2016 GHS Voice Issue 2

the voice

November 2016

3 no more long homeroom 7 committed seniors

Nebraska German Teacher of the Year goes to GHS German teacher, Ms. Deane after teaching German for 18 years, Ms Deane nominated for award by her peers

by Colin Kitson

F

rom 1998 teaching German to high schoolers to 2016 winning the Nebraska German Teacher of the Year award, German teacher Ms. Kellye Deane earned an award as the Nebraska German Teacher of the Year. Her success can be seen through various trophies displayed in her classroom from past students.

Ms. Deane was voted by her peers in the state of Nebraska. The award would be given out at a lunch. At first, she was not going to go the lunch where they would be awarding the award. A retired colleague had to tell her in advance that she won the award.

“I found out about a week before the ceremony that I was getting this award,” Ms. Deane said. She was shocked and could not wait to go to the lunch.

On Saturday Oct. 8, she received the award from the Nebraska Association of Teachers of German; she was honored and shocked to receive such an important award.

“I was first a little shocked. It is hard sometimes to receive such an accolade from your peers when you know they worked just as hard as you did,” Ms. Deane said. “I was shocked to hear I had won originally and had not expected the award at all. I felt very honored to put forth for this award by so many truly outstanding German teachers in the state. It is one thing to win an award but still another when the award comes from your peers who

know and work just as hard as you do,” Ms. Deane said.

Ms. Deane was moved when reading all the things her students and peers said about her.

“It was only after reading the letters and seeing how I have touched others lives that I felt more deriving of the award,” Ms. Deane said.

Deane had her name on a plaque that was given to her and she also received letters of recommendation from peers and students. Her students scored high on their National German exam they take each year and that is why she thinks this has something to do with why she received the award. She also has other ideas about why she won the award.

“I have a mentor to other German teachers in the district, I have consistently high achieving students in the National German exam we take each year. I have also worked for the Nebraska Student German Convention and hosted this convention in 2015. I also have had an exchange program for the past ten years with the Gymnasium Wellingdorf in Kiel, Germany, where I take students every two years for a month as well as prepare our students here to host German students for three weeks. I am an advocate for German teaching and learning,” Ms. Deane said.

Ms. Deane is honored to receive such a prestigious award. Her leadership and love for teaching German inspired her to go above and beyond.

GHS senior named National Merit Semifinalist

after taking PSAT/NMSQT test his junior year, Ben Rhodes scored in the top 1%

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by Cassandra Kostal

HS senior receives distinguished award: Ben Rhodes is named National Merit Semifinalist GHS’s 2016-2017 senior class boasts just over 250 students. Of those students, only one has been given the honor of being named a Semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. Senior Ben Rhodes is the sole recipient of the prestigious title.

“I am honored and humbled to be named a Semifinalist,” Rhodes said.

There are over 1.6 million students in 22,000 high schools across the country that qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program every year. Of those entrants, only 16,000 nationwide are selected as Semifinalists.

The number of Semifinalists each year is proportionate to each state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. For the 2017 program, the state of Nebraska is credited with 94 of the 16,000 qualifying seniors.

In order to be considered as a National Merit Semifinalist, students must qualify through an exam taken during their junior year of high school. Only those with high enough scores are able to qualify.

“To qualify, I had to take the PSAT/NMSQT (practice SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) as a junior and achieve a score in the top 1% of test takers,” Rhodes said.

After being named Semifinalists, qualifiers move on to the next step: becoming Finalists. Of the 16,000 students that qualified as Semifinalists, 90%, or approximately 14,500 students will reach this level, with the Finalists being announced in February.

“The process for Semifinalist to become a finalist includes an essay, letters of recommendation, and a validating score on the real SAT,” Rhodes said.

Working toward to goal of becoming a finalist, Rhodes took the SAT exam on October 1. His score on the test will help determine whether or not he will be named a finalist.

Going beyond becoming a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, 7,500 of the students will receive scholarships totaling $33 million. The funds for the scholarships are supported by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), as well as over 420 business organizations and educational institutes dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence.

Scholarship winners are selected based on criteria such as their skills, accomplishments and potential success in rigorous college environments. The NMSC issues these scholarships without regard to gender, race, religious preference or ethnic origin. Winners of the NMSC scholarships will be announced through four nationwide news releases between April and July.

Hoping to qualify for a NMSC scholarship, Rhodes has remained active throughout his four years of high school. He is currently a part of the soccer, tennis and quiz bowl teams and is the senior class secretary. Any scholarship would go toward Rhodes’ college plans for the fall of 2017 following graduation.

“I hope to attend a prestigious school on the East Coast to major in Political Science and International Relations,” Rhodes said.

The spring of 2017 marks the 62nd year of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. If selected to receive a scholarship, Rhodes will join more than 323,000 others who have previously been awarded the title of Merit Scholar.

Left:

Nationl Merit Semifinalist While now seen as a distinguished student based off of his PSAT/NMSQT test score, life and homework still go on as usual. Ben Rhodes is the only student at GHS to become a National Merit Semifinalist in the 2016-17 class. “To qualify, I had to take the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior and achieve a score in the top 1% of test takers,” Ben Rhodes said. photos by Ben Bickle.

German Teacher of the Year On Saturday, October 8th, Ms Deane proudly accepted her award. This award is given annually and was given to her for this school year.

All of her many accomplishments are displayed through all of the trophies in her room. submitted photo

2 November 2016

News

Volume 3 Issue 2

three years has passed since GHS History teacher learned of his heart condition

checking in on Mr. Swanson’s current a-fib and well-known soda addiction

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by Amanda Minckler

n January of 2013, history instructor Mr. Jon Swanson felt his heart beating to a different rhythm. Since then, he has done his best to fix this problem and stay away from soda. Three years later, it is time to see how Mr. Swanson is doing and remember what happened.

“I went to bed one night and my heart was beating weird,” Mr. Swanson said. “Then I went to the school nurse before going to the doctor. I had an a-fib and they wanted to get it taken care of.”

Taking care of a heart problem cannot be easy. Both of the procedures that Mr. Swanson had done required him to be put under, and they do not always work.

“They shocked it back into rhythm and then it kicked back out,” Mr. Swanson said. “I had to go back and they decided to freeze parts of my heart.”

Recovery has gone smoothly for Mr. Swanson over the past few years. There is no guaranteed fix to this problem, so he can always count on feeling the different beat.

“Every once in a while I feel a little something, but it’s little,” Mr. Swanson said. “It’s not a matter of if it will come back, but when.”

More came with his recovery. All GHS students knew Mr. Swanson’s love for soda, and his incredible intake of Coca-Cola raised concern on whether or not that was causing his issues.

“I used to drink a lot of pop and my wife asked if that was the reason,” Mr. Swanson said. “He said no, but I should still stop.”

Mr. Swanson had to give up his beloved soda. CocaCola went out the door, and he did pretty well for some

time. His drive to stay away from soda went away quickly and he gave in.

“Now, I just drink Dr. Pepper,” Mr. Swanson said. “It says doctor so it can’t be bad for me.”

Mr. Swanson is back to his old habit of drinking cans upon cans of soda a day. He has a laid out schedule of how much he drinks, and when he drinks his soda.

“I usually drink a bottle of Coke in the morning and follow it up with two cans of pop in the afternoon and one at night,” Mr. Swanson said. “So probably 50-60 ounces a day.”

Mr. Swanson is thankful for his mostly fixed heart; however, after the interview concluded, Mr. Swanson promptly got a can of soda, so it is easy to say that the only doctor’s orders he will follow is Dr. Pepper.

The Evidence Soda cans and bottles can be found all over Mr. Swanson’s room. After leaving Coca-Cola behind, his new favorite is Dr. Pepper. “It says doctor so it can’t be bad for me,” said Mr. Swanson. above photos by Amanda Minckler, below photos by Sophie Anderson

how many sodas does Mr. Swanson drink in a week?

4%

10% In Action Mr. Swanson found with his typical soda in hand or nearby. “I usually drink a bottle of Coke in the morning and follow it up with two cans of pop in the afternoon and one at night,” Mr. Swanson said. This particular bottle is grouped in the afternoon category. photos by Sophie Anderson

20%

66%

1-5 6-10 11-15 15+

graph by Sophie Anderson

B-1 district now different

softball and basketball districts change

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by Katie Stukenholtz

New Schools In Gretna’s softball and basketball districts, new schools have been added. While this may seem like a large difference within the sports and their competitions, Coach Heard has said, “I’m not sure it helps or hurts our team’s chances.” The softball teams season has now come to a close without a major effect from the new district. photos by Katie Stukenholtz

Yearbooks on sale!

If you have any questions, talk to Ms. Baijnauth Prices go up after December 22

ue to the classification changes made by the NSAA, the teams Gretna faces in districts are different. This comes into effect with the softball and basketball teams.

As of this year, the softball team has Skutt added and the basketball team will now have Platteview and Waverly in their district. The changes made do not matter all that much to the teams.

“It really doesn’t affect our teams,” head softball coach and assistant basketball coach Bill Heard said.

“Both teams prepare the same way, no matter what district we are in.”

With the softball team almost done with their season, the district tournament has already past. The girls had been steadily preparing all season long. It was uncertain how the changes to district were going to impact their chances of winning.

“I’m not sure it helps or hurts our team’s chances,” Coach Heard said. “No matter what, it’s difficult to get to a state tournament.”

Despite the district changes, the softball girls won districts. They started by winning their first game against Omaha Gross Catholic but then lost to Skutt in their second game. The girls then had to fight their way through the losers’ bracket. They beat Ralston; after that they proceeded to defeat Skutt twice to claim victory. With the end of softball, the basketball season is right around the corner.

According to Coach Heard, the basketball teams are sure to not let the changes affect them as well.

Volume 3 Issue 2

News

November 2016

3

schedule change for GHS homeroom, club, and organization scheduling in effect

in an effort to treat all clubs and organizations fairly, scheduling has been modified to exclude long homeroom Thursday

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by Amanda Minckler

new schedule change has been made at GHS. Thursday morning’s will no longer have time for GHS clubs to be held because long homeroom has been removed from the schedule.

“This is my 29th year here, so we’ve always had homeroom,” Principal Mr. Roger Miller said.

“The nice thing about homeroom is that it was convenient for those groups. I liked long homeroom. It was a time to get homework done, and if a group was meeting it was nice to get kids here.”

Just because long homeroom

was convenient for some, did not mean it was convenient for all.

Certain clubs at GHS could not meet during the twenty minute period, and it was brought to the administration’s attention.

“The problem that we were running into is that we had some groups who were able to meet during that time, and some that were not,” Mr. Miller said. “So when some people questioned that a few weeks ago, that is kind of where the issue came. They were saying ‘how come they get to meet during long homeroom and we don’t?’, and that was a valid question.”

Usually policy changes are made over the summer, so they do not disrupt the school year; however with the students asking for the schedule to be fair, the change was made in October and long homeroom was no longer.

“We hate to do these things in the middle of the school year,” Mr. Miller said. “But I think it is more fair to do that and have clubs meet before and after school.”

Some clubs have 100+ participants, which could cause problems even during long homeroom. Now with no time during the school day, clubs will

have to find different ways to meet.

“They’ll have to do some meetings before and some meetings after school,” Mr. Miller said. “The kids will also have to communicate.

It’ll just be a little more challenging.”

GHS clubs will take a little more organizing. Clubs will also no longer be able to put posters up around the school, they will only be able to put them on one common board in the cafeteria. In the end, Mr. Miller believes it was the right decision for the school.

“Truly for all groups it is fair,” Mr. Miller said “I want the school and everyone to know that.”

New Schedule The new scheduling for our clubs and activities will no longer be posted. The only place for these reminders is now on the GHS Club and Organization Information bulletin board in the cafeteria.

While many organizations have been removed from meeting during long homeroom and from having homeroom together, Student Council and journalism are still permitted to meet because they are student elected. right photo by Sophie Anderson left photo by Ben Bickle

Gretna High School’s hosts unique college fair helping students prepare for college the results and student experiences of Gretna High School’s annual event that has been put on for over twenty years

by Brooke Smith

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ver twenty years ago, GHS received the unique opportunity to host a college fair. The story behind inheriting this event is simple. The previous guidance counselor of GHS was friends with a college representative from Southeast Community College. The representative was involved with college fairs, and upon request of our counseling department, he decided to hold a college fair at GHS. The college fair makes a yearly appearance at GHS. Open to anyone, the fair is a monumental marker in the high school’s procession of important and popular events throughout the first semester. Yet, the college fair was almost cancelled this year.

Guidance counselor Ms. Carole Carraher released the scoop on the almost unfortunate situation.

“NACRO, who is the governing board of colleges and in charge of the college fair, wanted us to host the fair from three p.m. to five p.m.,” Ms. Carraher said. “This would mean that we would have to cancel school early. We were not allowed to do that, so it came down to us begging to move the starting time to later, like it had been in previous years.”

With the inconvenient time change, the guidance counseling department was concerned that it would interfere with athletic practices and parents that were working. This was a concern because if the college fair did not have a good turnout GHS would lose the unique opportunity of being one of the few high schools to hold a fair.

“I think that it is a great opportunity for students to be able to see almost fifty colleges in their school lunch room,” Ms. Carraher said about the benefits of hosting the college fair. “Most people don’t get to do that.”

Despite the counseling department’s concerns, the college fair had a great turnout.

Almost 400 people attended the fair, and a majority of the college representatives remarked that is was the best fair that they had been to all year.

Our new guidance counselor, Dr. Melissa Hansen, was extremely impressed by the variety of schools that visited Gretna. She was also thrilled to see how a large number of freshmen and sophomores attended the fair to get a head start on their college planning.

“Coming from a larger metropolitan school,” Dr. Hansen said, “it was amazing to see the number of students, families, and colleges that attended the fair.”

With the tremendous outcome that the college fair had this year, the GHS guidance counseling department feels encouraged that opportunity to hold this unique event will continue for many years to come.

Colleges All Around Many different colleges were present at GHS college fair this year. The college fair is a great opportunity for students to learn more about colleges and better prepare for their future.

University of Nebraska at Omaha is only one of the colleges that were representing on October 5. art by Brooke Smith

“It helps me find schools that I am interested in. I wish it wasn’t during football practice, but it was cool to have that kind of experience at our high school instead of having to go somewhere else.”

Caloway Soucek said.

“The college fair let me know the possible opportunities I have. I looked at Midland, Nebraska Wesleyan, Concordia, and Wayne State. It was a great opportunity for students and families. It was a great event.” Trey Brown said.

“It allowed me to look at colleges that I was unsure about so I got to get more inofrmation on them allowing me to see if I wanted to take a visit there or not. I wish there were more out of state and bigger universities from other states to look at too.” Kate Leiting said.

4 November 2016

Gretna’s population increase continuous growth in our town’s future

by Mckenzie Pavelka

G

retna’s population has grown tremendously throughout the past few years. In 2000, there were 2,976 people living in Gretna.

As of 2013, there are 5,584 residents of Gretna. The district now has four elementary schools, one middle school, with a second one being built, and one high school. As of right now, Gretna is class B but will soon be moving up to class A. The amount of kids per grade is uprising as new school years continue.

Currently at GHS there are exactly 1,123 students.

There are 248 seniors, 276 juniors, 290 sophomores and 310 freshmen. The parking lot during the school day is completely filled with cars of students and faculty. Soon there will not be enough parking for everyone at GHS, so other parking will have to be created.

“I get here around 7:20 every morning if I am running on time and the front parking lot is pretty empty, aside from a few cars,” sophomore Larry Colson said.

“But at the end of the day, the parking lot is packed and getting out is a mess.”

Gretna Middle School is currently overcrowded; there are two portables in the back, every classroom is full and some even share. For example, seventh and eighth grade instructor Mr. Smith teaches in a sixth grade math classroom. There are currently 361 sixth graders, 350 seventh graders and 339 eighth graders at GMS. “I am so excited for the new middle school,” eighth grader Katie Schnase said. “Even though I won’t go there it is still exciting because there will finally be room for everyone and it will not be so crazy” Along with schools growing, the community itself has grown tremendously. New housing developments have taken over farm land and other areas that used to just have grass.

“I have been going to Gretna schools all my life,” Schnase said. “And I have noticed a huge change in both

News the population of the schools, but Gretna in general as a city has developed a lot. The neighborhood that I live in used to have a ton of open lots, but there is very few now.”

The district is talking about adding more new schools aside from the new middle school, but nothing is set in stone yet. More schools will be beneficial to everyone because now that the town is growing so fast, they are becoming overpacked.

Secret Kindness Agents new club at GHS works to do good

by Abbie Wesley

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School Population Not only is the town growing in population, but also all of the schools. While the growth is more noticeable in the younger schools, it is still evident in the high school. As students walk down the halls to their next class in the addition of the high school, growth is apparent.

Increasing Growth After adding onto our high school, other accomidations are in motion to build another high school and middle school. Not only will it affect academics, but also sports imay move to Class A

Highway 31 construction road closed past Schramm Park

by Katie Stukenholtz

I

f anyone has ever driven on Highway 31 out past Schram Park, they would have found the road ridden with potholes. It was deemed unsafe for travel by many of the residents in that area.

“The road had a lot of potholes and you had to be extremely careful while driving at night,” junior Michelle Weber said.

Those who had to drive it every day thought that it was overly dangerous, especially since it was next to the Platte River. There was also the risk of animals running out in front of vehicles.

“There was a car that drove into the river because he hit a pothole and an animal ran in front of him at the same time,” Weber said.

That road is no longer an available route since the Nebraska Department of Roads has began construction on it in order to better improve that section of the highway. Although in the end the construction will be beneficial, right now it seems more like a hinderance.

“It is difficult because it takes away the direct route to my home, so I have to go a longer way,” Weber said.

The project consists of 1.17 miles of Highway 31.

Construction started at the beginning of fall and is forecasted to be finished by the end of the season. The money for this comes from state funding and costs approximately $1.4 million. Some improvements will include removing and replacing pavement, putting in a new subgrade, which is the material under the road, and the pavement of parking turnouts. These all should serve to make driving on the highway more secure.

“I am looking forward to it because it will be safer to drive on,” Weber said.

The construction workers have been hard at work repairing the road. Hopefully these improvements will make the road safe once again, so people no longer have to be scared to drive on that road.

Volume 3 Issue 2

Road Closed If you travel on Highway 31, you will now encounter road work along the way. After it was labeled as unsafe for travel, the road work began. While this is a welcome change for the residents and all roadway users, it will interfere with travel plans until the conclusion of the work. photos by Katie Stukenholtz

photo by Abbie Wesley

aking someone’s day just became a little more creative. A recently-founded club at GHS is a new opportunity to get involved in order to help others and make them happier. This club is called Secret Kindness Agents, and it was started by junior Mazie Larsen.

“The club is named ‘Secret Kindness Agents’ because it has a fun spin to it,” Larsen said. “Each group member will have an agent name so their acts of kindness can remain anonymous. Therefore, we are agents (semi)secretly doing kind deeds.”

The idea of the club developed over the summer when Larsen and junior Sophie Anderson went to a conference.

The two girls decided that GHS needed a club just like one they learned about.

“This summer, Sophie Anderson and I attended the HOBY leadership conference,” Larsen said. “A speaker from Ralston told us of a club in Ralston High School called the Secret Kindness Agents. On the drive home, I talked to Sophie and said we should for sure get the club started in Gretna. She quickly agreed and since then, we have been trying to put the pieces together.”

The club currently only has a few members. However, it will continue to grow as more people become aware of it. They meet every other week before school, and Mr. Garder is the club sponsor.

“Right now, it is myself, Mazie Larsen, Nicole Martindale, Kaelinn Friesen, and Allison Pinkall,” Anderson said.

Members of the club have many activities planned to make GHS a happier place. They discuss their ideas with the group during their meetings. “‘Missions’ will include simple acts of kindness such as writing an anonymous thank you letter, smiling at everyone you see in the halls, complimenting a certain number of people in a week,” Larsen said. “They will be relatively easy tasks that wouldn’t seem like they could make a big difference, but our hope is that each act will strive toward an overall shift in attitude.”

The Secret Kindness Agents have many goals that they want to accomplish this year. Making someone’s day is a simple way to impact the school atmosphere. By doing so, they hope that others will follow the example and be kind to their peers as well.

“We just want to make the school a more loving environment for everyone,” senior Allison Pinkall said, “and just make Gretna into a place where everyone feels like there are people who care about them and that they can turn to if they ever need it.”

Excitement is flowing through the halls because of this new club. The members are eager to turn their goals into reality.

“I am probably most excited to hear about what happens to people when they’re kind,” Anderson said. “How they feel and see someone begin to understand that they completely changed someone’s day or even life by doing something so simple and easy.”

There are countless reasons why everyone should join the Secret Kindness Agents club. It is simple, fun, and valuable. If you are interested in joining the club, you can contact Anderson, Larsen, or Martindale.

“It’s a fun opportunity to be really nice to people you may not have ever talked to before,” Pinkall said, “or to make somebody’s day.”

Even though the club is just starting out, they have already come a long way in their plans to make GHS a happier environment for everyone. Their efforts will benefit the school in many ways and continue to be a positive influence in the future.

“Everyone is welcomed to join the club and encouraged to contribute their desired amounts of effort,” Martindale said. “Just the smallest acts of kindness in our school can go a long way.”

Volume 3 Issue 2

November 2016

Opinion

is black friday shopping really worth it

5

weighing the pros and cons of the winter shopping holiday

by Abbie Wesely

P

eople across the nation debate over Black Friday: Is it a good idea to wake up in the early hours of the morning, stand in a long line and practically freeze to death just for a great sale? I believe there is truth to both sides of the argument; Black Friday has benefits and disadvantages.

There are many advantages to shopping on Black Friday. Obviously saving money is the main goal, but there are other parts to this event that make it worth the hassle. Treating yourself to something you have wanted all year is never a bad thing, and Black Friday is the best excuse to finally make that purchase. Furthermore, some places such as Apple have discounts for students, which is useful if a person is looking to purchase a laptop to use in college. While you are out saving money, you also spend time with friends and family. No matter who you go with, it is valuable bonding time during the long waiting periods.

Black Friday shopping is not always a pleasant experience. Getting up early just to wait in long lines is not everyone’s idea of fun, especially

when it is cold outside.

I think the people that wait in tents for several days outside a store just for a single sale are acting crazy. I would never have that much dedication, no matter how much I wanted something. Also, some people just do not like to shop, even if the item is on sale. Obviously this holiday is not their cup of tea.

Overall, I believe the pros outweigh the cons. I think Black Friday shopping is a fun activity and I get excited when the annual event draws near. I have never had any concerns for safety, even when I did not go with an adult. To me, waking up in the early hours of the morning is completely worth it to get in on some great deals. I love to shop, probably more than most people. Even so, I would still recommend going Black Friday shopping at least

once to experience the atmosphere and the thrill of the holiday, even if you do not like to shop. I suggest going with friends and family and making a list of some items that you would like to buy.

Ultimately, if you decide to participate in this holiday, make it about building memories and bonding with family, rather than just the savings.

The entire experience can be unforgettable if you go with an open mind and good people.

Art by Brooke Smith

why aren’t there home ec classes offered in the district Gretna Public Schools is the only omaha school without a home ec. department

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By Kiersy Bush

fter spending my entire freshman year at Millard West, my hesitance to come to a smaller school with a smaller course list was major.

One of my biggest concerns was the lack of a Home Economics class. I had previously taken a Clothing Apparel and Design class for a full semester and I had really enjoyed it. Sewing was something I found fun and it came easily to me, just as painting or welding come easily to others.

I had also been very excited to start taking cooking/baking classes as they were not available to underclassmen. When I arrived at GHS and was unable to continue sewing classes and begin learning how to cook I was surprised. I had never heard of a high school without kitchens or a sewing room. When discussing my lack of option to take these classes with my younger sister who

was at the Gretna Middle School I realized that even the middle school had a cooking class, Measure, Mix and Bake, and a sewing class, sewing fundamentals. A school that offers Home Maintenance, Welding, Small Engines, Woods, and Basic Construction seems to be targeting one end of the “life skills” spectrum. So why don’t we offer sewing or cooking classes?

“We don’t have the money in the budget for the equipment and we don’t currently have the staff to teach those sorts of classes,” assistant principal Todd Mueller said. “We have the rooms there we just haven’t taken the steps to fill them or hire the staff to teach them yet.”

With plans to add on to the course list in the future, and the classroom space to do so, the students of GHS can expect a Home Ec. program in the future. I just wish I was going to be around to see it.

if GHS offered a home ec class, would you take it?

Yes No

Hannah Schrek

Cooking ManiaThe Home Ec classrooms at Elkhorn South and Millard West High School’s are well used and always full of students excited to learn these important life skills. Photo by Kai Harris

“I wish Gretna had a Home Ec. class. I would definitely take it.”

6 November 2016

Opinion

Volume 3 Issue 2

everyone has become phubbers and it is time to change

millennials have lost the ability communicate without a screen in front of their face

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By Amanda Minckler

e have become a generation of phubbers. Yes, I said it.

Phubbers. No, I am not making up words to sound smarter; phubbing can be defined as ignoring someone to look at one’s phone. Cellular devices have become a necessary part of daily life for our generation. If a phone is lost, it is like a person has lost their family pet. This obsession can be good at some points. Having the news or the ability to contact someone across the country in one click is amazing, but there is a point where it gets ridiculous. People can no longer be bored.

The ability to just sit and stare at the wall thinking has been lost because as soon as a moment comes where boredom could come about, the phone is right there. No boredom leads to less creativity.

Instead of letting our mind flow free, people go straight to mind numbing social media or games.

I am guilty of this as well because it is something that we are so used to. Our generation needs to learn how to be bored again. Maybe then we can have groundbreaking inventors, award winning authors, or just someone who can come up with an original joke that has not been plastered over twitter a million times. Once we can break the bond between us and our phones, we can let our imagination flow as much as it did when we were

children. Our minds can take a break from the constant information firing at it. A break from the info dump can lower our stress and give teenagers a chance to relax for once.

Our generation of phubbing is also losing our communication skills. We have lost the ability to just sit and talk to a person. When friends go out to dinner, instead of talking, they just sit on their phones. This is not social. There are real people right across the booth. Stop worrying about that social media drama and have an actual conversation. We cannot rely on our phones to always be there for us. It is just plain rude to be ignoring the people that surround us at dinner.

Conversations can be so much more amazing than whatever is so important on that screen.

People learn new things, make new friends and even just feel better about themselves because they have someone to talk to. Stop ranting on social media and talk to an actual human being.

They are so much better at listening than an iPhone.

In the end, our phones are hurting us more than we believe. We continue to ignore the world around us for the world that we have created on the screen. It is time for us to learn the art of boredom again and stop phubbing the people we love.

cyber one on one, computers for future generations GHS is looking to provide computers to the student body in the years 17-18

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By Jessica Blum

he mission of GHS is undeniable and unconditional acceptance of all students. For years it has consisted of generations coming to know technology, learning the uses of technology and sharing it to produce a better teacher-student relationship. It has been decided that GHS will integrate the one-to-one idea of providing one computer to each student. Many advantages and disadvantages come into fruition with this big jump for our curriculum. Overall, there is a very fine line with success and failure in this project.

Thankfully, I include optimistic thoughts about my future, so this project is going to work well for me.

For students, being handed a computer that is filed under their first and last name during the course of the year would make much of the year fly by with ease. With no opportunity for worry to spring into action, every student will know for sure where and when their technology will be necessary. Paper and trees will be saved as the environment lives on once more in peace. This all-knowing piece of technology will throw the doors wide open for our education to flourish.

My classes will be manageable from the same origin, the laptop. The time that I have waited to own a personal computer able to travel with me wherever I go would be equivalent to my entire high school career. There are prevalent amounts of time that I deem as awkward after a test, and computers would eliminate that awkward, lazy part of my school day. I am strongly looking forward to this new piece of machinery borrowed under my name.

As of now, no excuses are tolerated for tardy assignments and projects; however, with a computer in hand, no student will ever be able to use the excuse “my dog ate my homework” or “I left my homework in my car or at home.” Now, the excuses will turn into “I left my computer on the car” or “there is no internet connection at my house.” Situations like these will have their unique ways of accommodation from the administration and the school staff. The wireless networks and connections may cause questions and obstacles to come out of the woodwork. At some point in high school, a technological obstacle will surface and restrict students from progress. Hopefully by the time we go one-to-one, more of these wireless connections will be solved so that the network runs clean and smooth. Computers in a literal sense, when seeking a more meaningful purpose, will be most beneficial for the teachers. The direct links of communication will be in use more often, and teachers will lean on this equipment for responsibility tactics and learning tools.

Notes, tests and homework will all take place on the screen in front of my face. My anxiety levels are through the roof with these new burdens of responsibility. However, daunting and exciting emotions fill my brain and neurons with that brainstorm.

At the commencement of the new school year, teachers will not only ramble on about classroom procedures once more, but a new system will be instituted with this one-to-one basis in our high school. This new addition to the “first day festivities” will be the expansion of expectations that each teacher holds us accountable to. With

How many a day do you use your phone?

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great freedom comes great responsibility. Tests will no longer be printed out onto the platform of the printer. Only a few technicians are employed for our school, so questions arise as to how network challenges will be handled. Plagiarism, that fundamental idea that we learn since middle and even elementary school, will be easier to find and take action against. These expectations will now follow us to the end of our educational careers.

Safety precautions will need to be enforced.

When finally being trusted with such a grand, wise piece of machinery, it has to be carried and transported with the utmost sense of caution and respect. More money than ever before is being set aside in place for a more substantial way of learning and relaying information. For current eighth graders to juniors, this adventure will occur as we experiment through every corner and loophole that completes the circuit of technology.

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

Hjermstad, Mason Hjermstad, Olivia Kahler, Colin Kitson, Mckenzie Pavelka, Brooke Smith, Layne Staley Katie Stckenholtz, Kiersey Bush, Jamisha Robey

Volume 3 Issue 2

Feature

student athletes demonstrate no fear of commitment

November 2016

7

photo by Cassandra Kostal

ghs sports stars sign contracts early in preparation to play for college teams

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By Cassandra Kostal

hough it is only October, a quarter into the 2016-2017 school year, several GHS athletes have already committed to continue with their athletic pursuits following graduation.

Seniors Mallory Yost, Kamryn Horner and Jaisa Russell have already made their future plans. With Yost and Russell committing to playing volleyball and Horner committing for softball, all three female athletes know what they want to do and are actively pursuing their dreams.

Yost committed to the University of Texas at El Paso, Horner will be attending Concordia and Russell has committed to Midland University.

On Oct. 8, senior football player Patrick Arnold also notified his college of choice of his plan to commit.

After graduation, Arnold plans to attend the University of Wyoming.

The athletes considered multiple factors when it came time to choose which college would best fit their checklist of requirements. Along with the athletic programs, the academic opportunities of each school were also taken into careful consideration before a decision was made.

“I chose Midland because it has a really good nursing program,” Russell said. “Also, the volleyball team is ranked #1 in NAIA right now.”

Aside from academics and athletics, the location of the school is critical to the decision-making process. When four years of life are going to be spent at a college, the atmosphere is crucial.

“All of the people (team, coaches) were really, really nice,” Yost said. “The campus was beautiful, and I love the city of El Paso.”

Along with spending four years on the school’s campus itself surrounded by classmates, as an athlete, each student will be spending countless hours with the coaches and teammates. That team atmosphere in their situation proves to be just as important as that of the actual college.

“I decided to commit to Concordia because of how much it felt like home,” Horner said. “I walked around campus and felt totally comfortable. I love that Concordia is a Lutheran college and my new softball coach is amazing! He is kind and understanding and he genuinely cares for his players on and off the field.”

While graduation for each of these athletes is fast approaching and they will be on their new campus before they know it, they are not the only ones making plans. For photo by Tonja Jacobsen

some, the commitment comes months before senior year even begins.

“I committed early because soccer recruiting starts super early and if you want to go to a certain school, you have to start early,” junior Lindsey Johnson said. “They only have so many spots and so much money they can offer.”

Even though her senior year is still months away, Johnson already knows what she wants. She has already committed to the University of Central Missouri. By committing to play soccer long before her time in high school expires, she has set herself up for a successful future. This future comes both on and off the field, though she is still debating a major.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Johnson said. “Probably health sciences or kinesiology because I want to be a physical therapist.”

Johnson is not the only one with a plan for what she wants to major in. The senior girls have also made up their minds about what career they wish to pursue, along with their hopes to pursue learning adventures outside of the classroom.

“I am planning to double major in psychology and sociology while at Concordia,” Horner said. “I plan on studying abroad or going on a mission trip sometime in college.”

By agreeing to play on their selected college’s sports team, all five athletes are not just committing to the school and their studies, but to hours upon hours of practice as well. Juggling it all may prove to be difficult, but they will learn to manage it all successfully.

“As of right now I plan on majoring in nursing,’ Russell said. “It will be hard balancing the two, but I think I can do it.”

For Arnold, his plan is to major in engineering, most likely petroleum engineering. While eager for the new academic opportunities, practice time spent on the football field will be his first taste of the college life.

“I’m most looking forward to the potential of early playing time next year,” Arnold said.

As the volleyball, football and softball seasons continue into the fall months and soccer looks forward to practice beginning in the spring, all of GHS’s student athletes are putting everything they have into their game.

For those who have signed to play college sports, this is only the beginning.

Making it Official Surrounded by her parents and coaches, Kamryn Horner (17) committed to Concordia. She will play softball for her college while double majoring in psychology and sociology. Back row (l-r) Assistant GHS softball coach Todd Mills, Concordia graduate assistant softball coach Naomi Tellez, Concordia head softball coach Todd LaVelle, head GHS softball coach Bill Heard. photo by Kimberly Bailey

photo by Lynda Arnold

Branching Out Looking beyond the Midwest, Mallory Yost (17) has committed to the University of Texas at El Paso. The beauty of the campus and the town drew her in. She will play volleyball while studying business. photo by Melanie Johnson

Family Support Senior Jaisa Russell stands with her sisters Kaiya (19), left, and Shaina (21), right. Russell recently committed to play volleyball for Midland University next year. Russell also chose Midland for its excellent nursing program.

Tough Decision After weighing his options, Patrick Arnold (17) committed to the University of Wyoming.

During a campus visit, he posed with Wyoming football coaches Scott Fuchs, left, and Craig Bohl. Arnold plans to study engineering. photo by Melanie Johnson

Getting Comfortable Visiting campus, Lindsey Johnson feels right at home on the field of the University of Central Missouri. Still a junior, she has committed to play soccer following her graduation in 2018. Though her major is still undetermined, she plans to become a physical therapist.

Starting Young Junior Lindsey Johnson (18) has already committed to a college. After graduation she will play soccer of the University of Central Missouri. She committed early to secure a spot on the team.

8 November 2016 cory waterman

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by Jadyn Anderson

ost eight year old boys are interested in action figures and comic books, not mechanics. Sophomore Cory Waterman’s early found interest in mechanics set up the building blocks for his future. There are millions of different hobbies in the world, including reading, biking, watching Netflix, binge eating, knitting and a whole plethora more. Sophomore Cory Waterman’s hobby is something more exciting. He remodels old cars.

It has been a hobby of his for nearly half his life.

“I’ve been working with cars since I was about seven or eight,” Waterman said,”always helping with something in the shop.”

Waterman had familial influence when it came to getting involved with remodels. The love for cars runs in his family.

“My dad and both of my brothers and myself all work on our own cars,” Waterman said. “My uncle’s 1960s Chevy pickup is what first got me interested in fixing cars.”

Obviously a key factor in having mechanics as a hobby submitted photo

Up to his ears Fixing up cars is not simple work. There are many small details that lead to a car running well. “I did a front steering alignment and put the new tires on my ‘02 Chevy S10,” Waterman said.

InDepth

is actually having access to cars. Another thing is getting parts without the prices amounting to too much. Money management is important because the sum of the cars and parts can escalate quickly.

“We just use cars and trucks we have collected throughout the past,” Waterman said. “There are a couple different places my family and I buy parts from, some of

Volume 3 Issue 2

continue improving. Waterman’s dreams may come true someday after he goes to college and studies mechanics and welding. Dreams do not just suddenly come true. They require hard work, which Waterman has been putting in since he was eight years old. photo by Cassandra Kostal

submitted photo

Finishing touches Obviously, a car needs a good paint job to really attract the eye. The outward appearance is the first thing people notice. “This picture is from when I was in the process of painting my Chevy,” Waterman said.

them are Bullet Proof Diesel and O’Reilly’s.”

Renovating cars can be hard work. All the years of effort have not been for nothing, Waterman plans to pursue a career in mechanics.

“I want to go to college for mechanics and welding,” Waterman said, “and open up my own garage someday.”

Waterman’s career in mechanics is just getting started.

He has a long road ahead of him. He is currently working on a project.

“I am slowly building up a 2002 Chevy S10 that I have, but I am not sure what I want to do with that yet,” Waterman said.

This is the kind of hobby that keeps people on their toes, and there are endless projects to work on and

Family Influence Since the age of eight, Cory Waterman (19) has had a love of mechanics. He has been working to remodel cars ever since. Waterman’s hobby began after he was influenced by his father, brothers and his uncle. submitted photo

Putting in work There are always finishing details to add that round off the project. “That’s when I was doing the bodywork on my 02 Chevy S10,” Waterman said. At this stage of the project, Waterman begins to see what all of his hard work was for.

restoration: bringing classics back to life students find purpose in fixing up their old cars

photo by Cassandra Kostal

kolton radke

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Sweet Sixteen For his 16th birthday, Kolton Radke (17) received his first car. He has been involved with restoring cars ever since. Radke is supported in his hobby by his dad, uncle, and brother, all of whom were instrumental in sparking his interest in the trade.

by Mara Hjermstad

he 16th birthday has arrived: the first car comes into the picture and miles are acquired, but then it breaks down. What happens next?

GHS students have a burning desire to fix pieces of used machinery and turn them into something new. Repairing old cars and making them run like state-ofthe-art vehicles is a skill that many people do not possess.

Senior Kolton Radke is one of those students with this particular passion. He has been restoring cars with his dad and brother for five years.

“I started because it’s what my uncle and my dad did when my dad was about 15 or 16,” Radke said.

Seeing his family pursue the art of car restoration was what drove him into the hobby. His family is actively involved and very supportive of him.

“My dad wanted to keep it going, so my brother got my dad’s old 1970 Trans Am when I was 13, and when I turned 16, my uncle found a shell of a 1958 Ford Fairlane,”

Radke said. “I’ve been working on that for the past two and a half years.”

Renewing and repairing takes an extended amount of time to complete because of buying parts and finding time to do the articulate work. Radke does not sell the cars he works on, they are just project cars. These cars that him and his brother work on become their first personal cars when they are completed.

“I do not plan on going into a career involving anything like this,” Radke said. “It’s just more of a bonding thing with my dad, uncle, and my brother.”

Getting family involved is a good way to bond and share experiences. Radke got his first “lemon” (a vehicle with many problems and severe issues) when he was 13 and is still working on it today. Restoring cars is a hobby for any age, so Radke can continue to restore cars. Radke does not want to pursue a career in car repair, but he will continue restoring because it is something he enjoys.

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Sibling bond A 1979 Trans Am under repair in Radke’s shop. The car was originally given to Radke’s older brother. It was passed along after Radke worked to help repair the car.

Finished product The completed Trans Am sits outside of Radke’s garage. After a car is fully restored, Radke does not resell them. Instead, he keeps them and uses them as project cars.

Volume 3 Issue 2

restoration genes

InDepth submitted photo

9

November 2016

projects become family affair

the schulte family

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by Mara Hjermstad

ll families try to spend time together, whether it be watching a movie or going on vacations. Our very own English instructor Mrs. Michelle Schulte and her family spend their spare time restoring cars from the early 1900’s. Mrs. Schulte, her husband and son sophomore Nathan Schulte have been restoring cars since Nathan was little.

“My dad was really the one to get me hooked on it,” Nathan said. “I haven’t really turned my back on it because it is really cool.”

Nathan is currently working on a 1956 Ford F-100.

Mr. Schulte is the source of the car love in this family. He has been restoring cars for 35 years and has been sharing the experience with his family for the past 20 years.

“My husband pursued a career in the automotive industry,” Mrs. Schulte said. “He was a fully certified ASE mechanic before he pursued an engineering degree specializing in automotive electronics.”

The first car they built together as a family was a 1957 Chevy. It was a two door with a hard top. The Schulte family has been restoring cars for so long that their family calls them with questions. They have taken to calling themselves the resident experts.

“I do not want to have a career in automotive,” Nathan said. “I do not like that all the new electronic stuff. I like mechanical because it is straightforward.”

Even though his family has been restoring cars as far as he can remember, Nathan will not be following in his father’s footsteps. The Schulte family also has a friend that they work with on their cars. They do more of the

the pinkall family

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by Layne Staley

he restoration of cars is fascinating to many people, and the Pinkall family is no exception. GHS students senior Allison Pinkall, sophomore Luke Pinkall, and alumni Lance Pinkall (2014), are a part of a family continuing a tradition of restoring cars. Allison and Luke have been helping their dad with cars from a very young age.

“My dad has been doing it for as long as I can remember,” L. Pinkall said. “I started doing it because I enjoy spending time with my dad and my brother, and I like the feeling when we finish that car and then look at pictures when we got it and seeing it look like it’s brand new.”

The Pinkalls’ father was taught by his father when he was young, and he has loved fixing things ever since.

Family Ties The Pinkall family poses together. (l-r) Allison, Lance, Lona, Eric, and Luke Pinkall. Patriarch Eric established a love for cars while working on them with his father when he was young. Allison, Lance, and Luke have all gained a love of cars from their father.

Family Favorite The 1957 Chevy two door is a particular favorite of the Schulte family. This car is their favorite because it is the first car they worked on together as a family. Since finishing, the Scultes have restored several more cars together. submitted photo

electrical and mechanical work and their friend does the body work for them.

“Prices of the cars to restore vary greatly due to the type of car or truck desired and the condition it is in,” Mrs. Schulte said. “Prices can be between $1,000 and $20,000.”

The parts prices also vary on what kind of car it is and what kind of part they need. Car restorations take about two to four years to complete depending on the time you have to work on it. Occasionally it takes an extra 1,000 hours to complete. In the end, all the work is worth it because the restored car can now be sold to make a profit.

The Schulte family is not in it just for the money, they restore cars for the experience.

Family Bond Standing beneath their lateset project, Nathan and Mrs. Michelle Sculte are proud of their work.

The Schulte family has been restoring cars since Nathan was a toddler. The cars that the family restores often take 2 to 4 years to complete.

submitted photo

Red Hot A cherry red two door convertible sits parked in front of the Schulte’s home. Mr. Schulte is the source of this car passion in this family. He pursued a career in cars and became a fully certified ASE mechanic.

Once his father passed away, he kept fixing the cars with his oldest son Lance, and later his other children, Allison and Luke. Lance typically works on cars for two weeks at a time. Luke has been working on a 1974 Camaro with his dad for about a month now, and Allison does not know how to do much, but she helps out whenever she can.

“We like flipping cars,” L. Pinkall said. “ [It’s] kind’ve like houses. We buy them for cheap, fix them and sell them for more. It can sometimes be frustrating if something goes wrong but it usually brings us closer together.”

The Pinkalls work on all types of vehicles, such as trucks, convertibles, Mustangs–new, old and more. When they first get a car, they take out all the trash and broken glass. Then they look at what is broken and fix it or order new parts. The next step is to clean the car inside out.

Depending on the last owner, they have to scrub down the interior and vacuum and touch up and paint the exterior.

They steam clean all of it and fix all the rusty parts too.

“I have definitely gotten closer to my dad while working on cars, so have my brothers. It is something that we can work on and accomplish together and enjoy,” A. Pinkall said.

The Pinkalls have been working on cars for a long time and hope to keep doing it in the future. They are able to work as a family while doing something they all love.

It is also satisfying for them to see how their hard work turned out in the final product when they are finished.

The restoration of cars is interesting because people can see how a vehicle transforms from start to finish. For the Pinkall family, restoring cars is a family tradition that they can all find entertainment in with each other.

photo by Lona Pinkall

photo by Eric Pinkall

Accident Repair Working side-by-side with her dad Eric, Allison Pinkall works to repair a bumper. The bumper belongs to a car owned by her older brother, Lance. A. Pinkall accidentally dented the bumper as she backed out of their driveway as she was so focused on not hitting her dad’s vehicle.

Piece by Piece This old car went through a vigorous process to get restored. L. Pinkall (19) cuts out rust, welds in new metal, fixes the engine if necessary, and paints the car when working on cars. The goal is for the final product to looke as good as new.

10 November 2016 two friends, two state titles

Feature

Volume 3 Issue 2 photo by Faye Zmek

horse and rider claim consecutive titles

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by Kiersey Bush

enior Cassidy Bartenhagen and her horse Blue are widely known in the horse riding community for their winning streak in the state horse show. Two years in a row the Quarter Horse lead them to victory. After six years of practicing and getting to know each other, the pair is inseparable.

Although Bartenhagen is busy managing the GHS volleyball team and basketball practice, she always makes sure to find time to go out to the barn and practice before a competition comes around.

“Preparing for the shows I go out and ride at the horse barn and usually my horse trainer is out there helping me,” Bartenhagen said. “The class I won state in is based on my horse not me as the rider. They look more at how my horse can perform those gates rather than how I am riding my horse.”

In order to qualify for the state competition, you have to compete at districts and receive either a blue or purple ribbon. You can only qualify for state in two performance classes and two speed classes.

“I go into an arena with multiple other people and their horses,” Bartenhagen said. “We ride around the rail in the arena and the judge will have a gate (walk, trot, lope) called out and everyone has to do that. The judge looks at the consistency of the horse and the way that they move.”

Winning state once is quite a task but two years in a row is almost unheard of. It requires a very strong bond between the horse and rider. Bartenhagen trains hard, as does Blue.

“I don’t really think I personally do anything that sets me apart because it is my horse that is the one winning for us,” Bartenhagen said. “I am lucky enough to have such a nice horse that is really good at doing what we do.”

With plans to continue on in their horse riding career, the pair will be competing in all the necessary qualifiers and hope to make it to state next year, and of course win.

Who knows, maybe a third state title is just what they will get.

Two Time Champs Cassidy Bartenhagen sits atop her horse Blue after their second state championship title win in the summer of 2016. The excited duo happily poses for a picture identical to one they took last year after their first state championship win.

dynamic duo: softball coaches have a history together

photo by Kat Yates

a former basketball coach is now working alongside a player he once coached

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by Brooke Smith

hree years ago Mr. Bill Heard became the head coach for the GHS softball program.

Joining him on the coaching staff was Mr. Jake Jadlowski, a first year instructor to GHS, yet a familiar face to Coach Heard. The relationship between coaches Heard and Jadlowski is extraordinary considering the unique past that they share.

Before Coach Heard began teaching at Gretna, he taught and coached softball and boys basketball at Ralston High School. Coach Jadlowski attended Ralston High School and played basketball under Coach Heard’s instruction for three years. Mr. Jadlowski can recount many memories and lessons he learned from his seasons playing for Coach Heard.

“As a coach, he made me a lot more tough,” Mr. Jadlowski said. “He made me work harder and taught me about how important preparation is. Heard always expected a lot, but that never stopped me from wanting to compete and play hard for him.”

Mr. Jadlowski mentioned that although Coach Heard’s expectations are the same as when he was being coached, his methods and demeanor are different.

The unique situation of now coaching alongside his previous coach has provided Mr. Jadlowski with a chance to work with someone who he had always respected as a player. Although their relationship is different now than it was in the past, Mr. Jadlowski and Mr. Heard both agree that the previous player to coach relationship has never impacted the coach to coach relationship that they have now.

“Having known each other and been through competition and the ‘fight’ together means that we are already familiar with and trust each other,” Coach Jadlowski said about Coach Heard. “It helps that we already had a relationship before coaching together because it gives us the capability to be honest with each other when making decisions.”

The two colleagues think very highly of each other.

Both are in agreement that when it comes to coaching softball they can count on one another to be dedicated, dependable, focused and loyal.

“I feel pretty lucky to be coaching alongside Jadlowski,” Coach Heard said. “Not just because he’s a great coach - and he is a great coach - but also because of how hard he works to help kids. It’s really cool and a great benefit of coaching.”

Together Coach Heard and Coach Jadlowski have earned three district titles and a state championship. They dedicate their successfulness to the compatibility and hard work of every coach and player. Not only has the coaching staff changed, but because of the dedication from Coach Heard and Coach Jadlowski, so has the entire GHS softball program and the community that surrounds it.

Watching Closely During the first game of the state tournament, softball coaches Bill Heard and Jake Jadlowski observe the field. The girls varsity softball team finished second in the tournament, reaching their goal of making it to the championship game. The two coaches have worked together for the past three seasons. submitted photo

Back in Time Coach Jake Jadlowski kneels (front row, third from right) with the rest of his Ralston High School basketball team. Coach Bill Heard (far left) smiles proudly over the team’s successful season. The team finished second in the state tournament two years in a row.

Volume 3 Issue 2

bonding removes barriers

family and team, we are together as one

by Jessica Blum

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espect, and trust, and relationships, and friends, and teammates, and sportsmanship, and communication and fun. These components and many more produce an experience that help female GHS teams perform at a higher level in competitions against other schools. Team bonding is a creation intended to produce a more comfortable atmosphere for teammates to build comradery as one on the field, court, diamond and course. With our school district growing every year, our little class B school is not considered so small and unnoticeable anymore. With our dedication, our female teams have improved to be victorious in recent years. These relationships have worked wonders for our overall performances in our teams, especially for junior Lexi Burkhardt and the GHS softball team.

“Before team bonding, I didn’t know any of the girls,” Burkhardt said. “Since then, I talk to all of them and have a good relationship with them. I have a lot more respect from the girls and can take constructive criticism from them.”

Burkhardt has a newfound confidence in her teammates’ performances and in her own because of these experiences.

From playing in front of fans to the classroom, team bonding has generated this friendship and belief in one another outside of time designated to solely practicing.

“During cross country practice, it is more focused on working to improve your time and skills,” sophomore Kelly Arnold said. “There is little to no time to socialize.

The people that I would not normally have seen as social I got to know more as they came out of their shell when they weren’t in a practice state of mind.”

Arnold hosted her own team bonding experience at her house for the cross country members. She wanted no one to be left out, so planning and convincing her parents were the most difficult parts of the event.

“Coaxing my parents to have 60 plus people over so no one was excluded was what I had to accomplish to create a successful location for a team bonding,” Arnold said. “I assigned people to bring food while I gathered the drinks, and it worked out well.”

superstitions put in action pregame rituals, spooky superstitions

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by Jacey Hammer

hrough hours of practice and hard-work, game time has finally arrived. Game days call for a routine that some players develop on their own. Pre-game rituals and superstitions control the way some athletes treat game days, no matter what the sport may be.

“I do not wash my cross country uniform,” sophomore Will Kratina said. “I feel like it washes away all my hard work and good luck. I have not washed it at all this season or last season.”

Many cross country runners have developed superstitions throughout their running careers. Whether it is not washing their uniform or eating a certain meal before a meet, most pre-meet superstitions are different than others.

“I wear my uniform to school the day of a meet,” junior Mazie Larsen said. “I also always sleep in my uniform the night before.”

Cross country runners are not the only athletes that have superstitions. The varsity softball team recites the “State of Mind” poem that coach Mr. Bill Heard taught the team. They hold hands and senior Kamryn Horner recites a softball prayer without coaches. The team also writes CLC on their arms, which means “compete like crazy” along with an encouraging word. That word symbolizes something they want to play for.

“It is a softball prayer asking God to look over us and to play our best,” junior Olivia Leathers said. “It also asks to leave our worries off the field. Then we are ready to play.”

The GHS tennis players have developed many superstitions throughout their tennis careers. Senior Noah Bernal hugs his mom before a match, ties his right shoe, then ties his left shoe and listens to his tennis playlist.

Bernal always wears an undershirt and puts his hat on backwards. He also spins his racket before serving.

“There was a time when I ate food before I played, and I am super-superstitious about what I eat before I play,” Bernal said. “It was my first and only loss of the season.”

Another tennis player, senior Matthias Mattley, has

Sports Volleyball and cross country are on opposite sides of the sport spectrum. Cross country involves running and improving personal times while volleyball is a sport of extreme communication and participation from every member on the court. When freshmen are initiated into the sport of volleyball, they already understand the idea of cooperating with one another efficiently, but with upperclassmen, there will always be that age barrier. Team bonding erases this uncertainty and replaces it with a robust bond among teammates.

“Every year there are always a couple of new faces that have the opportunity to play on the varsity and the upperclassmen and I have always done our best to make them feel welcomed and accepted as part of the team,” senior Cameron Scott said. “So, gaining a better relationship with the new players gives them the comfort and ability to play competitively, rather than being timid.”

Team bonding and dinners take place sporadically.

Whether it be once a year, once a month, once a week, or whenever availability works itself out, team bonding has one “soul” purpose. A “team family” is essentially what is truly formed between the girls.

“Team bonding plays a big role in us calling each other family,” Scott said. “Team dinners every other week and the occasional sleepover on the weekends instate an environment that makes it effortless to build strong communications with one another.”

Most female teams would not have the success and passion for the sport they perform in without these events.

There are no downsides to building new relationships with people who share common interests. Breaking barriers through bonding is the experience that leaves a lasting account in high school memories when putting a team together each year with new recruits.

Breaking From Shell Through practice and improvement, cross country still manages to make time for each other, strengthening bonds between teammates. Kelly Arnold held her own team bonding event at her house where her teammates played outside activities in her backyard for hours. “The people that I would not normally have seen as social I got to know more as they came out of their shell,” Arnold (19) said. photo by Kelly Arnold

devoted his talent to God. Right before he plays, Mattley thanks God for everything He has done for him and thanks Him for his tennis abilities.

“I also try and read some of the Bible before a match,” Mattley said. “I do these things because God deserves all the glory and I play to represent Him in everything that I do.”

Mattley is not the only athlete who focuses their time on the court toward God. Sophomore Jadyn Makovicka puts a cross necklace in her right sock before competing in a volleyball match.

“I want to make sure that I am thinking about the right things before I play,” Makovicka said.

Superstitions develop naturally. Most players do not realize they continually repeat the same motions before competing. They affect the mind of the athlete and change the way the players think.

“I have done some of these things since freshman year,” Bernal said. “They just randomly started like a bad habit.”

When game day calls, players have their own pregame rituals and superstitions to get ready for the big game. These superstitions make athletes believe they will compete to their full potential while competing.

Mind Over Matter Repetitive motions create a soft spot to releave stress and anxiety for many athletes before competitions. These superstitions reveal a human side to the talent Gretna has within school walls. This cross necklace places Makovicka right where she needs to be before a game. photo by Jadyn Makovicka

11

November 2016

A

by Ben Bickel

t GHS we take pride in each and every one of our sports. A sport that is not talked about as much as football and basketball is cross country. This season GHS has more runners out than they have ever had in the program. They also added one more coach to the staff. The season has been in full swing coming up on the state race in Kearney.

A big part of running is setting goals and doing whatever possible to reach those goals. Senior Ashley Husing set the bar just right for herself this year. “I’ve reached the goal I’ve set for myself this year, which was actually to just PR. Now the goal is to just push myself each race to continue to get better,” Husing said.

Junior Mazie Larsen feels the same way about her season so far. “I have broke my own personal records for each race I’ve been in compared to last year. This is amazing for me as it means all my hard work is paying off,” Larsen said. Larsen finished first place at the state cross country meet in Kearney last year.

Another part of the sport is having the will to run two to three miles everyday and that it is going to be okay and that it is going to be enjoyable all season. Senior Emily Romano is entering her third season running cross country at GHS. After not running last season, she has decided to come back to run her senior year. Her background motivates her to run.

“My family is big on running,” Romano said. “My dad and my uncles ran, a couple of my cousins and my sisters all run. It’s something I can share with my family.”

Senior Trysten Whitted also shares that the determination he uses to run helps him get in shape for other sports. Whitted is heading into his last season of cross country and has felt that it is been a mediocre season and is seeking individual improvement. Whitted is a multi-sport athlete and he says it helps with other sports. “It keeps me in shape for soccer in the spring,” Whitted said. Trysten is entering his fourth season running cross country. But, this season has been one of Whitted’s toughest as he is facing an ankle injury and doing what he can to nurse it back to health. “I haven’t met my expectations because I’ve been fighting injuries, and trying to get back to a hundred percent,” Whitted said. “That’s taking a lot of time.”

Larsen expresses her role model in the sport that encourages her to run her hardest everyday. “I have always looked up to Kaci Lickteig. She is an amazing ultra marathoner who just won the Western States 100 mile run,” Larsen said. “I have known her and ran with her since I was a little girl. If I could have half the talent she does when I grow up, I will be proud of myself,” Larsen said.

Growing up having a role model to motivate someone is fulfilling because it pushes people to do what they love everyday. For Larsen this person is Kaci Lickteig.

So far this season there have been eight races and there are two more left in the season, and maybe even three if they qualify for the state meet. As of now the GHS cross country team is cruising toward what could be another year at the state meet, and possibly another state medal

Passing On to Future Generations Running for most cross country members has “run” in the family for years. This little fact motivates runners to keep on through the agony during each meet each season. “My dad and my uncles ran, a couple of my cousins and my sisters all run. It’s something I can share with my family,” Romano (17) said. photo by Ashley Husing

12November 2016

Sports

Volume 3 Issue 2

causing one big “racquet” concluding the last chase running like the wind summary of the varsity tennis season

B

by Abbie Wesely

oys tennis had another successful season.

In the fourth year of the program, the boys earned second place overall at the state tournament. Individually, junior Jacob Weber finished second place in one singles, senior Noah Bernal finished second place in two singles, senior Matthias Mattley and sophomore Zach Weber finished second place in one doubles and senior Ben Rhodes and sophomore Evan Beran finished fourth place in two doubles. Throughout the season, each varsity member had very few losses in duals and tournaments, and the boys are proud to have achieved the best in school history at state.

Making Improvements This season marked the best year for GHS boys tennis in school history. Coaches Bret Kohles and Jordan Barrett led this season to a strong finish, coming away proud. “We were solid in all divisions as a ban of brothers and going into state we all knew what we needed to do to get up to the top. The day before state our coaches held a meeting to show us what we needed to get the spot we all wanted,” Mattley (17) said. photo by Jacey Hammer

J

by Sophie Anderson

unior Sami Zeleny, number two on the girl’s golf team, played at a tournament at Indian Creek in Elkhorn on September 21st. During one of her tee shots, she hit a ball straight for her papa and uncle sitting in a golf cart. Their reactions made the situation quite a comedy, until stitches were necessary.

Her Papa, Joseph Green, and Uncle Paul Green are only two of the people that support her each time she golfs. She has a group that she calls her “fan club” which includes her parents Steve and Chryssi Zeleny, her papa, and Uncle Paul her Papa’s brother. This specific tournament got interesting and a bit more exciting at the second hole.

“On the 2nd hole, I don’t know why they thought it was a good idea to drive ahead and “camp out” at the 150 marker, meaning they were about 200 yards away from my group and I when we were about to hit,” Zeleny said.

The rest of Zeleny’s group hit before her, leaving her last. While the rest of her group hit, her ‘fan club’ was safe, until Zeleny stepped up to the tee box.

“I walked up to the tee box , picked out a target, and swung,” said Zeleny, “Well, my ball went a little left and went directly at my fan club.”

The two “camping out” in the golf cart recognized the incoming threat and reacted accordingly. Her Uncle Paul jumped out of the cart and got on the ground to avoid the

summary of the varsity softball season summary of the cross country season

G

by Brooke Smith

retna High School’s varsity softball team had an outstanding season for the third year in a row. In the past two years, the Dragons won 2 district titles and qualified for the state tournament. The 2015 Dragons won the school’s first ever softball state title. This fall, expectations were high and the team was intent on chasing another. They started the season 14-0 before losing games to Elkhorn South and Skutt. However, the Dragons responded and finished the regular season with a record of 22-3. The B-1 District tournament resulted in a third consecutive district title and a third straight appearance at the state tournament. At state, they lost their second game to Elkhorn South and battled through the loser’s bracket for the second straight year to get to Championship Friday. Just like the previous year, the Dragons defeated York in the semi-finals game to set up a title rematch with Elkhorn South. Gretna won the first championship but fell in the deciding game, 9-2. The Gretna lady dragons ended the year 31-6, winning their third consecutive district title, and getting second place at the state tournament.

Charging On With high expectations, Gretna’s softball team came out to be accomplished after Championship Friday. Elkhorn South and Gretna met once again, only to have the Dragons to fall short in the deciding game. photo

by Kiersey Bush

golf ball. Her Papa selected a different method and drove away.

“Uncle Paul goes to jump in the cart and my dad presses the gas… which causes Uncle Paul to not only get hit... but then run over and dragged, all while my dad thought he was just moving away from the ball,” Mrs. Chryssi Zeleny said.

After the excitement of the approaching golf ball had subsided, there were many laughs about the whole ordeal.

Then, it was noticed that Uncle Paul was injured.

“Paul was on the ground hurt, dad was clueless and Steve and I were belly laughing until we see blood pouring down Paul’s face and an eyelid unattached,” Mrs. Zeleny said.

From Sami’s perspective, she couldn’t see much and after a while she stopped watching them because she thought they were fine until they drove past her.

“Paul was a bloody mess to say the least. He was holding a shirt up to his eye and after such a short time it was already drenched with blood; the white cloth was completely red,” said junior Sami Zeleny.

The pair traveled to the Women’s Methodist Hospital where her Uncle Paul received eight stitches above his eye, but within an hour of the whole ordeal they were found back at the course watching Zeleny finish her tournament.

All Stitched Up With passion and support, Uncle Paul Green stops at nothing to see his great niece, Sami Zeleny play golf. Tustles with golf carts now make up his history, but he remains proud of Zeleny and all her efforts. photo by Chryssi Zeleny

I

by Shelby Bartram

n past years, the cross country team has been very successful. This year is no exception. The entire boys’ cross country team is going to state.

The runners on the boys’ team are senior Jordan Lorenz, senior Trysten Whitted, junior Nate Harmon, junior Drew Correll, freshman Aidan Furley and freshman Kellen McLaughlin.

“It’s awesome that we qualified for state this year, it’s a huge privilege and being able to say that I have ran at state 3 consecutive years is something I am super proud of,” Whitted said.

The girl runners that will be competing at state are juniors Mazie Larsen and Nicole Martindale. The feeling of running at state is unforgettable, and all the GHS runners will have many people cheering them on as they cross the finish line.

Consecutive Successes With Kearney being about a two and a half hour bus ride, several thoughts and critiques stand between Gretnas’s state qualifiers and the course.

For many runners this year, it marks their third opportunity to represent GHS. “Going to state is the dream every cross country season. I’ve been blessed to go all three years of high school so far,” Larsen (18) said. photo by Ashley Husing

voicing an athletic update junior varsity/reserve team highlights

C

by Olivia Kahler

ross Country: At the Platteview Invitational Cross Country Meet, the boys took 1st through 7th place while the girls had six places in the top ten.

JV Softball: The girls on the JV softball team finished the season with seven wins. In conference play the girls had six wins and just two losses. Coach Mrs. Channon Oseka considered this the toughest competition for Class B. Reserve Softball: The reserve team had four wins and just one loss in their Class A competition. They also scored two wins againt Elkhorn South, a softball powerhouse program.

JV Volleyball: Currently the Gretna JV volleyball team is 12-3 winning their home triangular on September 24th over Ralston and Grand Island High School.

Reserve Volleyball: The Gretna reserve program is 2-2 this year. They have wins over Elkhorn South and Millard South. They will finish their season against Westside High School on October 20th.

Beating Blair and Bounding From Blair on, Gretna’s JV team won five of their seven wins that season against opponents like Waverly, Westside, Plattsmouth, and Nebraska City. Coming into the game, GHS rode on the wave of victory from wins over Skutt and Norris. Overall, with six wins and two losses in conference play, Gretna overcame the obstacles to outplay the toughest conference competition in Class B. photo by Cecily Jones

Volume 3 Issue 2

Photo by Emily Acker Off to a Good Start Shortly after I sat down, my server brought out chips. They were warm and I could tell that they were freshly made I was impressed by their good service.

A&E

November 2016

Photo by Emily Acker The Decor The building is very spacious. They had many tables and booths which were very comfortable. Televisions were hung throughout the restaurant playing football.

13

Photo by Emily Acker A Picturesque Atmosphere All around the resturant were beautiful paintings. One is of a seahorse and a fountain.

They also have exposed brick all around the resturant.

after a long wait the new mexican restaurant named El Vallarta opens up in Gretna

a fun atmosphere, beautiful wall murals, delicious food and good service all add up to a great eating experience at El Vallarta

A

By Emily Acker

s we all know, Gretna had very little variety for going out to eat. For example, if I was in the mood for Mexican, I would have to drive miles upon miles to get to any place that is worth my time. But now, I’m in luck.

Earlier this year a new Mexican restaurant opened called El Vallarta. When I went, I had wonderful experience enjoying their food, service and prices.

When I walked in the front doors, I was greeted by the smell of fried chips and taco meat. On the walls are beautiful, bright murals. There is one of a fountain with dolphins spouting out, which is my favorite. They also painted exposed bricks onto the walls to give it an authentic feel.

The restaurant is spacious and has room for many groups of people to eat. I was immediately greeted with a smile by the woman behind the front counter. Shortly after I was seated in a booth, my server brought chips and a glass of water. The menu had various options. I chose from the create your own menu: a cheese enchilada and mexican rice. I was pleasantly surprised when the food came out in less than ten minutes, thinking I was going to have a long wait. The enchilada was not as spicy as I expected, which I enjoyed because I personally do not like my food to be too spicy. The rice also had a good authentic flavor. The enchilada cost $2.75 and the rice cost $2.25, so my final bill was only $5, not counting the tip. Junior Jake Essink

also did the create your own, but he got the beef enchilada, beef taco and Mexican rice. He too enjoyed the authentic flavors and low prices. He was also impressed by the amount of food was given and how filling it was.

“I like how they put so much beef in the tacos,” Essink said. “They have such big portions sizes, which is awesome.”

With the delectable food, friendly service, cheap prices and being easily accessible, El Vallarta is a great option to go to when you are looking for a quick but delicious place to eat. I will definitely be returning and bringing my friends and family.

funny snapchat filters are all the rage in social media students participate in the craze and share experiences with their pictures

S

By Olivia Kahler

ocial media has become a huge phenomenon in recent years. Millions of people use social media sites such as Snapchat every day. Snapchat is one app that people all around the world have taken to. Just about everywhere out go, you will see someone snapping a selfie using the app. With such a wide fan base, the makers of Snapchat added features and filters that make the app even more enjoyable for their users, and continue to create more.

“I don’t even remember how we dealt with Snapchat without the filters,” senior Abby Ames said. “The filters rock because they change every single day and you never know what to expect.”

Snapchat launched in September of 2011 and has increased in popularity within the last couple of years.

With every update, Snapchat adds new features to the app, such as double- tap reply, a friend finder feature and filters.

Such filters include dog ears, flower crowns, face swap and many others that distort one’s natural complexion.

“I use filters pretty often,” junior AJ Spainhower said. “Almost every time I snapchat.”

Each Snapchat user develops their own individual style for the pictures. The creators of Snapchat work to make sure there is a filter that everyone finds amusing.

“I want a filter that makes you look like you’re

on a roller coaster,” junior Tyler Harpenau said. “With a moving background.”

Currently the app has sixteen different facial filters to choose from. However, there have been a few that have been removed in order to add new ones and give users a bit of a change. The makers of the app update the filters fairly often.

“It is a great way to bond with friends and family,” Ames said. “There are so many memories made laughing over the hilarious and crazy filters.”

Even though Snapchat is fairly new, people of all ages like to partake in the pictures. Many people snapchat their parents or grandparents as well as their friends.

“My mom sends me Snapchats all the time,” Ames said. “It’s so funny because she hates some of the filters and loves other ones. Sometimes I screenshot them and next year when I am living across the country I will have those snaps of my mom.”

Apps like Snapchat are not just a way for students to waste time. Social media gives kids opportunities to have fun with their friends and share funny pictures with their families. With the filters and the app itself becoming so popular, there is sure to be more fun surprises from its makers.

Mirror Image Snapchat filters are a great way to entertain yourself and your friends when there is nothing better to do. This snapchat, featuring Carissa Wilson, is like a human kaliedoscope. It shows not only two of Wilson, but four.

Game Day Fun Snapchat is not just for crazy weird filters.

There are fun stickers and emojis available to add to any picture. At this football game friends used stickers to capture this memory.

I’ve Got Your Nose Lauren Eby laughs as she snaps this photo of Ames. She used the “no-nose” filter on this picture, capturing the goofy moment. This is just one of many pictures that will keep the laughter going.

Cherry Bomb “I love the snap filters that make you look crazy or weird, but my mom hates them,” Ames said.

Ames loves to take pictures of her mom on snapchat, including this wacky picture.

The Dog Days are Over Some of the filters go beyond just changing facial features and take it to the extreme.

Eby took this picture while laughing at what the app had morphed her into. This is very different from the typical dog-filter.

14 November 2016

A&E

Volume 3 Issue 2

GHS students remember halloween costumes and fond memories from childhood a blast from the past: halloween fun

By Layne Staley

M

ost people can recall dressing up in silly costumes on Halloween with friends and family. It is a tradition valued in many households and taken to an extremem by some. Children love Halloween because they get to be whoever they want to be for a nigh; of course, the candy is also part of it. Nowadays people can see little kids running around on that cold night dressed as Elsa from Frozen, Harry from Harry Potter, and other characters from recent films. Not too long ago, students at GHS were doing the same thing. Kids dressed up as whatever their latest obsession was. It is fun to look back and see the costumes students have worn in the past.

Busy Busy Bees Lauryn Eby (17) and Corbyn Ayer (17) have been best friends for years. One Halloween, the two were twinning in their adorable bumble bee costumes.

Howdy Danny Ott (18) loved everything about cowboys when he was 5 years old. He did not hesitate when deciding what costume he wanted that year.

Sibling Love Patrick Arnold (17) was a spooky clown and Kelly Arnold (19) was dressed as argtoath.

Trick or Treat Kylie Otto (17) and Josh Otto (20) went for a Winnie the Pooh theme. K. Otto dressed as piglet at age 3 and J. Otto as Tigger at age 1.

MOOOOO This sassy cow posed for a quick pic on Halloween night. Amanda Purintin(17) wore a cow costume made by her mom.

Party Time. Timmy White (17), Josh Meyers (17), Patrick Arnold (17) and other classmates having a good time at their class Halloween party.

Volume 3 Issue 2

A&E

15

November 2016

giving reading a purpose again with an exhilarating battle between good and evil

judging a book by its cover yet again successfully saves the reading careers of high school students with a new twist

By Mason Hjermstad

R

ecently, I have had the displeasure of reading book after book that I have not enjoyed. These books are the kind you read to pass the time, but you would not recommend them to a friend.

I decided I was done reading books that just occupy my mind for a little while. I am too busy as a high school student to read a book with no purpose other than to quench my boredom. With this in my mind, I walked into the library and found Illusive, a novel by Emily Lloyd- Jones, resting on one of the bookshelves.

At first glance cover of this book immediately caught my attention. The title is white and bold in contrast with the dark background. It is also slanted away from the reader reminding me of an old comic strip. With some closer inspection there is a shadow of a girl against the side of the blocked first letter “I.” I made the connection between the girl and the word Illusive as she seemed to be hiding from the helicopter with the spot light flying above her. I grew curious about why this girl was hiding from such a higher

power, or so it seemed, and I made the decision that this was the book I was going to read.

After reading this book, not only did it reach my expectations, it flew past them. This book was a breath of fresh air after the mountains of boring books. The whole plot of the story was thrilling and exhilarating with a strong female lead and chapters from two characters different points of view. The story takes place in 2034 after something called the MK plague hit America around 2017 and the population had been vaccinated with a supposed cure. This cure was created by the Fiarce family and quickly approved by the FDA with little to no testing because of the amount of fatalities. If they had tested it properly they might have discovered the life changing side effects which gave some people various different abilities, sort of like superpowers. People with these abilities were then known as the immune. The creator of the cure after seeing the damage it caused locked himself and his family in a warehouse with the rest of the cure and blew it up. The

main character, whose point of view controls most of the chapters, is a rare immune named Ciere Giba. She is part of a band of immune criminals that have become her only family. Her point of view counterpart, Daniel, is also a part of this band of trouble makers. After Daniel disappeared, the gang goes on one of their missions before they look for Daniel but things go awry. The gang has to find a way to get Daniel back while fighting against a gang of criminals, a special government group of immunes called the UAI, and the FBI. It is a thrilling adventure and an aspect of friendship that will pull at your heartstrings.

Overall, this book was an amazing read with an abundant amount of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I did not want to put it down and it has now become one of my favorites. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for an exciting read. It is an AR book with a reading level of 5.4 and a point value of 13. If you are stuck like I was, this book will pull you out of your rut.

gretna marching band marching into second place LINKS competition results are promising as the season comes to a close for the band

by Sophie Anderson

T

he Gretna Marching Band had a successful night on October 8th. Through their hard work, the achieved a great deal. The band received runnerup overall with the percussion getting first with seconds in music and visual. The color guard also was also ranked first. Considering all of these great awards, their success was overwhelming.

There is not only an aspect of achievement and hard work within the marching band, but also of comradery and friendship. These aspects shine through the music and make the performance even stronger.

“My favorite part about marching band is that I get to make powerful music with some of my favorite people. Our personalities make the music unique.” junior Noah Petty said.

There are many groups and friendships within band. The many different sections and color guard.

“My favorite part of color guard is getting to dance, spin flags, and perform with the sweetest and kindest group of people I have come to know,” said junior Paige Miller, “Color guard is more of a family then a group to me. They are always there for me whether it is guard related or not and I know I can always count on them to be there for me.

Within every sport and activity, there are highlights. There are memories that are made that contribute in great part to our high school experience.

“I have a memory that we had a competition get rained out this season and instead of practicing our parts in warm up we gathered all of percussion together and sang them in the middle of a Papio south hallway” said Petty.

While these moments are experiences we will not quickly forget, there are many occasions which let the hard work come to light. These situations are not always our fondest memories of our sport or activity, however, they make the successes so much better and meaningful.

“I am most proud of us making a breakthrough this year, because we don’t have a single senior in the section we have at least 50% freshman in Percussion and they all learn so quickly.” said Petty.

As is similar with every activity, there are the good years which are filled with successes and victories, however, there are always bad years filled with defeat and setbacks. Just by looking at the victories of the LINKS competition, there is no doubt that this year will be one of the good ones.

The GHS Marching Band ended up placing sixth at state and are looking forward to a sucessful next season

Warming Up The band performed the beginning of their season on the football field. After these performances, they traveled to State and placed at sixth, which is the best placing they have achieved at state. photos by Pamela Johnson

Marching Into The Best Year Yet During GHS’ band’s third competition, the drum majors and color guard captains step forward to proudly accepted the second place award. On October 8th, the percussion climbing to the top. Color guard captains, drum majors, and two percussion members pose for a photo with the band’s hardware from LINKS. left photo

by Deb Scheer right photo by Pamela Johnson

16 November 2016

A&E

Volume 3 Issue 2

from juicy thanksgiving turkey to sugar-filled halloween treats, fall food is the best putting seasonal fall treats to the test

By Jadyn Anderson

Fall is Here The changing season has brought upon us all kinds of seasonal snacks. I was surprised to find pumpkin spice varieties of all kinds of foods, such as Cheerios.

Anything pumpkin spice or Halloween themed is a big seller during the fall season.

A Big Win for Lifesavers The big ring gummies were a definite favorite of mine. They are the type of treat that I constantly munch on. While they are not in the best interest of my health, I still enjoyed them.

This show follows an overprotective mother and her family; however, there is a twist. J.J. has a condition that causes him to have certain mobility and communication struggles. The mother’s overprotectiveness causes some issues in the family, but they do their best and to find someone to give J.J. the voice he deserves. This show airs Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.

Raimy Sullivan’s father died 20 years ago, and she is still struggling with the pain of his death that she believes was caused by his corruption. She hears a voice coming out of an old radio from 1966. She is able to tell her father about his death, which allows him to avoid it. This decision causes consequences in the present. Raimy and Frank must figure out how to fix what they started. This airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on the CW.

F

or anyone like me, October marks the beginning of a rapid decline into weight gain. Fall foods are just so irresistible, and there is nothing like an overload of carbs to keep warm on a brisk fall evening. Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving feast is not a daily occurrence; however, there are many fall themed snacks to satisfy the craving. Pumpkin spiced versions of normal foods are very popular items and a pumpkin spice variation is available for basically every food. A huge fall time staple is, of course, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. There are millions of fall foods that I have eaten for years, but there are also some new additions that I have not tried yet.

I began my feast with a typical autumn treat that has managed to turn me into a sticky mess since I was two: candy corn. This was not my first time trying candy corn, but I just could not pass up grabbing the bag. Candy corn is one of those foods that I have to be in a mood for and it always makes me sick, but I eat it anyway. In the spirit of Halloween.

The next course consisted of pumpkin spice baked goods. The first to go down the hatch were the Tastykake Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts. They were a definite nogo for me. They were uncharacteristically chewy and I began to dread tasting the sprawl of food in front of me.

Begrudgingly, I opened up a pack of Little Bites Pumpkin Muffins. I was pleasantly surprised by these packaged muffins. The pumpkin was not overpowering and they were actually enjoyable. I tried just a few pieces of the Pumpkin Spice Cheerios and they were not all that bad, but I probably would not eat a whole bowl of them. The future was beginning to look brighter for my stomach.

The next group was chocolate based. I started with white chocolate Reese’s Peanut Butter Ghosts, which were white chocolate covered and literally shaped like ghosts. They were somewhat reminiscent of ghosts, and they tasted all right, but white chocolate is not my favorite. I would much rather spend my limited funds on normal peanut butter cups. I followed up the ghosts with Halloween Oreos. I have definitely eaten my fair share of Halloween Oreos already this year, but like the candy corn, I chose to buy more anyway just for the fun of it.

I was down to just a few items. With an already full stomach, I slowly peeled open the bag of Halloween candy containing Lifesavers Big Ring Gummies. I took a small bite of one and quickly devoured the rest of the gummy. I then proceeded to unwrap another. They were delicious.

The last item on my list, and the one I was looking forward to the most, were the Little Monsters fruit snacks.

I absolutely love fruit snacks, and these juice-filled, monster shaped fruit snacks were no disappointment. They were a great way to round off my taste testing and I am immensely glad that I have a huge box of them.

The message of this food review can be taken in one of two ways. Either fall snacks are, for the most part, delicious, or I will basically eat anything. Well, anything besides Tastykakes Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts. Those have no place in my pantry. Seasonal foods will always hold an esteemed place in my heart, and these foods were no exception. Disclaimer: after consuming such vast amounts of pumpkin spice flavoring, I almost puked. I 0/10 do not recommend trying it.

A Major Hit and Miss The baked options were on complete other sides on the spectrum of tasty. After the donuts I expected to completely hate the mini muffins, but they ended up being just fine. Not all pumpkin spiced goods are fit for snacking.

A Classic Snack Fruitsnacks are one of my favorite things of all times. That may or may not make me sound like a five year old, but I do not care. The fact that they are shaped like monsters makes them even better.

new tv shows airing this fall are definitely worth the watch Fall is time for pumpkin spice lattes, colorful leaves, pumpkin patches and new tv shows on almost every channel.

Check out these programs to find your new show obsession . by Amanda Minckler Check out these networks for more shows:

ABC The CW Fox

CBS

This revival show follows Angus MacGyver who has an amazing talent of solving problems in the most unthought-of of ways along with his vast scientific knowledge.

With his rare talents, he is given the duty by the U.S. government to tackle missions around the world.

This show airs Fridays at 7 p.m. on CBS.

The San Diego Padres have a new pitcher in town, and she is not backing down. That is right, she.

Ginny Baker makes history by becoming the first woman to play in Major League Baseball. Ginny is determined to prove her worth to the baseball team. Some players do not approve of a woman pitching for their team.

Others are in support of Ginny. This show airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on Fox.