Students battle it out
Race to the finish
Juniors Sam Felici and Brittany French run for the finish line. The girls got wrapped up in a sleeping bag while the boys pulled them threw an obstical course.
VOICE the
GHS girls get second at state
(See Rock Page 2)
Photo by Lexi Busch
What are students doing on spring break? See Page 2
What is a typical day like for Mr. Mueller? See Page 6 Is racism still a problem today? See Page 8 What songs take GHS teachers back? See Page 11 How has the snow affected spring sports? See Page 14 Halley Samuelson
Gretna High School • 11335 South 204th Street • Gretna, NE 68028 Volume VIII • Issue V • March 2010
news 2 March 2010 ‘Winter rage’ gives way to spring excitement By Kelsey Charrlin Staff Writer Body aches. Headaches. Weight gain. That feeling where you just want to stay at home. All effects of a winter that seemed to drag on and on. “I call it ‘Winter Rage,’” guidance counselor Anita O’Neill said. This is what most of GHS has been feeling this winter. But as students and staff look forward to the warm spring air, the summer sun shining on our faces, the look of bright green grass, and the feeling of the hot cement, they can’t help but look back on one of the worst winters in Nebraska history. For the city of Gretna and surrounding areas, winter rage began in November when the snow began to fall and the temperature started to drastically drop. “I really just don’t like winter,” sophomore Shelby Dechow said. “It’s so long and when you get to November you just want it to be over with when it’s just the beginning.” Since then, students and teachers enjoyed catching up with family and friends during winter break and tried to move past the frigid weather but the wintry weather continued on and affected students’ and teachers’ moods. “When your brain gets out of control [during this winter] you’re just all down,” O’Neill said. “We had such high expectations that didn’t happen because our winter break was so unusual, our own life wasn’t as we wanted it to be.” Flights were delayed and driving through the snowstorm was difficult, forcing people to rearrange holiday plans. “After the big Christmas snowstorms it seemed like teachers and students came back all down and depressed because we had that snowstorm and everyone was stuck and then we came back to school,” Dechow said. Students were sacked with makeup work and homework while teachers were ambushed with papers to grade before the new quarter began and their opinions about the bitter series of
snowstorms were the same. “I would say reality hit when we got done with the set of snow days,” O’Neill said. “We were stuck inside all break and teachers had to finish first quarter grades and that threw us out of balance and teachers were crabby.” As the weather threw everyone out of balance, it continued to take a toll on student’s moods. “I’ve been down a little bit,” Dechow said. “It hurts to go outside and there was a week when the sun didn’t shine. It’s sort of like, ‘when is this going to be over with?’” As the weather grew colder and colder, students and staff dealt with the harsh consequences of winter. “A lot of snow makes it really hard to get out of places and you just get stuck,” junior Brandon Koke said. As the gloomy weather wraps up people just want to see some sunshine come into their lives and get rid of feeling stuck and start to get into what seems like never-ending routines. “I hate it, the gravel and walking into it; I’ve washed my car everyday it gets warm. I’m tired of wearing black clothes. Even my little dog Skippy wont go outside,” O’Neill said. With the arrival of spring, students are looking forward to various activities besides being locked up in the harsh winter. “The warm weather, skateboarding, I like driving fast on the ice without slipping,” Koke said. Dreaming of warm weather and to finally be eager for seeing no snow or slush on the ground and various activities that warm weather has to offer. “They have a little happier step and not frozen cold,” O’Neill said. “And I’m talking about track, soccer, all the spring sports, prom and summer activities, looking forward to young love and summer time most definitely.” The sun shining down on our faces now melting the snow, the dread of this winter is still in our memory but some can finally stop wearing our winter coats and get ready for spring. “Is it obvious I’m ready for spring?” O’Neill said. “I want to help students enjoy and get where they’re ready to be.”
What are you looking forward to this spring?
By DeAnna Hanner Staff Writer
“Good vacation, so I can get peace and a break from school,” -freshman Bryar Ringhoff
“Soccer, because its my favorite sport,” -sophomore Taylor Wageman
“Easter, because you get candy,” -junior Sarah Donovan
“Warm weather, because it is cold out now, I look forward to going swimming,” -senior Jesse Brennan
What are you doing over spring break? Other
Sleeping Working
Hanging Out
Spring break right around the corner
Vacation
Results based off of a poll of 100 students
Most can agree that winter has been here forever and they’re ready for a break. Spring break is right around the corner and now that students have a total of six days, including the weekend, they’re pumped. “I’m really excited; it’s gonna be a fun break,” freshman Tanner Silence said. Students are ready to get out of school and these days off are going to give students and teachers a much-needed break. Vocal music teacher Pat Ribar explains why he likes spring break. “I like how they’re doing it over two days this week and two days the next week,” he said, “We all need to go away and get a breath of fresh air.” Why do students all of a sudden have a longer break? “It always depends on where Memorial Day is,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Riley said. Because Memorial day falls later on the calendar, we have more days of school which means a longer spring break. Now that students have days off that qualify for the title of spring break, plans are being made. “I’m going back to South Sioux where I’ll babysit throughout the week and celebrate Easter that weekend at my grandparents in Lenox, South Dakota,” gym teacher Jennifer Flynn said. Basketball coach and gym teacher Brian Hoffman has different plans. “[My wife] will probably have a kid, and I’ll watch Paul Pierce get beat,” Hoffman said. Six days may not seem like a lot, but most could conjure up something to do pretty easily so as not to be bored; anywhere from sleeping to going out of town. “I’m really excited to excited to catch up on sleep,” Silence said. “I’m stoked to go skiing at Copper Mountain,” junior Monica Crockett said.
news
Legislators tighten belt on MIP By Lauren Sawyer Features Editor There once was a boy who had a happy life, a loving family, an outstanding football record and… an MIP. He was a star player on Gretna’s football team his junior year, yet he only played three weeks of his senior season, or so the story goes. Activities director and former football coach Todd Mueller tells this true story at each sports eligibility meeting to stress the importance of being a responsible teammate. As Gretna’s sports handbook dictates, he had to sit out every game for six weeks because he was charged as a Minor in Possession of Alcohol. And he wasn’t even drinking. A friend who was driving him home had a beer in his hand when they where pulled over for a traffic violation. The boys were busted, and not a single college recruited the athlete. “I think it’s extremely selfish for a player to jeopardize the whole team by drinking,” Mueller said. Nebraska state legislators are attempting to decrease MIP citations by taking a page out of surrounding states’ law books and working to change the punishment for being charged as a Minor in Possession of Alcohol. In Iowa, teens 17 and younger have their license revoked for a year if caught buying or possessing alcohol. Only 14 states in the US do not have “Use-AndLose” Laws, but Neb. has proposed a bill which says teens would have their licenses or learner’s permits impounded for 30 days on a first offense, 90 on the second, and a year on the third, according to the Omaha World-Herald. Taking away a license for a first offense seems too harsh to junior Emma Hulsey, but she believes it would be fair for a second violation or DUI. Purposed legislative bill 258 is meant to target what teens want most: freedom, which law-makers hope will be an effective punishment. “If you take away a teen’s car, you pretty much take away their life,” Deputy Lance Schickert said. Currently, the penalty for an MIP is determined by a judge, but could potentially include three months in jail and/or a $500 fine because it is technically classified as a class three misdemeanor. Having a license revoked would be an additional punishment. Board members believe this punishment will be more effective because parents can pay off their son or Is it fair for someone who has been charged with his/her 1st MIP violation to lose his/her license for 30 days?
YES: 24%
NO: 76% Poll of 60 students
daughter’s fine, but cannot pay for their license to be reinstated, so teens will be more accountable for their actions. The bill has been re-purposed only to include offenders 18 years or younger because senators argue that college students need a car to be able to attend school and make the commute to work. However, this isn’t meant to equal a lighter punishment, as the first offense would require an alcohol education class, the second would have community service added on and the third would include an additional alcohol assessment. “I think it is cruel and unusual punishment,” senior Garrett Krajicek said. State crime statistics show that “4,720 youths age 18 or younger were convicted of liquor law violations in 2008. There were 4,519 convictions for 19- and 20year-olds.” Nebraska legislators are aiming to reduce Nebraska’s convictions for liquor law violations with the new legislative bill, and make an MIP violation more than a mere “slap on the wrist” as Deputy Schickert says it is right now. Some students see this as a step in the right direction as well. “People need to be stopped from drinking in the first place,” freshman Heidi Wesely said, “because accidents can, do and will happen if they’re not.”
Possible Punishments for Driving Violations: First Offense: •License impounded for 30 days •Alcohol education class
Second Offense: •License impounded for 60 days •Alcohol education class •Community service
Third Offense: •License impouded for a year •Alcohol education class •Community service •Alcohol assesment •Breathalyzer on car
All MIP offenses: •Three months of jailtime •$500 fine
Drive with impounded license: •Large fine •Mandatory jailtime
March 2010
3
Staying in school for state basketball By Ashley Josoff Staff Writer Just about everybody loves snow days, but did everyone agree they were worth it when it meant staying in school for state basketball? Because of the six snow days, Gretna still had school during the girl’s state basketball games, but that didn’t mean the stands were empty. 311 students, 79 band members, 18 cheerleaders and nine dance team members were signed out. This meant that students that didn’t find a ride, as well as teachers, were still in school. “There was a lot of people there so it really gets you pumped up,” junior Brooke Arp said. The decision was made by the school’s superintendent Dr. Riley. “It’s also because Gretna already has a day off from school because we’re hosting district music,” principal Kirk Eledge said. While students and teachers recognized the reason, they still felt disappointed. “I understand the reasoning, but it’s unfortunate because it was fun for the girls to have everyone there,” Coach Jon Swanson said. “It was fun for the fans too because it builds to the school spirit.” Coach Brian Hoffman agreed. “I’m disappointed because being a basketball coach; I’m disappointed that I won’t get to watch them play.” gym teacher and boys basketball Hoffman said. This was the Gretna girls 10th year in a row they’ve made it to state basketball, and every year the the team played during the day, students have been released. “As long as I can remember, this is the first time we haven’t been let out,” Eledge said. “But if we make it next year and don’t have a ton of snow days we’ll get out.”
There was a lot a people there so it really gets you pumped up. -Junior Brooke Arp
4 editorial March 2010
Balance is crucial in finding happiness The Voice’s Opinion Study for my science test or practice my cheers? Read for English or rehearse my solo? Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. While many activities are in fullswing, others are wrapping up and some are just getting started. Balance is the key to success, but managing busy schedules may be more difficult than a person would think. Everydayhealth.com stresses the importance of finding the right balance between school and extracurricular activities. They suggest making sure the activity doesn’t negatively impact one’s academics. If students are overwhelmed, their performance will deteriorate inside and outside of the classroom. Some people are able to handle a great deal of stress, but others may not be able to manage as much. It’s purely discovering how much one can endure. If a person is too overwhelmed
from activities, she may be tempted to quit; but research shows involvement in extracurricular activities can improve one’s sense of belonging to the school and reduce the chance of failing or dropping out of school. A better choice if she absolutely can’t balance everything would be to decide which activities are most important and focus on them. Finding a balance between schoolwork and activities is really up to the person. There aren’t a set number of hours a person needs to spend studying for a test or practicing for a sport. Dividing time to her satisfaction is necessary in succeeding. So why must these auditions hit when our brains are fried from the end of third quarter or possibly turned off at the start of fourth? All we can do is buck up and endure the chaos and stress without snapping. Engaging in activities will have rewards in the end. Don’t copout of opportunities out of laziness or possibly “senioritis.” Make the best of your time at GHS.
Madison Healy
Dude, where’s the sun? Winter seems to drag on and on By Ethan Dawes Staff Writer Every student in the world always ask for snow days during Winter, begging and praying at night to whatever “Snow God” or whatever they believe in. But Frosty really needs to go, now. This Winter when we woke up
to another typical Ice Age-like morning, we didn’t care since you’re missing school in the Winter. Even more extreme is that fourty-nine of the fifty states received snow in Winter, covering the states in a varying heavy to light blanket of ice. Even now in late March, snow still remains on the ground and might not let up even through our Spring Break. Madness? Think of this; Ac-
Staff Writers:
Editor-in-Chief: Liz Stratman Photographer: Lexi Busch Features Editor: Lauren Sawyer Online/News Editor: Payton Samuelson Entertainment Editor: Taylor Bradish Sports Editor: Hannah Applegate
cording to silive.com, snow drifts may last until mid-April. So, still get use to parking lots looking like Antartica and temperatues still resting in the thirties, Jack Frost won’t let his icy grip go of Spring anytime soon. Seems like the only thing you can do is either accept the snow and enjoy it, or keep close to the fireplace and snuggle in blankets as thick as the snow.
Even with the subtle rain and sunshine miracles, snow hasn’t permanently left the United States.Needless to say, it’s always refreshing to experience the Christmas cheer once in a while. But now, this is too much. Hopefully, it doesn’t interfere with summer and Ms. Sunshine, cause her and I have a little date with tanning. (Knock on wood)
The Voice News Staff
Kelsey Charrlin Ethan Dawes Deanna Hanner Kennedy Healy Kendall Hendrix Ashley Josoff Chelsea Pote Trey Russell Mandi Wagner Ashley Zajac Advisor: Jamie Hestermann
The Voice is a monthly publication sponsored by Gretna High School, 11335 South 204th Street, Gretna, NE 68028. The office of The Voice is located in sponsor Jamie Hestermann’s room, room 400. The phone number is (402)332-3936.
Reader response is welcome in the form of suggestions and ideas. They can be dropped off in room 400 at any time. Editorials are solely the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Voice staff or Gretna High School.
editorial March 2010
5
Reorganizing my map By Lauren Sawyer Features Editor “Wow, my room really is a mess.” Words my parents never thought they’d hear from me. The best part is, I meant it too. My parents kept saying my “pig sty” was so bad they were thinking about taking a garbage bag and throwing everything out. A couple days ago, I opened my door and realized how right my parents were. I wanted to condemn the place myself, right there and then. What struck me the most is that I never realized I had a problem on my hands. I hadn’t noticed that not one drawer would close, I hadn’t cared that I could only see a foot-wide strip of my tan carpet or that I couldn’t see a fraction of my dresser top anymore. I wondered how this could’ve happened. Then it occurred to me, my bedroom is like a map of my priorities. The Gianni Binni shoes I had to have for my trip to Europe, are somewhere next to the Dooney and Bourke purse I thought
was so essential to my wardrobe, which is probably buried near the UGG boots that I had deemed my only method of survival through Nebraska’s bone-chilling winters. The truth is, I don’t actually know where any of those accessories are, and more importantly, I don’t care. My room may be in disarray, but I know where my photo albums are, I know where my journal is, and I always know where the prayer card from my grandfather’s funeral is. March 1, 2010 I got a reality check. I was reminded that family is more important than anything else. My grandfather died that day, and my eyes were opened to a new world, one where memories and family are my necessities. Shoes and purses should never be anything more that what they are: accessories. I can pinpoint the location of my photo albums and journal because I want to hold on to each and every memory. I know where Grandpa Fred’s prayer card is because I never want to forget him, and it serves as the perfect reminder that the true treasures in life aren’t covered in Swarovski crystals.
U.S.A. has bracket madness By Trey Russell Staff Writer March Madness has come and past now. Who did you have winning it all? Kansas, Kentucky or were you pulling for an underdog? Every year millions of people take time out of their busy days and fill out at least one bracket. The odds on picking a bracket 100% correct are 1 in 9 billion. Good luck with that. In fact, you would be more likely to win the lottery twice before writing a flawless bracket. The odds are so high that many websites offer $1 million to anyone who can accomplish that feat. Maybe that’s why so many people sports fans or not fill out brackets. People who haven’t watched a single game of basketball have just as good of a shot to pick the winners as the experts do. That’s possibly one of the reasons anyone from grandparents to middle schoolers fill out the brackets. Or maybe its just the money. Even the President of the United States Barack Obama filled one out, and it’s not like he needs the extra money. Obama isn’t the only businessman who fills out a bracket at work; around 58.3 million office
workers take work time to fill out a bracket. Many people think that this would affect the amount of work that gets completed, but a survey by The Robert Half Office team found that 22% of workers thought that the games had a positive effect on their morale and work production. Still, the organization also found that 22% who thought it had a negative effect, but maybe that’s just because their team lost early on. The rest of the people surveyed that it didn’t seem to have any effect on the workplace. So even though its found that filling out brackets at work doesn’t affect productivity most bosses don’t allow employees to tune in for the games at work. There is however the brave employee who uses the computer to catch all the NCAA action. Maybe that’s why ESPN has created the “Boss Button”. On ESPN.com you can watch any tournament game live from your computer, and if your boss comes over to see how your work is going you can save yourself by clicking the handy button that changes the computer screen from the game to a flowchart in a word procceser. So, to the avid sports fan or just the casual viewer hope you enjoyed this year’s tournament.
Lindsay Hanson
Kate Gosselin hogs the spotlight show, right? Well that’s exactly what Kate Gosselin is doing. By Ashley Josoff She is one of the dancers on Staff Writer season 10 of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, alongside partner Tony Dovolani. On an interview with ‘Good Most people know the Gosselin family from the popular TV show ‘‘Jon Morning America’, Gosselin said that her and Kate Plus 8”. The show was about a 9 year olds were very excited. typical family that deals with the ups and Even though her kids are excited downs of parenthood- except unlike other families, they have twins and sextuplets. for her now, I think that being a mother of eight kids all under the age of 10 she After a little over two years, the would have more important things to do reality show finally took its toll on the than train for hours every day to be on family. The family moved into a $1.3 a dancing show, such as taking her kids million home that TLC reportedly paid to school, helping them with homework, for, Kate Gosselin was reported as to and just spending time with them. Kate having a “diva attitude” towards the is so busy now it doesn’t seem like she media, and Jon Gosselin was seen at a will have time for any of those things. bar at 2am with another woman, and it In a couple of years, Kate will seemed like the Gosselin family couldn’t stay out of the media. The couple divorced look back, and what will she have to on December 18, 2009 after 10 years of remember? It won’t be the ordinary things moms remember about their kids’ marriage. childhood. Sure she’ll have memories The series finale aired on about being on a popular television show, November 23rd 2009, and for the first but a mom with eight kids’ memories time in almost three years the family was should consist of their kids’ first school finally out of the spotlight trying to get play, or scoring their first goal at a soccer put their divorce behind them and start game. I think that having a reality fresh. Being a single parent is never show is purely to blame for the Gosselins easy, especially when you have 8 kids divorce. The media has finally moved on to take care of. After just getting over a and has been letting the family be, and divorce, finally starting to avoid camera she should be enjoying normal family life crews, and starting to be a normal family for the first time since the sextuplets were again, one of the last things you’d even born, instead of gathering more publicity consider doing is being on another reality and fame.
6 features March 2010 A Day in the Life of Mr. Mueller Healthy or Not? By Kendall Hendrix Staff Writer Before School: I wake up at 6:30 and get myself ready. Once I’m ready, I get my kids ready for school. 7:30 am – 8:19 am I arrive to school around 7:30. Then I check my emails and contact students that I need to talk to. 8:19 am – 9:11 am First hour I am responsible for freshmen and if there are a lot of students that need to be dealt with, it will run over into second hour.
Ordering equipment that teams need is next on my list of things to do.
After School: Right after school I’m setting up, making sure everything is right. I often walk around and watch practices to make sure the coaches are treating the players right. Occasionally, I help Mr. Miller with the detention kids. Also, I catch up on all my phone calls and emails.
Afternoon:makes phone calls
9:15 am – 11:03 am Now is the time I start making sure everything is set up for a home game if we have one that night. I also schedule games, exchange contracts and work on practice schedules. I check the weather a lot. 11:07 am – 12:33 pm I have fourth period lunch duty. It’s fun watching kids eat, nothing says exciting like that.
Before school:talks to students
12:37 pm – 2:25 pm Contacting kids and checking Morning:schedules games and emails are my main priorities After school:sets up for games exchanges contracts during fifth hour. Also, I walk the building to check classrooms. The thing people don’t know is that not only am I checking the students, I also keep an eye on the teachers to make On home game nights Mr. Mueller’s job is to sure they’re doing their job. supervise the students and to double check everything I also construct schedules during this time and is done.That includes making sure bleachers are schedule more games. pulled out, tables are set up, and water jugs are filled. I write many emails and make a lot of phone calls. “If we have a home game that night and if If a student has a problem, or is misbehaving, and I do my job well, nobody notices me at the game. If needs to come down to my office that mainly takes up something goes wrong, that’s when you will notice the rest of my day. me,” said Mr. Mueller. After the game he puts everything away that 2:29 pm – 3:21 pm he set up. He then picks up all the trash and finally I visit with the custodians about the nightly schedules. goes home. Also, I contact the grounds keepers to make sure the
Game Nights!
fields are alright for practicing.
By Mandi Wagner Staff Writer Buh duh ba ba baaaaa…I’m lovin’ it! Although Gretna High School students all love McDonald’s popular catch phrase, but they don’t exactly love the food at McDonald’s. A poll of 100 GHS students rated McDonald’s last behind Taco Bell, Burger King and Arby’s. They also voted McDonald’s as the most unhealthy fast food place. But is it really the truth? One small curly fry at Arby’s is 410 calories, which almost equals a large fry at McDonald’s. Sophomore Codi Backen could barely believe this. “You would think Arby’s would be more healthy,” Backen said. “The curly fries are way better than McDonald’s, so they are so worth it.” Sophomore Tim Stoltenberg said he likes Burger King the most out of all the fast food places. “One time I ate a double steakhouse stacker with cheese, 11 chicken fries, large fry, large strawberry shake and a small Vault to drink,” Stoltenberg said. Little did Stoltenberg know his meal was almost 2,000 calories. And he thought McDonald’s food had the most calories. If a traditional meal consisting of medium Pepsi/Coke, hamburger, and medium fry is eaten from each fast food place, McDonald’s is not the unhealthiest. A meal from Burger King would be 1190 calories, McDonald’s 1110 calories, Arby’s 1170 calories and Taco Bell 920 calories. “Wow. That is very shocking,” freshman Camie Hemphill said. “I thought McDonalds would be the most unhealthy by way more calories.” Most GHS students think the same way. So should these students change their ways? “You can make healthy food options, but people just choose not to,” Hemphill said. “Yes, I am going to contradict myself because I am one of those people. The food is just so dang good!” Fast food places are okay to eat at. It’s just some of the food at these on-the-go places is unhealthy and have hidden calories. “Fast food places today now have healthy options, you just have to know what to get,” gym teacher Jennifer Flynn said. Flynn said if a students looking to eat healthy they could try yogurt parfaits, grilled chicken sandwiches, or apple dippers at McDonald’s. “Every fast food place has something similar to these healthy options at McDonald’s,” Flynn said. So whether you have Arby’s on your mind or have that late-night craving, go ahead and eat fast food; but it may be wise to choose a healthier food option.
features
March 2010
7
Abuse bruises deeper than skin: Help victims escape By Ashley Zajac Staff Writer
Failing grades, isolation from society, emotional outbursts… A constant wonder as to where she was, why she wasn’t home, whom she was with… A trembling worry of where he’ll strike next. Abuse. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as: mean, vehemently expressed disapproval, but this doesn’t exactly match the thoughts and opinions of everyone in the world. “What’s emotional, physical, or even sexual abuse to you, could mean something completely different to someone else,” counselor Anita O’Neill said. Abusive relationships are all over the world with no limits as to who it can touch. Between teens, adults, parents and their children, or even siblings themselves. Domestic violence is one of the most common causes of nonfatal injuries to women in the United States. According to The American Medical Association, between 19 and 30 percent of women seeking care in an emergency room have been battered by their partners. But abuse can happen to anyone, not just women. The issue is often overlooked or denied by surrounding neighbors and friends as well as family members. “Sometimes families like to hide things because they are worried about their social stigma,” O’Neill said. This happens the most when one is undergoing psychological abuse rather than physical abuse. A study conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited states that less than 25% of teens say they have discussed dating violence with their parents.
Where to find help
A n behavior, acting a b u s i v e as if nothing has relationship happened, trying is not always to keep his or her physical. It could significant other in be emotionally the relationship, He/ she is more isolated 1. abusive, sexually from family and friends thus leading one to abusive or even believe they have shift to new 2. Interests psychologically changed for the activities abusive. better. “People Spends excessive time After such 3. with his/her partner are just so behavior, the abuser conniving that will begin the fantasy Afraid to displease we don’t notice and planning stage, 4. partner as much with where they fantasize emotional abuse about how to cause 5. Cancels plans because we hide more harm and may things so well,” also plan ways to Spends excessive time O’Neill said. “make you pay” for 6. with his/her partner Each type the simple mistakes of abuse leads to the partner has Apologizes for actions of 7. one conclusion: partner or makes excuses made throughout for him/her. making someone the week. feel below him or L a s t l y 8. Nervous herself and keep abusers will enter the person from the set-up stage in personality, has 9. Change reaching his or where they will set emotional outbursts her full potential. their partner up to While there is a 10. Misses multiple days of create a situation to school self-explanatory justify the abuse. difference There are Information from Teens Experiencing Abusive between each, Relationships (T.E.A.R) multiple reasons they both leave why one may stay scars on the in the relationship. inside. It could be because someone is too weak “They may not touch them to leave on his or her own or feels that but they are still hurting that person,” there is no way out of the relationship. sophomore Kelsey McKay said. A study conducted by Teenage Research According to Helpguide.org, an Unlimited in February 2005 developed online organization to help victims of the conclusion that 80% of girls in abuse, dating violence comes in a cycle. America that have been physically abused First, the abusive partner acts out with by their boyfriends have continued to aggressive behaviors showing his or her date them. partner “who is boss.” “Someone might stay because Next, the abuser feels guilt for they love the person or they’re desperate the deeds. An apology may reach the lips for love,” sophomore Whitney Silence but not the heart; the abuser is possibly said. more worried about getting caught. Soon T.E.A.R (Teens Experiencing enough the abuser will return to normal Abusive Relationships) states that one in
Signs of abuse
For immediate assistance or if you have already been hurt, Call 911.
three teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been physically hurt by their partner. The same study stated that if trapped in an abusive relationship, 73% of teens would turn to a friend for help, but only 33% who have known about an abusive relationship or experienced one themselves have told someone. Helping a friend or a child out of an abusive relationship takes work. “As a parent, I’d do anything to keep my kids from harm, but it’s their decision to make up their mind to leave,” O’Neill said. First, one must become educated to better understand the situation. Just listening and opening the door to someone will let them know there is a place to feel comfortable enough to release their feelings. “As a counselor, you have to work with the families of the victim, they have helped set up boundaries to raise them,” said O’Neill. “Also they help them realize these thoughts and ideas throughout the years of how things should be, what’s right and what’s wrong.” Throughout the country are multiple organizations to help teens and victims of abuse. Such organizations include Friendship Home, Rape/Spouse Abuse Crisis Center, National Teen Dating Abuse, Safe Horizon, and DoSomething. org. Each and every one of these groups helps support victims of abuse and also seeks refuge. Simply dialing the National Domestic Violence Hotline or 911 could save many lives. “If it’s abuse, it’s abuse,” O’Neill said. “If you feel rotten around someone get out of there.”
% 0 8 For advice and support, Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
of abused American girls continued to date their boyfriends For a safe place to stay, Call the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (800) 876-6238
in-depth 8 March 2010
What do you think is the most
Turkish People Native Americans Asians North Koreans Caucasians
African Americans
75%
targeted race
Mexicans/Hispanics
Racism:
in the U.S. today? Statistics are based off of a poll of 100 GHS students.
Discrimination is still a problem By Liz Stratman Editor-in-Chief Many whites don’t view racism as the serious problem it is because it is engraved in American society according to “Racism is a Serious Problem in the United States” by Joe. R. Feagin. He believes racism is centered mostly on white-on-black oppression. According to the Nebraska Department of Education, in the 2008-2009 school year, GHS was made up of 96% white, non-hispanics. While statistics prove GHS isn’t exactly the most diverse school, some students believe racism is still an issue today. The stereotyping, discrimination and violence can all be effects of racism. “In a way, yes, racism still is a problem,” sophomore Morgan Agagah said. “People still act a bit differently towards you or think that all black people are supposed to act a certain way.” Senior Ashley Miles agees that people sometimes act unfairly towards other races. “People are still hateful to others even though it shouldn’t happen,” Miles said. Sophomore Ben Stoltenberg and freshman Nate Olsen also believe it is still a problem. “I think it’s still a problem, but it’s better than it used to be because people are becoming more accepting and less judgmental of ‘different’ people,” Stoltenberg said. Olsen believes it’s the racist jokes and comments that still exist. He even thinks it’s what causes the issue of racism in our own school. “Well, I have never reported one [a racist comment], but you can either say you’re sorry or get Saturday school,” Agagah said. “But personally I don’t mind at all.” While Stoltenberg and Miles don’t
think racism is an issue at GHS, they, like Olsen, don’t approve of the racist remarks. “They sometimes annoy me or make me mad because they’re so rude and disrespectful,” Stoltenberg said. Miles says she’s friends with people whose parents are racist and finds it offensive. “It’s [racism] not a huge issue [at GHS], it’s just people will think differently of you,” Agagah said. “Or they would still make rude comments at you and think it’s okay.” Olsen and Stoltenberg think the attempts to end racism have worked for most people, but not all. “I think we tried to end racism with the Civil Rights Movement and I don’t think it failed I think it just hasn’t taken full effect yet. It has led to things like Barack Obama being elected president,” Stoltenberg said. Agagah believes racism has lessened but still notices the false judgements people make. “Yeah, with slavery racism has decreased,” Agagah said. “But people do still think that since you’re black you’re not good enough to be something though.” An end to racism may be on the horizon but the issue still prevails. Students can only hope the effects start to disappear. “I just hope people learn to accept other races in our country and even school,” Agagah said.
?
On-going issue or problem of the past
Absence of diversity affects teens Crisis troubles By Taylor Bradish Entertainment Editor When you walk into a predominantly Caucasian dominated school, like Gretna High School you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that there is an absence of diversity among the student body. “When I moved here from Pittsburgh it was a shock to see a singular cultural mindset,” senior Jared Gottberg said. Will schools like Gretna be less prepared for the real world, and have a culture shock when they leave this small town? Or will not going to a more diverse
school affect students at all? “It offers variety in culture, as well as experience for more diversity in the future,” Gottberg said. How else will students get a chance to interact, and what better place than school where we spend the mass majority of our time? “If our school was more diverse we would have a better understanding of how people are, not just based on their color, but what kind of person they are,” senior Chris Link said. Students could possibly have a set idea on a certain race because we haven’t spent much time with other races. Are students who attend schools that lack
diversity fixed into having a stereotypical mindset because we haven’t had as many opportunities as some communities? “I have become accustomed to a more wealthy Caucasian town with my many privileges, and this probably wont prepare me for the world outside the big Gretna bubble,” Gottberg said. For some, having a school and community that isn’t diverse isn’t a problem. They go through the motions of everyday life without it ever crossing their mind and are perfectly content with the ways things are. “It hasn’t really bothered me because I hangout with different races outside of school,” Link said.
Racism proves to decrease with time By Liz Stratman Editor-in-Chief Aside from the popular belief of racism being an issue, many people believe racism isn’t a big issue anymore and is going away. John McWhorter, author of “What About Black MiddleClass Rage” in Winning the Race disagrees with the belief that African Americans suffer from daily injustice and discrimination. While he was aware of racial profiling growing up, he says he didn’t experience much discrimination. “I have never been pulled aside for a drug search or even touched by an officer,”
McWhorter writes in his article about how he hasn’t had any problems with the lawinforcement stereotyping him as a black male. He also says being black hasn’t stopped him from pursuing professions or partaking in activities. “Possibly racist bias makes it harder to advance in some other fields, but definitely in linguistics during my experiences, being black has been nothing less than an advantage...” McWhorter said. While McWhorter doesn’t deny that racism is still around, he acknowledges the fact that it is going away in society today. Some GHS students agree with McWhorter and sense the change in racism in the community. “I think it is going away for the most part, like it isn’t as bad,” junior Kelsie Troudt said. “But there are some really racist people out there; I don’t think it will ever really go completely away.”
66%
acus.org, Hoover Digest
the percentage of whites who view racism as a serious problem in the U.S.
Sophomore Spencer Daly agrees. “It used to be way worse in the 60s than it is right now,” Daly said. “And you don’t ever hear about it that much anymore.” Senior Ginny Ostransky believes our current president has greatly impacted racism today. “I think now that Obama is president that people will understand that African Americans can have power too,” Ostransky said. Troudt is certain that racism has decreased through the years. “It has decreased by more equality and giving other races rights,” Troudt said. “And pretty much just giving them the rights they deserve has helped decrease it.” Daly says he often hears racist comments and believes GHS doesn’t do anything to prevent them. “I hear them a lot, but I guess it depends on if it gets to the administration or not; but I haven’t heard of anyone getting in trouble for it.”
84%
the percentage of blacks who view racism as a serious problem in the U.S.
GHS students
By Taylor Bradish Entertainment Editor Through the years it’s apparent that everyone has not always been treated equally. Looking back on racial acts like the holocaust, slavery, and the trail of tears. Has this crisis disappeared? Or is racism still an issue, in our community, and at our school? “I think racism is still a problem,” sophomore Leilani Bynigton said. “People are so judgmental they can’t see past someone’s skin, it stops them from finding out what people are really like.” Sophomore Lyndsey Janousek also believes that racism is everywhere still. “People always make fun of North Omaha, and I hear people say derogatory cuss words all the time,” Janousek said. Although some people still think that race is an issue for some people others don’t see it as quite such a problem. “I think racism will always be around but it’s not necessarily going to be a problem,” senior Jeremy Pote said. “There will always be stereotypes but you’re not going to lose a job over it. There are too many regulations now.” Whether a person believes racism continues today or not often depends on personal experience. “My grandparents and the Navajo tribe I came from are very racist towards white people and anyone who even associates towards white people,” Byington said. Whether not you believe that race is an issue today it has obliviously gotten a lot better throughout the years. We can only go up from here.
96%
in-depth March 2010
9
Do you think racism is a problem at GHS? “I don’t think it’s a problem because we don’t have enough diversity in Gretna to even see if we are racist. I think we make a big deal about black people because we don’t ever see them.” -senior Ellen Eitzmann “Kind of, we don’t have a wide variety of ethnicities.” -senior Derek Stites
“No, we don’t have many minorities at our school.” -junior Nicole Andrews
“Yes, people make fun of me because I’m Hispanic” -junior Kory Hurtz
“No, but I think it can be easy to become closeminded when you live in such a small town.” -sophomore Katie Cooley
“No, we don’t have a large group of different races.” -sophomore Brendan Barton
“No because I don’t think anyone really cares. It’s not that big of a deal.” -freshman Chandelle Davidson
“No because everyone here is nice.” -freshman Andrew Osbourne the percentage of white, non-hispanics at GHS from 2008-2009
features 9 May 2010
Relationships: from first grade to college By Liz Stratman Editor-in-Chief
Complete silence as the previews play. Awkward glances at each other every few minutes. Continued silence as the PG-rating crosses the screen and the movie begins. An unsure chuckle as a funny part in the film occurs. An embarrassed look as she notices he didn’t laugh. A nervous feeling in his stomach. And, the boy wondering whether or not to smoothly slide his arm around her. A poll of 150 GHS students showed 29% of students dated in elementary school and 55% were in relationships in middle school. The majority of students agree that relationships change dramatically through the years. “You get dropped off at the movies by your parents, watch the movie in awkward silence and go home with your parents,” senior Jamie Reitmeier said when asked what a typical “date” was like in middle school. According to the Washington Post, middle school relationships last an average of two to four weeks compared to the average 24 weeks in high school. Though, only 23% of the 150 GHS students polled said their relationships lasted a few weeks. 48% said their middle school relationships lasted a few months. Junior Eric Smith agrees with these statistics. “The longest relationship I had in middle school was probably two weeks,” Smith said. Senior Lisa Dyke disagrees saying her middle school relationships lasted longer. “Mine lasted like forever,” Dyke said. Looking back, students may wonder if dating was practically pointless in elementary and middle school. Smith and Dyke believe it was. “You didn’t really hang out with them, you just saw them at school,” Dyke said. Smith says dating in middle school helped get him ready for high school relationships, but elementary school dating was pointless. All three students say their parents knew about their boyfriends/girlfriends at the time. “They probably thought it was goofy,” Smith said. “In first grade a girl broke up with me because she thought I was a slob, so I went crying to my mom.” Dyke says her parents didn’t care about her dating in middle school because they knew it wasn’t anything serious. While middle school dating may seem like a big deal at the time, it’s nothing compared to relationships throughout high school and college. Both Reitmeier and Dyke say the main difference in high school versus college relationships is the gained freedom that comes with college. Because of this freedom, Reitmeier believes his relationships will be more serious. Smith has a different opinion. “In college most people don’t want to be tied down
and just want to have a good time, so relationships aren’t that big,” Smith said. “That’s just my perspective.” Not only do Reitmeier and Dyke say they’ve dated the same person in middle school and again in high school, they also spilled that it was each other. Today Reitmeier says his ideal date is a bit different than that of his middle school days. “We’d go to Hooter’s, go bowling and go back to the guys house while wearing a sweater vest,” Reitmeier said. Smith also has some different ideas for dates in high school. “I usually go to concerts, movies, mini-golfing and sometimes swimming,” Smith said. “You can do more stuff when you have a car.” So without the ability to drive in elementary or middle school, what did “dating” actually mean? “Holding hands on the playground,” Smith said. “I did get my first kiss on the slide in like first grade.” Reitmeier and Dyke agree that sitting by each other at lunch was a common part of middle school dating. All in all, GHS students recognize the differences between relationships through the years. With maturity, a lot can change. “You don’t really know you’re in the relationship in elementary school, but in high school you ask them out,” Smith said. “In middle school you pretty much just avoid each other.”
Based on a poll of 150 GHS students: 29% of students dated in elementary school, 71% didn’t Out of the students who dated in elementary school, 83% had 1-2 girlfriends/boyfriends and 17% had 3-4 The average elementary relationships lasted for a few days – 42% said theirs lasted a few days, 33% said theirs lasted a few weeks, 17% said theirs lasted a few months and 8% said theirs lasted a few years 55% of students dated in middle school, 45% didn’t Out of the students who dated in middle school, 56% had 1-2 girlfriends/boyfriends, 36% had 3-4, 4% had 5-6 and another 4% had 7 or more The average middle school relationship lasted a few months – 48% said theirs lasted a few months, 18% said theirs lasted a few days, 23% said theirs lasted a few weeks and 11% said theirs lasted a few years
“You get dropped off at the movies by your parents, watch the movie in awkward silence and go home with your parents.” -Senior, Jamie Reitmeier about middle school dating
entertainment 10March 2010 Students sound off on celebrity likes and dislikes By Chelsea Pote Staff Writer You see them while flipping through magazines, surfing the web, or scrolling through T.V. channels. Who are they? Celebrities. Whether you like them or not they are always going to be around. GHS students say their favorite celebrities usually are skilled at what they do, inspire them to do their best, and are downright good-looking. “My favorite celebrity is Taylor Swift,” freshman Camie Hemphil said. “I like her because she has a natural talent; she is authentic, not fake, and isn’t synthesized by computers.” Hemphill is not the only one who admires Swift. Senior Jordan Mason is also a huge fan. “She is absolutely gorgeous,” Mason said. “I’m going to marry her someday.” F o r some people like athletic director Todd Mueller, they like a celebrity because of what they have done to help other people. “I like Drew Brees because he does a lot of work with special needs kids,” Mueller
said. “He’s just a good egg.” Sophomore Kade Hollendieck’s favorite celebrity is soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo. “I like him because he is the fastest, bestest, strongest, and the smartest athlete in the world,” Hollendieck said. Being the “bestest” isn’t always a good thing though. “I hate Kobe Bryant,” Mr. Ribar said. “I believe he raped a girl and got off with the charges. He is just a creep.” Ribar isn’t the only one who dislikes Bryant. Mueller said that he is more about himself then anyone he has ever seen. Mason, sophomore Derek Jacoby and junior Hannah Bockman all agree that Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus is annoying and that they do not like her. “She has my name, so people call me Hannah Montana all the time and it’s really annoying,” Bockman said. Sophomore Sam Applegate said he doesn’t like it when people think that they are all that when they are really just annoying, Junior Tim Nohrenberg couldn’t agree more. “I can’t stand Zac Efron,” Nohrenberg said. “He thinks he is the best and he isn’t. He is very conceded.” Celebrities take many forms from signers to cartoon characters to athletes, but either way, there not going to go anywhere anytime soon.
Who is your least favorite celebrity? “Lil Wayne, he’s garbage.” -sophomore Kade Hollendieck
‘Justin Beiber, he’s just a punk little 15-year-old kid that thinks he’s awesome.” -sophomore Sam Applegate
“Britney Spears, she has a bad way of dealing with stress.” -freshman Camie Hemphill
“Lil wayne, he’s annoying and thinks he’s a good rapper and he’s not.” -freshman Maddie Miller
Who is your favorite celebrity? “Billy Joe Armstrong, hes a really good song writer and the lead singer to my favorite band.” -sophomore Spencer Daly
“Joe Montana, he was my favorite football player as a kid.” - Mr. Stastny
“Adam Sandler, he’s hilarious.” -sophomore Derek Jacoby
“Taylor Swift, shes gorgeous. I’m going to marry her someday.” -senior Jordan Mason
3D Imaging Revolutionizing Everyday Life By Ethan Dawes Staff Writer After a long day of school and work, you’re excited to get home to prepare for the one thing you’ve been looking forward to all week. Movie night seems like an average evening with friends, flicks and food. Arriving at the theatre and taking your seat, you’re handed a new array of colors and effects once the movie starts. The images literally breathe their own life and appear to be able to reach
out and grab you while you’re watching. From the 1950’s in the beginning of 3-D theatre to now in 2010, the demand has risen to greater demand. Recently in the new advances of computer technology, tiny, microscopic mirrors tilt and bend back and forth once light passes through to produce tints and shades of gray. Avatar, Up, and Alice in Wonderland are all examples of 3-D cinema that are specially prepared for that “realistic” feeling “I saw Avatar and it had lots of parts that popped out at you,” sophomore Ryder Keehn said. But when were the first 3-D
movies viewed, and how were they compared to movies today? Back in 1952, movies were viewed with blocky, uncomfortable 3-D glasses that used anaglyph images while the movie was playing to give a shadow behind the image. This produced depth and fooled the human eye into believing that it was popping out of the screen. “When I was little, I watched movies with those big, chunky glasses.” sophomore Becca Schollaert said. After improved and new methods of 3-D, animators continued to push 3-D movies forwards. Star Wars was one of the first 3-D movies to use a 3-D wire-frame, a
technology that shows depth as well as shape, Star Wars was able to show how colossal it really was. This innovation in technology helped shape movies for the better. The DLP technology gives clear, precise and razor-sharp images to reset the standards for video quality. This gives clear, white colors and rich black shades for pictures that seem to “grab” at you or appear to “fly right by you”. “It’s worth it, I went to the movies and was totally blown away,” said junior Bobby Grossman. “I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys movies.”
entertainment 11 March 2010
Songs that take us back... Students predict what songs will trigger their memories once they leave GHS By Kennedy Healy Staff Writer Everyone loves old songs that remind them of childhood memories, the songs that take them back, the radio’s “Remember when at ten.” Junior Cole Spurgeon recalls being obsessed with Avril Lavigne’s 2002 hit “Complicated.” “It was me, Gilman, Tanner, Schmid and Huber,” Spurgeon said. “We would blare it in our parent’s cars. We memorized the whole song,” It’s no doubt that songs can trigger memories, but 20 years from now what songs are going to remind students of their years at GHS? Freshman Allie Roxburgh’s favorite memory is singing “Candle in the Wind” by Yung Ram. “I drove around with Brie Newman, Madi Shepard, Spencer Lachnit and Colton Motsinger,” Roxburgh said. “We chased deer and went to Sonic! Really fun night!” Before basketball games it was tradition for the team to dance in the locker room. The favorite song this year... “Get Me Bodied” by Beyonce. “Hilary would dance to it in the locker room before games acting like she was Beyonce and the team was her back up dancers,” recalls junior Brooke Arp. Stover remembers another time she was dancing to “Take it Off” by Ke$ha and coach Skrdla walked in the locker room. “The girls neglected to tell me he was right behind me,” Stover said. “Tic-tock” by Ke$ha was also big hit this year. Jordan Mason even recalls making a music video to the song. Seniors Jamie Reitmeier, Alex Arkfeld, Jake Kruse, Nolan Samuelson and Jordan Evans participated. “It was pretty funny,” Mason said.
Teacher: Mrs. Long Song: “Turn the Beat Around” by Gloria Estefan Memory: “I was in the Nebraska Junior Miss Paegent, I got second, and we had this aerobic dance to it. We practiced it ten hours at a time. I think I’ve had my lifetimes share of listening to that song. Every time I hear it, it infuriates me.” Teacher: Mrs. Omar Song: “Fishin’ in the Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Memory: “ It was the class song. We had a dance we did to it. It was pretty dumb, but we were pretty dumb.” Teacher: Mr. Depue Song: “I Love Rock-nRoll” by Joan Jett Memory: “In 8th grade we always went to the Peace Stands for dances to check out girls from other middle schools. The last song was always I Love Rock-n-Roll. Lets just say a lot of relationships started then.”
fun 12 March 2010 Questions and Answers for
1. thing for girls hair
Ben Stoltenberg
1. something you use to hold your hair with
2. eyes and lips
3. the bride’s best friend
3. the parents of the bride and groom
2. eyes and cheeks
4. a girl’s name
4. some kind of under shirt thing
2. hammer
3. a fish
4. two
5. never
Anne Studnicka 1. seven
2. allen wrench
3. Call of Duty
Boys and Girls go head to head in a trivia questionnaire. Ben Donovan, Freshman Q: What is something unusual we’d find in your locker? A: Three Snickers Bars Q: What is something you really want to know about the future? A: If cars will ever fly Q: What did you have for breakfast this morning? A: two bowl’s of Honey Nut Cheerio’s, a piece of toast, 2 snickers, and half a Sprite because I left it in the computer lab. Q: What is the worst injury you’ve ever had? A: When I cut my thumb, because it left a scar.
4. two
1. What is a scrunchie? -a fancy hair tie 2. Where are two places liner is applied? (make up) -eyes and lips
5. high lights: at the top of your hair low lights: at the bottom of your hair
Sam Soupir 1. six
Boys:
5. high lights: bright colors low lights: dark colors
5. every four months
3. Who is in charge of planning a bridal shower? -maid of honor
4. What is a cami? -an undershirt
5. What is the difference between low lights and high light? Questions and Anwers for -high lights: lighter colors
the Sexes
Zach Degner
Battle of
James Matthews, Sophomore
Morgan Harpenau, Junior
Q:Why is your definition of true happiness different than someone elses? A: I believe it’s being at peace with yourself.
Q: What is your weirdest habit? A: I bite my nails.
Q: If you were to die tomorrow, who would you apologize to today? A: Mr. Hoffman, for never doing anything in his class.
Q: What is you favorite candy bar? A: I love Twix candy bars.
Q: Do you have any nicknames? If so, who gave it to you? A: Jimothy. Dean Wilkins got bored and decided to give me one. Q: What do you want to do before you die? A: Talk to Charles Manson, and go to Villisca, Iowa because it is one of America’s most haunted places.
Q: What is your favorite t.v. show? A: Modern Family
Q: What is one thing you want to do before you die? A: I want to go to Italy. Q: If you had $100, what would you spend it on? A: I would definitely spend $100 on clothes!
Girls:
1. How much is a touchdown worth in football? - six points 2. What do you call a screwdriver with a + shaped tip? -Phillips Screwdriver 3. What does C.O.D. stand for? -Call of Duty 4. How much is a safety worth in football? -two points 5. How often should the oil in your car be changed? -every 5,000 miles
Alicia Zeeck, Senior Q: If you were a city, which would you be and why? A: Chicago, because of the fashion and style. It’s so much more advanced than it is down here. Q: If you could have back one article of clothing, what would it be and why? A: My zebra heels, because they were one of my cutest high heels. Q: If you had to choose between your cell phone or ipod which would it be? A: Cell phone so I could still have communication with people. Q: Best night of your life so far? A: Prom night. I liked getting dressed up and feeling pretty.
news
13
March 2010
sports 14March 2010
Winter weather causes headaches for spring sports By Trey Russell Staff Writer Spring technically started March 20th, but spring sports have been in full swing since March 1st . Spring athletes are ready to lace up their shoes and break in their gloves; the only problem is that there was still snow on the ground. A lot of it too. This year has brought 46 inches of snow, and that’s a problem for the athletes who needed to begin to prepare for the season. “At this point no games have been moved due to the snow and wet conditions,” said athletic director Todd Mueller, “However, if we do not get some sunny [and] windy days to dry everything out, then that is a good possibility,” said athletic director Todd Mueller All the athletes are sick of the snow and are ready to get on with the spring sports season as soon as possible, but all the melting snow is causing a big problem. “I would definitely rather practice outside because the sooner we can get out there the better our team can become,” junior soccer player Tyler Ortlieb said. Teams will have to work as best they can, as almost all sports require being
outside with lots of space. The baseball team held tryouts in Hagge’s barn, which limited what trials the players, could go through. Baseball wasn’t the only sport that was affected. Both boys and girls soccer players had to do as much practicing and conditioning as they could inside the gym. “It will just push [practice] backwards and we will just have to work harder in the gym,” Ortlieb said. The sport that is possibly least affected by all this would be track. Even though the tracksters can’t quite get a feel for the track they can still be outside to get back into shape by running around the school or doing sprints in the parking lot, but that’s just not the same. As for field events most of them had to head inside to either lift or work on the basics of their event. “I’m tired of being stuck inside all the time,” junior sprinter Nick Kincade said. “ But on the same hand I only want to go outside to workout if it’s warm out.” The team that will be considered the most affected is the boys golf team, There has been snow on the ground for over 80 straight days now and that tends to make a round of golf pretty hard to come by. Many golfers were hoping to
get in some extra practice before it was time for tryouts, but it looks like that isn’t going to happen. “It’s going to be tough because I can’t get in as many swings before seasons, and I can’t work on the parts of my game that needed work,” said freshman Drew DeBolt. While most teams have been stuck inside the girls tennis team had to put on their coats and get outside to shovel all the snow off the tennis courts, so before you start to complain just remember that you get to workout inside where it is nice and warm. “It wasn’t extremely hard shoveling all the snow but it definitely wasn’t fun because of how cold it was,” said freshmen tennis player Alexa Allgood.
What does it take to get in shape? By Hannah Applegate Sports Editor
Spring sports have started, but before athletes hit that first homerun or score a winning goal, they had to get in shape. Every coach has different ways of getting players whipped back into athlete mode. “We have ran, done abs and yoga,” said senior tennis player Alicia Zeeck. Most teams run, but unlike tennis who gets to do yoga, track is stuck doing other exercises. “We ran, did stations and lifted,” said senior distance runner Michael Marfisi. Unlike tennis and baseball that started Monday, March 1st, soccer and track have been conditioning for several weeks. “We’ve been conditioning for soccer since we came back from Christmas break,” said sophomore sweeper Kade Hollendieck Conditioning may not be fun for some, but it can pay off. “It’s worth it in the end because those few moments of holding the state title in my arms makes everything better,” said junior baseball player Kory
Junior Olivia Gahan shovels the snow off the tennis courts. The tennis team did this as part of their conditioning when they weren’t inside
[left] Sophomores Amy Gundvaldson and Teresa Fibich work together to shovel off an area of the courts.
Hurtz State titles aren’t what get everybody through conditioning though. “Conditioning helps us with our speed to get up and down the court,” Zeeck said. “Also, it helps us with our quickness to the ball.” Some look at it as a way to get their endurance back. “It’s worth it because I hadn’t done any running before we started,” Marfisi said. Still, each athlete has that one conditioning drill that they don’t really enjoy doing. “Running poles is my least favorite,” Hurtz said. Unlike Hurtz, Marfisi just doesn’t enjoy doing something he’s not good at. “Jump roping is my least favorite because I stink at it,” Marfisi said. Though Hurtz and Marfisi don’t enjoy some of there workouts, Zeeck has different views on conditioning. “My favorite thing to do is tae bo or yoga,” Photo by Hannah Applegate Zeeck said. During a workout inside, sophomore Meeko Others, like Marfisi, enjoy just running for Spainhower does his body squats. The athletes long periods of time. had to do two sets of 50 body squats and 50 front lunges and back lunges. “My favorite is the fifteen minute run.”
sports 15
March 2010
Winter Sports Wrapup said.
By Payton Samuelson Online/News Editor
Girls basketball:
The team went to state this year for the 10th time in a row and were seeded 2nd and finished as state runnerup for class B girls and they finished 22 and four. “The team started out not ranked and went from there to runner up in state,” Coach Jerome Skrdla said. “That’s an incredible accomplishment.” The Lady Dragons were EMC Conference Tournament Runnerups, EMC Conference Regular Season Champs, and District B-2 Runner-ups. For senior Cathy Edmison, everyone on the team deserved to be the MVPs. “We were all awesome,” Edmison said. The only way, according to Edmison, that would have made the season better is if the team would have won districts and state.
Boys basketball:
The team went 17 and five. Their only losses were to Skutt, Waverly, Aurora, Blair and Ralston, the team ended the year with a 77% win percentage. “It was the kids and their expectations of themselves that created a winning atmosphere,”Coach Brad Feeken
The team also won the EMC conference tournament. They were the first Gretna team to win in around thirty years and that was the best part of the season, according to senior Tyler Brungardt. “They had a good year. Anytime you win 17 games, it is a good year,” Feeken said. “A lot of people didn’t expect this team to do this well.” Even though the team didn’t make it to state they still enjoyed the season. “It went pretty well, but we all wanted a trip to state,” Brungardt said.
Wrestling:
The team placed eleventh in the Photo by Madison Healy state tournament out of 47 teams. At the second round of state, sophomore Jordyn Wollenberg dribbles the “The team did really well,” Coach ball as senior Hilary Stover and junior Brooke Arp look to help. Matt Bruggeman said. At state, sophomore Andy Janovich finished second in the 171-pound weight class while senior Ryan Hartnett got third place in the 130-pound weight class. For Janovich, the best part of the season was the Parade of Champions at state. But, he also wishes one thing would have went differently. “I wish I would of won my final photo by Payton Samuelson match,” Janovich said. Senior Ryan Hartnett has his hand th In addition to the 11 place held up for winning his match. finish at state, the team won the Cozad tournament, Ashland tournament and the Papillion Duels.
Photo by Hannah Applegate
Senior Nolan Samuelson goes up for the layup.
Healing, helping and learning: GHS student trainers By Lexi Busch Photographer A player goes down on the basketball court, holding his ankle and wrenching in pain. Another player gets a bloody nose from getting jabbed in the face what do the players do now? This is where the GHS student trainers step in and give Tom Panco, the school’s trainer, a helping hand and keep all the injuries under control. “We wait for people to get hurt or fall down, then we heal them and help them as much as we can,” freshman student trainer Caycee Price said.
These student trainers have learned what to do in many different situations. They know how to treat the injuries right away so they can’t get any worse. “We wrap people’s legs if they are injured there,” sophomore Jessica Dishong said. “We also ice and heat spots where it is needed and we know how to wrap any spot that they need wrapped.” Although they can help Panco a lot, the student trainers have limitations on what they can all do. “They can not do modalities or ultrasounds without supervision, but they usually won’t do either of them,” Panco said. “They mainly heat, ice, tape and help students do various stretches.”
Student trainers have given up a lot of their time to come in to learn and help Panco. “They come in after school many nights ‘till 6 or 6:30 and they go to as many of the varsity games and wrestling matches as they can and they will also travel to the away games with me,” Panco said. Besides helping athletes on the spot, this is an opportunity for the trainers to learn skills that can help them in the long run, particularly if the student trainers plan on pursuing a career in the medical field. This can prepare them for jobs, school and with everyday life because having these skills have taught them so much. “I’m gonna be a physical therapist
when I’m older and by doing this it has really prepared me for it and I’ll already be a step ahead when learning all these things,” Price said. For Dishong, this experience has helped her in her schoolwork and has made understanding science a lot easier. “I have learned a lot of things from being a student trainer,” Dishong said. “It keeps me a step ahead in science and I know a lot more about the bones than most people do in my class.” These girls have learned life-long lessons that will stay with them forever. “If I ever see someone go down at a game or anywhere or one of my children get hurt I will know how to help them and heal them,” Dishong said.
story 16 photo March 2010
With smiles on their faces, lenburg and Elise Gahan look secting it. The students got a they wanted to wear gloves
Carefully trying to cut the frog, With a watchful eye, sophomores Georgia sophomores Emily Zapotocny Hadley and Katie Gerdes look at all the and Jennifer Davis keep their organs of the frog. eyes directly on it. They got graded on telling what was inside the frog and what each orsophomores Jordyn Wolgan is used for. over their frog before dischoice on wheather or not while touching the frog.
By Lexi Busch
With total concentration, sophomores John Larrick and Donald Marfisi try to open the mouth of their frog. Students had to open the mouth without breaking the jaw.
Preparing to slice open the frog, sophomores Brandon Purintun and Garett Martindale stop With a disgusted look, sophomore Tyler Jarnagin for a quick laugh. They were given a kit of sup- and Chris Hauck try to cut open their frog. Student teacher Mr.Behney walk them through every step plies to help them cut into the frogs. of dissecting the frog.
Frog Dissection Studying the frog, sophomore Nicole Swason picks apart the reptial. Students had to wear goggles during the dissection because of the fluids in the frog.
Focusing on the task in front of them, sophomores McKenna Kerr and Alyssa Alvarez look at the insides of the frog. Students were learning about anatomy before dissceting the frogs.