The Voice Gretna High School • 11335 South 204th Street • Gretna, NE 68028 Volume VII • Issue IV • April/May 2009
Tug-Of-War Photo by Faith Cotton
How to be the best gamer Page 9
Girls Soccer Page 5
High School Engagments Page 15
The Wizard of Oz Page 24
news 2 school April/May 2009 Outside your comfort zone Spring break? I think not By Jessica Tejral Staff Writer
Have you ever had an interest in an activity that you were going to try out for, but never did? If you have, why was that? Was it the problem of not having a ride home at late hours, the fear of not making it, the endless teasing from friends, or something else? We can either be supported or made fun of for wanting to try something different. But if someone never auditions or joins a group, then they’ll obviously never make it or participate with them. So what is everyone waiting for? We’re not getting any younger, and high school is the opportunity to discover your true talent and passion. McKenzie Mousseau, a freshman, wants to be involved in track and volleyball next year. Last year, she would have participated in those activities if she had a ride home. Carpooling is a good idea when it comes to after school practices because if someone has a similar school schedule, you only have to do half of the driving. The same goes to students who can’t yet drive. Parents have an incredible amount of responsibility, and it would help them a lot if you could find a friend to ride with before and after school for fifty percent of the time. The other major reason why people don’t try out for various activities is the fear of not making the team or group. Mrs. O’Neill, a guidance counselor at GHS, encourages students to try out for something that contradicts them. “You never know what you could be good at if you don’t try,” O’Neill said, “If you don’t take a risk, you can’t stretch or grow at your talent.” A few sports or athletically challenging activities are track, volleyball, baseball, basketball, football, and golf. If you are more interested in musically and theatrically
involved groups, consider more along the lines of band, show choir, one act, and musicals that are hosted every year. There is also Ac Dec and other groups for those who are book smart. Instead of choosing to try out for any of the groups mentioned above, Andrea Hanson, a freshman, is interested in exercising with dance, so she decided to try out for dance team this year. “I have a passion for it and I love to dance,” Hanson said. “It’s a little of a risk for me to try out, but I want to experience new things and meet more people.” Hanson is a good example of trying out for something you love to do, no matter what anyone says. Taylor Holmstedt, a freshman, also decided that he would try something new that sounded exciting. He decided to join band next year, and also try out for show choir. Holmstedt’s greatest influence is his dad, who encourages him to try new things and helps all around. “If anyone didn’t make something they tried out for, I would tell them at least they tried and that there is always next year. I would tell them to move on and encourage them,” Holmstedt said. O’Neill also has one other good point that the student body had not yet mentioned. “What’s wonderful about it is that it doesn’t cost any money,” O’Neill said. “You don’t have to pay club dues or rent a gym, and the instructor is right there teaching you for free.” This then causes the question of whether students at this high school take for granted the fact that the most they have to pay for their hobby is maybe a uniform, shoes, instrument, or new books. We have to thank all of our supporters, teachers, friends, and family for being by our side and helping us through it all while we discover what we love to do.
By Jen Goforth Staff Writer A lot of students complain about the calander days for Gretna. How are family gatherings supposed to happen with only one day of spring break? Students could get excused by their parents, but how would that benefit any student? All the makeup work would be an overload. So many other schools have a week for spring break and around 2 weeks for Christmas. The downside of that is that they also start earlier than GPS and get out around June 3rd. So how does the GPS school system decide the number of days the faculty and students have off? “We have nothing to do with that,” Mr. Mueller said. So who does? Who gives us those days off? The surrounding schools have decent calendar days. According to the MPS website, Millard only has four days of spring break for the 2009-2010 school year. So were
these changes made because too much time was taken for spring break? Gretna has also brought about some changes which will affect Gretna’s students. The question is, does Gretna High’s administration have something to do with this? “The administrative office just hands us the calendar and we give it out,” Mueller said. A lot of kids are happy about the new school year. But we also start and extra 4 days or so earlier and have an extra week. “That’s just more days I dont have to be here”, said Derek Stites We asked Taylor Smith what he thought about the change for spring break. “They’re gonna be awesome!” Smith said.
Is it worth the four extra school days in May to have a four day spring break next year?
O N 3 Y 2%
es
68%
school news 3 April/May 2009
Academic-Decathalon goes to Nationals By McKenna Kerr Staff Writer
Some people are gifted when it comes to sports, others when it comes to theater. But some are blessed with the gift of knowledge. With this skill, six people have had the opportunity to be on the Ac-Dec team. What is Ac-Dec? Ac-Dec stands for academic decathalon. It’s a competition where you prove your smarts. Ac-Dec is composed of six students taken out of the class called Integrated Arts. But how do you get on the Ac-Dec team? “Test scores determine who’s on Ac-Dec. If they tie, usually the older
person makes it,” Integrated Arts teacher Mrs. Marotz said. During the school year, Integrated Arts students take a total of seven tests. To prepare for tests, normally you have to take notes. The students in Integrated Arts each have a multiple subject notebooks full to the very last page. “It’s something we need to do,” senior Matt Brown said. Another way to prepare for tests is to study. “I study pretty much everyday in study hall,” senior Brain Welch said. All this hard work has not gone to waste. The Ac-Dec team has made it all the way to nationals this year. “It’s pretty sweet. I’ve never gone this far for anything, it’s pretty
fun,” sophomore Sam Mullen said. Mullen happens to be the only girl on the Ac-Dec team. The team’s main goals for nationals is to medal and improve their scores. The team is divided into three sections: varsity, scholastic, and honors. Each level is based on GPA with honors at the highest GPA, scholastic as the middle range, and varsity as a wider range. On varsity is Mullen and Brown, on scholastic is Welch and junior Patrick Nitchals, and on honors is senior Brent Luedders and junior Woody Rittenberger. “It’s cool to be on the team,” Nitchals said. As to anything, everybody always has their favorite and least favorite parts.
with the guys,” Timmerman said. “We have so much fun together.” But for McManus, her favorite part was having a solo her senior year.
Show choir can be a lot of fun, but along with the fun comes irritability. “Drama and girls are the worst part in show choir,” Jeppesen said. Senior Joey Bressman has other pet peeves. “The worst part for me is doing the same moves over and over again in practice,” Bressman said. “Also getting yelled at.” But what are the seniors planning on missing the most? “I’m going to miss the anticipation of waiting for the announcement on how well we did at the competition.” Bressman said. “I’m going to miss the traveling the most,” Jeppesen said. The question going around now is if Gretna has enough talent to fill in the seniors that are leaving. “I think there is a lot of unnoticed talent in our school and that people are afraid to try out or they’re not in choir when they should be,” McManus said.
“Taking all the tests[is my least favorite part],” Rittenberger said. Most of the team agrees. Along with the bad there’s always the good. The widely agreed upon favorites about AcDec were the food and the competitions, although Welch liked the study-groups. Every year Ac-Dec has a new theme. This year’s was Latin America, next year is said to be the French Revolution. Integrated Arts seems to be a popular class, with about thirty kids signed up this year. “It’s a good opportunity to get them involved,” said Luedders. Overall, this year for the Ac-Dec team has been one of the best. “This has been the greatest group of kids, they’re funny,” Marotz said.
Revamping Revolution: Seniors leave GHS show choir By Ashley Bruggman Staff Writer
Did you take my coat? Hurry up! Where is the hairspray? I need more bobbypins. I’m missing my earrings. We are on in 10 minutes. Yes. This is a typical show choir competition for all of the lucky ones who get to enjoy the chaotic nonsense that goes on. 19 seniors are leaving Revolution this year. That is almost half of the 46 students. “I’ve been in Revolution for 4 years now and it’s a blast,” senior Amy McManus said. Along with show choir comes drama and some people cannot deal with it. But for others like senior Joey Timmerman, who has only been in it for 2 years, and senior Palmer Jeppesen, who has only been in it for 3, they have gotten used to all of the drama and still had fun. “My favorite part of being in Revolution is just messing around
“I’m going to miss the anticipation of waiting for the announcement on how well we did at the competition.” -Joey Bressman Senior Show choir isn’t all fun and games though. “Show choir is a lot of hard work and practice,” Timmerman said. “You’ll learn most things from Ribar.”
“I think there is a lot of unnoticed talent in our school and that people are afraid to try out or they’re not in choir when they should be.” -Amy McManus Senior For Jeppesen, he thinks differently. “No one could ever replace us. Maybe pull in a close second,” Jeppesen said. Most people agree that we will miss the seniors and will try our hardest to follow in the seniors’ footsteps. The seniors have stood out and showed all of the underclassman how exciting show choir is and how much hard work comes with it.
school news 4 April/May 2009
Library Latte: the GHS tradition By Faith Cotton Photographer There are many unique things schools do for entertainment. Most schools have a homecoming and prom. There are plenty of events that other schools have that may be sponsored by a school club or an organization. But GHS has its own unique tradition, Library Latte. Library Latte is put on by our school librarians. Library Latte has been going on for approximately 6 years. Former school librarian Mrs. Schrack and Mrs. Krajicek came up with idea. “We were thinking about the coffee house on F.R.I.E.N.D.S. We thought it would be a fun way to showcase GHS’s talents,” Mrs. Krajicek said. Students look forward to
Library Latte every year. It can be a time to relax, eat treats provided by the cafeteria, enjoy beverages prepared by the librarians, and watch students sing, dance, act, and even recite poetry. With the talent at GHS, it is easy to find students to perform for Library Latte. This year there were a total of 10 different acts. Will Griffey, Ryan Fields, Joey Bressman, and Matt Brown sang at Library Latte this year. “I started singing maybe a year ago and I kind of thought I could do Library Latte,” sophomore Ryan Fields said. Laura Sterling recited poems she created to add a little originality to the week’s entertainment. “I am performing a poem on Tuesday I wrote myself,” junior Laura Sterling said, “I have rewritten it twice and I think it will be titled ‘Perfect Imagination’.”
Performing isn’t just getting up on stage. There are certain rules you need to follow. “If you sing, speak, or act it has to be appropriate content,” Mrs. Krajicek said. Next year Library Latte will be going on to its seventh year. There were a lot of students that showed up during lunch to watch Gretna High School’s talent. With new students coming in next year, GHS can look forward to watching new talents and acts as well as their favorite one from years before.
Nebraska State FBLA for the funding of the state conference and sponsor a food drive, with all the food collected being donated to Gretna Neighbors. Throughout the year the club raises money to send people to the state leadership conference. This year about 30 students went to SLC in Omaha. Starting the Thursday they arrived, students took tests on business and listened to well known speakers. Each member was entered into multiple categories. “I took a test on Introduction to Technology Concepts. The test asked questions about the Windows operating system and other technology stuff,” freshman Ryan Kula said. Each test lasted 50 minutes; you’re placed on how many questions you get correct and who leaves first. The top three finalists of each category continue on to the National Leadership Conference, which is held in a different
location each year. This year four of Gretna’s FBLA members advanced to nationals. Seniors Carissa McDowell, Carter Hawkins, and Brian Harmon are all continuing in Business Law along with freshman Ryan Kula, who is advancing in Intro to Technology Concepts, will be flying to Anaheim, California for the competition. The conference is from June 23 to June 29; members will be spending one full day at Disney Land. Just like state, nationals is similar. General meetings, tests, and awards, except more advanced. “My goal is to make it into the top 20. However, the competition is with the top kids from the entire nation,” Kula said. Business teacher Mrs. Potter, is joining her four students on the trip to California. For 32 years, Potter has been with the Gretna FBLA foundation. She went to the 26th Annual National
Right: Ryan Fields plays his guitar while performing during Library Latte. Fields was one of many who shared their talent with others this year. Photo by Britney Stock
State Future Business Leaders of America By Ashley Zajac Photographer 10 points for every meeting you make, 25 points for every event you attend, and 10 points for selling data match. Every year Gretna FBLA gets new troops to join. In order to qualify for the business oriented organization, you need to be involved in a business class such as, “Business Law.” Making it to state FBLA is not as tough as it seems. You have to sign up for activities like ice skating, selling balloons to support cancer research at the high school football game, collecting food for the food drive, and showing up for the meetings set every last Thursday of each month. FBLA likes to donate to other organizations rather than keeping all the money collected. They donate to the
Leadership Conference held in Denver, Colorado. “I competed in Future Business Teacher and received 6th place,” Potter said. A shiny silver plaque sits on the shelf in her classroom next to all the photos of the national FBLA qualifiers. Potter announced that she will continue to manage FBLA until she retires and afterwards she will volunteer. “My favorite part is being with the students, you have a different experience than being in the classroom,” Potter said. With a coach like Mrs. Potter, students are always sure to succeed. “I want all my students and FBLA members to be happy and be successful in life,” Potter said.
photo story
Girls S ccer
April/May 2009
5
Katie Hurd and Abbie Harvey work together to get the ball away from a Plattsmouth player. Harvey pushed a Plattsmouth player away while Hurd got ready for the pass. Abbie Harvey shows good footwork after stealing the ball away from Plattsmouth. Harvey played outside right defender for Gretna.
Katie Hurd makes a pass to her teammate. Hurd is one of the team captains for the girl’s soccer team.
Jessica Kerwin steals the ball from Plattsmouth. Kerwin was known for her crazy kicks.
Girls Soccer record: 14 - 3
Abbie Harvey sets up and makes a forceful kick. Gretna held Plattsmouth 2-o April 28th at EMC (Eastern Midlands Conference). Photos By Faith Cotton
6 editorial April/May 2009
Sad to see senior year slip away Why are you By Anthony Jourdan Sports Editor
4 years ago: We entered Gretna High School as freshmen. We got our schedules and started to settle into our new classes and new groups of friends. We got those little jitterbugs of our first day out and started to feel a little bit more comfortable around the upperclassmen. That same year we went to our first homecoming dance nervous and excited. We watched and experienced Gretna sports for the first time and witnessed the girl’s basketball team win their first state championship. Best friends were made and we spent those summer nights making memories that will last a lifetime. Four years ago we started preparing ourselves for the rest of our lives. 3 years ago: We came to school for our first day a next step up. We felt that we were no longer at the bottom of the totem pole. Students were still trying to make new friends and athletes starting varsity sports. As sophomores
we experienced first time things and started becoming more mature. We embarked on the road of driving ourselves every place. We went to those parties and started expanded whom we hung out with. Three years ago we started counting down the days until we became upperclassmen. 2 years ago: Life got a little bit easier on us. We couldn’t believe it but we were finally upperclassmen. Weekends got a little better every week and finally it sank in that we were getting older. We found out who our true best friends were. We finally realized that we couldn’t take the easy way out anymore. Some of us started going on college visits and preparing our lives for the next step. We went to our junior prom, watched as teams triumphed, and finally began to get excited for the next year. Two years ago we couldn’t wait until we were seniors. 1 year ago: We began the start of our senior year. Senioritis began to kick in and we started to experience our last days of high school…our last basketball games, our last prom, and especially our last day of high school. We started to realize where our lives were going to take us, and we started to get accepted into different colleges.
We spent our days at school wishing they were our last and the weekends spent partying. One year ago we started a year that will be in our memories forever. One year ago we started to realize that time sure does fly. Today: We will soon realize that it is going to be hard to say goodbye. As we come to school today it may be the last time we see our classmates. In one week each individual will walk across the stage and receive their diploma. Each of us will then express our appreciation and say our goodbyes to the people we might never see again. We will then have our fun filled summer and return next August in different places. Each of us will embark on our different goals to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and some of us could possibly be millionaires. So as we sit here on our last day and tried to remember all the good times we have had at this school, and maybe those good-byes will be a little bit easier. So as this story comes to a close I want to say good-bye to all the seniors and good luck.
sad to be graduating?
“ Well we’re not leaving early enough.” Mark Beran, Senior
“ No more sports or games.” Ben Barna, Senior
“I am not really [sad]. I don’t want to deal with the drama anymore.” Amanda Olson, Senior
The Voice News Staff 2008 Cornhusker Award Winner
Editor-in-Chief........................Liz Stratman Photographer...........................Lexi Busch Photographer...........................Faith Cotton Sports Editor...........................Anthony Jourdan Entertainment Editor.............Natalie Doering Staff Writers: Morgan Agagah Hannah Applegate Taylor Bradish Ashley Brugmann Kelsey Charrlin Ethan Dawes
Lindsey Detten Jennifer Goforth Brittany Hannigan Kennedy Healy Kendall Hendrix Matthew Horan McKenna Kerr Courtney Murcek Lauren Sawyer Danielle Spurgeon Jessica Tejral 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 7 April/May 2009
Now playing: Reels of Is rehab becoming a rite trouble at the movies of passage for celebrities?
any other case, it takes away from believability. When the movie is wrapping up, By Lauren Sawyer I don’t want to sit there and just think, Staff Writer what? I want there to be a good wrap up. Some movies are meant to make you think. Otherwise, if the film has loose ends, there better be a sequel. The credits begin to scroll down And if a movie gets it’s very the oversized screen, my reaction to the own sequel, it better have continumovie: “There’s one hour and seventeen ity. There’s nothing I hate more than minutes of my life I’ll never get back.” watching a sequel and not seeing Where’s the heroine and her gumshoe? any way it relates to the first movie. Where have engaging plot lines gone? Here’s a key tip to the Where are the special effects that put movie-making world: If you can’t me at the edge of my seat? I don’t even get the original actors for the sequel, get an adorable meet-cute? it’s not worth making it. These days, it feels as if And just because a movie was the best part of the movie is, “THE originally good, Disney, you don’t have END.” This is a problem. to make a sequel out of every movie The American Film Institute’s you’ve ever made. Originality? Say number one ranked movie, Citizen good bye to it as it walks out the door. Kane, was made over 65 years ago. And when all else fails, remember Every bit of movie making technol- less is more. When a scary movie ogy has improved since then, so why gives away all the spooky parts with hasn’t this been topped? music, it’s ruined. Silence is golden. The most popular movies Maybe in a time not so far, these days are those intellectually far away I’ll have a tear running devoid movies, which call themselves down my cheeks as the credits role, comedies. Masterfully executed punch with each tear the product of getlines get five stars from me. The dialog ting caught up in a heart wrenchcan certainly make or break a movie. ing plot with a grand climax and art I long for a movie with real en- fully devised plot twists. That’ll be a tertainment value. Anymore, horror movie worth seeing. films cease to create a sense of uncertainty and send shivers up the spine. They’re just one gory disaster after another. Just what I want as I nibble on my Twizzlers, to see someone’s brain oozing out of their eyes. Yummy. Obviously acting plays a lead role in the movie, too. Try watching your favorite movie sometime and pay special attention to the actor’s eyes. If they smolder you with intense emotion, it’s a movie to withstand the tests of time. However, bad acting may be entertaining if it’s intentional. In
100 students answered the question: Do you think it is worth it for celebrities to go to rehab?
Yes:60% No:40%
By Liz Stratman Editor-in-chief
In every magazine there seems to be at least one headline reading: “Actor checks into rehab,” or “Singer goes to rehab again.” Now, that may be an exaggeration by saying “every magazine,” but I’d say it’s pretty close to being accurate. Celebrities have their ways to catch the public eye’s attention in a rather negative way. Whether it’s an addiction to recreational drugs like cocaine or heroin, or prescription drugs and painkillers; alcoholism or anorexia. They all result in the same solution in celebrities’ minds: Rehab. Nicole Richie develops an eating disorder and an addiction to heroin. Lindsay Lohan becomes an alcoholic and cocaine addict. It’s the newest fashion! Actors, singers, models, fashion designers, they’ve all been to rehab. Even former Miss USA Tara Conner abused drugs and alcohol and went to a rehab facility. Are these people portraying good messages to young adults? I think not. The road to fame apparently includes a stop at rehab nowadays. Good thing these stars are loaded because some West-Hollywood rehab centers can cost around $60,000 a month! Hollywood’s party girl Tara Reid checked herself into Malibu’s Promises Treatment Center on December 9, even after it proved to be notso-successful for Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears who also went there. At around $1600 a night, I’d hope it would at least work. It is rumored that Reid’s being treated for alcoholism. Just to name a few more: Drew Barrymore, Keith Urban, Marc Jacobs,
and Amy Winehouse have all kept their place in the spotlight with the “help” of rehab. Apparently singer Amy Winehouse didn’t listen to her 2006 song where “they” allegedly tried to make her go to rehab but she said “no, no, no.” But is rehab even considered help? When most celebrities check in and out of rehab facilities the way most people check in and out of hotels, how could one say that a three month or so stay can really make a person drug or alcohol free? Are all of their problems actually solved in rehab? I don’t think so. Celebrities aren’t really learning or realizing what caused them to get addicted to the substance in the first place or they wouldn‘t keep going back to the rehab centers. Do the pressures of being famous get to celebrities? Or is there some other reason for their addictions we don’t quite understand? Maybe the availability of drugs and alcohol in Hollywood factors into the decisions celebrities make. Either way, the word “rehab” has almost completely lost its meaning. Celebrities who are reported to have gone to rehab are usually not taken as seriously after the fact. So why do they do this to themselves? To me, it’s just an embarrassment. If they think going to rehab numerous times is really having an effect on their habits, so be it. For most celebrities (aside from the small amount that honestly do want to eliminate the habit from their lives), I think it’s only a matter of time before they return to their old ways and get another headline written about their recent goings to rehab. Sorry celebs, but I don’t think rehab is a very admirable new fashion to be modeling.
8 entertainment April/May 2009
Love them or hate them, stars are here to stay By Natalie Doering Entertainment Editor You know you’ve “made it” in Hollywood when people start talking about you. Whether it’s Perez Hilton blogging, or the person you sit next to in Biology gossiping, the opinion tends to vary about certain stars. Everybody has their views on various celebrities. To some Miley Cyrus may be a teenager with multiple personality disorder, and a toddler’s singing voice. But to others, she’s a powerhouse of a singer, song writer, actress. So what’s the cause of such hatred and devotion to some stars that seems to qualify some students to write their own tabloids? Junior Victoria Stahr is a fan
of the singing sensation The Jonas Brothers and met them last summer. “They write their own music, help with tour production, and are involved in all aspects of their career.” Stahr said, when asked why she likes the brother’s trio. “It also helps that they’re really good looking,” she adds. But behind every person who likes someone, another stands with a completely different point of view (or two). “They [The Jonas Brothers] straighten their hair and can’t act,” sophomore Mackenzie Trombly said. Fellow sophomore Zac Boyer agrees. “I don’t like boy bands,” he said. However, the Jonas Brothers are not the only ones receiving praise and distain at the same time. What
happens when the name Zac Efron is thrown into the mix? Senior Tim Lynch isn’t too fond of the musical king. “He’s a poser and a fake,” Lynch said.
hand to the neck. Fingers loosening up, he places them on two frets of the neck of the guitarists and begins to play. Scott Nohrenberg isn’t your average high school senior. He may be a student, a son, and brother, but then again he’s a lot more. His strive for stardom began ever since he picked up his first guitar, and he’s well on his way of getting there. Nohrenberg’s first recently retired band, Matching Gauges, consisted of Bobby Martin and Nohrenberg. Due to an unfortunate happening of Bobby having to move to Chicago, they were forced to separate, leaving Nohrenberg to make a decision. The question stood, to give up on Matching Gauges, or press on by himself. His decision led him to form the new and improved Dressed For Rehearsal. “It did kind of bum me out that Bobby was moving, but it gave me an opportunity to try something different,” he said. Nohrenberg's hard work and
commitment is leading him to bigger and better things. He will be touring with The Airline and Ocean Take Me Away. Soon after there will be another two week tour. Adam Caine, another growing artist from Atlanta, Georgia says, “There's always something to do when on tour. Parties, fans, and meeting new and interesting people were probably the biggest highlights of my touring experience.” Touring may be fun, but it also has its disadvantages. “Touring can also be a very lonely time. On the road for long periods of time can get pretty old,” Caine said. Even though the touring will be rough Caine has this to say about Nohrenberg. “I’ve listened to some of his music and I have to say, he’s gonna make it. There’s no doubt in my mind. It might be rough at first, but he’ll be fine.” Nohrenberg has inspired many people, but one in particular. Tim
They straighten their hair and can’t act. -Mackenzie Trombly Sophomore Freshman Garrett Martindale voices a different view about the star. “Zac Efron is cool,” he said, “But High School Musical in general is amazing.”
Some people’s reasons for their distastes about people they haven’t met, let alone know, are frivolous. A lot of the answers given to the question, “Why or why not do you like such and such?” varied. The star’s attractiveness and who they are reportedly dating seemed to all factor in to their choices. But most rationalized their thoughts. “Miley Cyrus is not a good role model to the little girls who watch her show,” sophomore Ellen Emanuel said, “She makes bad choices.” But then again, nobody’s perfect right? “She doesn’t have to be perfect, she just needs to realize who’s watching,” Emanuel adds.
Made for Music: Nohrenberg’s strive for success pays off By Eric Smith Staff Writer With sweaty palms and shaky knees he steps out onto the stage. The cheering of the crowd and the heat of the lights seem to ignite the flame within his body that appears to overcome the nerves that surround him. As he walks into the spot of light shining down, his heart begins to beat uncontrollably. He somehow feels weightless as if he were just gliding towards the microphone. He takes a deep breath and brushes the hair out of his eyes as he begins his introduction. Lips almost grazing the head of the mic, he says, “Hey guys, I’m Scott Nohrenberg, thanks for having me.” He looks into the crowd and takes a big gulp. He lifts his guitar strap up and over his head letting it slowly lay down onto his shoulder. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small yellow pick and rests his right hand on the strings of his guitar and his left
Nohrenberg, Scott's brother, is probably his biggest fan. He backs up his brother 100 percent. “He’s an amazing singer and an awesome guitarist” Tim says. “I really think he’ll make it.” F o r any aspiring artists who love to play and love to write their o w n music, Nohrenberg offers this advise. “Write your heart out.” Photo by Lexi Busch
Summer fun: Becoming the
entertainment 9 April/May 2009
Upcoming concerts and movie releases By Kelsey Charlin Staff Writer
The band comes on stage and the person right next to you starts screaming their heads off when the cute singer comes out and starts to sing. When it’s all done and over with, you realize that you have a massive headache and can barely hear because you have been standing right next to the speaker, but it was totally worth it. A concert is one form of entertainment Gretna students love any time of the year. “I went to the Lil’ Wayne concert, it was awesome,” said freshman Mckenzie Mousseau. Students went to various concerts this year including 3OH!3, AC/DC, Lil’ Wayne, Brad Paisley, Nickelback and Saving Abel, and Rascal Flatts. “I went to Panic at the Disco last summer, it was fun,” said sophomore Demi Duin. Gretna’s students have many opportunities this summer to go to a variety of concerts. Coldplay will be rocking out on June 13th, Jonas Brothers will be touring on July 7th, and Keith Urban will be jamming on July 9th. If you want a good laugh after all that music, Dane Cook will be joking on June 11th. Some students are already ticket holders. “I am looking forward to seeing Coldplay, It’s going to be awesome,” said freshman Adam Zajac. However, if spending between twenty to hundreds of dollars going to a concert with your friends is not for you, there is always the option of going to a movie if you want to get out of the house. Some movies highly anticipated that will be playing this summer are “Ghost of Girlfriends Past” coming to theaters on May 1st , along with “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, “Battle for Terra”, “Love and Dancing”, coming to theaters on May 8thand “Star Trek”, as Some students would rather go to a concert (no matter where they’re sitting) than go to a movie and getting a good seat. “I wouldn’t care where my seat was at a concert as long as I was there,” said Mousseau. No matter what your opinion is the fact still remains, Gretna’s students will always look forward to summer entertainment after the long school year.
By Ethan Dawes Staff Writer “Yes, I got a no-scope yesterday night,” is something you may have heard when roaming the halls, or even during class. All sorts of jargon pop-up out of a gamer’s mouth but what does it take to actually become one? Is it mass amounts of procrastination of your homework or is it sleepless nights infront on your game console as you rack up another kill? “ I take every game I play seriously, even if it’s for fun,” said freshmen Meeko Spainhower. Students who frequently game put in a combined total of two or six hours at a miniumum were the most devoted to playing video games. Gamers learn new ways to effectively become better as well as respond to the “new” enviroment thrown at them in each situation provided. A study from www.eurekalert.com shows that kids who play video games more often have a quicker reaction level and higher hand-eye coordination skills as well as memorization.
“ I play to get better and to be better each day I get on my game,” said Freshmen Damien Schwartz. Video gaming has become so competitve that there are summer and winter tournaments in which you register online at ww.mlg.com. From there, you pay a five dollar entry fee and choose the game that you wish you enter in. Depending if it’s a game that requires a team, like Halo 3, or a solo entry as in GTA IV where every man is for themselves, you’ll have to carefully select your teammates and make sure you all are on the same page when you show up for the two teams facing off against each other. After awhile, you pick up on terms like “blindfire”, “no-scope”,”UAV Recon” and “Warthog” from how long you play the video games and how involved you dive into becoming better at the video game you’re playing. Some things you know you’re a gamer is when you make regular conversation with your friends about last night’s headshot that you pulled or what your kill-death ratio is. “ When you put tons of hours into something you really like, you naturally get better at it whether you want too or not. It just depends on how bad you want it,” Freshman Tate Rittenberger said.
Steps to becoming a gamer:
6. Know your controls. Know what
3.
5. Adapt your skills. Don’t get frustrat-
Beat a level 10 or 15 times (in a row if possible) Each time you repeat a level, you learn and master the skills that much more.
4.
game of your choice. If you can’t make it through the single player mode chances are you won’t last long in multiplayer.
keys perform which function.
ed if you do poorly at first. Figure out what you are doing wrong and fix it.
2. Beat the single player mode of the
Copy videos of skilled gamers as much as possible. They can save a lot of time. It may have taken them years to Realize that just because it is a game, figure out a particular technique, but you does not mean it requires no practice. can have it right away by watching.
1.
summer 10 April/May 2009
MoneyMakin’ Hannah Applegate Staff Writer
Summer is all about fun in the sun for some kids. For others though, it’s working time. There are many jobs to do in the summer. Some may be fun, while others may just make you want to pull your hair out. Jobs you could get are you could work at a pool, at a fast food restaurant, or an ice cream store. Of course there are many others too. It just depends on where you think you will feel comfortable. For freshman this might be there first summer job, but for sophomores, juniors, and seniors this could be there 2nd or 3rd summer. Morgan Duff will be getting
her first summer job this year at the new ice cream store called Scoops. “I look forward to working there so I can get extra money to buy the stuff I want,” Duff, a freshman, said. Kelsey O’Neil is getting pumped to be a lifeguard at the Gretna Pool again this summer. “I look forward to the naps at break time,” O’Neil, a sophomore, said. “And I’m not gonna lie I look pretty dang good in a swimsuit.” Kevin Yager is stoked for the sun and fresh air at his summer job. “I’m working at Mahoney St. Park,” Yager, a junior, said. “I’ve worked other places, but this will be my first summer there.” No matter what the job is, ev-
$
ummer
erybody has something that is fun to him or her. “I think it will be fun working with people I know,” Duff said. Of course there is the negative stuff about your job. “It stinks when the day care kids come because then it’s really crowded,” O’Neill said. With summer sports, some kids may need to quit early. “I plan to work at Mahoney all summer or at least until football starts,” Yager said Getting a summer job will be a lot of work, but it won’t take up your
whole summer. Most will still have plenty of time for sports, friends, and sun. Even if your parents are making you get one, don’t dwell on the idea, think of it as a good opportunity to help you practice for when you are out of school and have to get a real job. Plus, you will be making lots of money! With a summer job girls can go shopping and boys can buy, well, whatever boys like to buy. So go out and find yourself a summer job and make it a summer to remember.
Fun in the sun: Students’ summer plans
McKenna Kerr Staff Writer
What do swimming, sports, tanning, and bad sunburns all have in common? Yep, you’ve guessed it…summer! This warm and sunny season is probably the favorite time of year for the average school-attending kid. But what is it about summer that has kids counting down the days until it arrives? For a lot of people it’s the fun; spending countless days sitting by the pool, getting that deep tan you’ve been dying to achieve all year while laughing and talking with your friends about what you’re going to do today. Not to mention school is out, and freedom is all yours! What exactly is people’s favorite part of summer? For freshman Emily Jeppesen it’s between the smell of barbeque and getting a tan, but for junior Spencer
Strong it’s being outdoors, kayaking, and spending time in San Diego. A lot of teens spend all school year making plans for what they want to do that upcoming summer. “I want to go swimming and hang with friends,” said freshman Dean Wilkins. Some have plans to go places locally. “I’m probably going to go to the Platte River sandbars to hang out,” said Strong Summer doesn’t have to be all about plans. “I just go off and do stuff,” said freshman Todd Andrews. Summer is time to hang out with friends and have all the worries of school lifted off your shoulders. A lot of kids even argue that summer is too short. “We shouldn’t start school until after labor day,” said Strong. With this thought in mind, most teens try to make the best out of the summer by swimming, chilling with
buds, and trying new experiences. “This summer I want to get fit and get an awesome tan,” said Jeppesen Friends are a huge part of any teen’s summer. “I’m with my friends almost everyday!” said Wilkins. Whether it’s the sun, fun, or just hanging with your friends, it is agreed that we should spend it with new experiences, fun times, and laughter. So start making those plans and have an awesome summer!
Working on her tan, Courtney Murcek enjoys the sandy beach. Many Gretna students will take advantage of the nice weather. Waiting for their opponent to hit the ball, the defending team stands waiting in ready position. Going to a baseball game is one of many things Gretna students will do this summer.
Student Quotes
What are you doing this summer instead of going on vacation?
Destination Vacation Lindsey Detten Staff Writer
“Work a lot, prepare for college, and enjoy the summer.” --Lynn Fibich, Senior
“Working more hours to make money.” --Austin Asche, Junior
“Working at Gretna Drug, making lots of money.” --Brit Stock, Senior
“Play basketball.” --David Dudney, Freshman
“Go to Driver’s Ed. and maybe find a job.” --Jessica Wendt, Sophomore
summer 11 April/May 2009
Relaxing on warm sandy beaches. Wearing tanning lotion and flip-flops. Sightseeing in Athens and Venice. Fishing in a calm lake. Ah, summer vacations. Whether it’s going overseas to explore other countries, taking traditional family trips, or embarking on once-in-alifetime getaways to remote islands, these trips can make summer the best season of the year. This June, a group of six GHS students are packing their bags and heading across the Atlantic Ocean for a trip through Greece, Italy, and some nearby islands. This eighteen-day journey will take them through several cities such as Milan, Florence, Rome, and Delphi, just to name a few. Taking these students on this amazing adventure is GHS teacher Mrs. Ockander. This will be the thirteenth trip that she has taken with students since her first one in 1992. “We need to understand that when we travel, we aren’t just representing Gretna,” Ockander said. “It’s important that we display our best manners because we are representing our entire country.” Every family has their traditions, whether it is eating out every Sunday, having chicken instead of turkey each Thanksgiving, or even making every Wednesday a game night. Family vacations are definitely no exception when it comes to traditions. For one week every summer, sophomore Cindy Sedlacek and her family vacation at a resort in Minnesota. It has become their tradition to go in July for its big Independence Day celebration. Sedlacek shared one of her best memories from last year’s trip. “I caught a huge 24-inch Northern [fish] that we got to eat,” Sedlacek said. Junior Sarah Stednitz also has a family vacationing tradition. She visits her brother in California for about two weeks out of every summer. Her best memory? “Meeting Gerard Way, the lead singer of My Chemical Romance,” Stednitz said. Many people dream about getting away to a warm island somewhere—and occasionally a few are
lucky enough to actually go. Freshman Kelsey Pierce is looking forward to a vacation to Cancun, complete with an ocean, warm rays of sunshine, and peaceful beaches. “I’m really excited to tan,” Pierce said. Summer is the perfect time to be stressfree and relaxed, and vacations are a great way of making that happen. So whether you are planning on surfing in the Caribbean Islands, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, or just staying at the KOA outside of Gretna, remember to pack lots of sunscreen and enjoy!
Top 5 Summer Vacation Spots
Carribean
France
Italy Hawaii
Las Vegas ezinearticles.com
S 12 in-depth April/May 2009
eniors ‘09 “I dropped my phone in the van, on the side, and everyone in the van could hear it ringing but we could’t grab it!” -Morgan Ingram
“Halo tournaments at Ethan’s that led to dog piling.” -Drew Tasler
As people grow up they start to worry about more and more things. From kindergarten to the day they graduate, Gretna’s students find different things to be concerned about. In kindergarten most of your worries vary from who is crushing on who, what pictures you get to color, to what time recess is. “I remember in kindergarten all I cared about
“You skip the rest of your unused classes skip days just because you have them left.” -Cassi Milroy
“You find yourself looking forward to work.” -Palmer Jeppesen “You have to go in for detention because you stopped doing your homework.” -Melissa Sedlacek
“Someone put crayons in the blow dryer, so when people put there hands by it, it melted crayons to their hands.” -Taylor Haug
“Me and Mallory got grounded from study hall all the time!” -Taylor Haug
Junior
“Moving to Iowa, making poor decisions.” -Morgan Ingram
“I got pulled over with 8 people in my 3 seater truck and didn`t get a ticket.” -Drew Tasler
“Dog piling Matt Shuetz.” -Ross Neuhaus and David Debolt ”Joey Timmerman wore a man thong to school, and flaunted it.” -Jarrod Paitz
Sophomore
Kindergarten vs. senior worries
“You don’t do anything in your favorite class, like art.” -Joey Nissen
“You stop caring about your homework.” -Mary Kay Brennan
“Breaking the high school 4x8 record by 13 seconds.” -Morgan Ingram
“Getting detentions in Mrs. Dean’s every day for talking.” -Ross Neuhaus and David Debolt
By Jen Goforth Staff Writer
“John Peters and I would play with our cell phones, like turned the ringers on loud, in Mr. Marik’s class.” -Ross Neuhaus and David Debolt
High school memories through the years
“In gym we were lifting weights and Josh Marco tried to lift plates and he couldn’t lift it up, and we all had to rush over and help him.” -Jarrod Paitz
You know you have senioritis when... “You don’t care about grades anymore.” -Davis Hannibal
From freshman to senior:
Freshman
“Bonfires at McManus’s house.” -Taylor Haug
in-depth 13 April/May 2009
was going outside and playing,” senior Will Griffey said. As you go into high school your worries turn towards bigger, more complicated issues. Changes are a constant part of life as the time comes closer for graduation. SAT and ACT scores are being sent to colleges and all the work you’ve done for the last four years all comes down to those scores. “I haven’t taken the ACT yet,” junior Josh Reynolds said. “I’m terrified.” So how do you go from coloring and staying in the lines to worrying how good your test scores are? And should worries really be that big? Gretna’s no fail policy
“In Quiz bowl, it was Adam Koch, Jake Huber and I against Carter Hawkins, Dwight Jones, Jordan Stirtz, and Davis Hannibal. Carter broke the lunch quiz bowl record of most questions right during a lunch period. Mrs. Marotz was thrilled.” -Jarrod Paitz
“I broke Brian Bartek’s $3000 T.V. by throwing a DVD case at him. He ducked, and it cracked his T.V screen.” -Drew Tasler “Skydiving in Colorado.” -Morgan Ingram
“In Mr.Marik’s class people would fall asleep and he would yell and everybody would wake up.” -Jarrod Paitz
“I tore my ACL playing backyard football at Brandon Huberts’ house.” -Drew Tasler
“I hit a car on the first day of school. I just walked away.” -Taylor Haug
Senior “Took stuff out of Matt Schuetz’s trunk as an April fool’s joke.” -Ross Neuhaus and David Debolt
makes it much more difficult to fail a class. Surrounding schools don’t have that so their drop out rate is much higher. Some kids are just excited to have high school over with and their worries to end. “Im just ready to graduate and get out of here,” junior Chris Piper said. You start out that first year as a kindergartener not wanting to go, clinging to your mother and father’s side. A whole day at school without them seems terrifying. Then things change and by the time you’re a senior, you can’t wait to go off on your own. Living the college life sounds so good. There are things you are scared of but new challenges bring out your true self. Thats’ what life is all about.
What has been the funniest moment of high school?
What will you miss the most about high school?
What is the craziest thing you have done in high school?
“The show choir trip when we got stuck on an icy road had had to put chains on the tires.”
“I will miss absolutely nothing, because it will be nice to get out of high school. It will be the beginning of a new life.”
“We played capture the flag at Westside High School for show choir.”
“Brandon Urban destroyed someone’s book because he didn’t like him.”
“My friends, because we are all seperating.”
“Rushing the fields at our soccer game after we beat against Elkhorn.”
“[I will miss] the teachers, because they’re all good.”
Which teachers will you miss and why?
Senior Favorites Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Shulte Favorite School Lunch: Crispito Favorite Book: Twilight Favorite High School Memory: Football games
“Mr. Ribar, because he’s the coolest. Mrs. Potter, because she taught me about business law.”
Favorite Movie: Hot Rod
“Played jokes on Mrs. Shulte. We all made animal sounds in her class.”
“Mrs. Long, because she’s cool.”
Favorite Song: “On Top” by Akon
“I almost shot a guy.”
“All of the teachers I’ve had through high school, because I have strong relationships with them.”
Will Griffey
Favorite Sport: Football
Taylor Haug
Josh Zajac
Results based off of a survey of 100 senior students. Photo Credit: thekindlings.com, robbinssports.com, askmen.com, and starpulse.com.
If you can’t stand the By Lauren Sawyer Staff Writer Have you ever cooked mole? Yes, the pudgy animal, thought to eat dirt. Some recipes for mole call for a whopping 100 ingredients in the sauce, alone. As if that wasn’t enough, whatever highly adventurous chef tackles this Goliath of a recipe mustn’t forget the ingredients for the garnishes and actual meat. Normally, the general public prefers something about, well, 100 times easier. But even these seemingly simple recipes come with a slew of ups and downs. “I can cook hot dogs, and… hot dogs,” senior Nathan Rockwell said. “I even failed at cooking Easy Mac. I put it on the stove, and it didn’t taste better.” Even if you don’t know how to blacken a chicken, (no “blacken” isn’t synonymous with “burn,”) everyone has his or her own technique for creating the perfect dish. “When I bake, I usually slightly under bake, because the food is going to continue cooking after I take it out,” biology teacher Mrs. Childs said. Secretary Mrs. Turpen shakes a bit of salt into everything she makes to bring out the food’s flavor. History teacher Mr. Swanson has mastered the technique of making take-out pizza. “I can put Papa Murphey’s Hawaiian pizza in the oven very well,” Swanson said. Except Swanson’s culinary expertise doesn’t end there. Swanson flips letter-shaped pancakes for his children. For some people, it’s not the recipe that’s stopping them from cooking. It’s technology. “I’ve been grounded from kitchen appliances because I put an aluminum plate in the microwave,” sophomore Shelby Sundermann said. “It sparked and started on fire.”
... get
heat...
Many components test a chef’s abilities, which even effect attempts at boiling the perfect egg. The salt content of the water, heat of the water when the egg is emerged, and amount of water relative to the size of the eggs, all effect the outcome. Even atmospheric pressure plays an important role in proper cooking. “I was baking brownies in Colorado and forgot about the changed altitude, so they came out like mud,” senior Kat Brennan said. “The boys I was with scooped them out into balls and ate them anyway.” Brownies seem to be a common obstacle for many chefs. “One time I made brownies, I guess I added too much milk, and they wouldn’t cook,” junior Mitch Morey said. Mrs. Childs avoids boxed brownies altogether. Instead she whips up a fluffy batch of homemade brownies from a recipe she has practically memorized. It takes a little knowledge to stand the heat of the kitchen. Sophomore Kiley Grandstaff won a purple ribbon (1st) for her braided bread and jelly in separate 4-H competitions. No matter how skilled the chef is, accidents are inevitable. Mrs. Turpen makes a widely loved sugar cookie. However, when she was about 13, she found herself in a hot spot of trouble. “I was babysitting, and I preheated the oven; they had marshmallows and bread stored in there, so it started a fire,” Turpen said. Thankfully, she had the smarts to throw a wet towel in and snuff it out. Freshman Shane Nevius’ sister made a kitchen fire of her own when she caught a Pop Tart on fire while toasting it. It seems that most of GHS posses’ sophomore Kory Hurtz’s level of cooking abilities. He can make, “eggs; scrambled.” Brennan forecasts her cooking future saying, “I’ll just eat Top Ramen in college.”
out kitchen of the
Illustration by Ellen Emanuel
teachers
Favorite
15 features April/May 2009
This past school year we have all become close with each of our teachers. Besides teaching us, our teachers make us laugh and together we make memories that stick with us forever. So here’s some of the little things we will always remember about our teachers...
“Mrs. Potter started rapping in class one day, and it was really funny.” -Chelsea Pote, Freshman “Miss Flynn, she’s really funny and cool to talk to.” -Cassie Kirkpatrick, Sophomore “Mr. Depue, because of his story about his experience of cardiac workouts with middle aged men… ask him about it.” -Robert Berglund, Junior “Mrs. Schulte, because she makes class fun. She introduced me to the Twilight series. That’s why I love her.” -Drew Tasler, Senior
Young and in love: By Liz Stratman Editor-in-chief In the state of Nebraska, teens under the age of 19 must obtain a parent’s consent to be lawfully wedded. People under the age of 17 cannot be married in Nebraska, even with a parent’s consent. So why is it that teens feel the need to “tie the knot” at such a young age? If they don’t have intentions of getting married right away, then why not wait to “pop the question?” “He wanted to show that I belong to him, and he didn’t want to lose me since we go to different schools,” junior Dakota Minarik said.
Senior Angela Rippe’s engagement ring.
features 14 April/May 2009
Engaged in high school
Minarik says she is engaged to her boyfriend of one year. He is a senior at Omaha North. “We were at Shadow Lake out to dinner with my parents and he took me over to the fountain area at night when it was all lit up and asked me,” Minarik said. Students may wonder how her parents would react to this big decision. “He had gotten my parents’ approval before he asked me, so they kind of knew it was going to happen,” Minarik said. Minarik says they plan on getting married after college because they want to both have a career before starting a family. However, senior Erin Meier and her boyfriend Brad Grossoehmig are choosing to hold off on even getting engaged until after Grossoehmig returns from the Marines. After that happens, she says they’ll wait for about another two years to get married. “Getting engaged is something we have talked about for a while now, with him being in the service, it just seems like a good idea so we can stay together,” Meier said. She says they have been dating
for seven months now. To some, that may seem like a short amount of time, but Meier is sure that this is something she wants to do. And from what she’s heard from friends and family, he has the proposal all planned out, so she’s excited to finally see the way it happens. “When he asks me to marry him he has some big thing planned, but I don’t know what it is,” Meier said. “But everyone else, like my family and his family, knows how he is going to do it.” She says both of their parents are very supportive and excited. “We all get along very well, so it works out,” Meier said. “Our friends are really supportive too. They just want what we think is best for us.” Meier says since Grossoehmig lives in California, the distance is hard, but she often visits him. “Him being away actually makes our relationship a lot stronger,” Meier said. “We’ve really gotten to know one another since all we do is talk, and it takes a lot of trust since we’re both 18.” Senior Angela Rippe recently got engaged to her boyfriend Andrew Zegers. She says they had been dating
two years when he proposed. “I don’t know why [he proposed so soon],” senior Angela Rippe said. “He got it [the ring] on his cruise, and after I asked him [why] and he said he couldn’t wait.” She was surprised when he proposed because when they had talked about getting engaged, they decided it was going to be at least after she graduated high school. “Later I found out that he had planned to buy the ring on his cruise and give it to me over the summer,” Rippe said. Her parents are okay with their engagement, but they think they’re very young to be making such a huge decision. Meier says that people often judge her boyfriend and her because they think they’re too young, as well, to consider getting engaged, but that doesn’t crush her spirits. “There is no set time length or anything judging when a couple should get engaged,” Meier said. “It is when it feels right for the couple, and given our situation and how we feel, we are ready for the next step, no matter what some may think.”
five to fifteen and people of all ages through the Ollie Webb Center, and he finds it very rewarding. “Knowing that I helped somebody, and just to see them smile and laugh makes me feel good,” Lempka said. “Sometimes they even say I love you, which is awesome.” The Ollie Webb Center is one of the many choices for a National Honors Society project, but why is volunteering one of the expectations? “So kids can take pride in their community and it also makes them appreciate other people,” Director of National Honor Society Mrs. Ewer said.
Mrs. Ewer thinks it is important for people to volunteer. “It’s good for kids to know what it feels like when you help other people.” Not only is it a good life lesson, but volunteering looks good on college resumes. “It shows the quality of someone’s character if they are willing to give their time to volunteer,” Counselor Mrs. O’Neill said. If students are looking for scholarships, they should get started on a volunteer project. “People who volunteer may have a better chance at getting a college
scholarship than one who doesn’t,” Counselor Ms. Carraher said. Almost all applications for colleges and scholarships are looking for well-rounded kids. “All local scholarships have spaces for volunteering,” O’Neill said. Besides looking good on resumes, volunteering just helps students realize what they have. “No matter who we are and what condition were in, we can always find someone who has it tougher in life than we do, it helps to put things in perspective,” Carraher said.
Give a little bit: The importance of volunteering By Kennedy Healy Staff Writer To participate in National Honor Society students are required to do two projects a year, but Junior Ben Lempka went above and beyond after he fell in love with the people he was helping. “I help people with Down Syndrome and other mental disabilities,” Lempka said. “We play games, and last time we made a dessert.” Lempka helps with groups of
16 features April/May 2009
Bronze & Beautiful: The Effects of Tanning By Lexi Busch Photographer Every year, more than one million people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. One main thing that causes skin cancer is the U.V. rays from the sun and tanning beds. Despite this fact, millions of girls and guys still go tanning. Seniors Jenna Lachnit and Jordan Frazier say they go tanning almost every day. What some people might not know is the U.V. rays in a tanning beds are two to three times more powerful than the U.V. rays that come from the
sun. These U.V. rays can have many different effects on the skin. Some problems people notice right away is getting a severe burn and blistering on the skin. Other side effects that might occur are dry skin or sunspots. “If I go tanning too much, I start to get white sun spots on my skin,” Lachnit said. Frazier also says she gets these effects from tanning. “I get sunspots and dry skin from tanning,” Frazier said. With these re-occuring effects, people still do other things to risk their health in tanning beds like not wearing eye wear. “I don’t wear my eye wear because I don’t want white lines on
Students find ways to get a quick laugh By Ashley Bruggeman Staff Writer The class clown. There is one of these in every grade. These students are the ones teachers must prepare themselves for at the beginning of every year. Whether their humor is dry, plain stupidity, or actually being funny, they always get us to laugh. “I think I’m funny because of my randomness,” senior Joey Timmerman said. Others like junior Ryan Zapotocny find other ways to get a quick laugh from people. “I like to bark in the hallway and I point upwards,” Zapotocny said. Funny people seem to make the day go faster and put us in a better mood. We all live off of their energy. Do the class clowns think they’re funny though? “Sure, I guess, I really don’t
know,” freshman Pat Carney said. Some people think they’re hilarious. “Yes, I can entertain myself easily,” Timmerman said. “I tend to laugh at myself sometimes.” While these people think they are funny, other people wonder if they are. “I’m not the funniest
“I like to bark in the hallway and I point upwards.”
-Ryan Zapotocny Junior person out there, but I’m pretty funny,” Zapotocny said.
my eyes,” sophomore Ashley Smith said. Frazier also says she doesn’t like to wear her eye wear. “I don’t wear them because I don’t want to look like a raccoon,” Frazier said. What a lot of these teenagers don’t know is not wearing your eye wear can lead to serious damage. The U.V. rays are actually powerful enough to go through your eyelids and burn the surface of your eyes. Even though this effect is temporary and will go away after two to three days, there is damage on your eyes that won’t go away. The lens of the eyes will get cloudy and affect your night vision and sometimes
make you color blind. So why would people still want to tan with all the risks out there? “ I tan because I don’t like to be white all winter,” Smith said, Frazier also enjoys being tan all the time. “I like to be tan and it’s relaxing to lay there and sleep,” Frazier said. Some people will go to great lengths to look good and be tan. “It’s hot to be tan and makes me feel good about my self,” Lachnit said.
World Heritage is seeking volunteer families, couples or single parents (with or without children at home). World Heritage offers families the opportunity to host girls and boys, ages 15 to 18. World Heritage exchange students are enthusiastic and come from a wide variety of countries including: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Denmark, France, Gaza, Georgia, Germany, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, West Bank and Yemen. World Heritage invites you and your family to host a foreign exchange student. We are currently recruiting for the 2090/2010 school year. Contact your Area Representative at 402-578-9327 or via email at pschroeder.wh@gmail.com
features 17 April/May 2009
Living through the eyes of a teenager By Ashley Zajac Staff Writer New shoes from Payless. Shirts from Hollister. Distressed jeans brought to you by Herbergers. Sweats thanks to Scheels. And for everything else there’s MasterCard. Is this what really matters? Clothes? Hair? Make-up? Shoes?+ High school can be a very stressful time for teens. Whether it’s dealing with homework or just starting a new chapter in our lives. The first day of school has, is, and always will be a little tough. As a freshman, fears fill your head and there’s an amazing buzz on the edge of every one of your thoughts. Will I fit in? What will the upperclassmen do to me? These are the questions that haunt you as you wander the halls. However, being a freshman isn’t the worst thing on the planet. As a freshman you get more responsibilities and you’re treated more like an adult rather than a kid. Getting used to the new school is a
small transition you have to make. At first you’re so confused and crazy,but, after the first nerve-wracking week, your new atmosphere becomes your new habitat. Homecoming is one of the best things to experience as a freshman because you can finally go to a dance and not feel like you’re a prisoner. New sports, activities, and clubs are attractive and you gain more friends as the year passes. Soon enough your phone is packed with new digits and you’re no longer a frosh but a smore. Sophomore year is a bit smoother because you have an idea of what to expect from the teachers, for example, Mr. Johnson’s famous “Rule Zero of room 438.” One minute you’re calculating scientific notation and the next your giving how-to speeches. The seasons have changed and new times have come. Driving was a big advancement into your new life, and all though you could only drive to school and home on your school permit, it was still awesome. Counting down the days to summer vacation, how many months you have until you are a junior. Going to prom for what will be the first
time for many, takes up space in your mind. Finally, sophomore year is over and junior year is here. One of the many things to look forward to is the new nights with friends. Or you could kick off junior year with the powder puff game supported by the male cheerleaders. You know, those very manly guys who pack themselves into those little itsybitsy, teeny-weeny, cheer uniforms. “They are not as flattering in the uniforms as the girls,” said principal Mr. Kirk Eledge. Although they’re not beautiful, the boys sure know how to show their enthusiasm for their female classmates. Prom is another one of those activities you get to enjoy. The dresses, hair, and that unforgettable all-nighter everyone pulls. With activities like prom and the powder puff game, the year speeds by without you noticing. Looking forward to one last year of school starts to hit you as a senior. Deep down, you know there’s a small part of you that’s going to miss high school. Goofing off in class, state wrestling,
and even those crazy teachers. Part of you is saying you’re ready for new destinations. Having seniority is what we all look forward to, whether it is that simple power to cut others in the lunch line or getting the hotel bed when on a trip for state FBLA. Although the end comes quickly, you have lots to endure your final year. One last prom, one last homecoming, one final school picture. Maybe there are some things you regret not doing, like pulling a prank on someone or not playing basketball your freshman year, but sooner or later you’ll move on. After you graduate you have decisions to make. Deciding what you’re going to do is a big choice. From the time we are kindergarteners dreaming of being firemen to the point of middle school where we want to be in a rock band clear to the teen stage, we change our dream occupation more than once. In the end it all seems to work out differently but still in a good way.
What gives you the creeps By Kelsey Charrlan Staff Writer From spiders and stalkers to snakes and being alone, GHS students have at least one thing that creeps them out. “ I think things creep us out because in our mind something determines our survival instincts between what’s safe and not safe,” freshman Sydney Papa said. While some students think it’s
an image that stays in our minds, some prefer to have a different opinion. “Bad experiences or a scary movie or the things that put a scary image in your mind; that’s why people get creeped out,” senior Michaela Byington said. 55 students out of the 150 surveyed are creeped out by spiders. “ I am creeped out by small insects with multiple legs,” junior Adam Kauffman said. While 24 students are scared of stalkers and creepers, 17 students
are frightened of snakes and 11 students are afraid of heights. Nine students get the willies from long nails scratching on a chalkboard. “Spiders sometimes creep me out,” Byington said. “But being by myself definitely creeps me out.” Some students get creeped out by things that just shouldn’t happen in actual life, such as ghosts. “ Anything that is unnatural and supernatural,” Papa said.
Other results from the survey show eight students are creeped out by rodents, six students are creeped out by death, five students of the dark, and PDA in the hallways. Four students are frightened of cancer and clowns and three students are creeped out by blood. “If you’re too paranoid, your fear will disable you from trying,” Mrs. O’Neill said.
style 18 April/May 2009
Fashionistas at GHS
By Brittany Hannigan Staff Writer Students have been changing their style throughout the school year. From Uggs to moccassins and short dresses to long dresses, fashion changes on a monthly basis. According to freshman Bridger Schwasiger the best places to shop are Scheels, Aeropostale, and American Eagle. While those may be good stores for boys, senior Stacie Weakland said the best places to get clothes for girls are Target, Charlotte Russe, and Wet Seal.
Palmer Jeppesen, 12 Shirt: Hawaii Shoes: American Eagle
“They’re cheap and they have cute stuff,” Weakland said. “I never really buy anything unless it’s on sale.” The Voice asked Gretna students who they thought were the most fashionable boy and girl in their grade. Bridger Schwasiger and Teresa Fibich won most fashionable for freshmen. Madison Heely and Cole Spurgeon won most fashionable for sophomores. Ginny Ostransky and Bo Shepard won most fashionable for juniors. Palmer Jeppesen and Stacie Weakland won most fashionable for seniors.
Ginny Ostransky, 11 Shirt: Buckle Jeans: Buckle
Your favorite items of clothing for the year: • • • • • • • • • •
Ugg boots skinny jeans scarves layers athletic shorts dresses tunic tops moccassins cardigans tall black socks
Bridger Schwasinger, 9 Shirt: American Eagle Jeans: American Eagle
Madison Healy, 10 Sweater: Hollister Uggs: Von Maur
Bo Shepard, 11 Shirt: Buckle Pants: Express
Style File
fun 19 April/May 2009
Car of the Month
By Courtney Murcek
Q: What kind of car do you have?
A: I dont know. It’s some kind of Ford. Q: What’s in your trunk? A: some blankets and a tool box Q: Most listened to radio station?
A: 94.1 Q: Have you had any accidents or tickets yet?
A: no Q: Most frequent place you go?
Jordyn Wollenberg, Freshman
photo by Morgan Agagah
A: to school
Q By Lindsey Detten
Riley Schafer, junior Q: What’s your favorite item in your wardrobe? A: Buckle Capris Q: What’s the most you would be willing to spend on a pair of jeans? A: $65 Q: How would you describe your personal style? A: Girly but comfortable and cute Q: Who do you think is the bestdressed celebrity? A: Whitney from “The City” Q: What item of clothing do you think people should be banned from wearing? A: Neon skinny jeans Q: What is the most random clothing/accessory item that you own? A: A pair of Steve Madden shiny leopard-print high heels.
&
A
Mike Vandenbrooke
Q: Favorite Drink?
Mt. Dew
Q: What movie are you dying to see?
Monsters Vs Aliens
Q: When should we end school?
August 29th
Q: What is the best reason to skip school?
Parents
Lindsey Hanson
Randy Hess
Meghan McMahon
Dr. Pepper
Sunkist
Dr.Pepper
Adventerland August 30th
Pink Pather 2
Friday the 13th
As soon as possible
May 9th
You don’t feel To go to a good horse show
Coffee run
20 sports April/May 2009
Athletes of the Month By Anthony Jourdan Sports Editor
Seniors Jarrod Paitz and Steven Weideman have been named Athletes of the Month for the months April and May. Paitz the goalkeeper for the Dragons soccer team has helped his team to an 13-2 record by recording 8 shut outs this season. He is only allowing .66 goals per game, and has had 78 saves which leads Class B. Paitz looks to continue his strong performances as he just commited to Dana College. Weideman, a pitcher for the baseball team, has posted a 4-2 record on the year to help his team to an overall record of 11-8. Over his last two starts Weideman has pitched two 1-hit shutouts while recording 15 strikeouts. Weideman improved his overall ERA to 2.35.
Senior Steven Weideman delivers a pitch against Blair. Weideman went all seven innings while scattering just one hit and striking out eight.
Senior Jarrod Paitz records a save against Nebraska City. Paitz recorded his ninth shutout against the Pioneers.
Behind the Scenes: The rules of soccer By Courtney Murcek Staff Writer
“Soccer is a more complicated sport than what you might think,” senior Katie Hurd said. There is a lot more to the game of soccer than just people kicking a ball around and then shooting it into a goal. Soccer players have very strict rules to follow. Violating the rules is called a foul or misconduct. A misconduct is something along the line of offsides. Offsides could be the easiest thing to follow or the hardest thing follow. “Out of everything I know about soccer, offsides is the hardest thing for me, I know what it means, it’s just hard to remember when I’m on the field,” freshman Chris Hauck said. Offsides means normally when a striker is closer to the other teams goal than both the ball and the second
last opponent, according to soccerfansinfo.com. A foul, according to FIFA’s constitution, includes jumping on/at, kicking, tripping, striking, or pushing an opponent. If you or your teammate commits a foul, it will either be turned over, some sort of extra kick, or a card. A turn over means the ball is just given to the other team after you have made the mistake. There are three different kinds of kicks, including free kicks, penalty kicks, and a corner kick. A free kick is awarded when a team produces a non-penal foul, dangerous play or offsides. The kick is a ground kick that can not be taken towards the goal. A penalty kick is similar to a direct free kick which is caused by a foul or handball play. The kick is by one of the attacking teams players shooting a goal or towards the goal. The last kick is called a corners kick. Your team gets a corner kick when the ball passes over the defending players goal line, with a defender having touched the ball last.
For a corner kick and a free kick the same rules apply. If one player acts out, there are things called penalty cards. There is a yellow card and that is for a warning, or a caution for violating a rule, or a minor penalty. Two yellow cards equals a red card. A red card is a serious foul play, violent conduct, or fouling violently to have a scoring Senior Taylor Martin looks to score opportunity. A red card is against Elkhorn, a game they won in a where a player must leave shootout. Martin leads the team in goals the game and is not allowed this season. to come back in for the rest of the playing time. The assistant referees are only allowed How is keeping track of all this to call an out of bounds play, or point possible? It’s possible with the help of out a foul that they saw and tell the one head referee and normally two or head referee. three assistant referees. “The refs wear yellow so they are really easy to see,” Hurd said. The head referee is the one Photo by Darcy Shedeed who is allowed to make all of the calls.
sports 21 April/May 2009
Tennis: A perfect match Wimbledon fans, Venus Williams, and the Gretna High tennis team all share one major passion: their love of tennis. From the moment the tennis ball is served over the net, the players are in position, ready for anything that comes their way. Tennis is a sport full of strategies, endurance, coordination, and agility, as are many other athletic activities. So what is it that makes tennis so unique? First of all, in tennis the ball can cross the net at speeds of over 155 miles per hour if you are Andy Roddick— or about 70-80 miles per hour on average. So tennis can be dangerous, with several of the most
1. “I must break you”
“For me, it’s the fact that it’sall on you whether you win or not,” Zeeck said. On the other hand, GHS tennis coach Mrs. Craig feels like tennis is both an individual and a team sport. “The players have to be individually strong, but the team is very connected. They all love being there and support each other well,” Craig said. Among the players likely to go to state this year are Kristen Goldenstein and Hannah Schmid for doubles, and Kayla Kivett and Emma Tessier for singles. Tennis may seem like just another sport played at Gretna High School, but it is definitely full of unique training workouts and fun meets. Photo by Hillary Stover
Match that Quote
2. “It’s in the hole” 3. “Hi, my name’s Mae, and that’s more than a name, that’s an attitude” 4. “I’ll make it” 5. “The most important thing to remember is to protect your quarterback-me!” 6. “You can do it!” 7. “If you build it, he will come”
Sophomore Olivia Gahan gets ready to serve the ball. Gahan and the tennis team competed in the EMC tournament yesterday.
A. Caddyshack B. Rocky IV C. Waterboy D. Field of Dreams E. League of their Own F. Hoosier’s G. The Longest Yard Answers: 1.B 2.A 3.E 4.F 5 .G 6.C 7.D
By Lindsey Detten Staff Writer
common injuries being torn rotator cuffs, Achilles tendon ruptures, and of course tennis elbow. As senior Kayla Kivett sees it, the characteristic that sets it apart from other sports is that tennis isn’t as competitive. “It’s much more laid back,” Kivett said. What is a normal practice like for a Gretna tennis player? On some mornings, the players do Tae-Bo exercises. Then it’s off to running around Thomas Elementary once school gets out. Finally, after doing hitting drills, they run challenges, which is where each girl tries to run faster than the person ahead of her. To some athletes, the greatest part of the sport is the way that they all play as a team. To junior Alicia Zeeck, the best part about playing singles in tennis is its individualism.
sports 22 April/May 2009
The real dirt on the baseball field By Danielle Spurgeon Staff Writer
The game is tied up, bases are loaded in the seventh inning, and we are trying to hold off the other team. The batter has a full count, three balls and two strikes, what will the next pitch be? A curve ball, a fast ball, or a knuckle ball? What will the catcher instruct the pitcher to do? Making the correct decision in a split second can determine what the batter does and the outcome of the game. Several people think pitching and catching are the easiest positions to play in baseball, but in reality they are not. Playing these positions may look simple, but little do people know, being a pitcher and a catcher can be very stressful, both physically and emotionally. “It is very stressful, because you have to keep everyone under
control,” sophomore Kevin Andersen said. Andersen catches on the Varsity baseball team. “If you don’t do good and get stressed out, you do worse,” sophomore Jed Derr said. Derr is on Varsity and plays various positions. These positions take more than just having fast feet, a nice throw, and a pure swing of the bat. As a pitcher, you want to have a strong curve ball and fast reflexes. The catcher, on the other hand, needs to see the whole field and know what is going on at all times in order to take charge of the field. Not only do you need these attributes, you also need confidence in yourself, as well as other players. “You need mental composure, stamina, and good mechanics to be a good player,” junior Tyler Brungardt said. Brungardt has been playing on Varsity for a couple years and is now one of the better pitchers. The pitcher and catcher have
to be on the same page during a game. They need to be able to read each other’s signals and know what pitch the pitcher might throw and where the catcher should throw the ball back to. Having excellent communication between the two is vital when it comes to winning or losing. “It is very important that the catcher makes sure the pitcher keeps his composure,” Brungardt said. In the movies you always see the catcher trying to distract the hitters, but do you think that actually happens on our own field? “No, I don’t play dirty, I just play the game,” Andersen said. To be a catcher, you also have to wear more equipment than anyone else on the team. They have their uniform, cleats, and for protection, chin guards, chest protectors, and of course, a helmet. “The worst part is having to wear all the equipment and play in the intense heat during the summer,”
Andersen said. No matter if you’re pitching or catching, you have to keep your head in the game, have complete focus, and patience throughout the contest. “I try and think one step ahead of the hitter,” Brungardt said.
Golf teams prepares themselves after rough start By Matt Horan Staff Writer
Spring is finally here and that means Gretna’s Boys Golf team can dust off their clubs and work the greens. The GHS golf team went through some rough times at their first meet. But hopefully the team will be able to build on the experience gained. With a daunting schedule that will continue to challenge their skills, what does this mean for Gretna golfers. “ I practice like everyday of the week and it’s not that bad,” Freshman Patrick Carney said. Golfing isn’t just all about hitting a ball. You have to mentally and physically prepare yourself before a meet. Whenever you’re on the fairway, a golfer has to think; what angle do I have to hit at? Is the wind going to
affect my shot? It is more than worrying about hitting a ball on the green. When Gretna Golfer’s are on the fairway or the tee, what do they think about? “ How I can improve my short game mostly,” said Carney. Before every meet our players practice putting, swinging a golf club; stretch a little bit. How does one deal with the pressure before going on to the tee and playing against another team? Aren’t they ever nervous? “ Just a little bit, but I loosen up after awhile,” Carney said. We all have someone we look up to, role model’s. Whether they are football players, soccer players, our pros in Golf. Who is there favorite athlete? “ My favorite golfer is Ernie Ells definitely.” Carney said.
Junior Chase Brion gets ready to drive the golf ball. Brion’s highest placing this year was fourth place at the Blair Invitational.
Senior David Debolt follows through on a swing. Debolt is one of many returning starters this year. Photo by Jalayne Prorock
sports 23 April/May 2009 Jamie Reitmieir, Junior
Q: What is your event? A: “Triple and high jump.” Q: What is your best record? A: “High jump is 5’6”, and triple jump is 39.”
Track
Hayley Romano, Sophomore
a nd
Q: What is your event? A: “The 1600 Medley Relay.” Q: How long have you been in track? A: “I’ve done it since 7th grade.”
Ashley Reynolds, Freshman
Q: What is your event? A: “Long jump and freshman 400 Medley Relay.” Q: How do you prepare? A: “Listen to music.”
Molly Motsinger, Senior
Field
Garrett Krajicek, Junior
Q: What is your event? A: “Pole Vaulting.” Q: Why did you pick this event? A: “It is different than everything else.”
Q: What is your event? A: “300 Hurdles.” Q: Why did you pick this event? A: “To get in shape for football.”
Madison Healy, Sophomore Q: What is your event? A: “Discus.” Q: Why did you pick this event? A: “[It is the] only thing I can do, I’m not fast.”
Meghan Harriman, Freshman Q: What is your event? A: “Mile.” Q: What do you do in your down time at a meet? A: “Stretch and eat.”
Dwight Jones, Senior Q: What is your event? A: “Discus.” Q: How do you prepare? A: “Listen to some sweet music, do some rolling and tossing, do some pretty intense warm up throws .”
story 24 photo April/May 2009
Junior Emily Lawry tells the little munchkins how the Wicked Witch of the West has been killed. Most of the little munchkins were kids from the Elementary and middle school.
We’re off to see the wizard
As the whole gang is together they get ready to make the journey to find the Great Oz. The cast had to practice everyday from 3:30-6:30.
Senior Amy McManus’s character is startled by senior Adam Schmit, the talking scarecrow, while she was on her way to see Oz. The scarecrow’s costume was from the Rose Theater.
While Dorothy is following the yellow brick road she comes upon the Tin Man, played by senior Adam Kauffman. The Tin Man’s costume is also from the Rose Theater.
By Lexi Busch