THE VOICE
March 2017
THE VOICE TV
5 SHOP CLASSES 8 LOUDER THAN A BOMB
Double honor Nine GHS band students were selected for the Univeristy of Nebraska-Omaha Honor Band that took place Jan. 27-29. Eight of the same nine students were also selected for the Hastings Honor Band that took place Feb. 2-4. For each of the honor bands, the students had to audition for their positions in the honor band by playing a couple scales and excerpts that they spent months preparing prior to the audition. Photo by Mr. Andrew Norris
COMPETITION MAKES NEW EXPERIENCES TOP MUSICIANS PLAY WITH SEVERAL LOCAL HONOR BANDS
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BY CASSANDRA KOSTAL
hile the GHS Band students rehearse their music every day throughout the entire school year, there are always a few special occasions that allow them to rehearse all day long. Six times a year, high school band students from across the state are given the opportunity to play in a local honor band: UNO, UNL, Hastings, Wesleyan, Doane or All-State. This year, nine GHS students qualified one or more times for the four different honor bands. Requiring an audition to make it in, the honor bands provide high school instrumentalists with the ability to play at a competitive level amongst their peers. For each GHS band student who has been accepted into an honor band, they each had their own reason for auditioning. “It is a different group to play with and normally the music is harder and more interesting and it’s almost competitive a little bit to get in, so there’s that aspect of it which is kind of fun,” sophomore Kayla Martin said. “And then when you go you meet a bunch of people that you normally wouldn’t see at all. The kid I sat next to this weekend was really fun, but I normally wouldn’t have met him if I hadn’t gone.” The audition process is fairly simple: play two scales and some prepared excerpts of music. For some of the honor bands, students must then audition for their chair placement upon arriving at the event. While the audition process may seem fairly simple, the amount of preparation that goes into each audition differs for each musician, though it is always countless hours and definitely worth it in the end. “Auditioning for an honor band can take months of preparation,” senior Nathan Novak said. “Hard work and sacrifice are often needed to be awarded a spot among your peers in the ensemble. For me, it is
all about knowing those few months of hard work have paid off and I have the opportunity to perform with the best musicians in the state.” When it comes to the auditions, it is not uncommon for multiple GHS students to be selected for each honor band. With upwards of eight students sometimes being accepted into a single honor band, GHS ranks among the schools with the most students in attendance. “Some schools only have one student while others have several chosen,” band director Mr. Andrew Norris said. “I would say that we generally are in the group that has a large number chosen.” For the students who make it into the honor bands, the reward is worth all of the hard work that they put into their audition. Even then, it is not always about the work they put in, often times band students find what they take away from the experience to be the most rewarding aspect of the process. “You’re given a lot more experience in terms of technicality and also we have master classes so there’s musicality there and it just overall shapes you to be a better musician and a better person,” Martin said. “I’m kind of more social because of it because you’re forced to talk to these kids from other schools that you’ve never met before which is scary, but it’s kind of fun. You make new friends and you walk away and you see them at other stuff that you go to and it’s kind of fun then to do that.” The band directors from each school that is represented in an honor band are also keenly aware of the benefits of high school students being in an honor band. Given the opportunity to play with the peers under the guidance of experienced musicians has undeniable perks for the young musicians. “Students enjoy playing with other band students that are also serious about
playing, and it also gives them a chance to check out a school they may want to attend,” Mr. Norris said. “I hope that the students learn something from the clinician, and become stronger musicians when they return to our band.” Overall, the students are able to take away so much from being a part of the different honor bands. Whether it is musical techniques or something else, auditioning for and being accepted into an honor band can be a momentous occasion for a high school band student. “Honor bands are not always about showing off how good someone is on their particular instrument, it is about assembling a group of talented kids and
working for two days straight on difficult music to produce an amazing performance to feel proud about,” Novak said. “Yes, after those three days my face might be killing me and I miss my bed, but it is all worth it when I hear the thunderous applause from the crowd.” Four of the six honor bands took happened during the months of Jan. and Feb. with each one lasting three days. UNL was Jan. 20-22, UNO was Jan. 2729, Hastings was Feb. 2-4, and Wesleyan was Feb. 9-11. Both the Doane and AllState honor bands took place during the first semester. An honor band specifically for freshmen, Future Stars, will take place on May 6.
Honor Bands Trey Switzer (17), Troy Scheer (18), Nathan Novak
UNIVERSITY OF (17), Chloe Geise (18), Jacob Mann (18), Kayla NEBRASKA OMAHA Martin (19), Kaitlyn Horst (18), Dayton Linhardt (19) and Reilly Woodward (18);
Nathan Novak (17), Trey Switzer (17),
Nebraska Wesleyan Chloe Geise (18), Dayton Linhardt (19), University Kayla Martin (19), Jacob Mann (18) and Troy Scheer (18)
UNIVERSITY OF Dayton Linhardt (19) NEBRASKA LINCOLN Trey Switzer (17), Troy Scheer (18), Nathan Novak (17), Chloe Geise (18), HASTINGS COLLEGE Jacob Mann (18), Kayla Martin (19), Kaitlyn Horst (18) and Dayton Linhardt (19)
Top Performers For the Wesleyan Honor Band Feb. 9-11, seven GHS students were selected to play with students from all across the state. Compared to other area high schools of similar size, GHS often has greater student representation at each honor band than most other schools. For the University Nebraska-Lincoln Honor Band, however, only one student from GHS, Dayton Linhardt (19), was selected to play in the band. Photo by Mr. Andrew Norris
2 March 2017
News
YO-YO CLUB IS NOW AN OPTION AT GHS NEW CLUB AT GHS INSPIRES NEW HOBBIES FOR STUDENTS
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BY ABBIE WESELY
here is a new item that is trending in the halls of GHS. Yo-yo’s are becoming more common among the students. As of Feb. 6, there were 83 members on the sign-up list of the newly-founded Yoyo Club. “Yo-yo Club meets before school every Thursday,” club founder senior Carson Combs said. “We yo-yo together and watch videos to learn different tricks.” The yo-yo club has many advantages that benefit the student body. It provides a sense of unity and comradery, and it gets the students to focus on something other than the technology that they are surrounded with. “I think it’s the new thing to do right now,” club sponsor Mr. Neil Hammond said. “And in this day and age and this technology generation, I like the fact that people are doing something together and not trying to do something that is on a phone instead.” Yo-yo Club is actively recruiting new
members to join in on the fun and order t-shirts. The members are able to join others with the same interests. “The club gives us a sense of us coming together as a student body and uniting with something we’re passionate about,” Combs said. “We also have the opportunity to get cool t-shirts.” Students at GHS have many different yo-yoing backgrounds. Many learned how to use a yo-yo this year, while other have been yo-yoing since they were young. “I started yo-yoing because I saw other people yo-yoing in the hallway, so I whipped out my yo-yo too,” sophomore Kelsie Lowe said. “I have this yo-yo book and it’s for advanced yo-yo tricks. I thought to myself, this would be perfect since yo-yo’s are trending. I knew I needed that book for the future someday.” The excitement is spreading among the students. Yo-yo’s are useful to show off for friends or they can be used as a fun way to challenge yourself to try new tricks. “It’s going to be a fun club because
THE TRAGIC TALE OF FOREIGN TRAVELS
FAMILY TRAVELS OUT OF COUNTRY, AFTERMATH IS DREADFUL
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BY RUTHIE ISAACSON nglish teacher Mrs. Monica Huber and her family recently vacationed in Talamanca, Costa Rica, a once in a lifetime trip. While the beautiful sights and culture was no doubt breathtaking, the results of the getaway were unfavorable. All but one of the Hubers became ill to some degree, during or after the trip. “The last three days we were there I felt really sick,” Mrs. Huber said. “And I think just being a mom I didn’t want my kids to have a memory of a trip where I spent all my time in the room so I just toughed it out.” About a week after the Hubers arrived back home, freshman TJ Huber and 5th grader Maya Huber began to experience symptoms as well. “We got back Wednesday night and that next Wednesday I stayed home from school because I wasn’t feeling well,” TJ said. “Saturday, when the symptoms were still pretty bad, we went to the ER. At first they thought it was typhoid fever or chikungunya.” The next day, TJ and Maya were admitted into the hospital for salmonella
D. TJ stayed at the hospital for five days, while Maya remained for four. “Since Maya and I had it [salmonella] in our blood, we had to have a picc line inserted just above our heart,” TJ said. “I had the shivers really bad at times, my mom had to put 5 or 6 blankets on me. After that I would get a fever. The most serious I’ve had were 103°, 104° and 105° fevers.” Unlike Maya and TJ, seventh grade Mick Huber did not have have salmonella in his blood and did not need a picc line. The type of salmonella Mick developed could be treated with antibiotics. “He couldn’t move, he couldn’t walk, my husband had to carry him to the car,” Mrs. Huber said. “I stayed with Mick from Friday and we ended up getting discharged Tuesday afternoon.” Salmonella can come from a variety of things. Raw meat, raw eggs and contaminated fruits and vegetables are a few of the most common. Because the Hubers trip lasted for five days and they ate a variety of things, finding the common factor that passed the illness within the family is virtually impossible. “We can’t pinpoint where it was
Volume 3 Issue 6
we have a lot of people joining,” senior Trysten Whitted said. “The goal is for people who are inexperienced with yoyo’s to get better at tricks. It’s also good for impressing crowds of people.” Though yo-yo’s are not allowed during school hours, the club members are able to practice their tricks before and after school. The club had their first meeting before school on Feb. 9. They will continue to
form friendships and start making unique memories. “People benefit from yo-yoing because they can make new friends,” junior Noah Burghardt said. “I believe it’s gonna be a great time.” Anyone that is interested in joining Yo-yo Club can talk to Combs. The club welcomes everyone, whether experienced with yo-yo’s or just starting out.
Demonstrating his yo-yo skills, Carson Combs (17) impresses his peers. Combs is the founder of the new club. “The club gives us a sense of us coming together as a student body and uniting with something we’re passionate about,” Combs said. Photo by Abbie Wesly
Concentrating on his yo-yo, Dylan Ellis (17) shows off his tricks. Ellis practices many times throughout the day to get better. Ellis is one of the many seniors in the club. Photo by Abbie Wesly
from because it could have been anything,” TJ said. “It could’ve been the people who prepared the food for us, it could’ve been from the counters we ate off of, it could’ve been the water. We have no clue what it could’ve been and we will probably never know.” When disaster strikes, a community unites. Students of Mrs. Huber, friends, and faculty members of the school sent prayers, cards, and dinners their way. “I’m very lucky to be in a system that was so kind and compassionate,” Mrs. Huber said. “It was so much of a relief to
know that I don’t need to stress about work, this is the most important thing, to take care of your kids.” Although the experience was atypical and unfortunate, the Hubers truly enjoyed the vacation anyway. The land was so beautiful even an event like this could not steer them away from the tropical paradise. “I don’t want to scare people from not going, It was amazing.” Tanner said. “This just shows you should be careful when traveling and take the precautions. Just be prepared for it. I’d definitely recommend going there.”
Vacation Aftermath All four of the Huber children have wide smiles during a day of fun at the many beaches in Costa Rica. After the trip, all of the family became sick to some extent, with the exception of Tanner Huber. (19) Photo submitted by Mrs. Monica Huber
GRETNA VENTURE CREW SELLS HAMBURGERS TO RAISE MONEY FOR A TEAM TRIP
SUMMER 2017 PROMISES TO BRING MANY NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPIRENCES IN NEW ZEALAND FOR TROOP 363
BY KJERSTIN CRITCHFIELD
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magine a hamburger consisting of five patties each with an individual slice of cheese and stuffed with a basket of fries. This may sound delectable to some, but could it be eaten in fifteen minutes? This meal is called the Bio-hazard Burger Challenge and so far no one has finished it within the time limit. This event put on by Venture Crew 363 occurs every Wednesday night at the American Legion and is open to all who want to come. The large hamburger has only been challenged a few times and it has turned out to be harder than it seems. “Within the fifteen minute time limit, I was only able to eat three patties and half
of the fries,” junior James Andersen said. “Another person finished three and a half patties and all of the fries when we did our test run.” Andersen was the one who came up with the idea. When they were brainstorming ways to fundraise for their summer trip to New Zealand, he suggested and it quickly caught on. Although they have not had anyone take on the challenge, they still enjoy and have their normal burger nights. “Burger nights are a lot of fun and help the troop reach our goals and bring us closer together,” freshman Alice McQueney said. “Venture Crew has really helped me create connections with people who have
the same or similar interests to the one that I have.” Venture Crew is a co-ed boy scouting group and Gretna’s troop currently has fifteen members including three supervisors and twelve youth. Their troop’s motto is “Not all those who wander are lost.” They focus on improving themselves and their community. They often participate in multiple activities to help and serve those around them. “Venture Crew is a great way to be proactive and get outside,” McQueney said. “The burger challenge is helping us collect money to participate in other activities that help us do so.”
The money that is collected from the event is put towards one of their activities called High Adventure. This is an outdoor camping experience that includes many skills and events. Other projects that they have done to reach their goal include helping around town and catering at parties. “I am really excited for our trip this summer because we going to New Zealand,” McQueney said. “We have worked really hard to be able to reach our goal.” As they continue to work, they come closer to their goal and their excitement does too. Burger Nights take place every Wednesday night from 5-7:30 at the American Legion and are open to the public.
Volume 3 Issue 6
March 2017
OpEd
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TIME FOR A CHANGE IN OPPORTUNITES GIVEN TO PEOPLE TO TRAVEL AND SEE MORE OUR POCKETS SHOULD BE BOTTOMLESS AND THE ABILITY TO EXPLORE THE WORLD SHOULD NOT BE BASED UPON OUR INCOME
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BY JESSICA BLUM
ome wander with me, love, come wander with me… away from this sad world.” Bonnie Beecher sang these words to complete an episode from The Twilight Zone, named “Come Wander with Me.” The melodious song rings through my ears to a different tune. The sad world I see is concentrated on the greed of finances, coins and money. I escape this sad world by sometimes entering into The Twilight Zone of my own mind. I am not an only child, but my family has not seen extra money in order to enjoy the pastimes in life. Up until 2017, I have ventured to Okoboji each summer. This year, we are about to take a literal detour to a somewhere new, somewhere that is not the three states I have seen in my lifetime. Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa are the only states familiar to me. Now, because of my future college, I have to opportunity to step out of the norm and venture into the unknown. As a junior, I have had my sights on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Iowa State University, and the University of Oklahoma for a major in meteorology. I had the dream to make a family vacation out of our college visit to Oklahoma because I want to get out and see more, know more and discover more. Yearning for opportunities has made me see beauty in the small events of life. Tragically, the one colossal wall acting as an obstacle to my imagination and dreams is the eye-opening reality of prices. Inflation has taken over; the cost of living
Lasting Log Ride Okoboji, IA is our home away from home; our main motivation to travel here is our uncle, Sean. We cannot leave without tackling a ride on our favorite tourist attraction, the Log Ride. Okoboji is our happy place, away from the routine of school and our normal schedules. submitted photo by Jessica Blum
has soared in the past decade, leaving my generation searching for answers to the future. One day, my brother came up to me with great concern, saying “Am I going to make it in life? I feel like I am just working hard against the clock, and the prices of food and gas are going to beat me to the finish line. I am so scared to try to raise children some day because our mom is scrambling to match prices at the grocery store now.” I was left speechless. It was the hand of reality slapping me, once more, in the face. He has a point. To be frank, to experience any concert or a college football game is $65 minimum. The prices exponentially increase from there;
Cenla Camping Adventures Our first destination after arriving is our campground to set up for the week. We camped in this camper for 4 straight years until my brother lost interest, and we started staying in my uncle’s house. submitted photo by Jessica Blum
for example, the average resale price of a ticket to the Super Bowl this year between New England and Atlanta was $4,875 on Jan. 5, according to seatgeek.com. This not only pertains to the pastimes, but food and essentials as well. The grocery stores see inflation on a week to week basis, driving shoppers who live paycheck to paycheck wild with frustration. There is a simple solution to this world of currency and finances. Making the overall cost of traveling and eating less would lessen conflicts between consumer and producer. We can resolve these issues by focusing on the item that singlehandedly regulates our prices. We have plenty of oil
here in the United States that need to be “tapped into,” and I propose that we lean towards this initiative to decrease the price of living and eating in the people’s favor. People like me, only seeing about 3/50 of the states, could get up off the couch and journey to a new place without worry, other than strangers of course. I strive to live a life not concerned by the amount you bring home. That is one reason why I would love to be a meteorologist, so I can see the world with my family without question. I want my children questioning nature, why this and why that. To live, to be free, is truly that of being unbound by money or finances.
HARD WORK IN SCHOOL WILL LAY FRAME WORK FOR OUR SUCCESS IN OUR FUTURES
NO SYMPATHY FOR STUDENTS WHO TRY TO PUT IN SMALLEST AMOUNTS OF EFFORT POSSIBLE AND EXPECT AMAZING RESULTS
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BY JADYN ANDERSON
igh school can be extremely demanding. Some students juggle work, extracurriculars, advanced classes, a social life and family. Being a teenager is no easy feat. It is a time of preparation for the future, which only puts a whole world of stress on our shoulders. People react to stress in different ways. Several of these are as follows: those who go into a hyper-productive mode and somehow manage to morph into surprisingly efficient robots; the criers who break down at the slightest indication of stress; the average people who get slight anxiety, but still manage to accomplish their tasks; and lastly, the lazy people that either copy others’ work or put no effort into their work. I absolutely cannot stand to hear people complain about getting a bad grade or having to re-do something when they put literally zero effort into it. I totally understand being upset about bad grades, but when my peers are upset about their low grades without putting in the work, I have no sympathy. I cannot count the number of times I have heard someone complain about getting a detention for failing to complete, or even begin, their assignment. As one of the many students who puts every ounce of themselves into work, activities, and grades, this frustrates me. I know tons of students who manage an insanely hectic lifestyle, and still are able to do their homework. Laziness is one of my biggest pet peeves. I do not care to hear complaints about someone having a bad grade in a class, when I know that they never finish their assignments, and when they do, it is because they found a peer to copy the
assignment from at lunch. There are those few people who complain that school does not prepare them for the real world, but maybe they would get more out of school if they tried and did not exploit their hardworking peers. This leads me to another point. I fail to understand why being a so-called “nerd” or actually trying in school has a bad connotation. I do not see the problem
with preparing oneself for the future, and planning on meeting, and even exceeding, personal goals. I, for one, want to go into the medical field, so of course I am going to worry about my grades and schoolwork. People do not get into exceptional colleges with below average grades. So why do my peers end up being pestered about their solid grade on a test by someone who did not study?
Loads of students nowadays have the mindset of doing everything in the quickest, most painless route possible. I feel sad for people who want the results without putting in any of the work. They need to learn now that diligent work leads to success. We cannot always take the easy way out. Putting in the tedious labor now is what is going to set us up for successful futures.
THE WAY CHILDREN PLAY TODAY CARTOON BY BROOKE SMITH
4 March 2017
Indepth
Volume 3 Issue 6
A GLIMPSE INTO CONSTRUCTION TALENTS USED IN REAL LIFE
STUDENTS UTILIZE NEW, LEARNEDoneCONSTRUCTION SKILLS WITH OFF-CAMPUS WORK PROJECTS of my electives,” junior Jake Edie said. sorts of things from happening, we do a
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BY AJ SPAINHOWER
New Additions The construction class at GHS spent time adding two rooms onto a resident’s barn. Students were required to add walls and the necessary doors to the new addition. Submitted photo
n the construction class taught by instructor Mr. Jason Novotny, students learn about architecture and design. This class also helps improve students’ knowledge of carpentry, electrical and building properties. Construction is hands on and lets kids explore outside of the classroom, giving them an insight and head start into making this a career. “I am doing construction next year as
Home Improvement A private residence received an addition to the backyard at the hands of the GHS construction class. The students in the class built an awning over the home’s back patio. “Without construction there is nothing,” senior Kyle Rowin said. Submitted photo
“I want to take this class because it is very hands on and I get to leave school. I also am not very good with books, so I would rather do a class where I get to use my hands to build.” Construction can be used to create many things, and students take this class for all sorts of different reasons. Being able to leave school and work outdoors is a big reason, but the hands on concept is also another reason. The class deals with going out of the classroom and performing the different aspects that construction teaches. “Construction is very fun to do,” senior Kyle Rowin said. “Without it no one would have a place to live or work in. Without construction there is nothing.” Construction involves using various amounts of tools. These tools can vary from hand-operated to a machine. Whether they run by themselves or need assistance, malfunctions are always a risk. There are precautions and lessons that are taught to the students to prevent any sort of mishap from happening. “I’ve only seen one accident in my construction class,” Rowin said. “It was when a student cut the cord for the saw. While they were cutting a board, the cord got caught between the board and the saw and accidentally cut it. To prevent these
safety course called OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which helps us learn how to avert from having any mishaps in the class.” Construction can teach students many skills that help in real life. These skills improve knowledge on fixing technical problems and/or help fix broken appliances. The aspects learned in the class also help a student turn into a handy man with knowledge of solving household and maintenance problems. Going into this field as a career can build a greater understanding of how construction works in the real world. “I plan on making construction my career,” senior Donald Stalker said. “I am going to school for construction management and later hopefully achieving a degree in construction engineering. This is very good field that will never decrease with the population growth and need of homes and business that are starting to grow rapidly.” The construction course at GHS is a hands on class that pushes students to think with their mind and body in and outside of the classroom. This class is a great way to experience the real life involvement that come in the construction business and helps students learn in a new way.
BUILDING THEIR WAY TOWARD A BETTER FUTURE INSIGHT INTO SHOP CLASSES AT GHS
DELVING INTO INDUSTRIAL SKILLS AT GHS CLASSES PROVEN TO HAVE FUTURE BENEFITS FOR WELDERS
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BY MCKENZIE PAVELKA
here are many forms of arts in high school, and one for almost everyone. Some people are interested in drama, or other classes involving the fine arts, but there is also a group of students drawn to shop classes such as welding. Welding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals by causing fusion. Mr. Tim Gatewood is the welding instructor at GHS and is on his fifth year teaching. He always wanted a career that was hands-on and where each day would be different. He had always loved shop classes in school and found that teaching his passion to others was a great fit for him. “ I really enjoy teaching the advanced welding classes. By that class they have the fundamentals down and we get to see what projects they can create on their own.” Gatewood said. “ I am there for guidance of course, but the advanced welding classes are where the students get to apply everything they have learned and create something that interests them.” Mr. Gatewood’s main goal is for his students is to get them thinking, learning, and working in ways that they never have before. He wants them creating projects that they never thought they could. There are four different types of welding that the students at GHS practice. The first one is “Mig welding” which is when the welder has a gun, wire and argon gas. The second type of welding, “Tig welding”, uses tungsten, argon, and a petal to control the gas flow. The third type of welding is called “Stick welding” and that involves an electrode rod, two jumper
cables, which the negative goes to the table or metal the student is welding on, and the stick goes in the positive side. The final type of welding is called “Oa welding” and the necessities for this type of weld are oxygen and acetylene and a sparker to light the gas. The oxygen that is used will eventually create a cone. The students working in the welding shop are told to wear specific safety gear. In the welding shop, the students wear gloves, a leather apron, a helmet and a jacket. Closed toed shoes, and long pants are also a necessity in the welding shop. A typical day in the welding shop begins when Mr. Gatewood teaches the students about new tools or tricks that they did not know about. After the new lesson, the students go to work on their projects. There are three welding classes available at GHS. The intro class is for Freshman and is a guided class that introduces the students the various types of welding processes and fabrication techniques. The welding 1 class is open to sophomores and above. In welding 1 the students work through a massive list of required welds. These include a variety of welding and cutting processes on different metals, in different positions. In welding 2 the students apply the welding and fabrication skills they have learned to make a variety of their own projects. Welding is beneficial for students working hands on and possibly figuring out if it is something they would like to continue in the future. Once the students have learned the four different types of welds, they can start working on improving their skills.
Behind the mask Joseph Lagemann (17) leans over his works station has he crafts a new project in welding class. Each day in class, welding instructor Mr. Tim Gatewood teaches his students new tools and tricks used in welding. The class serves to teach a practical skill that students may continue on with in the future. Photo by Kelsey Lowe
Hard at work Logan Parsons (19) is deep in concentration as he labors away at his latest welding project. Three welding classes are offered at GHS, each one offers a varying degree of difficulty for the students. Once students learn basic welding skills in the class, they can begin to improve those skills by applying them to their projects. Photo by Amanda Minckler
Volume 3 Issue 6
Indepth
March 2017
5
PREPARING SKILLS FOR FUTURE CAREERS LEARNING HOW TO USE WOODWORKING IN THE REAL WORLD
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BY JACEY HAMMER
Personal touches Wood working is one of the main aspects learned in the woods courses at GHS. “My favorite part about the classes the projects we make,” sophomore Zachary Voss said. “I like building things and being able to make our own projects fits perfectly for me.” Jacob Sheedy (20), left, and Jacob Hahn (20), right, are deep in concentration while working on their wood projects. Photos by Emily Acker
Working hard With each day spent working on their projects, Reece Brundy (20), left, and Gabrielle Wasalaski (20), right, are getting closer to finishing their products. With the wood working and problem solving skills learned in the course, they are able to get the job done. These skills will continue to benefit students throughout the remainder of the course and in the future. Photos by Emily Acker
he woods classes offered at GHS prepare students for various future purposes. Skills that are learned in this course include problem solving, learning machine safety and shaping along with staining wood. “This class gives GHS students a set of skills that they can use for future part time or full time employment,” Woods instructor Mr. Tim Gatewood said. “Jobs that require the skills taught in the shop areas here at Gretna in high demand require high skill and are high wage careers.” In this course, students learn the basics to woodworking and are provided with a foundation for future woodworking activities. Another skill learned is problem solving tactics. “Taking woods will help me in the future,” sophomore Zachary Voss said. “The class has helped me with problem solving and if there is any project with wood, it should be easier to complete it.” Many students have no experience going into class on the first day. Mr.
SMALL ENGINES CLASS VASTLY IMPACTS FUTURES OF STUDENTS SHOP CLASS AT GHS GOES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM TO HELP STUDENTS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
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BY AMANDA MINCKLER
t GHS every student is given the opportunity to take a class over the subject they are passionate about. The better known classes that students can participate in are art classes or music classes, and even though small engines is a class that may be lesser known, it has been a big hit with students ever since the idea was introduced. “I have a couple small engines classes: small engines I and small engines II,” Small Engines instructor Mr. Jason Novotny said. “When I came eight years ago we put small engines as a little part of a 9th grade class and kids kept asking if we could do more. So we started our first small engines class and the first time I ran it I had 48 kids sign up for two sections. Right then you knew that the kids liked to do it.” The introductory level class is meant to teach the students the basics of small engines. They start off with a smaller engine before moving on to more complicated lessons. “The first class is around air-cooled gas engines,” Mr. Novotny said. “A single cylinder air-cooled engine and we will go through this whole engine and talk about all the parts and all the pieces and how they work and how we fix them and service them.” After learning about the air-cooled engines, the students are able to move up to bigger engines. This class gives the students more freedom of what they are able to work on. “The second class is we do anything bigger than that,” Mr. Novotny said. “It is based upon a motorcycle platform. Kids bring in garden tractors, motorcycles, four wheelers and jet skis. We learn about clutches, transmission, suspension and steering. Right now we are learning about braking, so I have a motorcycle I cut in half and the kids will service disc and drum brakes. We’ve talked about them in class and we’ve talked about how they work and how they service them. Then they come over and do labs pertaining to the topic of the week.” The lessons and labs they participate in mean more than just a grade to some
students. Everything they learn can be used to win them awards up to the state. “We do an organization called Skills USA and that’s a partnership of students, teachers, business and industry to make sure America has a skilled workforce,” Mr. Novotny said. “Our kids have been really successful over the last 5 years we’ve finished either first or second at state in motorcycle or small engines.” If the student makes it to the state level, they can to move up to compete at the national level. Doing well at nationals can reward students and teachers in more ways than just a medal or banner. “Two years ago Austin Henry placed second at nationals and Harley Davidson gave us this Harley,” Mr. Novotny said. “We use it mostly in our second small engines class. Because of that Mr. Gatewood and I got to go to Harley school over this last summer. Then I took a class on engines, so I took an engine apart and put it back together and I took a transmission apart and put it back together. Mr. Gatewood took a class on servicing Harley, and they sent us home with the engines. It is the same motor out of the bike we got, so I don’t have to
pull that motor out we can just work on this one.” The opportunities given to teachers allow them to evolve their coursework and teach their students more. As the students learn more, the better they do in competition and can even attract the attentions of companies. “We’ve had two employers in here this fall: Caterpillar and Titan Machinery,” Mr. Novotny said. “Both offer students that are interested full ride scholarships in diesel. If they are selected they will pay all their schooling, all their books, all their tuition, and all their tools. They will also hire them from their high school senior year to their college freshman year to work. Then when they graduation they will have a spot for them at their dealership.” The students who receive this scholarship may have started the class already equipped with knowledge on the subject and who want to make a career out of it; however, some students can go in blindly and just learn information to help them in the future. “A lot of kids come and take the class not knowing anything,” Mr. Novotny
Gatewood enjoys seeing the success of those students. “My favorite part is seeing the students with no previous experience create something that they are proud of,” Mr. Gatewood said. “Before the class they wouldn’t have known where to start on a woodworking project, and after the class they have a complete set of new skills.” The woods course is not just for students who want to go into a woodworking based career. The skills are important for many different types of jobs. “I have had hundreds of students take my woods classes that did not go into a related career,” Mr. Gatewood said. “These students still learned lifelong problemsolving and technical skills that will enable them to be more self-sufficient. It also provides them with skills that they can fall back on for employment if they choose to.” The woods course at GHS provides a basic understanding of how woodworking works. These skills will be beneficial for students who plan on working in these fields. said. “The first class is basically like snow blowers or lawnmowers. You are going to own that someday and Gretna Small Engine they help us out a lot and so does Titan, but they get 80 dollars an hour to work on stuff. If you could teach a kid to maybe work on their own things they can save that money.” Teaching a kid how to fix an engine can be no easy task. In other classes an instructor may need just a book to teach their lessons. The small engine classes need a little more than that. “You look in here and it looks like all junk which is honestly what we need,” Mr. Novotny said. “If a bike runs perfect, there’s nothing for me to teach. So the kids are really good about scrounging up projects and bringing stuff in. Some of it is absolute junk when we start but they’re determined enough to go through and learn to work on it. You just have to bring something into work on and have some guidance.” Students at GHS can be passionate about many subjects. Some receive more attention such as the musical classes but classes that are overlooked, such as small engines, are just as important because they teach students real life skills that could go as far as allowing them to go to school and have a job ready for them or just save them a penny or two in the future when their lawnmower breaks down.
Small engines, big opportunities The small engines class at GHS offers students the chance to increase their knowledge and skills of small engines. The class focuses on hands-on activities, with the students performing each task for themselves on a real, working small engine. “Right now we are learning about braking,” Small Engines instructor Mr. Jason Novotny said. “So I have a motorcycle I cut in half and the kids will service disc and drum brakes. We’ve talked about them in class and we’ve talked about how they work and how they service them.” Photos by Amanda Minckler
6 March 2017
Feature
GRETNA HAS ITS FIRST STUDENT IN DCI
Volume 3 Issue 6
3D PRINTER IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC
SENIOR WILL BE ON THE COLOR GUARD TEAM WITH THE COLTS 3D PRINTER MANAGER STRIVES BREAK TECHNOLOGY MOLD
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BY KATIE STUKENHOLTZ
here is a first time for everything. Never before has a GHS student made a world class Drum Corp International (DCI) group, until senior Anna Allen. The best way to explain DCI is by describing it as professional marching band minus the woodwinds. For some people, it is an amazing opportunity. “I like marching band, I like performing and I like the shows they do,” Allen said. “I wanted to continue after high school and get better.” Allen will be a member of The Colts’ color guard. For Allen, color guard was a way to get out of playing her flute. However, she turned out be quite gifted and really enjoyed color guard. “You’re able to manipulate a piece of equipment in a lot of cool ways,” Allen said. After high school, there is only two ways to continue marching, joining a college marching band or doing DCI. The college Allen plans to go to does not have a marching band so that left her with DCI if she wanted to continue. Allen auditioned for a couple different groups but found her place among The Colts. “The Colts, they were fun,” Allen said. “They focused a lot on technique and dance, which is good since I used to dance.” Allen was nervous going into auditions
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BY KYLE HARRIS
especially because she did not know anyone at the camp. It went from Nov. 2527 in Dubuque, Iowa. She made friends and found herself improving because of the Colts’ camp. “They want to improve you all around, not just on flag but as a person too,” Allen said. Throughout the camp, the guard coaches kept a close eye for potential future members. Near the end, they pulled Allen aside and asked her if she wanted to sign to their color guard. She was quite happy when she found out. “I started crying and then asked if I could give them a hug and I did,” Allen said. Participating in DCI is a big commitment. It costs $3,500 as a new member and about $3,000 for those returning. Allen leaves soon after graduation and will not get back until she is about to go off to college. It is a huge time commitment, but for those committed enough it is worth it. “I plan to do it until I age out because I love color guard and this is my only way of doing it,” Allen said. Sadly, the maximum age is 21. Many of the members participate until that age like Allen plans to. Allen is the first ever from GHS to make it to world class DCI. This means she has a long and exciting summer ahead of her.
enior Nick Newstrom is perhaps the only GHS student with his own office. Nestled between rows of books in the back of the library is a small room containing the school’s consumer grade Flashforge Creator Pro 3D printer, as well as Newstrom, the man in command of it. As the teacher’s assistant to Mrs. Kari Bulgrin, Newstrom is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the printer, a task he finds to be one of his most enriching challenges. “I’ve always been interested in the latest technology,” Newstrom said. “This was something I didn’t know a lot about, so I was really intrigued to learn more, figuring everything out felt pretty cool.” The printer is available for use by all GHS students. Those who want to create something with the machine sit down with Newstrom in his office to create a digital model, which he then sends to the printer to be created in three dimensions. “The printer is a really good opportunity for all students to learn the technology, I’ve printed everything from catapults, bobsled, traffic cones and even a miniature of the Stanley Cup,” Newstrom said. “It’s really whatever the students want, If they can find or make plans we figure out how to print
it.”
Newstrom serves his most important function as the printer’s repairman. Currently a filament in the machine’s extender has jammed, leaving Newstrom in charge of learning how to fix it. Some of this knowledge comes from watching instructional videos on YouTube, while a fair bit is chalked up to intuition. Despite what seems like an impossible task, to the layman, Newstrom insists that even the most technologically uninformed can figure out the inner workings of the complicated device. “Anyone can fix this thing,” Newstrom said. “You just have to be willing to take the time to learn though, and do it right.” As Newstrom is set to graduate this May to pursue a degree in the business field, the future of who will run the printer remains uncertain. Opportunities are available to those interested in the position. “Hopefully someone else will figure out how to use this thing so it can keep going,” Newstrom said. “It’s pretty fun for students, so I would hate to see that opportunity go away.” Anyone who is interested in becoming involved with 3D printing should contact Newstrom or see Mrs. Bulgrin in the Library. Natural instincts To fix a broken extender arm, Nick Newstrom (17) turns to YouTube and relies on his intuition. “It’s not difficult to fix,” Newstrom said, “it just takes a lot of patience.” Students who are interested in learning more about 3D printing should see Newstrum or Mrs. Bulgrin in the library. Newstrom first learned to use the printer after becoming a teacher’s assistant for Mrs. Bulgrin and spending each day in the library. Photo by Kyle Harris
STUDENT DEBATES IN ADVISORY COUNCIL
GHS SENIOR PARTICIPATES IN MONTHLY SENATORIAL SESSION
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BY BEN BICKEL
Standing tall Anna Allen (17) has been on the GHS color guard team for the past three years. During her junior and senior years she was the captain. (Left) Allen stands behind drum major Andre Garivay (17) while waiting for the results of a show during the 2016 season. (Right) Allen strikes a pose during the 2014 Lunar Phases show. Submitted photo
All out Doing the splits, Allen performs the 2015 Gypsy Dances show. She found that she was a natural color guard member. Allen will continue to participate in color guard during the summer after graduation by joining a Drum Corps International Team, the Colts. Submitted photo
ore and more kids every year are getting involved in current events that are happening around the globe. Senior Derek Pavelka joined the U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer advisory council this last September to discuss some of the events that occur every month. Pavelka joins 16-20 kids from seven or eight different schools around Omaha, on the first Monday of every month to discuss and debate topics that are either happening here in the United States or are happening all across the globe. They have discussed topics that senators vote on, and especially when it comes to Deb Fischer and how she votes on subjects. But the usual routine is they are guaranteed a speaker and a presentation for about fifteen minutes and then they discuss and debate between one another on some of the topics that were mentioned. “I like being able to discuss topics, but to be able to do it in an orderly manner,” said Pavelka. “Because you know like when you go to your friends sometimes and you say ‘What about this?’ and then five minutes later World War III is breaking out, and I just think it’s cooler to be able to have orderly debates between one another.” This group of kids also includes many different kids from different cultures, so that everyone can share their different opinion from their point of view. Now, even though this group is called the Deb Fischer advisory council,
Sen. Fischer herself does not usually make appearances at these meetings. The meetings are usually ran by her office and is directed by Mrs. Brianne Faulkner. While all of the things around us in the world are happening, these kids are learning new ways to talk to each other about certain subjects from their point of view. All these kids come from different cultures which helps make this work. So, when it comes to certain subjects of debate there could be different opinions because there is a lot of different ethnicity on this council. In the end, all of these kids are doing this to help make a change and help expand one another’s minds.
Getting involved On the first Monday of every month, Derek Pavelka (17) takes part in an advisory council for Senator Deb Fischer. “We all sit and talk about current events that are happening. Stuff that is going on state wide, nationally, and even throughout the world and we just talk about how we feel about them,” Pavelka said. Discussions focus on current and local events and the voting decision that Sen. Fischer has made. Photo by Ben Bickel
Volume 3 Issue 6
Sports
SLICING THROUGH ICE TO EARN A POINT
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any students at GHS have a passion for extracurricular activities that GHS does not sponsor such as hockey. Senior Cole Derouchey, and Junior Gage Brnard share their favorite aspects of hockey and how it has benefitted them. Derouchey plays hockey at Millard West. Barnard has played hockey since he was two years old and joined Omaha Jr. Lancers, which is the feeder team for the Omaha Lancers, when he moved to Nebraska two years ago. His goal is to play hockey in college and possibly beyond and believes he can accomplish that goal through challenging himself and working hard. “I’m currently in contact with multiple college hockey coaches, and I’d say I have reason to keep my hopes up,” said Barnard. “I’ve learned how to find my own limits, and go past them. I push myself harder both physically and mentally every time I step on the ice.” Hockey is a sport that not only impacts the players, but their families as well. With strenuous, time consuming practices, friends and family sometimes have to take second place. Between playing two to three games on normal weekends and up to six games during tournaments, it can be hard for players to balance their time. “We play or practice three times a week on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays at Moylan Iceplex, Baxter arena, or Ralston Arena,” Derouchey said. “Oftentimes I have to stay up really late to finish homework and stay in during the weekend
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BY ALLIE JANULEWICZ
he Gretna girls tennis team’s season is coming up soon, and it is one no one will want to miss. In their last successful season this past fall, the boys tennis team earned second place overall at the state tournament. Last year, the girls team had a great dual record and a strong JV team in doubles. There are different strategies and ideas that the coaches are focusing on this season that are similar to last year’s to improve the girl’s positivity. “We did lose some really good players, but I’m excited for this next season,” head coach Mr. Curt Mace said. “Some of my coaching goals are focusing on teaching and encouraging the girls this year. I want to be a teacher and encourager. If I’m focusing on anything else, I’m in the wrong place. This season I really want the girls to enjoy it and be able to look back and have good memories of playing tennis in high school.” Tennis is a great sport for people who want to stay fit and healthy, and want some fun with a little bit of competition. The official start of girls tennis practice is Feb. 27. Their season kicks off with a triangular with Skutt and Norris at Skutt on March 21.
Pictured from left-right: Abbie Wesely (17) and Abby Brown (16) submitted by Abbie Wesely
to get stuff finished up for school.” Other hockey teams practice and train even more. Barnard says his team practices twice a day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They train at X-plosive Edge on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Long hours and hard practicing are made worth it at state hockey tournaments. Derouchey has made state his freshman and sophomore year. “State was definitely the coolest experience I had when it comes to tournaments and competing,” Derouchey said. “It was awesome to hang out with my team and hype each other up before each game.” Barnard became interested in hockey when he was living in Wisconsin. Growing up, he played with his friends on the random ponds they would find which grew into a passion for the sport. Hockey oftentimes runs deep in family and can bring a son and father closer. Derouchey inherited interest in this pastime from his father. “My dad is from Minnesota and it’s a really big deal up there so he always played which made me have an interest in hockey,” said Derouchey. “He taught me how to skate and it’s really brought us closer.” Hockey is a sport that has thrilling to watch as it is to play. Through hours of long practice and pushing their bodies to the limit, these boys have not only become better players but also better people. Hockey has taught Barnard and Derouchey how to overcome obstacles as well as how to push themselves to their limit and beyond.
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BY JULIANA HAUPTMAN
From Dragon to Wildcat Derouchy (17) and his teammates get ready engage ina pregame huddle. This was the first of three games played in a tournament. His Millard West team came out with the win. submitted photo by Cole Derouchey
From Dragon to Lancer Bernard (18) skates to victory during a championship game. The Omaha Junior Lancers have won over 12 games this season. Bernard (18) brought his passion for hockey from Wisconsin to Omaha. submitted photo by Gage Bernard
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BY MARA HJERMSTAD
BY HAILEY HALSTEAD
Recreating Experiences Practices are designed to produce situtations that might occur in an actual baseball game so players are prepared. Our brains love constancies and whole objects, a lot of which deals with the sport of baseball when catching and hitting balls. photo by Mara Hjermstad
Plank Practice Track members participate in conditioning to prepare their bodies for the season. Sweating, panting, and shaking are all some of the endurances that come with the new season. photo by
ne month until game time and the baseball boys are at work. They stopped practices over the Christmas holiday but picked right back up at the start of second semester. “We like to tell our guys the time we put in in the off season, the investment we put in, returns when the season starts,” varsity baseball coach Mr. Jake Wolf said. Because of the weather, the team was not able to practice outside on the fields, so they had to make other arrangements. The multipurpose room has a couple of cages that are available for the team, so they come in groups to hit. On Monday nights, they are able to practice in the Main Gym and the Auxiliary Gym. “I think ultimately our goal is always to get to the state tournament,” Mr. Wolf said. “We tried to kind of simplify it where we are more process oriented where we try and get better every single day, I think that is the focus with our guys.” There are many returning seniors with varsity experience and experience in state and district tournaments that are expected to be leaders this year; senior Grant Bruner has played varsity since his freshman year. Overall the team is confident they will make it to the state tournament. The first game is on March 16.
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COLE DEROUCHEY, GAGE BERNARD TELL THEIR HOCKEY STORY BY ANGELA GAHAN
March 2017
pring sports are approaching, which means pre-season conditioning is starting. With track season starting, the members are pushing themselves to be ready. “I think that they are working very hard,” track coach Mrs. Ashley Hall said. “Many of them have been working out since the fall so that is going to help when the season actually comes here.” The numbers are quite large which could end up helping the team. It helps them in competitions when they have larger numbers because it makes sure they have the best people for the right event. “We have big numbers; we are expecting lots of athletes to be out which provides lots of competition,” Mrs. Hall said. “That helps the athletes make the top three or four spots on the team, whatever it is for all of the events.” With the season starting there are many possible injuries, mostly shin splints, but they are going to try and avoid them if at all possible. While the team happens to be quite large, some of the members have been trying their hardest and working to their best ability. There is not an exact count for the students out yet, but they are training by running for their event and making themselves as strong as they need to be.
Hailey Halstead
occer is one of the most played sports in the world, with 3.5 billion people who play the sport on a regular basis in more than 200 countries and the numbers are still rising today. In America alone, over 13 million people play soccer, which makes soccer the third most played sport in America. Those 13 million soccer players include the Gretna soccer teams that are playing in March which is just around the corner. The Gretna boys soccer team’s first game is Thursday, March 16 at 5 p.m. vs. Bennington. The girls soccer team’s first match is on Monday, March 25 at 5 p.m. vs. Norris. There are around thirty people on the girls soccer team, around twenty people on the boys soccer team, and they are still looking for more. Everyone gets into soccer differently, whether you started as a kid or jump into the sport as a teenager. “I got into soccer when I was 4, my mom and I would go in the backyard and play,” senior Kortlan Franke said. “She put me on a small team and ever since then I’ve been in love with soccer.” Many like Franke love to play the sport and are welcoming more players with open arms. If anyone interested wants to join the soccer teams, they can contact Coach Dave Fisch for the boys team and Coach Digger Hawkins for the girls team; they are still looking for more players to join the wonderful sport.
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BY COLIN KITSON
inter sports are coming to an end and that means spring sports are going to be starting soon, including boys golf. Boys golf is coached by middle school science instructor Mr. Scott Boehler, and he is getting ready for the upcoming season. Coach Boehler has coached the boys golf team for 14 years. He is excited for this season to start up and is expecting big things from his team. His goal is to bring the team to state at the end of the year. “It’s always nice to see younger and/ or new kids develop their golf skills from year to year, I think we have a good group coming back that should be very competitive this year,” Coach Boehler said. The team placed first at districts and fifth at state last year; they were lead by three seniors. The team will be young but experienced as a few returning players are going out again such as junior Jacob Weber and junior Easton Meadows who have been playing for the team since their freshman year. “We lost three seniors last year so everyone is going to have to step up, we have some big shoes to fill so probably not as good as last years team, but hopefully we can qualify for state,” Weber said. The team is going to have a tough season this year because they are a young team, but they do not expect any less than making it to state and competing for the championship. Their first practice is Feb. 27 and they will be practicing for the big Gretna invite on March 28.
Pictured from left to right: Nick Newstrom (16), Jacob Weber (18), Nate Plugge (16), Reid Frank (16), Seth Grimm (16), and Coach Scott Boehler submitted photo
8 March 2017
A&E
Volume 3 Issue 6
VAMPIRES, FAERIES, WILD COINCIDENCES AFTER READING THIS MANY BOOKS, REPEATS ARE EXPECTED
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BY MASON HJERMSTAD
ho does not like a little repetition now and then? Well, I would say not me, but it seems I am on the course to create another review that happens to have the same author as the last book I reviewed. Not only that, but I read a series, “The Iron Fey”, by this very same author, Julie Kagawa, over the summer. I am blown away by her diverse writing style because there is no way I would have realized this had I not stumbled upon the connection accidently. She is able to write in the same genre of science fiction, but with a completely different type of fictional characters. In the books I have read by her, she has written about the Fae realm, dragons morphing into humans, and now vampires. While they all had strong female roles, the characters manage to be extremely different. Also, where my interest waned at the end of the “Iron Fey” series and I did not fully enjoy “Talon”, I have loved every minute of my latest find of hers, “The Immortal Rules”. Blood seems to be a major symbol throughout “The Immortal Rules” by Julie Kagawa. This is expected; however, when
it comes to the mythical creatures, there seems to be more to this vampire novel than the commonly known “Twilight” series. Out of all the blood-sucker books I have read from sparkly skin to training the fanged teens, this novel with all of its angst and struggle for survival has surpassed them all. The first thing that makes this book unique is that the main character, Allison, starts off as a human who holds nothing but contempt for the fiends of the night. In fact, she is human for the first 100 pages of the book. After having to choose between the life of a vampire or her death she makes the fateful decision of turning into the one thing she despises the most. The story takes off from there following her transition into this plagued and dying world as a new vampire and living life as an outcast rather than the vampires who reside on top of the rest of society. After being forced to leave behind all she has known and explore the world, she stumbles upon a group of humans searching for a magical city full of humanity and supplies that they are not even sure exists. She does this all while trying to keep hold of her humanity that her vampire creator, Kanin,
tries to convince her is impossible to do. The story simply spirals from there. This novel is full of the most magnificent twists and turns. Not only that but, it is one of the first books I’ve read in a long time where I have not been able to guess the ending at the beginning. I believe Kagawa has never done a better job of using suspense than in this novel and I am grateful for it. The challenges that Allison faces as a human make her hard and determined while allowing the audience a piece of her that encourages us to continue to root for her in her new life as a vampire. Nothing seems to deter her hardened soul, even after it is supposedly lost. I loved this character even when her actions sometimes got under my skin. This only gave me more reason to appreciate her and how her actions followed through later on. I have never wanted to connect to a character more than I did to Allison, and I am thrilled to see what comes next in the continuation of this series. In the end, Allison’s journey is far from over and I am looking forward to joining her along the way. With the many books I have unknowingly read by this author, I am glad I read this book unaware of who she was because I am afraid it might have clouded my original judgment of this novel. However, now I applaud Kagawa on her wonderful work and can not wait to see what this sassy vamp does next.
POETRY IS THE POINT FOR MEMBERS OF LOUDER THAN A BOMB MUSIC MEMENTOS
GHS STUDENTS EXPRESS THEIR CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION IN FAIRLY NEW POETRY CLUB BY TAYLOR HONN
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ouder than a Bomb is a fairly new poetry club at GHS. Gretna has its writing clubs and speech clubs, but it is nothing like Louder than a Bomb. LTAB is different from speech. While it does revolve around the same thing a speech class or speech club would, it is a totally different club all together. LTAB focuses around poetry while speech does other things like entertainment, duets and skits. Louder than a Bomb was formed by English instructor Mrs. Jennifer Long. “I saw a Louder than a Bomb competition in Lincoln a year before and was amazed by the writing and speech techniques of the students,” Mrs. Long said. “After that, I wanted to bring it to Gretna because I knew that some of our students would be interested in it.” Students have been and are interested in the club. For school year of 2016-17, there are seven students on the Louder than
a Bomb team. It may not seem like a big amount of kids, but it is the perfect amount for the LTAB club. To become part of Louder than a Bomb, students do not need to try out or write an essay to get accepted. “You just need a body and a want to create,” sophomore Emily Austin said. Louder than a Bomb meets once a week, sometimes twice a week, after school from 3:30 to 5 p.m. to prepare the students for competitions. LTAB is not like a sport where one would have regular season, districts and state. Louder than a Bomb only has two regular competitions throughout the year, both taking place in March. These competitions are called A BOUT. In the A BOUT competitions, four schools across the state compete. After the two competitions, the two highest scoring teams move on to the semifinals. Gretna has only been to semifinals once.
“From the competitions I’ve been to, I can say that everyone is there to have fun. They’re in large rented out spaces, sometimes with big lights and a DJ and cameras, but they aren’t nearly as scary as they sound,” Austin said. “It’s a really chill environment with only support surrounding you. Try going to a competition sometime, they’re quite wonderful.” While the scoring portion will get one into the semifinals, that is not what the club is about. In the Louder than a Bomb and poetry community, there is a motto. That motto is, “Points aren’t the point, poetry is the point.” While points can get you far in competition, most of the students go and compete for a chance to express themselves and get their writing heard. “After all is said and done, we get to hear lots and lots of really great poems from different schools and our students get a chance to perform so it’s really cool,” Mrs. Long said.
Concerts are a great way to hang out with friends and family while getting to enjoy live music and a roaring atmosphere. They come with many memories and the times had are sure to stick around long after the music ends.
“I went to Grassroots and when Lynyrd Skynyrd played ‘Freebird’ they threw the pick in the audience and I got it!” - Tyler Harpenau (18) Photo by Olivia Kahler
VISIT FROM THE GHOST OF AWKWARD VALENTINE’S DAYS PAST “I remember going to Kiss live with my brother last summer, and I swear on my life that Gene Simmons pointed at me during ‘God of Thunder.’ It was awesome.” - Trevor Ernst (18) Photo by Olivia Kahler
Gold Digger “I dated a guy in 6th grade just so I could get his box of chocolates, and then the day after Valentine’s Day, I broke up with him,” Katie Keith(19) said. Photo by Jamisha Robey
A Table For One “This year I watched The Titanic and ate pizza alone,” Kyle Naber(19) said. Photo by Jamisha Robey
Puppy Love “I went to Tully’s Kennel with my boyfriend,” Annmarie Petrigash(20) said. “and when we went to pet the dogs, one of them relieved itself on me.” Photo by Jamisha Robey
“Tyler (Harpenau) and I went to a Weird Al concert last summer! My first concert! Al ran super close to us. We both sang along the whole time.” - Sam Broderson (18) Photo by Olivia Kahler