F i n e A r t s
The
V a n g u a r d
Volume 3
Table of Contents 02
Vanguard
The
n. a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas
04-15 Mrs. Amy Oliver Kassidy Oliver Abigail Colgrove Ansley Connolly Alyssa Waller Bradley Sullivan
16-27
28-39
Table of Contents The Vanguard Vol. 3 2019
Mr. Michael Moore
Mrs. Alexa Rohde Katherine Vandenberg Josephine Costanzo Braden Scheiding Abby Turpen Madelyn White
Aysha Ridley Diego Hernandez-Castonguay Payton Shoup Margaret Driewer Lydia Morse
40-51 Mrs. Jennifer Long Bayleigh Koch Grace Buttgen isabel Muhlecke Cade Suing Benjamin Watts
Fine Arts Issue Volume 3 Winter 2019
52-63 Mrs. Kiley Luchsinger Cailyn Sykora gabrielle Ochsner lillian Henry Brady Vetter alexis Arellano
64-75
76-85
Mr. Andrew Norris
Mr. Patrick Ribar Mr. Brandon Shostak Elizabeth Christensen George Ames Isabella Bricker Emma Morrison Peyton Seccora
Daniel Anderson Paul Cornett Trent Fechmeister Gene Mannewitz
86-87 The Vanguard Staff
Table of Contents The Vanguard Vol. 3 2019
03
Mrs. Amy Oliver F
or 28 years, Mrs. Amy Oliver has been teaching at Gretna. When she
grown to three art teachers including her. She teaches the Drawing Fundamentals class, which teaches students basic drawing skills, including how to draw with different pencils and how to draw 3-D objects. She also teaches Painting, where students create watercolor booklets. Oliver teaches the Advanced Art class as well. This category will feature students from those dedication and worked hard at perfecting their craft.
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Oliver - Oliver page by Abby Fisher
Oliver - Oliver page by Abby Fisher
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Art will always be an important aspect of my life because of what I grew up around, IArt to me is more than just a Hobbie now.
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Oliver - Oliver page by Shaina Russell
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Kassidy Oliver
Forever A Legacy of Art
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ith a new project every week Kassidy Oliver strives to complete each assignment given in the time frame while also completing her art to her own standards. After completing assignments given they get free rain and control to do their own version of the lesson. Oliver’s favorite part about Advanced art is the friendly environment of artists trying to improve their skills and watching her personal growth of her art. Olivers love for art started in elementary school when she had to take art, she spent more and more time on her art and eventually it became more of a hobby than a side activity. With her mom, Mrs. Amy Oliver, being an art teacher at Gretna High School she spent most of her time trying to be like her mom and strive towards her artistic abilities. Mrs. Oliver inspires her to expand her projects and think deeper of the art she wants to portray, while still having fun doing them. The reason that Oliver took Advanced Art this year is because she wants to improve her art and build off of her skills. Oliver says often times her mind starts as blank then after the project is announced millions of ideas flood her head giving her options and more ideas for the future. Oliver says she makes little mistakes and tries to correct them soon after she makes them so she can move on and continue to focus on different elements. Oliver says she wants to continue to do art in the future but she’s not sure what path she wants to take with her art but will continue to do it because it brings her comfort and joy. The main thing Oliver wants to communicate to her
viewers is to communicate colors, along with communicating that no matter how detailed or big your project is it will turn out good either way. Oliver says art is her favorite thing to do in her free time because it is interesting and time consuming and takes up a lot of her time to think free. The best part about art in Olivers mind is hearing others talk about your work and showing how different.
Oliver - Oliver page by Shaina Russell
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Abigail Colgrove
Finding Your Inspiration
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fter growing up watching her Grandfather work on a new piece everyday, Senior, Abigail Colgrove, has grown a new love for the arts. Spending more time on painting and drawing she has focused more on the technique and skill to perfecting a project. In Advanced art some of the projects students have worked on are inktober, paper quilling, and full canvas paintings. Inktober is during the month of October they are provided with a word and in their sketchbooks they have to draw something to show the word. Paper Quilling is using little strips of paper that are rolled and shaped together to make a creative decorative design. After taking other art classes to get into Advanced Art, she says that Advanced Art is her overall faavorite because they have a lot of freedom of what the students want to create. With all of these projects Colgrove’s main focus and love is still for acrylic painting. “I will always favor painting over the other projects in art,” Colgrove said. “It keeps me relaxed and is a creative way to show my emotions using colors.” Painting is a break for her and will always give her a sense of freedom and control. After working on many projects over the years her favorite piece that she has created was a canvas of pale pink flowers in a clear vase, where she incorporated some of her favorite colors, pastel pink and purple.
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Colgrove - Oliver page by Shaina Russell
“This year I painted a canvas of flowers in a vase,” Colgrove said. “I think what I loved about it most was the simplicity of the drawing and how the colors all worked together.” The main thing Colgrove wants to communicate to her viewers with her art is everyone has a voice and sometimes it can be easier to explain a story, or emotions through your work. Colgrove will continue to take Advanced Art for Semester 2 but will not take any in college. Although she is not going to be taking art classes in College she plans on using what she has learned from her highschool art classes. “I plan on taking what I have learned from these classes and using them for my future job as an Interior Designer,” Colgrove said. “Along with this job I would love to open up a shop to put my art on display so people can see my art and if interested, buy it and make my Grandpa proud.”
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There is always something you can take from art , and from mine I hope people can take beauty through simplicity.
Colgrove - Oliver page by Shaina Russell
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Holke - Norris Connolly - Oliver by Cade Suing pagepage by Allison Meerian
Ansley Connolly A
Outside the Lines
s a child, having your schoolwork or art showcased on the refrigerator is one of the highest form of praise from parents. The same approval could be said for Junior Ansley Connolly whenever she finishes a project “Whenever I finish a project I show my parents,” Connolly said. “My mom goes and hangs it up too.” Connolly has been taking art classes since her freshman year and is now currently enrolled in Mrs. Oliver’s Advanced Art 1 class. “It is so laid back,” Conolly said. “I have way more freedom than my other classes, and you can sort of do your own thing.” Not only does Connolly enjoy art for the ability to be creative, she also enjoys the variety of classes Gretna has to offer. She has taken Basic Art, Drawing Fundamentals, and Painting, which were required to take Advanced Art. These classes are a good foundation for Connolly’s future. “I take these classes because they are fun,” Connolly said. “I’m also thinking about doing something art related in the future, and they’re a good base for that option.” So far this year, Connolly has completed two art projects, one which
involves curling paper slips and gluing them to a poster to show the spiral, while also creating a larger picture. “The paper curling project one is my favorite so far,” Connolly said. “It was something that I’ve never done, let alone even knowing what was.” Usually, Connolly sticks to painting with acrylics. She prefers it over other paints like tempera paint because it mixes better, but appreciates other styles and enjoys venturing into methods. “I like making my own things,” Connolly said. “When it looks good I’m happy, but when it doesn’t turn out like I wanted it to, I get a little frustrated.” Perfectionism and lack of inspiration are common themes amongst several artists. When Connolly doesn’t have any ideas, she checks Pinterest and the internet for ideas to influence her own pieces. “I don’t typically come up with an idea right away,” Connolly said. “I’ll have maybe a vague idea, but I usually think on it.” Connolly loves creating because of the freedom that some other classes don’t offer and is able to make her own work. If she does continue to follow through with her hopes of an art career, maybe one day her pieces might be in a gallery wall instead of a refrigerator.
Connolly - Oliver page by Allison Meerian
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Alyssa Waller
An Artist’s Touch
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onestly I have loved art for as long as I can remember,” junior Alyssa Waller said. “When I was little I would draw with whatever I could find around the house.” Creating things is something Waller has continued to do throughout her life, which has led her into taking many of the art classes at GHS. She is currently in Advanced Art, a class that lets students use their creativity to individual projects that they enjoy doing. Waller’s greatest mentor is her art teacher, Mrs. Amy Oliver. “My biggest inspiration is Mrs. Oliver,” said Waller. “She is so talented, and she does a great job helping us to grow and learn.” Waller also draws and paints with water colors at home in her freetime. Creating art is important to Waller because she likes creating something other people can look at and be interested in. It can sometimes be easy to compare her artwork to other people’s, but she believes art is not about comparing, it is about making her work her own and having pride in what she created.
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Waller - Oliver page by Peyton Rewczuk
I like how art helps you express your emotions for things you could not necessarily say. I also like how people can relate and have their own personal connection to your work.
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Waller - Oliver page by Peyton Rewczuk
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Bradley Sullivan
Practice Makes Perfect
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Sullivan - Oliver page by Anna Speer
Sullivan has stuck with art throughout the entirety of his high school career, and for good reasons. For one, he enjoys the calm, neutral environment that these classes have to offer. He appreciates the creative outlet that this field provides to break away from the burdens of life, even if it’s just 55 minutes on a Tuesday. “I definitely feel like it’s a stress reliever for me,” Sullivan said. “It also just helps me communicate my feelings through art.” He also likes the freedom to express his own ideas and creativity. Along with this, Sullivan enjoys the community aspect that the art program brings. “I enjoy the people and just the community,” Sullivan said. “We are all pretty supportive of each other and just seeing what other people are doing and making is really cool to watch.” Sullivan is considering going to college to get an architecture degree and therefore further push himself as an artist. Regardless of what path he chooses to take, he plans to further develop his technique to enhance his skills as an artist moving forward.
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I would definitely recommend taking an art class and just getting into it and practicing because it’s very low key and I think a lot of people can be really good at it if they just try it.
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W
hen it comes to art, some people have more raw talent than others. For those who have less natural skill, they have to work for it if they really want to get better. Senior Bradley Sullivan considers himself one of those people. Sullivan began taking art classes as a freshman and since then his skill has developed considerably. Sullivan has truly shown that practice makes perfect through his artwork. He has taken six art classes, starting with Basic Art and making his way to Advanced Art III, which he is currently enrolled in with Mrs. Amy Oliver. When he first began, art was not something he considered to be one of his instinctive talents. “I didn’t really discover my talent (for art),” Sullivan said. “I was not very good when I started, I just enjoyed it, so I kept doing it and got decent.” Sullivan’s favorite medium of art is acrylic painting, mostly on canvas. He is influenced by artists who are part of the Spanish culture, such as Picasso. The Spanish classes he has taken in our school led him to find inspiration from these artists.
Sullivan - Oliver page by Anna Speer
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Mrs. Alexa Rohde T
his next section features the Gretna High School students of Mrs. Alexa Rohde. Mrs. Rohde teaches the Basic Art and Graphic Design classes at Gretna. She has worked at Gretna for three years now. The Basic Art class experiments with different techniques and mediums. One of the biggest projects that kids will work on is a rug or basket that they weave. The Graphic Design class focuses more on graphic elements such as advertisements and photoshop. The students in this section were recommended by Mrs. Rohde because they exemplify not only being exceptional students, but also being wonderful kids. She chose them because she wanted everyone to see the talent and amazing artwork they have to offer.
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Rohde - Rohde page by Abby Fisher
Rohde - Rohde page by Abby Fisher
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Vandenberg - Rohde page by Elizabeth Daily
Katherine Vandenberg Young Talent
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eople tend to find interests throughout their lives, with many being found at a young age. When people pick out their hobbies when they are in their youth, they get the opportunity to work on it throughout their entire life. Freshman Katherine Vandenberg started dabbling with artistic hobbies ever since she started school. “I was interested in art ever since elementary school,” Vandenberg said, “I really liked it when we got to mold clay, that was really fun and cool.” The freshman took Basic Art her first semester of her freshman year of highschool, where she had Mrs. Alexis Rohde as her teacher. She knew her instructor before the class; she had met her when she was playing volleyball. In Mrs. Rohde’s class, Vandenberg is able to learn new things such as different strokes, how to make unique colors, and other skills many artists use before finalizing their piece. This class does not involve pottery, which is Vandenberg’s preferred type of art. “My favorite piece would be from last year when we made a coffee cup,” Vandenberg said. “We cut a hole in it and that was the handle.” She said that she gets her inspiration from things around her, that it is usually from something new or exciting in her life. Her instructor has helped her to build her skills as an artist. Vandenberg said that she teaches her simple things that can help a lot. For example, how to draw an eye by using an almond shape rather than a circle. The artist says she wants to continue with building her creative skills to be able to do more.
I really liked art as a kid. Now it is relaxing and it is a nice little break in the school day.
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Vandenberg - Rohde page by Elizabeth Daily
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Costanzo - Rohde page by Anna Speer
Josephine Costanzo reating artwork serves as a great stress reliever for freshman Josephine Costanzo, particularly drawing. She is currently enrolled in Basic Art and plans to take as many art classes as she can throughout the rest of her high school career. Her favorite project from this class is the animal painting, where she chose to paint a wolf. She appreciated how this project has taught her techniques that will help her with future projects. Currently, she is focused on drawing dragons and cartoon people. One of Costanzo’s biggest accomplishments is a poster board filled with drawings
of the characters in her favorite book series, Wings of Fire. When she was young, she began drawing horses as a hobby and has stuck with it ever since. She admits that starting out was hard, but the more she practiced and kept encouraging herself, the better she got. Costanzo has enjoyed the peacefulness of art, and the fact that it relieves her stress and relaxes her mood. She says her many art teachers have been very helpful in guiding her to improve her art skills. Costanzo is looking forward to learning more from her future classes and even continuing her art career into college.
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The more I continued to do it, the more I continued to love it. I was inspired to keep on doing it.
Costanzo - Rohde page by Anna Speer
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C
Drawing Dynamics
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Braden Scheiding
Artist in the Making
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rt is a skill can take a long time to master. While most artists have been practicing for 10 or more years, junior Braden Scheiding has only started the summer before her sophomore year. This year, she is taking Basic Art with art instructor Mrs. Alexa Rohde to get better. Scheiding says that class is going very well so far. Students get various projects in class to work on so they can see what they’re good at and what they need to work on. They do a drawing in their notebooks every week on top of the projects they get. Scheiding says that this class has taught her a lot of things about art and how to be creative. As said earlier, Scheiding began to draw the summer before her sophomore year. She hasn’t had much time to practice but she has advanced quickly. Her family and her peers have said that her art is impressive, however, she says that she could improve many things. Scheiding likes to draw characters from T.V. and movies but she also likes to draw her original characters, or OCs. OCs are characters that a fan creates for the purpose of inserting them in a book, T.V., or movie series. Generally, they are based on the series but changed in some way by the fan that makes it original. She follows many artists on Instagram that give her tips and ideas for her own art. Her favorite method of drawing is with plain old pencils but she also likes to use digital software to create her works as well. When she finishes her schooling, Scheiding might pursue a career in graphic design as an adult.
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Scheiding - Rohde page by Isa Muhlecke
I think what makes me different is that I draw for whatever reason I want to.
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Scheiding - Rohde page by Isa Muhlecke
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I took basic art because I want to improve my art skills and I plan on continuing to take art classes all throughout highschool because Art means so much to me.
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Jones Long Turpen -- Rhode page by page byShaina KaiyaRussell Russell
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Abby Turpen
Taking Art Step by Step
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o matter the time and effort put into art, painting and drawing will never get old,” Freshman, Abby Turpen, said. “I could spend hours and hours working on the same piece until it is the way I like it.” Turpen took an art class in kindergarten and continued taking it until she moved to Gretna. After moving schools she then took art classes all through middle school continuing to highschool, first highschool art class starting with basic art with Ms. Alexa Rhode. In basic art, they are working on a self portrait painted with little triangles scattered across the whole canvas and Turpen says so far it’s her best project. “My favorite thing about this recent piece is mixing the paint and coloring triangles to then look complete,” Turpen said. “I’m also very
proud of how mine is slowly turning out.” Starting in her aunts basement then progressing to an art teacher, then to more classes, Turpen has continued to improve her art skills because of her teachers assistance and lessons. “My biggest inspiration will always be my aunt because she is my where my love for art sprouted from,” Said Turpen. “I also am inspired by older students in more advanced art classes that know how their futures will turn out.” Along with art class, Turpen also models, and runs her youth groups instagram and designs many logos for the account. Turpen hopes to take what she’s learned from all of her art to either become a fashion designer or a graphic designer.
Jones - Long Turpen - Rhode page by Kaiya Russll page by Shaina Russell
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Madelyn White
Starting from One Dot
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ointillism is a type of art where you create something from little dots and various color, this is something freshman Madelyn White has always taken art classes since elementary school, but is very humble about her talent. She went into thinking that she was just an average artist, but in reality she has a type of talent that jumps out to others. “I did not know I was good at art until people started telling me I was,” White said. “It kind of just came to me within the last couple of years.” White started off doing simple art classes in grade school because she enjoyed experimenting with different pieces of artwork. She then began Mrs. Alexa Rohde’s Basic Art class freshman year and started to exceed in her artistic ability. “I like being able to draw and paint things that come to my mind,” White said. “I feel like there is no limit to what I create.” There are many forms of art and White’s favorite is painting. She likes being able to create something that is more than just with a pencil. “Creating art pieces with paint is very satisfying,” White said. “Painting relaxes me in a way where nothing else could.” White thinks of this class as a stress reliever. This is an activity she does to make her feel less anxious, it is an escape from school, friends, and family. “I only think about what I am making during that class, nothing else,” White said. “I feel like I have nothing to be
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White - Rohde page by Hailey Wojtas
stressed over when I am working on art.” Drawing is a form of art that has many styles, but all comes back with the basic need of creativity. Once you picture something in your mind you can picture it on a piece of paper made with from a single dot.
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When I paint i feel like i am so relaxed and there is nothing else to worry about other than what is in front of me.
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Mr. Michael Moore A
nother art teacher at Gretna is Mr. Michael Moore. This is his 16th year teaching at Gretna, but he has been teaching a total of 26 years. He teaches the 3-D I, 3-D II, Intro to Graphic Design, Animation and Cartoon and Comics classes. Mr. Moore’s goal when teaching is for kids to understand how art works and to learn to build pieces with their own creativity. The students of his classes are featured in this section. They were chosen because they showed an internal drive to be an actual artist in the real world and worked hard at developing their creations both inside and outside of school.
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Moore - Moore page by Abby Fisher
Moore - Moore page by Abby Fisher
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Aysha Ridley
Emotions Through Art
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rawing is a form of art that lets you express yourself through a piece of paper. It lets you create something your mind is thinking. Junior Aysha Ridley thinks of drawing as an escape from the world rather than just a hobby she does. She has been drawing since she was six years old, starting with the basics and progressing with bigger materials the older she gets. She started off just drawing basic doodles and did not realize her art talent had her going somewhere until she tried more things to draw. She draws everything from people to cities and learns more techniques every day. “Ever since I was able to grab a pencil I began drawing,” Ridley said. “I can not remember a time in my life where I did not draw.” Ridley does not want to lose the talent she has. She wants to show others her artistic ability in any way she can. Ridley is looking into being a tattoo artist when she is older so she
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Ridley - Moore page by Hailey Wojtas
can express her talent in a more permanent and personal way “Drawing has become a part of me in a way where nothing else is,” Ridley said. “I want to be able to put my art to use so the world can see it.” Ridley draws everything that comes to her mind. She draws for herself to express her style and attitude on paper. Ridley has her own style of art, she does not base her drawing off anything else except what she creates in her mind. Her favorite item to draw are people and human figures because there are so many different traits to put on people. “You have to find yourself in order to find your style for drawing,” Ridley said. “at first my art was random and jumbled, but now I have a specific vibe and I love it.” Little do people know that a piece of paper and one pencil can describe how you are, what you like, and what your style is just from a doodle.
Ridley - Moore page by Hailey Wojtas
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Diego Hernandez-Castonguay
Paper and Pencil
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or several people, art is used as an outlet for relieving stress, having fun, and letting their imagination run wild. Diego Hernandez-Castonguay, junior, enjoys art for those reasons and utilizes the classes. He is enrolled in Mr. Moore’s sketching class. “Sketching is super fun,” said Hernandez-Castonguay. “Right now we’re sketching our favorite celebrities.” Hernandez-Castonguay currently is set on having a future doing art or having an art-based career. He tracks his progress and makes sure to get his technique down to a T. “I save all of my drawings,” said Hernandez-Castonguay. “I like to look back at them and realize that I have made progress, and that I have improved.” Although art has many different forms, and is used with several different mediums, he likes to stick to the basics, with a pencil, paper and an eraser. “I have tried other methods,” said Hernandez-Castonguay. “But a pencil,
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an eraser, and paper is really all I need.” Artists block is common amongst several creative people, and Getting ideas for his drawings are fluid, and he strives to keep them in his mind “I get the motivation to do something great,” said Hernandez-Castonguay. “But sometimes I lose track and it goes away.” Although art can be frustrating because of the technicality or the little imperfections, Hernandez-Castonguay thinks it’s a good stress reliever. It helps him lose track of the bad things and hold on to the good. “It takes my mind off of things,” Hernandez-Castonguay said. “If I’m mad or angry, I just draw.” Hernandez-Castonguay is passionate about art and wanting to pursue a future in it. He loves art because he can practice his foundational skills and truly express himself with just a pencil and paper.
Holke - Norris Hernandez-Castonguay - Moore page by Cade Suing page by Allison Meerian
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Hernandez-Castonguay - Moore Holke - Norris page by Allison Meerian page by Cade Suing
Payton Shoup Eyes of an Artist
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veryone has their “thing”. Whether it be a sport or a hobby, senior, Payton Shoup’s “thing” is art. Shoup has grown up around art. She has gone to lessons, does it in her freetime and takes classes in school. She has grown a love for art like no other. “In Advanced Art, there is a lot of freedom,” Shoup said. “Midpoint in the semester you get to make whatever you want and get graded on it.” Shoup has taken this class to expand her art skills and try new things. Her favorite art piece so far was a multi-colored human portrait. This was Shoup’s favorite because it has pushed her on what she thought she could do as an artist. One thing that really has helped her is her art teacher Mr. Michael Moore. “He is very calm and makes the environment very relaxing for a student,” Shoup said. “He also knows a lot about art and gives helpful criticism.” This has helped her a lot seeing someone with very great skills telling her what she could do to make her art extraordinary. “I am continuing my art career in college by doing visual arts,” Shoup said. “After college, I hope to be an art or an art curator.” She believes that being able to go to college for art is a big achievement and a has been a huge dream of hers since she was a kid. Shoup will always see art as a forte of hers, and will always be glad that GHS has helped her by showing her what she loves and pushing her out there.
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Shoup - Moore page by Leslie Jensen
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Ive always enjoyed art. It has been the best part of growing and creating for me.
Shoup - Moore page by Leslie Jensen
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Margaret Driewer
Future “Funnies” Writer
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omics are a different form of telling a story. They can be humorous, serious, scary or realistic. There are no bounds to creativity in this form. That is why junior Maggie Driewer is taking Cartooning, Caricatures, and Comics with art instructor Mr. Michael Moore. Driewer is really enjoying the class so far. The class started the comic unit in October when she had to develop her characters. The students also were given a week-long comic strip that they would work on every day as a bellringer. They then began working on a longer strip that started in October, at the beginning of the unit, which Driewer is very proud of. She has also made a friend from the class that helps her learn new techniques. She definitely would recommend the class, especially to anyone who wants to escape into the world of art and be creative. “Definitely students who are looking for a creative outlook,” Driewer said. “If you need something to take your mind off of other schoolwork and if you’re into art and drawing.” In the past, Driewer would doodle little comics for fun. But since starting to learn about comics in October, she
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Driewer - Moore page by Isa Muhlecke
has learned quickly about how to create them. She is inspired by the styles of Marvel Comics, but she uses many different styles. She says that making a plot is the hardest part. Afterward, writing and drawing it is easy. Her favorite part is where she uses ink to draw the comic because she likes to see her hard work pay off. “It takes a really long time to develop ideas and the storyline,” Driewer said. “Once you’ve got that going, the comics are really easy to layout. I just love it when it’s to the inking stage because then you see all the final touches coming together and that’s really fun.” Her friends and family think that she is a creative cartoonist. She practices at home where her family tells her that they love her work. She also shows her friends, who say that they’re funny and well done. Driewer will continue to take art classes in the future. While she doesn’t plan on being a cartoonist full-time, she is considering working on it part-time. When she settles down, she wants to get featured in her local newspaper’s Sunday Comics section. She will continue to use her cartooning skills in the future.
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Middle school, even elementary school. I’ve always been drawing.
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Driewer - Moore page by Isa Muhlecke
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Morse - Moore page by Elizabeth Daily
Lydia Morse Going Digital
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rt can be interpreted and created in many ways, as there are many ways art can be created. Senior Lydia Morse began her art career in high school where she eventually became interested in graphic design. She took both graphic desgin one and graphic design two. “I took graphic design classes,” Morse said.” I want to go into marketing and advertising.” People take classes to learn things, but when it comes to art, everyone has their own techniques. Teaching art can be different for everyone, so the skills students learn will be different from some skills that a peer learned. Art classes can teach people how to make colors, how to mold clay, or how to create art digitally. Digital art is what Morse was interested in the most, but she still learned skills just like any other student. “Mapping out your plan and having a general idea of what you are doing,” Morse said. “Patience is also a big one.” Morse was working on her mask inside of school for her 3-D creations class, but outside of school, she continued to work on her skills. Some projects she worked on were mock movie posters, celebrity posters, and other designs.
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I always do things that requrie a lot of work and thinking to make.
Morse - Moore page by Elizabeth Daily
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Mrs. Jennifer Long T
his section will spotlight on students from Mrs. Jennifer Long’s classes. She teaches Creative Writing I, Creative Writing II, American Literature, Composition I and Composition II. The classes focus on creative writing, as well as college and career writing. This is Mrs. Long’s 14th year working at Gretna. She has chosen students in this section based on their work ethic and outside-the-box thinking. Mrs. Long’s biggest goal for the class is to help kids understand how to use their voice to spread positivity to the world.
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Long - Long page by Abby Fisher
Long - Long page by Abby Fisher
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Bayleigh Koch Write It Down
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Koch - Long page by Leslie Jensen
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riting is not just a class for Junior Bayleigh Koch, it is a lifestyle. Koch loves being able to write things in her own words. When Koch was looking at what classes she should take last year she was excited to find that creative writing was one. “I love writing and never thought I would like it more,” said Koch. “Mrs. Long made my love even more.” Koch has started an assignment that was a no description. You can put it into a crime scene, a text message, a postcard, anything creative. This has been Koch’s favorite assignment. She has found out that she uses a lot of description is her writing and the challenge for the assignment is there are no descriptives. “It has changed me as a writer, in a good way,” said Koch. She has taken this assignment to her writing out of the class. Koch has found there are other ways to describe what you are writing about. “Mrs. Long has made this class so much fun,” Koch said. “She challenges us a lot to make sure we improve.” Koch likes all the input she gets in the class and takes it all seriously. She loves that all of the classmates are respectful and give good criticism as she does the same for her peers. “It is just a calming environment where I’m not afraid to write and try new things,” said Koch. She doesn’t feel judged and isn’t afraid to try new types of writing. Koch took this class so that she can become a better writer with different styles. Trying new things is a part of the class that she enjoys and is not afraid to do. Writing is something she loves and hopes to do in the future to get her voice out. It is something she can do without having to worry about anything. It is her escape.
being able to write and forget everything is something that is very special to me, and I hope I can share with other people.
Koch - Long page by Leslie Jensen
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Grace Buttgen
Storytelling as a Hobby
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s a 6-year-old, most children watch T.V., color, or play with toys. Not many pick up a pencil and write fun stories, though. Junior Grace Buttgen started writing creatively when she was six as a hobby. Now, she is taking Intro to Creative Writing to practice. She has done many projects in class, including poetry, creating characters using temperament theory, and a more interactive assignment. Temperament theory is a theory that says every character has a core value, separated by Artisan, Guardian, Idealist, and Rational. The Artisan cares the most about their art and will not be silenced. The Guardian wants to protect tradition and the minority by keeping things just.
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Buttgen - Long page by Isa Muhlecke
The Idealist focuses on self-help and mental health, so they care most about being in a good state-of-mind. Lastly, the Rational thinks and acts with logic and facts, which leads them to figure out the truth. Her favorite assignment from class is the Pottage project, where she had to combine poems, quotes, art, song lyrics and objects into a picture to share with her class. Her theme was vikings. Buttgen prefers to write historical fiction which made the poetry unit of class difficult for her. She really likes writing specifically about vikings and Nordic culture. While she does not plan on becoming a writer in the future, Buttgen considers writing a fun hobby that she likes to work on. However, she
does have role models and inspiration. Buttgen likes the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Angie Thomas. “I have a unique writing style,” Buttgen said. “It’s not super creative but it’s not super weird, it’s like a mix of all of them.” Buttgen’s method for writing is to brainstorm and just write what comes to mind. Then, she goes through the story and edits it. After that, she peeredits in class before turning in her work. She says this class is helping her learn new methods and broaden the horizon for her writing. While she does not plan on being a writer, Buttgen plans to continue taking creative writing classes in the future.
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I’m not a very creative writer. I like writing about history but I can’t do poetry really well.
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Buttgen - Long page by Isa Muhlecke
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Muhlecke - Long page by Anna Speer
Isabel Muhlecke to write in a similar style. Muhlecke has published a fantasy story that she created with a friend. Together they posted it on a public website. She is proud of this piece, but her favorite work is a narrative poem about her dog that she wrote in her creative writing class. To get ideas for these works and any others she may write, she usually looks up prompts on the internet and goes from there. As a writer, her main goal is to be able to capture an audience and get people to keep turning the pages. As for her experience in Intro to Creative Writing, Muhlecke says it is very relaxed. The teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Long, has impacted Muhlecke because she understands that some of the students’ stories are personal and she grades based on if the story is meaningful and important. Muhlecke is looking forward to taking more of her classes and continuing to become a better writer throughout the rest of her life.
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It’s kind of like you get to create this world of yours and it can be however you want it to be. You have a lot of creativity and freedom to do whatever you want, it’s a nice way to express yourself.
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t times, creativity comes in bursts, as writers often experience. Isabel Muhlecke, sophomore, reaches the depths of her imagination and is constantly grasping for more inspiration on the daily as part of her Intro to Creative Writing class. Muhlecke discovered her talent for writing in elementary school, as teachers continued to compliment her work. She started writing for fun in middle school and she plans to continue to take creative writing classes throughout the rest of her high school career. After graduation, she plans to attend college to become either a journalist or a fictional writer. Muhlecke’s favorite writing style is realistic fiction, but she would ideally like to start writing horror. Her favorite author is Stephen King, who she says is a brilliant horror writer and a great writer in general. She is inspired by his work with horror writing and hopes to one day be able
A Writer’s Mind
Muhlecke - Long page by Anna Speer
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Cade Suing Write On
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riting is important to me because it is a very easy way to express yourself,” junior Cade Suing said. “That may be a typical answer, but it really is true. You are able to use your creativity and do whatever you want with writing.” Suing has been writing for fun most of his life, which has led him to take the Intro to Creative Writing class at GHS. Suing likes how the class is laid back on its assignments and lets him take his writing to the next level. He can see himself taking it again in the future. He thinks the instructor Mrs. Jennifer Long is a great teacher and the class is a homey environment to be in. “I like the atmosphere of it all,” Suing said. “Everyone in the creative writing class is there to write for themselves, but are also open to helping you and contribute to your work in a helpful way. Mrs. Long does a good job by making sure the class is not all about following guidelines.” Suing has created a few fiction and historical fiction short stories. He once collaborated with his friends to make a script for a short film they wanted to make. His favorite piece of writing to compose is poetry because he likes to experiment with his writing. “With poetry, you are able to convey
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Suing - Long page by Peyton Rewczuk
complex ideas in a really small space,” Suing said. “It lets you have no bounds to what you are able to do.” Not only does Suing write for the Creative Writing class, but also in his free time. He has a journal that he writes in about every day or two. Suing does not like his writing to be structured; he just writes whenever he is in the mood. “It is pretty random,” Suing said. “I write story ideas and different things for poetry. I will also write scripts and ideas for photography.” Suing’s favorite thing about writing is the amount of levels he is able to go with it. Some of his favorite stories have a seemingly simple message, but once dissected, end up having a lot of implicit values to them. “I like making my writing a puzzle,” Suing said. “I like people having to figure out what I wrote.” Suing wants to be a published writer and has tried to publish some of his poems. His dream job is to be a writer and photographer for National Geographic. Even though he has not been able to publish any of his work yet, he is still proud of his writing. “My biggest accomplishment with my writing is feeling like this is really something special to me,” Suing said. “I like being able to feel confident in the work I put in.”
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Millions of unique people all wanting the same thing. Millions of unique people that are nothing more than a number in the minds of the jacket company.
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- Excerpt from “Buying a prison cell”
Suing - Long page by Peyton Rewczuk
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Watts - Long page by Isa Muhlecke
I took a creative writing class because a friend told me all you do is write about anything you want. I thought I could get feedback and become a better writer.
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Benjamin Watts
Write, Camera, Action!
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creenwriting is writing scripts for video productions, including movies, television shows, and video games. There are many famous screenwriters, like Quentin Tarantino, Woody Allen, and Steven Spielberg. Senior Ben Watts is working on his screenwriting in the Intro to Creative Writing class. His love of movies pushed Watts to start writing in 2017. He watchaed many movies as a kid and after watching “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” he decided it was his turn. He would show his family his writing and they thought it was well-written and creative. He finally began to take a creative writing class because a friend of his said that you get to write about what you want. Watts likes to write fictional stories rather than nonfiction because he does
not like doing the research. He likes dark and heavily-detailed writing and is starting to incorporate it more into his work. According to Watts, the class has been going really well. In the creative writing class, he says they are given inspiring projects, like making characters and writing stories. His favorite project was creating likable characters. They learned and used the Temperament Theory to make characters. Basically, Temperament Theory separates characters into their core values, called Artisan, Guardian, Idealist, and Rational. From there, students create a plot where the character’s core value is put at risk and they have to fix the problem. Students then wrote a story about the characters. Watts is also proud of a
poem he did about the Joker from the DC Comics series Batman. He really liked the poem because he had to think deeper and plan the poem perfectly. He has also made friends from class that want to be screenwriters and directors as well. With their help, he can get opportunities to practice and learn new ways to perfect his writing. Watts will take a creative writing class next semester with creative writing instructor Mrs. Jennifer Long before he graduates. He began working on a script that is over 100 pages at the end of his junior year and finished in October. While he does not post his scripts, Watts is starting to post his movies using his own scripts on YouTube. When he graduates, he plans to be a screenwriter and director.
Watts - Long page by Isa Muhlecke
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Mrs. Kiley Luchsinger T
his section features students from Mrs. Kiley Luchsinger’s classes. Mrs. Luchsinger is the high school Drama I, II and III, American Drama and Composition teacher. She has been teaching for 11 years, but has been teaching at Gretna for eight years. Her classes focus on basic acting skills, behind the scenes of productions, and learning how to act comfortably in front of an audience. This section will feature students that were selected by Mrs. Luchsinger because they were always passionate, humble and positive about acting.
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Luchsinger - Luchsinger page by Abby Fisher
Luchsinger - Luchsinger page by Abby Fisher
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Sykora - Luchsinger page by Elizabeth Daily
Cailyn Sykora
Growing Through The Act
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usic is something everyone can relate to in thier lives. Whether that is singing the words or humming a tune or just listening to the sound, it is something Senior Cailyn Sykora has been exposed to since a young age. She is currently a part of Show Choir and One Act, which are platforms she can use to keep her interests close. She remembered that ever since she was little she would go to theaters to observe actors and listen to music. “I remember watching plays when I was younger,” Sykora said. “We used to go to the Rose Theater a lot and I knew it was something I wanted to do.” One Act finnished setting up by completing their costumes and assigning all of the roles that needed to be handed out. Sykora said that the show has given her more confidence when it comes to performing and in her daily life as well, because she is able to talk to the people around her. This could include the One Act director, Ms. Carole Caraher, who helps her students to grow. “I think she has made me a better actor,” Sykora said. “Without her I don’t think it would be the same.” Sykora continues to put her passion to work through singing and acting. She says everyone to go out for Show Choir, even the little parts, because every part matters. Sykora hopes to contribute to the winning streak that One Act has for state. She is looking forward to going to and competing in the state competition, which is one of the reasons why she likes putting on the show. It is just one of the many ways she can showcase her talent.
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I have been doing theater since I was six or seven. It was just Kind of one of those things I wanted to stick out through highschool.
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Sykora - Luchsinger page by Elizabeth Daily
Gabrielle Ochsner Passion for Drama
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rama is a class that students find they can be themselves in and let their mind flow. Freshman, Gabrielle Ochsner, finds drama as her escape from reality. As a young girl, she has always found drama and performing arts as her forte. “It is fun and different from other classes,” said Ochsner “It is a very welcoming environment.” It is more than just a basic sitting in class, pen, and paper taking notes. Students find this very fun and engaging. “My teacher, Mrs. Luchsinger is very encouraging and very funny,” Ochsner said. “She uses her body a lot when she talks and is very loud.” The love for the class has started because of the teacher and how she teaches. When she was going into freshman year, Mrs. Kiley Luchsinger was the first person to make sure she was comfortable. “Knowing that she cares for me outside out of class just makes it even more special,” Ochsner said. “I do not know how I would survive high school without her and this class.” Mrs. Luchsinger builds her relationship with the students even more outside of class. With students knowing she will always have their backs. “In the future, I hope that I can continue my love for drama as a job,” Ochsner said. “If I get the opportunity to I would take it hands down.” Ochsner hopes she can be in the theater when she is older or even being able to teach drama. Ochsners’ love for Drama has changed her life. Her love for the teacher has made her love drama even more that she hopes to continue through her high school career.
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Ochsner - Luchsinger page by Leslie Jensen
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what inspires me is being able to see misfits do something they love.
Ochsner - Luchsinger page by Leslie Jensen
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What sets me apart is my ability to accept to accept criticism, my ability to learn from it and my passion for acting.
Henry - Luchsinger page by Isa Muhlecke
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Lillian Henry
Perfecting Her Career
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HS offers many options for students to do, like clubs, sports, and competitive classes. Despite all of those options, her favorite of the extracurricular activities is the Drama Club. She was chosen as an actress to spotlight by drama instructor and drama club sponsor Mrs. Kiley Luchsinger because of her love of acting and theater. Henry took Drama I during her freshman year and loved the class. Throughout the semester they learned about the different types of drama, which include monologue, miming, interpretive dance, small group play and the big one act play. The students did an interpretive dance project where they pick a song and create a dance routine to perform for the class. The class ended with a one-act play. Her favorite project from the class was
the interpretive dance project. Her group chose a mashup song featuring “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins, “Blue Skies” by Irving Berlin, “The Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and “Low” by Flo Rida. Her least favorite project was the miming project because she found it difficult to act without talking. Throughout the class, students were given many opportunities to bond with their classmates. “Typically we would start with an opening question that would be for a participation grade,” Henry said. “Then, we would have units of different types of drama pieces we’d been working on.” Watching movies as a kid had made Henry curious about drama but it was not until drama class that she knew what it was and that she loved it. Henry has been interested in acting since then. She sees herself as an average
actress and thinks she has room for improvement. She believes that her friends and family do not realize how important acting is to her. She even plans on being an actress when she grows up. Henry was in the production of Drama Night in seventh grade and the musicals and one-act from Drama I. As a former Drama I student, she hopes to take Drama II and III next year. She would recommend this class to every student because she says it helps students gain confidence and public speaking. “I feel that everyone should take this class, especially for public speaking,” said Henry. “I remember I used to be a horrible public speaker and with this class, it really helped me open up.” She wants to get into community theater and hopes to make it on the staff for the musical and one-act.
Henry - Luchsinger page by Isa Muhlecke
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Brady Vetter
Expressing His Voice
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Ridley - Luchsinger page by Hailey Wojtas
the stage and plays his role it lets out a lot of his stress. This lets him forget about other things on his mind because when he is in that class or on the stage playing his role, that is the only thing he is thinking about. “To most people Drama One would be adding more stress,” Vetter said. “Being able to let out all my energy and emotions on stage makes me forget about all my other worries.” Drama One is not just speaking on a stage to an audience of people, it is more than that. You get to gain confidence and express your energy through different roles in front of people that support you.
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Acting has always been a part of me, It is who I am and it just came naturally to me.
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peaking in front of people is one talent, but being able to have the confidence to express your energy in a dramatic way to a crowd of several people is a whole different talent. Freshman Brady Vetter is someone that has been doing this for the past two years. Vetter started off participating in musicals and one act class in his eighth grade year and progressed into being in Drama One freshman year. “I did not know I was going to be good at this type of stuff at first,” Vetter said. “I was kind of shocked when I realized how natural this came to me.” Vetter’s confidence and energy is what makes him good at acting. He was never directly taught how to speak let alone act in front of people without fear that is just how he is. Plus he gained a lot more confidence just from being in this class. “I have always had a high energy,” Vetter said. “I didn’t really get taught to act, I just had it in me I guess.” Vetter mentioned that acting does not ask for much, except a strong and determined personality. Since there is not really any practice outside of class, the people within the class have to be determined to practice on their free so everyone is for the most part on the same level of acting. “Memorizing scripts is not very hard for me,” Vetter said. “I kind of just do it for a period of time and it just comes to me.” According to Vetter, acting is very stress relieving. The memorizing part, which is the lead up of acting, puts a lot of pressure on him, but once he gets on
Ridley - Luchsinger page by Hailey Wojtas
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Alexis Arellano Break A Leg
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emorizing monologues, doing improvisation activities and putting on a play at the end of the semester is what students who enroll in Mrs. Kiley Luchsinger’s Drama I class encounter. Lexi Arellano, a sophmore, enjoys acting because she is able to express herself and have fun. For Arellano’s monologue project she chose to do “The 5 Stages of Love and Marriage” by Gabrielle Davis. It was about a wife addressing her husband about their relationship and their home life. The main persona was sassy and dramatic, which Arellano relates to. “When I’m acting, I feel that I can be a bold character,” Arellano said. “I think of myself as sassy so It’s easier to play because I feel I can get into character a little bit more.” Other activities that Drama class they do are improv games. One game they play is “dinner parties” where
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Arellano - Luchsinger page by Allison Meerian
each person plays a certain character. Someone “hosts” a party and they students will act as a guest that each have their own distinct and unique personality. “It is really cool and entertaining,” Arellano said. “It makes acting not as serious and we can have fun with it.” One of the main reasons that Arellano chose to take Drama was because of her step-mom, who persuaded her to try it. Arellano was already familiar with being on stage due to her experience in show choir, so she figured Drama would be a good class to take. “I just wanted to see what it is all about,” Arellano said. “And I’m glad I decided to do it this year.” At the end of the semester, the Drama I class puts on a play for the end of semester. Arellano also hopes to participate in the school musical and enjoys putting on a good show for all to enjoy.
Arellano - Luchsinger page by Allison Meerian
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Mr. Brandon Shostak & Mr. Patrick Ribar F
or six years, Mr. Brandon Shostak has been a teacher at Gretna. Even though he is a relatively new teacher, he still makes a big impact. He teaches the Modern A Cappella, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Choir and Stage Craft classes, as well as being one of the directors of Show Choir. He also teaches Guitar I and II, where he tries to make students “cool kids because he thinks all of his students put forth effort and have exceptional work ethics.
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Ribar/Shostak - Ribar/Shostak page by Abby Fisher
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n the music department, Mr. Patrick Ribar has a full schedule. He teaches the Modern A Cappella, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Choir, Stagecraft, History of Pop and Rock, and Music Theory. Mr. Ribar is also the director of Show Choir and the Musical. His classes teach students multiple skills including vocal technique, teamwork and music reading. This is his 15th year at Gretna, but he has been teaching for 34 years. The students featured in this section were selected because they are fun to work with.
Ribar/Shostak - Ribar/Shostak page by Abby Fisher
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Christensen - Ribar/Shostak page by Anna Speer
Elizabeth Christensen lizabeth Christensen, senior, could be considered a jack of all trades, specializing in all things music. As a member of the Advanced Choir, Revolution Show Choir, a piano player and a member of the concert and marching bands as an alto saxophone player, she has become a well-rounded musician. She also takes a Music Theory class to learn more about the history of music and the details behind what they sing in choir. At a very young age, Christensen was introduced into the world of music through her family. She started playing the piano at the age of two and she has been singing her whole life, or for as long as she can remember.
She discovered her natural musical talent through experience and from the responses she got from the people surrounding her. Her favorite thing about her time in choir and show choir is the chance to work with others and be able to combine all of their voices that come together to make one, unified sound. Christensen’s main goal to take away from this class is to enhance her skill and technique as a performer and learn how to sing better. Looking forward, Christensen hopes to continue her musical career into college as she hopes to major in vocal performance where she would be singing opera and teaching at the same time.
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It’s been kind of a stress reliever because I really enjoy it. It gives you a time to take a break from the world and enjoy what you really love to do. It’s an outlet for your emotions too, it’s really awesome, and it’s shaped a lot of who I am.
Christensen - Ribar/Shostak page by Anna Speer
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Musical Mastermind
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Ames - Ribar/Shostak page by Allison Meerian
George Ames A
A Double Threat
double threat is used to describe people who participate in show choir. They can sing, they can dance, and also incorporate theatrical elements into their show. Senior, George Ames not only participates in show choir, but also in the musicals, so he gets the best of both worlds. “(Show Choir and Musicals) are great ways of expression,” George Ames said. “I really just love singing and acting.” Although winning competitions is a huge goal for the Revolution show choir, putting on a great show is one of the main objectives. During Ames’ previous years of involvement, the choir did a Weird Al Janovick show, a space themed show and an eighties themed show. “Gretna is very much themselves in show choir,” Ames said. “Nobody really knows what to expect when we come out on stage.” Individual wise, Ames wants to enjoy his last competition season and have a good time with his friends. Group wise, the choir obviously wants to win but they mostly want to appreciate the
the time and work they put into their routine while also performing for others. “We’ve been taught that it’s not really about the trophy,” Ames said. “It’s more about entertaining others.” Some personal roadblocks Ames has faced is his dancing skills. He has improved since his freshman year and it has always been a challenging part in doing what he loves. “That’s always been the hardest part for me,” Ames said. “Repetition is a key factor for getting better.” Every performer has their ups and downs but in the end, it’s not about winning or the trophies, but more about having fun, doing what they love and putting on a great show.
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I love to sing and dance. Show choir is the perfect fit for me.
Ames - Ribar/Shostak page by Allison Meerian
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Isabella Bricker
Singing With Heart
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eing apart of a group with no worries but singing and dancing, is by far my favorite part about being in Evolution show choir.” Sophomore, Isabella Bricker said. “My classmates are like another family to me that I get to spend every day with.” Bricker has been apart of show choir for both her years of highschool and says that show choir is fun and also a learning experience to improve her vocals and dancing skills. Building up her love for this class started with her brother, Jonah Bricker. He was the first kid in the family to branch out and try something new and original and a lot of her experience with choir started from watching her brother. Growing up Bricker wasn’t sure about pursuing music, but after watching the highschool perform her decision seemed clear. “Listening to music where you can hear the singers emotions through her voice and music inspires me and gives me a feeling that’s hard to explain,” Bricker said. “It’s like you are connected with the artist and can sympathize her based off of her lyrics and tone.” Bricker believes that having an emotional connection to music and how you use your tone of voice is one of the most important things when it comes to show choir to grab your audience’s attention. The most difficult and most time consuming elements that comes with this class is the choreography. “Taking the time to clean and perfect the choreography is the hardest part
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about the class,” Bricker said. “It takes a lot of practice to get everyone on board to dance and sing all in sync.” Evolution show choir practices every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday morning and has a class period in the day to work on there performances and improve their talents. Show Choir will always be a big part of her life, Bricker has preformed in every class that was available to her. She will continue to do show choir through out highschool because it is something she enjoys and is not planning on giving it up any time soon. Along with highschool Bricker hopes to continue in college in a group and possibily get a music minor with her major. To help Bricker get there her overall goal is to perform her best and work together with her group so they can all compete.
Bricker - Ribar/Showstack page by Shaina Russell
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Singing and dancing will always be a big part of my life because some of my best memories came through show choir and my love for it continues to grow throughout the years
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Bricker - Ribar/Showstack page by Shaina Russell
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Emma Morrison
Evolving Around Music
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veryone underestimates the effort that comes with some activities that are not the average sport until they understand the lead up of a win. Show Choir is a good example because most people assume that it is just simply dancing and singing on a stage. But in reality, it is something that takes patience and determination. Junior Emma Morrison has a good say in this because she is in the GHS Evolution show choir. Morrison has been part of the Evolution since her freshman year and plans to be part of it until she graduates. Music has always been something that she was drawn to and became a part of her. “I have always had a lot of love towards music,” Morrison said. “Once I knew there was a way to put my love for music to use I looked into show choir.” Evolution has had a big impact on Morrison’s life. She dedicates a lot of her time to practice until she is ready for her competitions. Show choir does not start competing until winter, but that just gives them more time to practice. They practice in the mornings during the school week to rehearse for their competition performances. This doesn’t take up her whole life but does play a big role because once you start you have to stay determined. If someone is not determined then the whole choir will be affected in a negative way. “When I first started, it was a wake up call that I need a lot of practice,” Morrison said. “It took me a while to put singing and dancing together.” Evolution is a way where Morrison can escape the world and relieve all of
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Morrison - Ribar/Shostak page by Hailey Wojtas
her stress through singing and dancing. Show choir is more than an opportunity to sing and dance on a stage. She gets a team that loves and supports every step that is made and every challenge taken by her. Another opportunity is that people can do one man shows which is a solo. Anyone has the chance to try out for a sole and is still able to be supported by a team. “There are a lot of opportunities to get out of your comfort zone in show choir,” Morrison said. “You get to try new things and gain confidence from it.” Show choir is not just a simple dance on a stage, it is built by a team which is led by a director and it takes time and energy to perform something that entertains a crowd and satisfies everyone’s expectations.
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Show choir relieves stress in a way where nothing else can, because when we are dancing and singing at the same time while putting on a show infront of people, it makes me only focus on that and lets me forget about all my other worries.
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Morrison - Ribar/Shostak page by Hailey Wojtas
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Secora - Ribar/Shostak page by Anna Speer
Peyton Secora
drenaline pulsing through your veins, heart thumping against your chest, warmth spreading all throughout your body. It’s a feeling people spend lifetimes chasing, but sophomore Peyton Secora is lucky enough to have already found what makes her feel alive. The spotlight, the glitz, the glamour, she wants it all and that’s what she gets as a key member of GHS’s Evolution Showchoir. Interestingly enough, this is Secora’s first year on the team, despite being in choir as a freshman. She’s remarkably passionate about singing and dancing in particular, which is why she is also currently enrolled in Intermediate Choir with Mr. Ribar. She is extremely open about her experience in this class and although she has only spent the last few months in show choir, she freely expresses her opinion of her time spent with this activity. “I absolutely love it,” Secora said. “We get to work with music and it’s really fun to sing and it’s a great environment to be in.” Secora has her middle school choir teachers to thank for helping her find her zeal for show choir. It all started as a required class, but she chose to
continue with it because she developed an interest in the activity. She has no regrets and recommends that anyone and everyone should try out. “Just do it,” Secora said. “It really is just an experience you’ll never forget. It’s so much fun dancing with all of your friends and you grow so much confidence as a person. Secora has been singing for as long as she can remember. In this year’s production, with a theme of the popular board game Clue, she has her very own solo. This performance has five songs in it, lasting a total of 20 minutes long. They will begin performing this show in December and run it through the rest of their winter season. They have worked exceptionally hard on this show, coming in to learn the choreography since July. Secora plans to continue with choir and show choir throughout the rest of her high school career and hopes to advance her vocal range and add new techniques as she progresses.
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I love being on the stage and sharing the spotlight with everyone. There’s nothing like the rush of stepping on the stage and performing.
Secora - Ribar/Shostak page by Anna Speer
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Life in the Spotlight
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Mr. Andrew Norris T
his next section will feature the students selected by Mr. Andrew Norris because of their musical talent and ability to work together. They stood out because they were strong leaders among the other talented musicians in his classes. Mr. Norris is the band director here at Gretna, which includes Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and Pep Band. He is also in charge of solos and small ensembles. His classes focus on different styles or techniques of music and teach the students how to work together in a group. His biggest goal when directing band or teaching a class is to help students improve and get to a higher level than when they started.
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Norris - Norris page by Abby Fisher
Norris - Norris page by Abby Fisher
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Daniel Anderson E
arly mornings, late nights and day-long competitions give a little insight into the life of a typical band student. Danny Anderson, senior, plays the clarinet and has competed and participated in band for the last four years. “(During Band) I can express my ideas with other people,” Anderson said. “I also just love music and hanging out with my friends.” Anderson has seen two back-to-back state championships in marching band and four consecutive titles for all-state band. When it came to winning state, he was optimistic but also humble about the chance of winning two years in a row. “I thought, ‘There’s no way we’re going to get first again.’” Anderson said. “I didn’t want to be cocky and have too high of hopes, but then it happened and I was so excited.” Trying to keep up with school while participating in band was and is one of the biggest roadblocks in Anderson’s band career. “Band is a huge time commitment,” Anderson said.”Marching Band is super fun, but it is also kind of stressful because it takes up a large portion of
The Music Man
time and effort.” Not only does band take up time, it also takes loads of effort, and dedication. Marching band practices in early in the mornings during their competition season. “The idea that we can make the show better helps me get up,” Anderson said. “Everyday I am able to improve my part and my skills and make it more enjoyable.” While Anderson had various achievements, making wind ensemble and all-state is two of his most notable achievements. Wind ensemble is the varsity band and all-state is when a musician is one of the best in the entire state. “When I went into varsity band during concert band season, I had to compete against everybody else,” Anderson said. “I was really surprised when I got fifth overall, so I was able to play second clarinet and got into wind ensemble.” Although band can be competitive, according to Anderson, it’s less about beating your peers and more about raising each other up to become better musicians and to make the band a better unit.
Anderson - Norris page by Allison Meerian
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Paul Cornett B
Marching For Music
and is an artistic talent, but little do we know the preparation can act as if it is a sport. Junior Paul Cornett is someone who has a good say in this. He has been in band since sixth grade and wants to continue with it for the rest of highschool. Cornett was inspired to be in band by his sister. He didn’t really think about being in band at first because he didn’t look much into it, but it was his sister who talked him into doing at least one year of band. At first it was something new to him, more effort and work then he expected there to be. Then he started to get the hang of the whole band style and technique and loved it more and more each day. Now Cornett doesn’t know what he would do if he did not play in the band. “When it came to the time where I signed up to be in band for sixth grade I did,” Cornett said. “I started to enjoy it more and more and now here I am.” Band is something that requires determination from everyone in order for the band to sound successful as a whole group. Cornett practices on his own time for an hour each day, but with his whole band crew he practices in class time for two to three hours. He practices outside no matter the weather condition unless it is harmful. When they are getting ready for a performance he has to practice even more than he already does. Cornett also gets lessons outside of his class time to make him better his techniques. “I don’t have much free time because I like to practice outside of class,” Cornett said. “The more time I put in,
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Cornett - Norris page by Hailey Wojtas
the better I get.” Cornett plays two instruments, one being the tenor saxophone. He plays the tenor saxophone during the marching and jazz band. His other instrument he plays is the bassoon which he plays during the concert band. The instrument he plays are both woodwind instrument, but are played very differently. “Playing two intruments is challenging, but I like challenging myself,” Cornett said. “I like being able to improve on things that once seemed impossible.” Band takes a lot of patience, determination and dedication from the members physically and mentally, so then they can exceed their expectations and please the audience.
“
It takes a lot of practice and patience and once you put in effort you will get something out of it
“ Cornett - Norris page by Hailey Wojtas
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Fechtmeiser - Norris page by Elizabeth Daily
Trent Fechtmeiser
Drum Roll Please
W
hen children are asked what they want to do when they grow up, most will give the answer of “I don’t know”. At the age of five, junior Trent Fechtmeister began piano lessons with an instructor. This would eventually lead him to his musical career in highschool. “My mom got me involved in piano when I was younger,” Fechtmeister said. “I did piano for probably around five years.” The junior was a high school band member and he was a part of the percussion line and marching band. The marching season had finished and the marching band took state. The members put in a lot of time and effort to be able to do so well at state, including Fetctmeister. “I think state this year was exciting,” Fechtmeister said,” We had a practice and we did energy chants and it set it up in really the best way.” The season ended and new things were on Fetchmiester’s schedule. He involved himself in many activities when it came to band. He was section leader for the first time his junior and was able to learn leadership skills with that position. He also learned how to manage his time and flexibility with the busy schedule that band gave him. “The marching band season just ended,” Fechtmeister said. “Marching Band has sixteen hour weeks which was crazy, and now I am working on my concert band auditions.” The section leader has enjoyed his time he has been able to spend with his friends in band. Although he may only have one part in the big group of instrumental musicians, it is still a very important role.
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One day after piano lessons my piano teacher told my mom that I had good rhythm and that I did a good job.
”
Fechtmeiser - Norris page by Elizabeth Daily
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Gene Mannewitz
Marching to Successcess
T
wo years of piano lessons and being in band since sixth grade, senior Gene Mannewitz has built a love for band like no other. Mannewitz plays percussion. Specifically, he plays the base drum which is a large two-headed drum that makes a loud and deep drum sound. “Growing up in Gretna and having these amazing teachers to help me has made me expand my potential to new levels,” Mannewitz said. He has class for two hours a day and during marching season it could vary from five to six hours a day. “Weather is the only thing that makes marching really difficult,” Mannewitz said. “We are either in really hot weather in the summer, rainy days with mud everywhere, or close to winter and it is freezing. “The band practices no matter what, whether that is staying in the band room because of bad weather or going to the gym and marching there,” Mannewitz said. “Band this year won state as best percussion and best in the state, which is pretty impressive for being in class A.” “I wish to continue my band career in college, at Bream University,” Mannewitz said. He would like to go to college there and be in the band but not focus as heavily as right now so that he can focus on his future. “Band is my life,” Mannewitz said. “The people in the band are like my second family and I would do anything for them. They have made my love for band even more.” His favorite thing to do in band is to play music with his friends and listen to his and everyone else’s hard work paying off.
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Mannewitz - Norris page by Leslie Jensen
“
Band has just become a life style now. everyone in band has become my second family.
�
Mannewitz - Norris page by Leslie Jensen
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The Vanguard Staff Ms. Michaela vanoeveren - instructor abigail Fisher - Sophomore Allison meerian - Sophomore Annalise speer - Sophomore Elizabeth daily - Senior Hailey wojtas - Sophomore Isabel Muhlecke - Sophomore Leslie jensen - Sophomore Peyton Rewczuk - junior shaina Russell - junior
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The Vanguard Staff page by Peyton Rewczuk
The Vanguard Staff page by Peyton Rewczuk
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van•guard (‘væn,gard) NOUN
1. A group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas.
Volume 3 2019