2010 GHS Voice November

Gretna High School • 11335 South 204th Street • Gretna, NE 68028 Volume IX • Issue II • November 2010

the

Voice

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Passes Superintendant Dr. Keven Riley Ashley Zajac Arts and Entertainment Editor

Imagine Gretna ten years from now, how much will change?

Perhaps there would be a new park or a bigger pool, maybe even a Taco Bell. This might even be finished off with a brand new bowling alley or something of the sort. With the growing population right now, all of this is bound to happen at some point.

On Nov. 2nd, 4027 voters made it possible for the Gretna Public School District to develop the school

in accommodation to the growth of the past years. With the weight of 63 percent of the voters, it was decided to put the bond into effect.

As Gretna has become larger throughout the years, more students have enrolled in the local public school district. With around 190 new students each year, the schools are running out of room fast.

“Most of our growth right now is younger families with younger children,” GHS principal Roger Miller said.

As one may know,

photo by Ashley Zajac

sooner or later there’s going to be too many students for each school and something will have to be done.

So as a result, the school board has devised a plan to stop this from happening. Members of the school board have decided to add an expansion to the high school, expand the bus barn, and also build an additional elementary school to accommodate for all the younger students currently being enrolled.

“We have to have classroom space, otherwise we’d have to increase the size of our classes,”

GHS superintendent Dr. Kevin Riley said. “Also, you’d get so big that the kids only have 15-20 minutes in a class instead of the normal 3540 minutes. We’d also need to have lunch start by 9:15 to feed everyone.”

According to a bond referendum video posted on the Gretna dragons’ homepage, Gretna’s enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year is a total of 3038 students.

Half-day pre-school students are included into this total as well.

Continued on Page 2

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news november 2010

Population Spike Calls for Expansion Continued from cover This has been an increase of 185 students from the 2009-2010 school year. The graduating class for this year only holds 189 students.

“The kids have come,” said Riley. “The kindergarten class will double by the time they graduate.”

The 2010 referendum plan for Gretna will add new classrooms to the high school allowing the overall capacity to increase from 800-1250 students. A future bond issue will add another wing to increase the student number to 1600.

At the moment, the high school holds a total of 760 students and it has been predicted that in the 2012-2013 school year, the total student population will be around 841 students. Right now, Gretna holds a 95% capacity for all the schools combined.

“If nothing is done in 20122013, the total capacity percentage will be about 116%,” Riley said. “We’d have to find room for almost 500 students.”

The addition to the high school will be two stories, connecting the English hallway to the math hallway.

Additionally, more space will be added on to the commons in order to hold all the students for lunch. More parking will also be added in front and behind the school to allow more parking spaces for big events.

Classrooms will also receive more technology such as smart boards and white boards. At some point in the future, the school board is hoping to be able to connect all of the schools together with technology so they can better communicate. More security will be included in the bond as well. Right now, new technology will be added on a need only basis, more will be added as it becomes involved with the students’ education.

Eventually a new elementry school will be built for students to come. A $10 donation per ten acres from Boyer and Young has allowed the school district to make the new school construction possible.

New teachers will also get the privilege to their own rooms with the new addition. This will allow them

A Glimpse Into the Future Gesturing to a prepared powerpoint, Superintendant Dr. Kevin Riley explains DLR Group’s blueprint. Construction is projected to begin photo by Ashley Zajac this summer and be complete in two years. to stay in one place all day rather than pushing a cart up and down the hallway each hour.

“They [new teachers] have to travel with nowhere to go,” Riley said.

“This isn’t good because students who need them don’t know where to find them. They don’t have a home so to speak.”

Usually with every new proposal in any city, there is a split between who’s for it and who’s against it. During a presentation put together

by Dr. Riley and the school board, it was stated that nothing in the presentation itself would make the audience think a certain way or vote a certain way.

Before the bond issue was completely developed, the school board called for a citizens’ committee of people for and against the bond to help make a final decision.

“It works better to bring the community in because they can see a bigger picture than we do,” Riley said.

The main reason one would be upset about the referendum is the tax raise it will eventually cause. As people continue to move here, taxes rise to help pay for expansion.

“Anytime you try to pass

a bond issue, you ask the community to help pay for it by essentially raising taxes,” Miller said.

Some may object because they don’t have all of the information about the issue. Since the beginning, the school board has only received one complaint about the bond issue.

“The bond issue has been very well received by the community,” Riley said.

As expansion begins, more complications are possibly going to arise.

If Gretna continues to add elementary schools, sooner or later another middle school is going to be needed.

“The middle school was built so we wouldn’t have to spend money to expand it due to growth,” Riley said. “Growth in the middle school will increase significantly in the next three years.”

Throughout the schools, rumors and conversations have already begun over the new bond issue. Questions of when it will be finished and whether or not current students are going to be around when it is done and over with have also come about.

“It should be finished about three years from now. It’s expected to be ready by the fall of the 2013-2014 school year,” Miller said.

As it has been noticed, Gretna has expanded well beyond what has been expected. Now that it has become large enough for three elementary schools, action is being taken to extend the students’ education by adding to their public school district.

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news november 2010

Student Pastime Becomes Illegal Deputy Talk

New Game “Fugitive” Deemed Unacceptable Ethan Dawes Staff Writer

Sweat rolled off the brow of Meeko Spainhower, his arms pumping wildly as his legs began to ache from his pace. A pair of headlights appeared and beamed at his backside as they came around the block. Suddenly, another student rushes out from the car and tries to tag him but he narrowly escapes to live another day as the “Fugitive”.

Many students can relate to the feeling of being chased down and hunted by a car in pursuit. The rush and the excitement give thrills to many of its players and is addicting as rewarding.

Fugitive, is a game similar to Cops ‘n’ Robbers but with the addition of cars.

“I remember the time where we had started our second run and the cops showed up,” said Meeko Spainhower ’12.

“He j u m p e d out and screamed at

me.”

The game Fugitive is played by designating two or more “Cops” who drive around with “taggers” who get out of the car and chase the fugitive on a foot race and to capture them. The “Fugitives” are people who run and hide from the “Cops” and try to get to a certain predetermined destination without getting caught. For Gretna, “Fugitive” started about early September and has already made lasting memories among the students.

“We were playing and we lost two people and had no idea where they were,” said Hannah Applegate ’12.

“They were still running around playing the game and nobody was looking for them.”

Students even dress up for the occasion from the all-black look to superheroes and face paint.

“Meeko, Drake and I bought superhero underwear and wore them for one of our games,” said Brendan Barton ’12. “It was probably the best day of my life.”

Some students quit out on the game because of the distance and go home on their own.

“I barely made one, I felt like

CampusLife Submitted Story “And I got my hands up, they’re playin’ my song and I know I’m gonna be ok! Yeah, It’s a party in the USA.” Music blasting, dodge balls flying and kids everywhere. This crazy room is a typical Friday morning hang out for many of the Gretna middle school students. But what could possess these young teens to wake up at the crack of dawn to be at school by 7 a.m.?

Rachael Purintun ‘15 loves being at CampusLife because there are always donuts for breakfast, her friends come and she can play games.

Shayna Hansen ‘15 said “It’s one of the places where my mind is fully focused on God.” CampusLife is a place for any student to come and have fun but most importantly feel a sense of

Gretna High School

“If we catch you, we’ll call all of your parents.”

Plum Creek

I was going to pass out.” said Jordan Dostal ’14.

Recently, games have been interrupted by the police and have been told to go home or quit playing.

“It’s an obstruction of justice,” Sarpy County Deputy Lance Shickert said. “You can also get mischief or trespassing for being on other people’s property.”

Unfortunately, students have been accused of property damage and theft during Fugitive games. Today, students are dealt with more harshly and can be arrested for it as well.

“I think people should be able to play without doing that, it’s their fault

“I hate it. It’s not a smart thing to do. Because when you’re doing it, you’re reckless driving, disturbing the peace, it’s an obstruction of justice and trespassing. The game is not illegal, but the stuff you’re doing when you’re playing is. So don’t play it.”

“If you run from the cops it’s a misdemeanor and you can serve up to 3 months in jail or a receive $500 fine.”

-Deputy Lance Shickert

we can’t play the game and have to be dumb like that.” Heidi Wesley ’13 said.

As the Winter season rolls around the corner, Fugitive has decreased in popularity amongst the students but the memories will never be forgotten.

“Yeah, my favorite memory for Fugitive is that I always win, no big deal,” Spencer Lachnit ’10 said.

New nondenominational youth group

belonging. Amidst all the fun and crazy games, like the leg swat or wheel of misfortune, approximately 95 middle school students learn about topics that matter to their everyday life. The most important lesson concerns relationships. During weekly talks, the kids learn about different issues relating to three central relationships: family, friends and God. “Relationships are huge, and having adult leaders caring for kids and cheering them on in life and just being there in the good and bad times is really crucial,” Jason Curie, Gretna Middle School CampusLife head said.

CampusLife is Christ based, so the leaders tell kids that there is a God who designed, created and loves them. There are about 15

churches recognized at CampusLife, from every domination, but not every student has to go to a church.

There are three high school students who also wake up early Friday morning to mentor to the middle school students: Jentry Merriman, Ian Grigsby and Olivia Gahan.

Jentry Merriman ’10, thinks CampusLife is awesome because “it gives students a chance to hear the word of

God in a safe, fun place... and gives them a chance to start their own relationship with Christ.”

Olivia Gahan ’11 wanted to be a leader due to a powerful impact a person made on her while she was in middle school.

“I had someone invest into me at that age, so I wanted to give back and be a person young girls could look up too and just live life with them,” Gahan said.

Ian Grigsby ’11 is a leader so he can “make a Godly impact on people’s lives.”

“I just love serving any way I can,” Grigsby said.

In the next few years, it is planned that GHS will have its own “crazy-filled, fun-tastic, frenzied CampusLife” as Gahan calls it.

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news november 2010

Rumor Patrol

Mid-Term Graduation Still an Option Anna Elbracht Guest Writer

Contrary to popular belief, this is not the last year for graduating halfway through the school year at GHS. The English requirements have been changed from three years to four, but that does not mean that students cannot receive their high school diploma in three and a half years.

“This is not the last year; however, it has become more difficult,” said counselor Carole Carraher.

In order to graduate, students must now take an extra semester of English.

To graduate midterm, that extra semester must be taken in students’ free time.

“This just puts a damper on things,” said Brendan Barton, ‘12. “I feel very bummed out.”

The extra semester added on has changed the minds of some juniors.

They are starting to look less and less at midterm graduation as being an option.

“I am not excited about this change because I don’t want to have to double up with two English classes in one semester,” said Courtney Ballard, ‘12.

This year’s senior class is the last class able to graduate without the extra English credit addition.

Planning Ahead Hannah Bockman ‘11 asks counselor Carole Carraher about the possibility of graduating at semester. The mid-term graduation sign up deadline was in September.

“I love it!” said Samantha Walters, ‘11. “I get to graduate so I really don’t care.” Typically around 30 students graduate at semester. That number could possibly go down in the years to come. The number of midterm graduates decreasing

is viewed as a positive to Carraher.

“From a counselor’s point of view, we would like them [students] to stay in school,” said Carraher.

Some students disagree with how the counselors see it.

is,” said Bulgrin, “I don’t know if they don’t understand the importance of the money.”

Blugrin, GHS librarian, is in charge of the junior magazine sale each year.

The money raised by the junior class goes toward their senior prom. The magazine sales have been going on since before Bulgrin began working at Gretna three years ago and they’ve never had a problem like this before.

“It’s pretty sad because it’s not that hard to sell magazines.” said Lauren Faris ‘11.

Faris was one of last year’s top sellers. She sold about 20 magazines by just talking to family, friends and coworkers. This year’s top seller is Jessica Tejral ‘12. Tejral sold 20 magazines.

Tom Shotkoske ‘12 sold about 14 mostly through the Internet. He found this option easiest because family and friends could freely pick what they wanted to order with no fuss.

Last year, Bulgrin was receiving checks in the mail from the online magazine sales until April. She had hoped it would be the same this year.

“I love to read magazines because it’s a 20 minute read,” said Bulgrin, “Whereas a book your dedicated to and magazines your in and out.”

Bulgrin thinks the low sales might be due to the economy and busy schedules, but she still thinks that at least $5,000 will be needed to have a decent prom. This year 424 magazines have been sold totaling about $3200.

“I didn’t have time,” said

“A lot of people want to stay in school and finish out the year, but I don’t!” Walters said. “If I weren’t able to graduate midterm, I would stay in school and be mad.”

Barton sees both the advantages of graduating midterm and graduating at the end of the year.

“The only advantage of graduating midterm is not going to school and sleeping in,“ said Barton. “You miss out on seeing everyone though.”

At GHS, there are many reasons for students to graduate at semester.

Some start college early, work full time, or join the military, while others are just ready to be finished with high school.

With the majority of students finishing out their senior year in May, there seems to be more cons than pros to graduating halfway through the year.

“I am probably not going to graduate at semester because I won’t be able to take all the classes I want, and it will probably benefit me more to graduate at the end of the year instead,” Ballard said.

No matter which path students choose to take, their English credits will be looked upon greatly. The minimum of most major colleges is four years of English.

Junior Magazine Sales Down

Nicole Swanson Guest Writer At GHS, the junior class brought in low magazine sales which provides the funding for next year’s junior-senior prom.

The juniors sold magazines just like every other year. This year the money they brought in was substantially less than previous years. Last year, the junior class brought in over $7,000 in magazine sales after the 60% was sent to the magazine company. But this year before 60% was sent to the company the juniors brought in $2,300. Kari Bulgrin decided to add three days to help the sales.

“I don’t know what the difference

Morgan Kraynik ‘12, “ between school, home work, and my job that takes up most of my time. That’s why I didn’t get to sell any.”

In order to make up for the low magazines sales they will have to cut back on next year’s prom. They might have to use old decorations. Some things are a necessity like the hall, which will cost around $500 to $1000, the D.J approx. $600 to $1500 and the meal, approx. $1000, but it will all be very scaled back. And what they can’t cut back on will only make the ticket prices increase substantially.

Next year, they talked about switching fundraisers to Scrips, where juniors will sell gift cards from popular stores like Wal-Mart to their family and friends.

Opinion and Editorial november 2010

Filters Keep Learning Out The Staff’s Opinion Any student at GHS could say that when the “Deep Nines” alert comes up on the computer screen, it is frustrating. The internet filters used by the Gretna Public School District truly are everyone’s friend when they keep viruses out.

When sites are blocked because they have been deemed a hindrance to education or breach in student privacy, that’s when the line becomes hazy.

Students can access Craig’s List and EBay, which allow interaction online and the entrances of important information like credit card numbers.

Checking on a bid for a new car or shopping for a prom dress at school certainly doesn’t seem educational.

The big one, Facebook, is blocked. This, however, has a positive and a negative side. Could it help students cheat on tests? Absolutely. It also serves a distraction from school work and as a gateway to interaction with strangers.

It is important to see that

Facebook can also be a contributor to learning. This is why teachers need to be able to override the filters.

Social networking is a major part of journalism, but it can’t be taught properly without access to any social networking sites.

YouTube also has a tremendous capacity for learning. There are literally millions of videos to use in a classroom from School House Rock in English classes or Government classes to videos of experiments for science classes to current news for Modern Problems. Yet no teachers can use this tool.

Providing unrestricted access to the web would be a perfect opportunitiy for teaching students about the responsibility that comes with added freedom- something that needs to be learned before students are released into the adult world.

According to Tech Coordinator Jerome Skrdla, a new filter system could cost the school thousands of dollars. The real cost is in missed learning opportunities.

The Voice Editor-in-Chief: Lauren Sawyer Photo Editor and Sports Editor: Lexi Busch Features and In Depth Editor: Kennedy Healy Arts and Entertainment Editor: Ashley Zajac News Editor: Kelsey Charrlin

Staff Writers: Ethan Dawes Paige Duin Ashley Josoff Gabriella Montemarano Courtney Murcek Chelsea Pote Trey Russell Mary Yager

Advisor: Grtchen Baijnauth

Theft Reaches a New Low Point

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Ashley Zajac Arts and Entertainment Editor

Throughout the years theft has become an issue in all levels of society, whether it be a women’s purse or a little kid’s iPod. Recently, students throughout the nation have been troubled with a new problem: backpack theft.

Students have recalled leaving their bags in the car while at a friend’s house and returning to have it missing. Students in Gretna have also been victim to the crime. A while ago, even our superintendent’s son had his backpack taken.

What’s the reason behind stealing a backpack? There could be endless reasons to answer this question. In the past, stealing was just a preoccupation for the lower class in order to support a family. In this century, there is a bigger profit to make from theft and robbery. With objects such as laptops, textbooks and billfolds, the theft of a backpack could easily add up.

In a recent article by the LA Times, a UConn student, who was also a defensive football player, was picked up by police for stealing a backpack. The bag contained items including a laptop computer that valued around 876 dollars. The student was charged with 5th degree larceny

and was also suspended from his team.

As a result of theft, new inventions have become a small relief for students. Backpacks such as the new PacSafe DailySafe B200 Antitheft backpack, you can keep items in your bag secure. The bag features a flap that hooks in the back to prevent tampering, theft and the slashing of your valuables. Padlocks are also another way to prevent the theft of personal items.

There have always been ways to prevent theft. For instance, if you don’t need something during the day, leave it at home and also carry only the amount of money you need in your wallet. It’s also important that one doesn’t bring attention to valuable items, it could bring unwanted attention to someone you may not know. It’s easier to keep it tucked away. Lockers should always stay locked, mostly because a locker is easy to break into. Another way to prevent theft from a locker is to keep the combination private.

With tips like these, students can possibly help lessen the amount of theft. By taking simple steps, it will allow people to go about without the worry. Stealing will never go away but there are always ways to prevent it.

The Voice is a monthly publication sponsored by Gretna High School.

The office of The Voice is located in sponsor Gretchen Baijnauth’s, room 400.

Reader response is welcome. Any student, faculty or staff member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit a letter to the editor within deadline restrictions; however, final publication is at the discretion of the staff. Letters should not exceed 400

words.

Editorials are solely the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Voice staff or Gretna High School.

Advertising will not be accepted for all products or services that are illegal for minors to possess or utilize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space may call 332-3936 or email gbaijnauth@gretnadragons.org

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features november 2010

Military and Moving

enjoyable. Derek Jacoby ‘12 said he “pretty much enjoyed every place” out of eight moves with sister Nicole Jacoby ‘14 and

Small talk hung family. After about three and a awkwardly in the air as each half months in Hawaii, Jacoby minute brought the Remaly had already learned to surf and family minivan closer to Eppely enjoyed this new experience Airport. Jessica Remaly ‘11 sat in internal meditation with living in O‘ahu provided. her father’s

“Once you get used deployment to surfing, it’s a lot easier, in mind. “ Jacoby said. “Just like “I moving does, it gets easier.” was thinking

Making a goal in about how sand soccer at Virginia Beach, my time being Amanda Everhart ’14 found a child living herself enjoying a unique in my father’s sport, like Jacoby. After the house was long game, she hopped off over,” Remaly with feet stinging from the hot said. sand. Virginia Beach was the Soon best, and longest home (5 years) Remaly’s for the Everhart family, who The First Goodbye On January 26, 1996, Jes- have moved seven times total. father, Craig, sica Remaly ‘11 took a photo with her father Leaving a home she just would board before he deployed for a cruise. She loves settled into and all her friends is a plane to the stories and artifacts he brings back. tough, Amanda’s sister Courtney Submitted Photo fulfill his Everhart ‘13 said, adding that duty as Military Advisor to “It really stinks because you making name for herself again is the United Nations Liaison actually get friends, then you’re “not as easy as one would think.”

Between United Nations, State gone,” Ethan Darby ’13 said.

“ A m a n d a Department and Department After moving 13 times, has definitely helped me get of Defense, and Operations/ Darby envies students who have through the moves.” C. Everhart Missions planner. This is a long lived in Gretna since preschool, said. “To just have someone title, accompanied by a long or any student who has grown there to support you all the time deployment to Basra, Iraq. up in one home. Arriving at a that understands your situation

From youngest to oldest, windowless bunker with a moldy makes life so much easier. everyone gave a hug while basement in Connecticut, Darby And even besides moving, holding back tears. Finally, resented the lifestyle. When the my sister is like my other half, putting on a brave face, her next assignment for his father, we are able to share things mother gave a parting kiss. Just who inspects nuclear warfare and cover each other’s backs managing to hold back her own of foreign countries, came three during the really rough times.” tears, Remaly made it around months later, moving was met Staying connected to the terminal’s corner before with excitement for the first time. family is a universal way for releasing her emotions. Pausing Sometimes moving to students with a parent or parents from eating a donut, a stranger a new state is actually in the military get through asked if the family was all stressful Mackenzie Oliver ‘14 has right. Glancing over at him, t i m e s . she wiped a tear away, then Retreating never had to move due to headed toward the parking lot. to their her father Jim’s position in

“Technically when he “adopted the National Guard. Regets back I won’t be a minor. I’ll home” the garding his deployment five be ready to move out,” Remaly Remalys years ago, she said, “I look said. “The worst part of being enjoy family at soldiers on TV & know a military kid, period, is that vacations to what their families are going my dad missed a significant Walt Disney through.” part of my life, including W o r l d

Lauren Sawyer Editor-in-Chief

my entire senior year.”

Life in a family with a parent or parents on active duty in the military is a cycle of goodbyes, new beginnings and readjusting. Everyday a nagging thought of having to start over again sits in the back of students’ minds.

How many times have students moved?

2. Ethan Darby ‘13

1. Jessica Remaly ‘11

3. Derek Jacoby ‘12

4. Courtney Everhart ‘13 & Amanda Everhart ‘14

A. 11

B. 8

C. 7

D. 13

Use an answer twice. The key is in bottom, right corner. in Orlando, Florida.

“Between my dad being gone and the new places to live. Disney is our constant. It’s like a family reunion,” Remaly said.

Occasionally, Remaly and her siblings are still able to talk with their dad via Skype. On a recent chat, everything was going well until sirens began to blare in the background. After a quick “I’ve got to go,” the screen went black.

Shocked, everyone stared at the screen for a minute before worry set in again.

It’s moments like these that explain why students with parents in the military count each moment together as a blessing. But at the end of the day, none of them are resentful for this life and are proud of everyone who serves.

1. C ; 2. D ; 3. B ; 4. C

Students cope with change

features november 2010

Students on a Mission Volunteering Across the World

Ashley Josoff Staff Writer

Whether it’s pledging money, helping out the community or donating clothing, all churches make an effort to give back. Some may even travel halfway across the world, with his/ her church, to help students and less fortunate families during mission trips.

“I went to Hong Kong with the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church group,” Ian Grigsby ’11 said. “We helped lead vacation bible school and went to different schools and just straight up talked about God.” Grigsby made memories that will last a lifetime when he taught Chinese students about God and

they taught him a little Mandarin.

“I remember at the end instead of a ‘closing’ ceremony at school, we held a ‘sending’ ceremony,” Grigsby said. “Even though we did work there, they were sending us back to Omaha to do even more.”

This is the first time Grigsby’s church has done this particular mission trip. Students go on these sorts of mission trips to help out others, but they can’t help notice the feeling it gives them to make a difference in people’s lives.

“Words can’t describe the feeling you get,” Grigsby said. “When I was talking to students, you could just feel the deep connection that was there.”

They all helped in a unique

way, but students still felt the same about volunteering: it’s “amazing.”

The students that have gone on these trips have really enjoyed them and plan on going on more after graduation, Grigsby will be returning to China.

Grigsby has known he wanted to be a GEO missionary ever since he saw the under-privileged children and poor families in Hong Kong.

After college, he plans to become more involved with GEO and be globally engaged in outreach for two years in the Hong Kong area being a Missionary.

You can’t put a meaning on those kind of things,” Grigsby said. “It’s cheesy to say it’s priceless, but it really is. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

7

“When I was talking to students, you could just feel the deep connection that was there.”

-Ian Grigsby ‘11 What are you thankful for?

“Friends, family and sports.”

-Mason Cartright ‘14

“My Keds.”

-Sam Soupier ‘11

Throwing up some peace signs students take a break from their studies to pose for a quick photo.

They enjoyed taking pictures with Ian Grigsby.

Smiling for the camera Ian Grigsby and his new friends huddle together at school. Grigsby made many life-long pals while he was on his mission trip.

Gretna Fortunate in Tough Times Mary Yager Staff Writer

“He never texted me back!”, “My hair looks horrible!” Walking down the halls of GHS, these are just a couple of things that are said regularly by students. What they may not know is that teenagers in other countries all over the world do not have the luxury of technology or hair products. Sometimes, what really goes on around the world is overlooked or simply ignored.

Emotional abuse, sexual assault, fighting, shooting, murder and rape are all examples of violence. Every minute, people around the world die because of crime and violence. Everyday, thousands of people need immediate relief.

It causes alcohol and drug abuse,

anxiety and depression. As stated on The Peace Alliance Website, in 2005 there were 191,670 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assaults in the U.S. Also, 5,686 people ages 10 to 24 were murdered in the U.S. in 2005 alone-an average of 16 each day.

“People need to stop killing each other,” Taylor Johnson ‘13 said. “Why can’t we find another way to resolve our issues? Violence is not the answer.”

Crime and violence is not the only problem with our world. War and terrorism is by far one of the most talked about topics on political shows today. Luckily, in our lifetime there has never been a war on American soil, which is something that most Americans take for granted.

“People don’t realize how good we have it here,” Austin Ehmke

‘13 said. “We take it for granted.”

In the same category, there’s also the issue of terrorism. Since Sept. 11th, nations around the world have been on high alert. Airline security and restrictions, and citizen’s fears about the safety of our nation are just a few issues brought up by the topic of terrorism.

“It’s getting tougher to fly now-a-days,” Connor Shedeed ‘14 said. “They’re really cracking down.”

Obviously, there are many more problems with the world than what is mentioned above, but these reasons are some of the biggest issues that Gretna residents overlook and don’t stop to think about. The next time you complain about being starving during third period, think about the underprivileged teens in poorer countries.

“Food.”

-Pat Carney ‘12

“I’m thankful for [my brother] Bradley. He’s the cutest kid ever.”

-Scott Hurtz ‘12

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features november 2010

“A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words”

GHS Student Gets Creative

Gabriella Montemarano Staff Writer

Looking through the lens at sophomore Anne Studnicka’s life, one will encounter a young girl with dark brown hair and a spunky personality. What one will not see with the lens is her ability to create art. One is not able to witness her creativity at its best or observe what brings her the most joy and satisfaction. To truly see all of this, one has to go beyond and look at Anne’s photos.

Studnicka starting really loving photography as her sister’s children got older. Anne wanted to document their lives and pictures were her way of doing that.

“I like taking pictures because I can capture what life looks like through my eyes and show how I view the world,” Studnicka said.

Along with going to school, doing homework and having a social life, Anne finds time to take pictures about every other day.

“I’ll get a new idea for something or get inspired, so I’ll just go shoot around the neighborhood,” Studnicka said.

To find this inspiration, Anne

often looks to some of her favorite photographers, such as Stan Jones.

“I admire that man,” Studnicka said. “He’s amazing. What he does is

incredible.”

Depending on her mood, Anne typically shoots inanimate objects such as plants, but her favorite subjects to shoot are definitely people. Because people are her preferred models, Studnicka has taken part in many photo shoots, for which she receives payment. These job opportunities consist of promotional band shots, senior pictures and a recent wedding.

“It was extremely nervewracking at first because the lighting in the church was horrible!” Studnicka said.

“I had to change all my settings every time I moved, even if I only stepped back like three feet.”

Though it was exceptionally difficult, Anne says the experience was

definitely fun and worth while. At this point, Studnicka has not decided if she would like to pursue a career in photography or just continue with it as a hobby.

“I love it. That’s why I do it; to please people and to give people things they’ll cherish forever,” Studnicka said.

“It’s not about the money at all. I would do it for free because it’s what I love to do.”

Anne says her mom has a different opinion about “doing it for free”. Studnicka joked that her mom thinks she is her manager. Anne’s mom is her biggest support: she keeps her going.

“My mom told me she would not have bought me the camera [Sony SLR] if she didn’t think I had potential and talent,” Studnicka said. “That means a lot coming from her. She appreciates my work.”

Though her work is incredibly respected, it is also extremely expensive. Studnicka’s used camera cost around $350. Photoshop, which Anne does not yet own, costs around $400. Lenses vary and can easily cost $3,000.

Today, over three years have gone by since Studnicka first started taking photos. Everyday, she is perfecting her skills, as well as her photographs. Anne has more ideas and job opportunities lined up for the future, but her reason for taking pictures is still unchanged.

“My pictures bring out emotion,” Studnicka said. “That is the most important thing to me.”

Photos by Anne Studnicka

“When people are shooting hoops and hitting home runs,

I’m shooting photography.”

features november 2010

Accepting Homosexuality

By Kennedy Healy Features/In-depth Editor

Coming Out In High School

On Oct. 20 sudents wore purple in honor of the recent suicides due to the harrasment of homosexuals. This was also Bullying Prevention day.

Next Semester Welcomes Gay Straight Alliance at Gretna HIgh School GHS has recognized the bullying and hatred of homosexuals in the national news as an issue. Next semester, Gretna will be starting a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) in our high school.

“It’s not just a group for homosexual students, it’s a group for straight students too,” Principal Roger Miller said. “It’s a group for all students to support each other. It’s mainly about support and awareness.”

A current student approached Miller with the idea. He realizes not all people will be happy with the alliance but is ready to face reality.

“There are 750 kids in this school; to say none are faced with these battles on a daily basis would be naive on my part,” Miller said.

English teacher Martha Omar helped sponsor a Gay-Straight Alliance while working at North Star High School in Lincoln. The alliance was a student run organization, but she and others helped to keep things running smoothly.

“The idea is that it empowers youth activism to stand up in your school,” M. Omar said. “It enables students in order to educate and challenge

9

homophobia and transphobia.”

The Alliance at North Star participated in the Day of Silence where supporters were silent to empower people who couldn’t speak about their sexuality. They hosted speakers who talked about their lives and the positives and negatives of being homosexual or transgender.

“The idea is to provide a safe place to socialize and advocate for equality,” M. Omar said.

A GLSEN representative backed the idea that having this club will make a safer environment for students. GLSEN is helping other schools form Gay-Straight Alliances too.

“Many students feel safer in schools which have Gay-Straight Alliances, a club, where LGBT and supportive straight students can meet to talk about current events, personal struggles, or even create programs to educate school communities on making safer environments for all students,” GLSEN Omaha Chairperson, JohnCarl Denkovich said.

National Coming Out Day is Oct. 11th. People across America were urged to speak up and inform others that they are gay or lesbian. Although there was a day dedicated to it, the experience is not that simple. For some, coming out can be a very grueling process.

Zach Omar ‘11, with the help of his friend J.J., was able to tell his friend, GHS graduate Samantha Montemarano that he was gay. His mother, Kristi Omar, is glad J.J. helped him.

“J.J. kept telling him ‘You have to come out, because after you come out the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do is behind you,’” K. Omar said.

Zach remembers the date: Oct. 7, 2009. This was the day he faced his inner self.

“I was working at Vala’s with Sam and I realized I couldn’t lie to myself anymore,” Zach said. “I just broke down and told her. Everyone knew. It was just a matter of me facing reality and coming to terms with it.”

Montemarano vividly remembers the event. She had an idea what he was going to tell her; she was ready for him to face the facts.

“I remember every second of it,” Montemarano said.

“I knew before he said anything that’s what he was going to tell me, but I

wanted him to say it. It took him over and hour to tell me and he was crying. It makes me sad to think that people have to live this way and be afraid to speak about this.”

After the fact, Montemarano could not have been more proud of her friend. She was relived that he finally told someone and glad it had been her.

“It’s not that I liked him more, I was just so happy that he finally realized because lets face it, everyone realized,” Montemarano said.

Montemarano hopes others will tell their friends. She knows people will be there for each other, just like she was there for Zach.

“If they’re your true friends they already know and they are still there for you so it doesn’t matter, they are there to help you figure out the rest,” Montemarano said.

Although he had a support system, it was still immensely difficult for Zach to tell everyone. He was very scared and it was not at all easy for him.

“When I first told people it was probably the hardest encounter of my life. I cried a lot and I was always worrying about something,” Zach said. “There were days I didn’t want to do anything; I was just too overwhelmed with the situation.”

story continued page 10

10 Coming out in high school continued

Denkovich (GLSEN chairperson) also gave some tips on how to help someone who is coming out and hopefully make the process easier. Each person may need help in different ways.

“The first thing to understand is that every one’s experience is different, and because of this, require different levels of support,” Denkovich said.

“The best way to support an individual student is for friends, family, educators, counselors, and administrators to ask that individual what level of support they would like, if any at all.”

Denkovich spoke on the safety issue students may go through after coming out. Because schools are not always safe environments, kids must rely on others to feel accepted.

“It is important to understand that students who choose to come out often do so at great personal risk,” Denkovich said. “Unfortunately, schools are often not safe environments for LGBT students, and they depend on supportive, environments, family members, friends, and school officials to feel safe and accepted.”

Shane Nevius ‘12 was younger when he started telling people. It was something he slowly started to share with others.

“In 7th or 8th grade I started to tell my friends, it was something I eased into, and after I realized people were okay with it I started telling more people,” Shane said. “Six months after I had first come out to my friends I started to tell my family about it; they kind of already knew.”

Zach told his family after his friends also. Although his family was accepting, It was still extremely hard to do.

“I told my parents probably about a month after, I told my mom first

because moms are more understanding with that stuff and it was going to be harder on her,” Zach said. “I was more scared to tell my dad. They were fine with it.”

Zach’s mother had predicted he was gay, but still loves him just the same.

“Zach was a gift to me, he was the youngest born. I always know he had something special, and I knew for a long time,” K. Omar said.

Although they were never severely bullied, both encountered people who were not okay with it. For some, the idea did not sit well.

“Some people were confused or some people just didn’t understand,” Shane said.

Zach had a few people who wouldn’t talk to him. He learned to be okay with the fact that not everyone would accept him.

“There were people, when I first told, that they didn’t talk to me for a while, they didn’t know how to react,” Zach said. “In general, it was mainly guys who felt awkward. As hard as it is to get past those people, you get past them and you get stronger.”

K. Omar described a quote that helped both her and Zach.

“For the longest time he had a quote on the white board in his bedroom, something about the only opinion that matters is your own,” K. Omar said.

Shane has also experienced people who aren’t okay with his sexuality; however, he doesn’t let them get him down. After getting past the initial problems, both said they were much happier. In the end, the good outweighed the bad.

“I’ve had a lot of negative energy thrown at me, but it has never really bothered me that much,” Shane

Tips from GLSEN on how to support some who is coming out.

1. Offer support but don’t assume a student needs any help.

2. Role model acceptance.

3. Assure and maintain respect and confidentiality.

4. Remember that this person has not changed.

More information can be found at www.glsen.org.

features november 2010

submitted photo

Zach Omar and his mother Kristi.

“I only have one real worry. He’s a big kid and he can take care of himself, but I worry night and day that someones going to do something to him.”

- Kristi Omar said. “Taking that first step is really, really, really, scary and really hard, but after you do it, it just becomes so much easier, and becomes so much less scary and you’re just so much happier.”

Zach experienced the same feeling of relief after opening up. He now realizes it is okay to be who he is.

“After a few weeks I had never been happier in my life,” Zach said. “I think people are becoming more accepting of gay people.”

K. Omar agrees that he has been much happier. She is beyond proud of her son.

“Since he has come out he has been the happiest kid on the face of the earth,” K. Omar said.

Both want to live normal lives and know that their sexuality isn’t going to stop them. Zach has many hopes for the future.

“I think that people who are gay should be proud of who they are. Gay people can live their lives the way everyone else can, and I want to do that,” Zach said. “I plan to get married and adopt multiple children.”

Shane is excited about the new alliance being formed, and encourages everyone to get involved.

“I was amazed the Alliance is actually getting started,” Shane said. “I definitely encourage people [to join], we

definitely need more allies and it can never hurt to show your support.”

Shane wants people to know that “hating” won’t help anything. In fact, it makes the situation worse. He wants to be granted the same rights as everyone else.

“Everybody has the right to their own opinion, but we’re everywhere and we’re not going to change, and we should have the rights everyone else does,” Shane said. “Don’t be afraid to be who you are.”

K. Omar wants other parents to realize it is okay, and that you can’t stop loving your children.

“Every child is a gift and you have to treat them the way they want to be treated, you have to accept them for who they are because being a mom means unconditional love,” K. Omar said.

Zach also encourages others to be open and honest about their emotions and hopes they can push past people just like he did.

“It’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of and no matter what people tell you, or say about you, or what they think, you’re still just a person who is being yourself and you’re not denying yourself,” Zach said. “It’s just loving a person; it’s nothing different than a girl and a guy.”

11

arts and entertainment november 2010

Evolution Has Sung Final Note Taylor Johnson Guest Writer

Glitter, hairspray, curlers and makeup. Along with the raw talent and tiring practices - these are just some of the things needed to put on a great performance. Revolution and Evolution are the only two show choir groups at GHS. The long practices before and after school have consisted of hard work, tears and sweat. Except this year there won’t be as much sweat and tears, because now there GHS will only have one show choir team. Last year Choir Director, Pat Ribar cut the Junior Varsity team The cut was made for a couple of reasons.

“I felt an inch deep and a mile wide!” said Pat Ribar.

Many who were on Revolution made it again, but the ones who did not were upset and surprised.

“It was probably very shocking, because they thought they were part of the team,” said Camie Hemphill ‘13. “There is always next year; just keep trying.”

Hemphill was one of the many who made it on Revolution after being on Evolution for only one year. For those who didn’t make it, a frequently asked question was, “What will we do with our extra time?”

“I can have more time to focus on band and actually go to the sectionals,” said Sabrina Korth ’13. “Also with my

time I will be able to keep up with a job.”

Evolution had a great year last year and placed 2nd at Westside, their biggest rivalry. They had some rough patches but still ended with a good season.

“I just couldn’t keep up with both Revolution and Evolution,” said Ribar.

The cut of the Evolution team could possibly hurt Revolution because of inexperience.

“It might. I don’t think it will hurt them as much,” said Alissa Martindale ‘13 “This way Mr. Ribar can spend more time on Revolution.” “I do think it will hurt them at some point because there will be inexperienced kids trying out.”

For some students this cut has made them give up, some even traded choir in

for a study hall. Students that used to sing all the time in school are just singing in their cars or on their own time now.

“It’s just not fun anymore,” said Mary Yager ’13. “Honestly it wasn’t fun to begin with.”

In addition, the ones who did not make it are even thinking about not trying out next year.

“I don’t think I’ll make it,” Yager said. “I don’t want to take that risk.”

This cut of Evolution was a disappointment, but it will always be remembered. The fun times they had and the trophies they won will always make sure the last year of Evolution was triumphant. Whether this cut is good or bad, only time will tell.

“Easy A:” Shows Hollywood’s Liberties Gabriella Montemarano Staff Writer

There are always those movies sprung from books that are declared “based off of the original novel...” in the upcoming-movie previews. These movies are often much different, for better or for worse, than the literature they are inspired by.

A recent movie in theaters, Easy A, was described as a contemporary re-imagination of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ”The Scarlet Letter”. Many who saw the movie did not agree with the comparison.

Reading Day Martha Omar, English

teaher, reads through The Scarlet Letter. In class, Omar shares lots of insight about the book with her students.

“I went into it knowing it was going to be a spoof of “The Scarlet Letter”,” Martha Omar English teacher said.

The movie mocked on the fact that the girl is being seen as the school harlot. Though it did not follow exact guidelines of the original novel or exemplify in-depth detail as illustrated in the book, Easy A did accurately portray a few exceptionally significant points from the story.

“She [Olive, from Easy A] definitely felt like Hester Prynne [from “The Scarlet Letter”],” Omar said. “She could relate to her.”

Theresa Huttmann English teacher explained that the only real similarities between the book and the movie are that the girl is ostracized, or excluded from society, and she wears an “A”, symbolizing “adulteress”.

Several who went to see Easy A, expecting much of the symbolism and imagery “The Scarlet Letter” contains, may have been sorely disappointed by the lack of these literary treasures. Despite

an absence of details from the original work of fiction, many viewers still thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

“It was c u t e , ” Omar said.

“It was clever and it made “The Scarlet Letter” relevant again.

Well done.”

There are many other cases similar to “The Scarlet Letter” and Easy A conflict. Claire Fogle ’13 read and saw the movie, The Last Song.

With reading the book first andFogle read the book first and was not expecting the movie to be as good or as accurately on point in detail.

“In books you can read what the characters are thinking and feeling,” Fogle said. “In movies, the characters express their feelings and if it’s bad acting then the emotion doesn’t come across as well.”

Fogle said the ending of the movie was not nearly as strong as that of the conclusion in the novel.

“The scene where the dad died

was attempting to be dramatic, but it was bad,” Fogle said.

This problem of novels and movies, supposedly alike, ending up being quite different is not a recent revelation. Emily Roll ’13 read The Series of Unfortunate Events, which is quite a dated story, prior to seeing the movie, which was a conglomeration of three books into one movie.

“I liked the books way better than the movie because the books were more descriptive,” Roll said. “The movie didn’t really make sense.”

Roll said the two did have some similarities, but they were not the same.

She said the movie did not seem to “flow” because it jumped around from one book to the next.

The art of literature is a beautiful gift, as is the art of film making. So whether movies are “based off of the original novel…” or not, one can appreciate them all just the same.

12

arts and entertainment november 2010 Gueststars Steal the Spotlight on Glee Lexi Busch Photographer and Sports Editor

Tuesday nights in front of their TVs at eight p.m. is where % of GHS students will be. They wait with anticipation for a brand new episode of Glee to begin. Glee has become a very popular T.V. show as it rolls into its second season. Glee has become so popular that it has been getting more and more famous guest stars.

“My favorite guest star was John Stamos because he’s really hot and funny,” Angela Waddell ‘14 said. “[He] did a great job acting.”

John Stamos played a dentist on Glee and made all the character’s have visions of them performing Britney Spears songs. On the very same episode, the famous pop star Spears also made an appearance while the Glee cast remade some of her most popular songs.

“Britney Spears [was my favorite guest star] because she’s so amazing and they did all her best songs,” said Ashley Christensen ‘14.

Spears was one of the most popular guest stars to ever be on the show. She pulled in 13.3 million viewers as the show started, which is a recording setting review for the show. Spears was so impressed and amazed by the show she tweeted, “I loved it!” “Thank you guys SO much for making this happen.”

Even though some talented guest stars have appeared on Glee, there are still many celebrities that people are dying to see. Sarah Warren ‘11 has a specific list of who she would like to see on the show.

“I would want to see Chris Brown or Nicki Minaj,” Warren said. “I love Chris Brown but it would just be hilarious to see Nicki Minaj or Justin Bieber on the show.”

Lady Gaga is another Star that is in high demand to be on Glee. An episode has already been contributed to her, but fans would like to see her in person.

“I want to see Lady Gaga on it because she dresses sweet and has cool dances,” Megan Kruse ‘13 said. “I would want them to sing Bad Romance and Just Dance.”

On average 8,000,000 people in American tune in to watch Glee each week. The drama, music and dancing keep people coming back every Tuesday night to see what will happen next and especially what guest star will grace the stage.

Art by Ethan Dawes

13

sports november 2010

Fall Sports are State Bound

The dream of state for GHS fall sports teams have became a reality for all

By Paige Duin Staff Writer

Cross Country

Even though many runners use this sport to keep in shape for their preferred winter sports, cross country. That doesn’t change the memories these runners have had through the pain, soreness, hard work and sweat.

“At the first meet, Plattsmouth, there were toads everywhere,” Madison Paskevic ‘13 said. “A couple of the boys put some toads in Elkhorn South’s bus right before we left.”

Emily Roll ’13 placed second in

state and has placed in every meet. “I run to stay in shape for my soccer team. I also run because a ton of my friends run,” Roll says. “It makes running more enjoyable if you have a couple funny kids to keep you laughing.”

Football

Going into playoffs, the team lost the first game against Pius, 14-13.

They went there season with a record of 6-3.

“My favorite thing about football is Friday night games,” Zach Stover ‘13 said. “Kickoff is probably the best thing in the world.”

The team bonded throughout the season with their team dinners at Valentino’s and El’ bees. The boys messed around with each other by

putting things in others food and drinks. Despite their joking around, the team is very dedicated to the game and doing their best.

“The hardest thing would be going all for quarters,” Stover said.

“But we keep going to show everyone that we’re better than the score.”

Volleyball

The volleyball girls made it to state last year, however this year, the team is entering with high expectations and no mercy. They went their season with a

record of 27-4.

Many of the girls have known each other since elementary school and their chemistry has made the team survive.

“I have a lot of favorite memories from this year,” Mickelson said. “One is when we had a team dinner at Halley’s house and decided to TP Mr. Brandon’s house. We dominated, but he made us condition for it at practice the next day. It was so worth it.”

Along with all these great memories, the dragons made it to state but sadly lost there first game.

‘14 said.

The girls all said that their relationships definitely helped them play better. One memory from the season was listening to music in the vans. The team got pumped to 2012 by Jay Sean and Life’s What You Make It by Han The girl’s drive this year nah Montana.

“The fact that you get out was inspiring. of golf what you put into it,” All “I play golf because I love the sport and that I get to play it good said. “It’s really hard to sucthroughout my life,” Jacy Hawk ceed if you don’t put forth a lot of effort.”

Girls Golf

Softball

The girls had not made it to state since 2007 so this year, the girls were proud to say they had made it. Throughout their season, their were many laughs and memories the girls share.

“When we were on the bus at Waverly, Meghan [Dennis] and Madison [Unzicker] got on the top rail things and they were trying to get down,” Brittany McNeese ‘13 said. “Meg just made all these noises and just made it hilarious.

You just had to be there.”

Many of the girls have been playing their entire lives and it helps them make friends. “I love the sport, and I get to be with all my friends, and I also made good relationships with new freshman that come in,” McNeese said.

The girls had a record of 15-4 this season. “The best memory was winning districts and figuring out we had made it to state,” Nicole Andrews ‘11 said. “My favorite thing about softball is playing the games.”

Going into playoffs, the team lost the first game against Pius, 14-13. They went there season with a record of 6-3.

Photos by Chelsea Pote

14

sports november 2010

Creatine is the Next Big Thing

By Trey Russell Staff Writer

As sports are becoming increasingly competitive at all levels it is becoming increasingly hard to get an edge over the competition. Athletes are supposed to be keep their bodies free of HGH and other performanceenhancing supplements.

However, ­pressure from coaches and parents alike can force them to resort to these means. In professional sports, athletes are constantly being tested and hardly any substances are allowed. Usually, getting caught could mean losing money and also suspension from multiple games, if not the entire season. College athletic programs are starting to follow their example by randomly drug testing players for banned substances.

However, in high school, there is no substance ban, no drug testing for performance enhancing drugs or anything close. Anything could be considered performance enhancing from protein drinks to injections. And all these supplement aren’t exactly hard for high school students to get their hands on.

“I just get all my stuff from GNC,” said one Gretna athlete who wishes to remain unnamed ’13 said, “ It’s expensive but in the end it’s worth it.”

Out of all the substances that are currently available Creatine by far

“I think if there’s studies that prove it works.

Then it’s fine.”

- Jenifer Flynn, PE Teacher “It’s good because it helps make you a better athlete and stronger, so why not take it?”

-Christen Kennedy ‘13

seems to be the favorite for high school students. It’s a naturally occurring amino acids you get from eating foods, such as red meats and fish. Creatine is made by organs such as the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. All that the substance does is put more of it into your system which allows you to work out longer and harder.

“I mostly just use Creatine because its benefits outweigh its bad side,” Chandler Gunhus ’13 said, “ I don’t get why everyone doesn’t use it.”

Creatine is a fairly new substance which means that there are no long-term studies done so far and according to a study at the University of Maryland Medical Center there is no real cons other than the fact that you are more likely to cramp and pull your muscles if you don’t properly hydrate.

“I don’t think Creatine really helps me as much as the other stuff I take,” one student said, “It’s more of just an extreme energy boost.”

Not only can athletes take creatine, the average person can take it as it is proven to give you more energy.

It can also be used to help recover from breaking bones when muscles are not being used. The supplement has not found to be dangerous at all yet but its not yet to be seen whether it has any long term affects.

“It doesn’t really cause damage, I’d probably take it just because it makes you stronger” -Andy Janovich ‘12 “I don’t think it should be used. It’s not FDA approved, so they don’t know the long-term effects of creatine and the harm it has on your body. “ -Jeff Haun, Basketball Coach

15

sports november 2010

Freshman Season Perfect Jeff Glassburner Guest Writer

For the first time since freshman played an eight game schedule, the Gretna freshman football team made history by going 8-0. The last team to come close to an undefeated season were the juniors, and the went 7-0 and then lost their last game.

“It’s amazing,” tight end Mick Stoltenberg said 14’. “ It’s really cool to make history because that’s something no one can take away from you.”

The coaches also had to make sure that they were ready for the next opponent.

“Great,” Coach David Stastny said, “ We made sure the kids were in the best position to win each week. But in the end, it comes upon the kids to perform.”

The freshman played a conference

only schedule this year. Because of this, it has brought into question the strength of schedule that they played.

“Now were just playing conference, so were missing Skutt and Gross which hurts our strength,” Stastny said. “ Norris and Boys Town are usually on the same level of the teams we play, so we don’t miss out there.”

This problem even had to be answered by some of the players.

“I think we played the best in our conference,” lineman Quinten Dawes said.

The freshman averaged 32 points a game and only averaging giving up seven points. In two games this year they shutout the opposing team. This season, these freshman dominated their conference by becoming conference champions.

“It’s really cool,” wide receiver said Jacob Blank 14’.

This year the freshman were led by four coaches that helped this team prepare for each opponent. Jim Oliver, the Head Coach, who is a teacher of American History at the middle school.

Stastny, the lineman coach, who teaches American Government, American History, and Broadcast classes at the high school. Mr. Warren Smith, who is a P.E. teacher at Gretna Elementary and coaches the receivers. Mr. Mark Smith, who is a student teacher.

During the season, Coach Oliver earned his 70th win as the head freshman football coach here at Gretna.

“Watching the players develop is the best thing,” said Stastny, “ Especially this year, in a year they wanted to get better.”

In a year the freshman dominated the year can be summed up by Connor Shedeed in six words, “It’s pretty cool to be 8-0.”

Kicking the football, freshman Jay Gilman kicks field goal for an extra point.

Gilman started playing football for the first time this year.

The T-off Looks Good Girls Golf Takes a Big Swing Toward State Rachel Smith Guest Writer

Gertting ready to swing, senior

Abby Allgood gets ready to hit the golf ball in practice.

Placing ninth in the class B state tournament was a good end to a great 2010 season for the Gretna girls’ golf team. With an undefeated record in duels and triangulars and multiple top three place finishes in their meets, it can be truthfully said that it was a very good season for Gretna.

“Our season was really successful even though State didn’t showcase that,” said team captain Abby Allgood ‘11. “I’m really proud of our team’s work ethic. I love golf team and I’m gonna miss it like crazy next year!”

Even though they are happy with the season, the girls still wish that they could have done better at State.

“We really had potential to do well, and we didn’t exactly reach that,” said Allgood. ”But we didn’t do too bad.”

German exchange student Myriam öllner ‘11 also reflected on the

team’s performance.

“Our team did well at State,” said Zöllner. “ But there were some other really good teams.”

Zöllner commented on how golfing is different in the US than it is in her home country.

“In Germany we do not have school teams,” said Zöllner. “I play in a club. I started playing with the team as soon as I arrived in the US and it helped me to make friends right away.”

Even though there was tough competition, the golf team still made many friends through their numerous duels and meets.

“I met a ton of new people throughout the season, including teammates and girls from other schools that we frequently golfed with,” said Allgood. “I golfed with a girl at State that is from Gering and she’d often travel three hours to get to a duel and stay in hotels all the time for the team. It was a whole different lifestyle.”

The golf team is indeed a

team. The girls are very close and the seniors are sad to be leaving. There is a lot to miss.

“I’m gonna miss the girls and the coaches the most, just because over the past three years we’ve had some really fun times,” said Allgood. “Also, I’m not too excited about having to pay for my golf.”

Zöller also regrets not being able to play on the team next year.

“I’m missing going to play golf every day of the week,” said Zöllner.

Even though the team is losing four of its members, there are still twelve eager girls left to play again.

“The season was to short,” said Katie Whitted ‘12. “I enjoy golf because it’s fun and it keeps me busy. I’m going to play golf all my life.”

This seems to be a common response, as many others claim that they will continue playing after they graduate high school and move on to college.

“I love golf,” said Allgood. “It’s going to be a lifelong hobby of mine for sure.”

16

A Day In The Life...

photo story november 2010

Stepping Into The Shoes of A Band Member Kelsey Charrlin News Editor

To the right, a girl swabbed her mouthpiece. To the left a student pulled on fingerless, fleece gloves. In fact, all the student musicians were preparing for a wintry practice. With a GHS clarinet in hand, a nervous stomach, and a too-light jacket, I wondered what I had gotten myself into.

The alarm went off at 5:30. Way too early, I thought to myself, then rolled out of bed. This was not my normal routine.

By 6:45 I was walking into the room to meet the director, Alex Wimmer and the band members to experience marching.

“He’s a great person in general [Wimmer], he’s a really inspiring not just for band but for real life and he teaches us to be a better person,” Jessica Tejral 12’ said.

As the time rolled to seven, Wimmer turned on a film from a recent band competition.

Pointing to the screen, he showed how formations were well done and congratulated them on how far the team had come. Their critique helped them succeed at NSBA, Nebraska State Band Association, where they won a Superior, the highest ranking score.

“It was the best season so far since I’ve been at Gretna,” Wimmer said.

At seven-fifteen, students started layering mounds of clothing on and I started to worry. Exactly how frosty is the football field? I thought anxiously.

When we finally arrived on

Morning Rehearsals (Top Left) Flute players practice their measures early in the morning. (Top Right) Mr. Wimmer communicates with his students while standing on a building so they are able to see him. the field, they let me join the morning routine. Each member worked together to create overall excellence.

“I feel like I’m apart of something bigger than me, and it’s a great experience,” said Kendra Thornburg ‘12.

Everyone finds his/her position for the beginning of the routine. I can feel the tension in the air. I hear a command from Wimmer, “Detail horns are up.”

The girl next to me quickly whispers ‘it’s time’. I follow her lead; we move forward 5 times and continue the same marching motion to the left and to the right. During

this time there is only one thought going through my mind, ‘I’m going to ruin everything.’ In my mind, I couldn’t even imagine playing an instrument too.

“In marching band, we have to play and march and it’s easier just to stay in the band room and play,” Aaron Ashley ‘12 said. “When the band marches, it’s a lot better than when we are marching while playing.”

At first, I tripped over my own feet and bumped into other students, I could tell right away that the GHS band put in a lot of time and effort to make

(Bottom Left) Drummer, Kyle Rhodes, performs during the rehearsals. (Bottom Center) Trumpet players show some moves as they practice their morning music. (Bottom Right) Colorguard members wave thier flags in the morning light.

Kelsey Charrlin 12’ their routine absolute perfection. They kept a pace that I could not maintain.

“I think this year we really worried about what we could control and we controlled it and it led to how good we are and our success,” Wimmer said.

At a quarter to nine, I walked into the school worn out but proud of myself for what I did. These under appreciated half-time performers are truly a disciplined team, they should be proud of what they accomplish too.