front of a graffitied portion of the eastern side of the Berlin Wall. The entire East Side Gallery was covered with political graffiti from the Cold War. Images included political cartoons of world leaders involved in the Cold War.

Lifelong friends The American students pose with their German exchange partners as they prepared to leave Kiel. Many of the students had met each other when the German students came to America in October. While in Germany, the American students stayed with their host’s family.

several new faces can be seen in the hallways of ghs

students from across the country receive warm welcome as the new year begins

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By Emily Acker

very year there are dozens of new students that move to Gretna. This year is no different.

Junior Benjamin Bergman and sophomore Jenny Johnson are among these students.

“I moved from Elkhart, Indiana,” Bergman said. “It is a big town. It’s very close to south Bend. It’s also by Notre Dame.”

“The reason why I moved to Gretna was because my dad got a job by Lincoln,” Bergman said. “But I made a travel hockey team here. So we had a problem talking about it so instead I said ‘Hey dad, how about Gretna?’ So that’s why we moved here.”

When new students move here, most of them notice a difference from where they used to live.

“I think that Gretna is better than where I once lived,” said Bergman. “We have nice town and a lot of people

are nicer here than where we lived and the environment is better.”

On the other side of the country, there is Jenny Johnson. She is from California.

“I arrived at Gretna on August 17,” Johnson said. “I moved from Mountain View, California- In the heart of Silicon Valley, home of Google, Apple, and Facebook.”

Johnson is excited to be in Gretna and experience all the things the city had to offer.

“I think Gretna is very beautiful and has very nice people,” Johnson said. “It’s definitely a lot. I’ve noticed that teenagers are allowed to start driving at a younger age, and it’s normal for people to hunt and fish.”

Jenny and Benjamin are terrific new additions to GHS. They will continue to grow and develop with the city and school.

Smiling faces New students Benjamin Bergman and Jenny Johnson are two of the many new students who have moved to Gretna for the 2016-17 school year. “ I think that Gretna is better than where I once lived,” said Bergman. Bergman moved from Indiana and Johnson arrived from California.

Volume 3 Issue 1

bursting at the seams ghs sports expand to new limits

By Colin Kitson

G

HS sports teams are becoming bigger and better. The teams are expanding to new numbers and so are the crowds that come to watch the games. The teams are getting larger because the size of GHS is growing every year.

Focusing in on fall sports, some of the teams growing this year are girls softball, boys tennis and football.

The girls softball team has had an increasing amount of fans showing up to watch the girls play. GHS has had to move a whole bleacher section over to the softball fields because so many people are coming to watch. A big reason behind all of this is from the girls winning the state championship last year.

“The number of fans has increased in the last three years I’ve been coaching. The number of fans at our games provides a great atmosphere for our girls,” coach Jacob Jadlowski said.

But not only the fans have increased, the number of girls playing has been steadily increasing every year.

The girls are also continuing to get better as new people come in.

“This program is growing quickly. The number of girls that have come out for the team has grown dramatically in the last three years,” Jadlowski said.

With the team and fans expanding it makes the girls excited and pumped to play. More people knowing about the softball team makes the energizes the girls because they know there will be a bigger fan base.

“People are more aware of the softball team and we have more of a student section and fans that we have ever had before,” junior Lexi Burkhardt said.

An increase in the number of fans are not the only result of the state championship. More and more college scouts and coaches from other teams have been showing up to watch the games.

“I think a lot of it has to do with our state championship win last year, it makes people want to come out and see us play and they enjoy watching us that much more,”

photo by Shelby Bartram

Feature Burkhardt said.

The team is growing because they have great teamwork and nice girls on the team. Every girl is a friend to one another because they want to be a big team as a whole and get along.

“High school softball is growing because all of girls are super nice and do a great job of welcoming the underclassman,” Burkhardt said.

Another sport that is growing is boys tennis. The boys tennis team is pushing to become a state championship contender for this year.

“We have a transfer this year from Grand Island who is our two singles player and helps boost our team to be a championship contender,” junior Jacob Weber said.

The team is also expanding in crowd size for all of their matches. The boys have a very good shot at winning this year with all the talent they have.

“I think we are expanding because of how good we have gotten in only our fourth year of having a tennis team and I think it will continue to grow,” Weber said.

The team has more fun when in matches because they know everyone on the team is working together and is cheering them on. Without encouragement from the other teammates, not every player would have all the confidence to win their match.

Last, but not least, the football team is also growing at an alarming rate. The team is getting much bigger, and so are the fans and student section.

“We have way more kids out this year than in the past years, so many that we can run two scrimmages at one time,” senior Patrick Arnold said.

The student section is getting a lot louder as the numbers grow and cheering the team has been easier than ever. The fans are louder than ever in general and it makes the boys pumped for every snap.

“I think a good winning history of GHS football is helping the program expand and it makes me excited to see the future of GHS football,” Arnold said.

All in all, every GHS sport is getting bigger and better. From the transfers to new kids we are growing into well formed teams. Kids are wanting to play more because they know how fun the atmosphere is when they are on the field and they love hearing the crowd roar, knowing it is all for them.

October 2016

7

photo by Colin Kitson

Full force JV kicker Luke Pinkall kicks an extra point during the team’s game against Bennington. Pinkall’s kick put the Dragons ahead of the Badgers by two touchdowns. The Dragons faced off against the Badgers on Monday, September 19. photo by Colin Kitson

Single file Members of the JV tennis team wait their turn to go against the ball machine. The team practices with the varsity players every day after school. With several talented players on the team, the team has high hopes for the season.

from BASE room student to official ghs staff member former student Emily Jaekel returns to ghs as a new edition to the school’s staff

M

By Shelby Bartram

Minion fun Sitting in her new office, Emily Jaekel is surrounded by her favorite little yellow guys: Minions. Jaekel began working for GHS at beginning of the new school year.

Last year, she was a student in the BASE room. photo by Shelby Bartram

Working hard Searching the staff mailboxes, Emily Jaekel goes about her new daily duties. After finishing with the GHS BASE program, Jaekel now works for GHS three days per week. She even has her own private office in the guidance center.

iss Emily Jaekel is now an official employee of GHS. She was a former BASE room student and over exceeded the age of the BASE room.

“Since Gretna High School changed the date of the first day of school, I was too old for the BASE room,” Miss Jaekel said.

Miss Jaekel’s birthday is August 14, 1995. She turned 21 years old before the school year started so she was not eligible for the BASE room program anymore. BASE room teacher Mrs. Ann Ross came up with the idea to have Miss Jaekel work in the counseling office three days a week. Miss Emily Jaekels official title is Office Support in the counseling office and the BASE room. She works every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10-12. She is in the BASE room from 10-11 and the counseling office from 11-12.

“My favorite thing to do in the counseling office is to help,” Miss Jaekel said.

She has her own office in the counseling office that is decorated with her favorite things. Jaekel has Minion characters sitting on her desk, Minion posters on her walls and a Minion canvas that she got from her grandpa.

She has a numerous amount of tasks to do while she is working. So far, Miss Jaekel has made copies, delivered passes, and works on putting a quote on the window that is outside of the counseling office.

“Every week I put a new quote on the window that I have found on the internet that I think is inspirational,” Miss Jaekel said.

She has plans for the future and expanding her job.

She is planning on helping the BASE room kids learn how to paint once a week.

“I am excited to help others and the BASE room kids as well as helping the counselors,” Jaekel said, “I want to help the BASE room student learn their manners.”

She is excited to help all students and teachers in the BASE room. She has helped one of the students in the room get mail and started to teach her when the right time to use her manners is.

“I help a girl named Jackie. Me and her go do mail,” Miss Jaekel said.

Miss Jaekel will be working on making the staff of GHS birthday cards on their birthdays. She wants to make GHS a happier place and to help others while she is here.

She is conquering a new job and all of her goals for this year while in a wheelchair.

“I do not think that I am at a disadvantage working with a disability or having a wheelchair!” Miss Jaekel said.

She is excited to conquer new tasks and to start a job and not be a student anymore. Other people have helped her along the way that she wants to give thanks to.

“I want to thank Mrs. Ross; she has helped me so much. I don’t know how to put it into words,” Miss Jaekel said.

Mrs. Sue Maliszewski is the secretary in the counseling office. She has helped Miss Jaekel with numerous tasks.

“I want to thank Mrs. M for walking me out everyday,” Miss Jaekel stated.

Miss Jaekel has had a lot of help from others but she is tackling her new job at GHS rather well. She has overcome obstacles beyond belief and is excited to help other teachers, students and counselors. Miss Jaekel has big plans for the future and is taking it one day at a time.

Stop by the counseling office or the BASE room to say hi to the new staff member Miss Jaekel.

8 October 2016

new senior for the win

By Abbie Wesely

T

he GHS boys tennis team has been increasingly successful this season. In order to improve, they have been working diligently on their tennis skills. Their goal is to win state this year as a team. Furthermore, senior Noah Bernal has an ambition to win state as an individual.

“My goals for this season are to win state as a team and be the first to ever do that here in Gretna,” Bernal said, “and to win state individually.”

Determination has been the seed for success for the Gretna team, and Bernal looks forward to the opportunity of competing at state and achieving his goal of becoming a state champion. He has been involved in the sport for many years, and his inspiration to start playing tennis came from his mom.

“I have played tennis for fun with my mom since I have been able to walk,” Bernal said. “But I started to actually compete in seventh grade. I took a break and then started again my freshman year. I chose to start playing tennis because my mom and her family love tennis, and I am a mama’s boy.”

Bernal played tennis in both Grand Island and Gretna throughout his life. He has lived in Gretna before, and he is returning for his senior year on the Gretna tennis program.

“I was born in Grand Island, NE,” Bernal said. “I lived here in Gretna in second grade and just moved back for senior year. I moved back because my mom got a job here and because we loved it the first time we lived here.”

Sports

Volume 3 Issue 1

Currently, Bernal plays two singles on the Gretna team. He played two singles last year and was a state finalist for GICC. “I like to play singles better because I get to rely on myself,” Bernal said. “I lost in the finals last year in two singles and it was the worst feeling I’ve ever experienced after losing a game in any sport.”

Bernal loves playing with his Gretna teammates and working with head coach Bret Kohles and Coach Jordan Barrett. He is ready to compete with his team this season and make the most of his senior year in the Gretna tennis program.

“I like playing on the Gretna team because it is a fun group of guys to be around and it seems like I’ve known them for a long time,” Bernal said. “Also I am excited about eating some great food after meets and for the bus rides to and from meets with my boys.”

The future for Bernal’s tennis career is undetermined at this time. However, he definitely wants to continue with the sport, even if it is not competitive.

“I am not sure about my future plans for tennis,” Bernal said. “But I will for sure play intramural tennis somewhere.”

Practicing with the Gretna team after school and putting in many hours of hard work, Bernal is becoming closer to achieving his goal of winning state, for the first time, as a team with Gretna and winning an individual state title. He has many supporters among his friends, family, teammates and coaches.

“The tennis season is going pretty well,” Bernal said.

“My motivation to keep improving this year is my family and the fact that I lost last year in the finals. I’d like to say thank you to everyone for letting me join the family and thank you to Coach Kohles and Coach Barrett for helping me grow as a player and a person.”

Bernal has come a long way in his tennis career. As he competes during his final season in high school, Bernal is eager to turn his hope into reality and leave the season as a state champion.

photo by Abbie Wesely

starting off the season the right way gretna volleyball plays at state fair

By McKenzie Pavelka

T

Push One In a rally against Blair, Cameron Scott (17) set the ball up for a spike.

At home, Gretna won three sets to zero. “We have a great chemistry so that makes it so much more fun to play when you’re on the court with your best friends,” Scott said. photo

by Cassandra Kostal

he GHS volleyball season officially began with the appearance at the Nebraska State Fair on August 27. They played exibition games against Millard South and won.

Unfortunately, they lost against Grand Island Central Catholic.

“My favorite part of playing at the state fair is the fact that it felt like a ‘mini state’,” senior Cameron Scott said.

“State volleyball used to be hosted there and everything was set up as if it was a legit state game, so that was pretty cool to experience. It made me that much more excited for the season to be in full force.”

The girls not only got the chance to play at the fair, but they were also free to enjoy the fair itself. After playing for the night, they got the opportunity to enjoy the fair a little longer before loading the bus to go home.

“In between games the team and I walked around and watched a lion show and monkeys ride on the backs of dogs,” Scott said. “After our games on Saturday though Mr. Brandon let us stay a while to ride rides, eat the classic fair funnel cakes and mess around some more.”

New memories and relationships are being formed throughout the team. It takes willing people to be able to make a team great, and that is what the GHS volleyball girls have done. The team is mostly seniors right now, so losing them at the end of the year will be a hard thing for the team to go through.

“The most memorable thing I have about playing at the state fair is that the refs drove us all crazy! It was a training tournament for refs so we knew going in the refs would be a little rough,” Scott said. “But in our last game it was so close, 27-28 them and Shelley (Lauren) Leapley had a killer hit and they called her in the net when she was at least two feet away! We all started complaining and dropped our jaws in disbelief.”

The girls are currently 6-0 in their regular season and plan to keep going along no differently. But along with all teams, they each have their strengths and weaknesses.

“Our strongest quality is our chemistry,” senior Mallory Yost said. “Our team is packed with seniors along with many other great girls so we have played together forever so it’s easy and really fun to play with each other.”

Being able to do what you love with people that you are close with is another thing the players love about their team. The girls have great relationships since they all share the same hobby and passion for the sport.

“My favorite part about being part of the team is we all have a lot of fun together,” Scott said. “We have a great chemistry so that makes it so much more fun to play when you’re on the court with your best friends.”

The team is hoping to go back to the state championship and surpass last year’s title of state runner up and hopefully become state champions. Until then, the girls need to keep playing how they have been and make their way to the top.

Service Ace With another serve from Carson Opfer (17), the Dragons are one point closer to another victory.

Gretna came ready to play as they hosted the Blair Bears.

As the team stands currently, seniors make up most of the heart and soul of the volleyball team. photo by Cassandra Kostal

Volume 3 Issue 1

dangers of football

Sports

October 2016

9

falling footballs cause players to fall.

By Jessica Blum

Injuries plus fall weather equals the much anticipated sport: football. Life is signed away at the start of practice and dedicated to the constant pushes and collisions with other people who have made the same commitment.

Many have waited for the start of the season with all the earned victories and sob stories. The unfortunate part of football is the mental and physical toll that this sport takes on one’s body.

Crack, snap, pop! Not only can these sound effects be related to the cereal, but it can be heard as a bone buckles underneath players and their pads. One devoted player is left on the field, lying on his back in misery and pain.

The way things are now turning out, his season has been predetermined. Fans have hands on their faces, displaying complete shock and pity for the poor man. Scholarships are starting to fade away slowly but surely. Freshman Ely Doble completed one varsity start as kicker for the Gretna Dragons before he experienced this image in a freshman football game. His femur broke underneath him, and he is now out for the rest of the football season as well as the beginning of basketball. Numerous events occur within the 60 minutes of playing time each school gets to represent their school on the grassy, painted field.

Not too long ago, my friend and his team fell short of a win that they desperately needed. All through the summer, players were stressed with expectations and film to watch and mull over in preparation for this game. In math class, at lunch and through the hallways, constant chatter made its way around school about the football game that Friday. Millard West was playing Millard North in a championship rematch from the previous year. Tension and frustration boiled in each player’s mind as they were reminded of that dreadful, haunting night in Lincoln.

When it came down to the game, they gave every inch of effort they had in them. Faulty referee calls were a part of their downfall. In the end, Millard West lost again, claiming they worked all summer to defeat Millard North, but could not get the job done. My friend was crushed and

held a steady, unpleasant attitude for the entire weekend after the game. The boys of fall had dreamed for this win only to end up in a night of tears, drained of all strength and energy.

A football team that has just recently lost a game is as useful as a deflated football. Their attitudes, mindset, and feelings were held up for an extended amount of time because of the failure in a game played with pigskin. Sports affect humans emotionally to the core. We get attached to the game, throw ourselves over the edge with pride and excitement, only to get let down and sent into spiraling depression. The school is filled with sorrow along with the minds of the players and coaches as they strive to reach victory in next week’s matchup.

The Gretna Dragons and every other football team in the nation have their own mental breakdowns from time to time. It is part of the process the players learn to cope with and work around; their lives are dedicated to this sport. If it means playing through a broken finger or concussion, most of the players would attempt to get through the game by themselves if it were not for our trainers on the sidelines.

Girlfriends of football players view the displayed emotions such as rage and anger and are left with no choice but to experience those feelings along with their boyfriends. Every person handles their emotions differently, and football can give rise to the worst of them which leaves girlfriends concerned and worrisome.

The unwelcome attitudes are never left on the field as they should be, yet they meander into the homes of millions. No family member, girlfriend or friend to any football player could ever mistake a loss from the expression that he drags home. A certain understanding is passed from mother and father; they obtain trust in the fact that their child will perform at a high level with a passion for the sport and an understanding for the mental and physical toll football will take from each of their sons every time they step their cleats onto the field.

Millard West side steps their way to victory during their game.

To signify our patriatism, an american flag will always mark the begining of a fooball game.

Injuries like this broken arm can set player back for months.

No matter the position on the feild, injuries can be seen from any point on the feild.

Frshman Ely Doble battles through just standing in art class.

is football dangerous?

Yes. Football is a dangerous sport.

No, I dont think its dangerous.

10 October 2016

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Volume 3 Issue 1

these girls do not need any men to shine when it comes to being in the spotlight junior varsity show choir now a women’s group because not enough males auditioned for show choir positions

by Jadyn Anderson

G

retna show choir consists of two groups, Revolution and Evolution. Revolution is the varsity group and Evolution is the junior varsity group. Choir director Mr. Patrick Ribar is the director for Revolution. Assistant choir director Mr. Brandon Shostak is in charge of Evolution. In the past years, Evolution has been a mixed choir, meaning it is composed of both boys and girls. However, conditions are different this year. Evolution is now a women’s choir.

“There was some number crunching we had to do mathematically,” Mr. Shostak said. “We had to decide between having two mixed ensembles with uneven numbers of boys and girls, or have one even group and then make the other a women’s choir.”

The number of freshman boys that tried out for show choir was lower than it has been in previous years.

A significant number of the boys in show choir graduated last year, and they left some pretty big shoes to fill for the underclassmen. Mr. Ribar’s plan is to find ways to recruit more middle school boys.

“I’m trying to heighten the interest in show choir at the middle school by building a fantastic relationship with the new choir director, Mr. Avery,” Mr. Ribar said.”

We have also added the middle school to our annual choir tour, where we go around to the elementary schools, and now the middle school, and perform for them.”

Although it is nice to have a sufficient amount of men for two mixed choirs, Mr. Shostak has found some definite positives throughout the journey. For instance, they do not have to focus on both male and female voices.

“Having only female singers is nice because then we can really focus on the female vocals,” Mr. Shostak said. “It is much more efficient this way, rather than splitting up the men and women and having to divide up the time.”

The women’s choir is more efficient, but it also requires a little imagination. Most women’s choirs have similar dresses and typical female pop songs. Mr. Shostak did some research this summer in order to jazz up Evolution’s show.

Practice makes perfect Much preparation takes place in order for a show to look spotless.

“Cleaning up the details in a show can be easily overlooked,” Shostak said, “but we focus Photo by Jadyn Anderson on it in daily practice.” Evolution’s year is off to a good start.

First, he looked into strong women vocalists who were popular in their time. He picked artists and then looked into who their inspirations were. Then he would look into that artist and their inspiration and so on and so forth. He ended up with an “evolution” of female pop singers. He then looked into their music and pulled songs for his show.

Finding unique songs is not the only problem. It can get quite boring to look at a stage full of all females wearing slightly different variations of the same dress. The choreographer came up with a brilliant idea: split the girls into two groups, and give them both different dresses. This allows for something more interesting and eye-catching.

Evolution transitioning to a women’s choir will be an interesting adventure. It is a whole new world for many of the members and for Mr. Shostak. No one knows whether it will remain a women’s choir next year or not.

It will be exciting to see their journey unfold as the year progresses into the heart of show choir season.

Ready to shine Evolution practices one of their unique songs in preparation for the fall concert. “Each song and dance has its own style of voice and movement,” Shostak said.

Learning such different styles and dances requires hard work. Photo by Jadyn Anderson

the object of my most recent netflix addiction stranger things

By Ben Bickel

H

awkins, IN in 1983, a 12-year-old boy heads home after a night of hanging out playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends Justin, Mike and Lucas. On his way home he encountered something that caused him to fall off his bike and rush home into his shed and prepare to defend himself for whatever had chased him that night. Then, POOF! Will Byers disappeared without a trace.

Stranger Things is a new series that came out on Netflix this year that has caught people’s attention along with my own. It is a mystery/ suspense story about a group of friends that are searching for their missing friend. Along the way, they made a new friend named Eleven.

Eleven has special abilities that normal humans do not carry. Mike finds Eleven, brings her in and gives her shelter and slowly a friendship

kindled. Eleven had Mike’s back and Mike had hers. They became a dynamic duo.

Mike’s sister Nancy is also a big part of the story that falls into place during the eight episodes. Nancy is Mike’s older sister and has a boyfriend named Steve. According to Nancy and the rest of the kids at school, Steve was the hot stuff on the block. After some drama, Steve turns out to be a not so good guy and Nancy ends up figuring it out.

Jonathon Byers plays a big role in the story of finding Will.

Jonathon is Will’s older brother who is doing what he can to handle the disappearance of his younger brother and to make sure his mom does not go insane and lose every ounce of sanity that she had. He looks for Will while his mother sits at home claiming that she can talk to Will through lights, but that is for you to watch.

Volume 3 Issue 1

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October 2016

balancing one act on top of speech team: students perform in the spotlight fighting to take center stage

by Jacey Hammer

O

ne Act and Speech Team are both very successful programs. Students that are a part of both of these activities spend their time at school practicing and rehearsing their lines to achieve their goals. These activities are found entertaining to many spectators, and enjoyable by the participants.

“While it is definitely a challenge sometimes,” sophomore Payton Long said. “Both of these activities are super fun to do.”

Through late rehearsal hours and hard work, One Act and Speech Team students manage to get the task done before performance times.

“It is very challenging between rehearsals for One Act, practice for speech and homework there’s a lot to do,” sophomore Sophia Montemarano said. “I have to manage my time well.”

The members of speech team have some qualities that the one Act members do not have. For example, a member of One Act that is not in speech could have more stage fright because they are not used to performing by themselves.

“I think some speech members have less stage fright because each individual must speak on their own,” Montemarano said. “Whereas in One Act, you could be a background person and not have a speaking role.”

Being in both One Act and Speech Team is a challenge at times. Balancing two activities that require many practices and rehearsals on top of school adds up quickly especially at high school level.

“The hardest part is definitely when it gets closer to One Act state finals,” Long said. “It is hard to work on anything other than one act, especially Speech!

You have to keep going, and it’s all worth it in the end.”

One Act is starting about two weeks earlier in the school year. The early start will help give One Act students more nights off and less late nights spent at school.

“I think that it is great that One Act is starting earlier,” sophomore Sarah Ference said. “It will give us more time to practice and perfect. We also might not have as many late nights which would be great.”

Speech Team is also starting early this year. It is starting about four months earlier, and some of the practices and meets overlap.

“There might be meets on some days there is a One Act event,” Long said. “Obviously we can only go to one.”

One Act is a team effort. It takes time and dedication to help out your team and each member, whether they are the main character or a tree in the background, there is one main goal: a state title.

“Winning state was honestly one of the greatest moments of my life,” Long said. “I remember hugging everyone around me, and I think I even cried a little bit thinking of all the hard work it took to get there.”

Speech is more of an individual program. The students are not told what they are supposed to do. The coaches follow the individual’s rules at their request and help make changes to each speech to make it better.

“With Speech, the coach follows your rules,” Long said. “They help you make your speech better.”

Each individual must give their all at each and every practice or rehearsal. Each student must have the willpower to do just that. One Act and Speech Team both take time, effort and dedication but it is that one final performance to make their hard work worth it.

“For both you have to be emotionally prepared to give it your all,” Ference said. “Everyone has the drive and willpower in both Speech and One Act to me.

Speech Team and One Act both take time, effort and dedication. There is a lot of practice and preparation involved in both of these activities.

Speaking their way to State Through hours of memorization, the Speech Team members perform at State Speech.

“Speech helped me so much with public speaking, “ Ference said. “It helped get over the fear and made me into a better speaker.” Submitted photo

Once in a lifetime experience Giving the performance of their lives, the 2015-2016 One Act cast takes first in state.

“Winning State One Act was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had,” said Long. Submitted photo

Two different worlds Although both activities require theatrical ability, there are many differences. “State One Act was a totally different thing from State Speech,” Long said. Students who participate in both have good things to say about each one. Submitted photo

12October 2016

A&E

the changing season leads to a changing of the trends an inside look on fall fashion

Volume 3 Issue 1 Photo by Brooke Smith

Photo by Brooke Smith

by Brooke Smith

N

ot only are the leaves changing colors this season, but also the fashion trends for GHS students. This fall has blown in a multitude of unique styles that are well suited for the brisk, breezy weather. These attention getting outfits can be described as comfy, simple and cute. Dark shades such as army green, rust red and blush pink seem to be very popular while roaming the Gretna High hallways. For the females of GHS, multiple layers, high waisted skirts and “off the shoulder” shirts can be spotted daily inside almost every classroom. For the males, button up shirts and khakis are very common. This fall season also offers a change in fabrics. Transitioning from lighter, loose clothing to thicker textures such as suede and denim has helped GHS students prepare for the crisp fall weather.

Abby Kessler (17)

Photo by Brooke Smith

Alexa Sedlak (17)

Photo by Brooke Smith

Photo by Brooke Smith

Mila Serefko (17)

Matt Brown (18)

Olivia Osborn (17)

never judge a book by its cover, it might deceive you a not-so-exciting ending to an exciting beginning leads the reader astray

by Mason Hjermstad

W

hile wandering through the library looking for a new book to pass the time, I saw a flash of gold that caught my eye. I pulled Need by Carrie Jones off the shelf to view the cover. What first caught my attention was the gold, shimmery lips that took up about a third of the cover. The next item I noticed were the dark, creepy branches winding up a neck towards the face that consumed the whole cover.

These elements stumped me and allowed my curiosity to rise because without reading the book’s description I would never have been able to determine just what this book was about. The branches and lips gave an ethereal, mysterious feeling which also intrigued me. Again, after contemplating it for some time I felt a strong need to crack open the book and start reading, and that is exactly what I did.

First of all, this book was veiled in mystery just as I had thought, but it was not as suspenseful as I had hoped. The surprises were easily predictable. This novel is about a girl, Zara White, who has recently been shipped off to Maine by her mother after the unfortunate death of her step-father. Zara moves in with her step-dad’s mother, Betty, whom she loves dearly. Zara possesses a strange habit where she says the scientific names of fears

in order to calm her nerves or her own fear. This seems to be a large theme throughout the book as every chapter is named after a fear. For example, the first chapter is called Phobophobia which is the fear of phobias. This was by far the most strange and intriguing part of the book for me besides the little snippets of romance here and there.

The plot of the book is mostly directed toward figuring out why a tall, dark stranger has followed her all the way to Maine and continues to stalk her. With the help of her friends they search for explanations, but it is easily seen that not everyone is sharing the whole truth about what they know. This book has just barely enough mystery and romance to keep you interested. The added intrigue of mystical creatures also helped me to be able to make it all the way through this book.

Overall, this book was not nearly as good as I hoped, but it is not a bad read. It kept me interested enough to want to make it to the end but not enough that I did not want to put it down. It was easily predictable and not super different from a lot of the stuff I have read in the past. I would recommend it if you are looking for a short read just to pass the time or give you a small break from stress. It is also an AR book worth 10 points. It is an easy, quick read if you can keep yourself interested.

Photo by Mason Hjermstad